290. Future Path

As Hashirama Senju, with a furrowed brow, penned down the name "Tobirama Senju" in bold strokes, it seemed as though everything had settled into place. The cheers from the audience below echoed in his ears. Meanwhile, standing silently in the corner, the defeated Madara Uchiha felt out of place amidst the clamor.

Madara's gaze fell upon the smiling Hashirama, and a sudden, inexplicable irritation welled up in his heart. Glancing at the smug Tobirama, Madara's frustration only grew. The sight of that insufferable face made his blood boil, and his usually calm eyes involuntarily flickered with a red glow.

"Huh?"

Uchiha Gin, who had been casually munching on sunflower seeds in the audience, suddenly sensed a cold, obscure chakra rapidly condensing. Puzzled, he tossed the seed shells at the feet of the cheering Shimura Kenichi and began scanning the area with his dead-fish eyes. Eventually, his gaze settled on Madara Uchiha in the corner.

Realizing something was amiss, Gin swiftly and silently moved behind Madara. He couldn't help but marvel at how Madara, who had always never been defenseless from behind since childhood, remained oblivious to his presence despite the obvious movement.

"Who's there?!"

Madara, his mind in turmoil, felt his rationality slipping. His chakra was on the verge of going berserk. Just as he was about to lose control, a large hand suddenly clapped onto his shoulder. A cool, calming energy flowed into him, and the madness in his eyes instantly dissipated.

"Don't be disheartened, cousin. I'll help you get back at them next time."

A familiar voice, with its unique lazy tone, eased Madara's tension. Taking a deep breath, he slowly turned to see Gin, who had somehow appeared behind him. A bitter smile crept onto Madara's face.

"It's no use. We can't beat him."

After this ordeal, Madara had come to fully understand the gap between himself and Tobirama. In terms of strength, he believed he could easily overpower that white-haired fool. But when it came to strategy, he was no match.

The Uchiha clan was known for their emotional nature—volatile, principled, and socially inept. In short, they were easy to understand but hard to get along with. Since the founding of Konoha, Uchiha members working in the security force had frequently clashed with other clans, not because of any wrongdoing, but simply due to their lack of tact, which only made them more enemies.

If Madara wanted to gain the villagers' support and become a leader of the village, he would first need to fundamentally change the nature of the entire Uchiha clan. But such a transformation couldn't happen overnight.

"This isn't like you. How can you give up so easily? Aren't you the man who always wanted to become Hokage?"

Even when their uncle "passed away," Gin had never seen Madara look so vulnerable. It seemed Hashirama had deeply hurt him this time. If not properly guided, Madara might retreat into his dark room to focus on his side projects again.

The Uchiha dance man, making a grand entrance~

"Hokage? I can't even secure a position as village secretary. How can I talk about becoming Hokage?"

Although the village secretary authority was equivalent to that of the Hokage and was authorized by the Daimyo, the title still didn't carry the same prestige. Even when the Daimyo signed the appointment, the Hokage position was always prioritized, implying that as long as Hashirama remained Hokage, the village secretary role was secondary in the eyes of the nobility.

"Hey, look on the bright side. With Tobirama as village chief, who else is qualified to compete with you for the position of Second Hokage?"

That's right. Madara's goal had always been to become Hokage. His constant rivalry with Tobirama had nearly led him astray, making him lose sight of his true ambition and instead chase the ambiguous role of village chief.

Gin's words were like a wake-up call, clearing the fog in Madara's mind. His dull eyes once again sparkled with determination as he turned to look at Hashirama, who was currently bestowing honors. The gloom in his heart vanished.

"Congratulations, Tobirama."

On the stage, Hashirama handed the appointment letter bearing Tobirama's name to his brother. Though his expression was strained, he forced a warm smile in front of the crowd.

"Ah, I don't deserve this position as village secretary."

Tobirama feigned humility as he accepted the appointment, then whispered something only the two of them could hear:

"This is what I deserve!"

"How can I explain this to Madara and Gin?"

"If you're not good enough, practice more. If you can't handle losing, don't play the game. I need to go deliver my speech now."

Tobirama smirked disdainfully, mocking Madara for his lack of strategy and intelligence.

Knowing the underhanded tactics Tobirama had used during the election, Hashirama felt a pang of guilt. Gin had proposed this plan to create a leadership position specifically for Madara, allowing him to rightfully stay in the Hokage's office. But with his brother's interference, Hashirama didn't know how to face Madara and Gin.

Oh no, I've lost both beauty and wealth!

Regretful, Hashirama took advantage of Tobirama's speech to search for Madara, hoping to sincerely apologize and beg him not to leave.

"Madara."

After scanning the room, he found Madara in the corner, whispering with Gin. Relieved that his friend hadn't stormed off, Hashirama eagerly called out to him.

"Hmph."

Madara ignored him, turning his head away with an air of indifference. Hashirama's heart tightened. Could their years of friendship really be coming to an end?

"Thank you all for your support and love. I will do my best to fulfill my duties and assist the Hokage in building Konoha into a top-tier village in the ninja world."

Tobirama, who had memorized his speech long ago, delivered it with fervor, earning nods of approval from the audience. They praised him as the perfect assistant to the Hokage, never equating the village secretary role with that of the Hokage.

Hearing the crowd's reaction, Tobirama frowned slightly. It seemed they didn't fully grasp the village secretary status, still viewing it as a subordinate position. But in this setting, he couldn't clarify, so he resolved to subtly change their perceptions through his future work.

"Congratulations on your new role as village secretary."

Suddenly, a cold voice rang out from the crowd. Everyone turned in surprise, especially the Senju brothers on stage, who rubbed their eyes, fearing they might be mistaken.

"It's Madara Uchiha. Is he so angry that he's going to attack Lord Tobirama?"

"Quick! Does anyone have more sunflower seeds? We can't miss this drama without snacks!"

Thinking a fight was about to break out, the representatives rummaged through their pockets for something to munch on.

"Ugh~ Clan Leader Uchiha is truly the second most handsome man. My heart skips a beat every time I see him~" an anonymous kunoichi exclaimed, clutching her chest, her eyes practically sparkling.

"Hmph! I'm also on the handsome list. Why didn't your heart race when you saw me?" a man standing beside her retorted jealously.

"Uh, who are you again?"

"Number 251!"

"Get lost!"

"..."

"Madara Uchiha, I was elected village secretary by the people. Don't you dare..."

Assuming Madara was here to cause trouble, Tobirama quickly hid behind Hashirama, peeking out to shout:

"Madara, don't do anything rash~"

Sharing the same concern, Hashirama stepped forward, his expression complex as he watched Madara approach. If Madara really intended to make a scene, he would have no choice but to uphold justice and let Madara vent his anger on Tobirama.

"Hashirama, do you think I'm that kind of crude person? I'm a Hokage candidate!"

Madara spoke with utmost seriousness, his black eyes burning with the Will of Fire, his entire demeanor radiating righteousness, making it hard for anyone to look directly at him.

"Huh?"

Hashirama, who had been ready to stomp his foot, froze at Madara's words. When had Madara changed so much?

"What do you mean?"

The clever Tobirama sensed something amiss in Madara's words, a flicker of unease crossing his mind as he furrowed his brow and demanded an explanation.

"I mean nothing. I lost this election because I wasn't prepared enough, and I accept the result."

Faced with the question, Madara shook his head nonchalantly, showing none of the frustration Tobirama had expected, which only deepened Tobirama's frown.

"Haha, Madara, I'm glad you've come to terms with it. Let's have a meal together after the meeting to celebrate~"

Relieved by Madara's calm demeanor, Hashirama offered a smile and extended an invitation.

"We can talk about eating later. Right now, I have a question."

"Oh? Go ahead~"

"I believe everyone is curious—can someone who has served as village secretary still run for Hokage?"

Madara's black eyes swept over the two brothers on stage before he turned to face the audience and declared:

"Ah! That's right. I wanted to ask earlier—does becoming village secretary mean giving up the chance to be Hokage?"

"Of course! The village secretary authority is equivalent to the Hokage's. There's no need to run for both, right?"

"How can someone hold both positions? That's just greedy!"

"..."

As Madara's question spread, the crowd's opinion quickly swayed. Hearing the discussion, Tobirama's pale face darkened. He felt as though he'd been outmaneuvered, caught in Madara's trap.

"This..."

Hashirama hadn't expected Madara to raise such a sensitive issue. He glanced at Tobirama, unsure how to respond.

"Brother..."

Tobirama sighed inwardly, realizing Madara had played a clever move. He had been checkmated.

"Hashirama, can they or can't they?"

"That's right, Lord Hokage, give us a clear answer~"

"Exactly~"

Faced with Madara's pressing question, Hashirama pondered briefly before answering gravely:

"No, someone who has served as village secretary cannot run for Hokage."

"Good~ Dinner's on me tonight! Village Secretary, remember to join us~"

Satisfied with the answer, Madara nodded, a barely concealed smile on his face. As he emphasized the title "Village secretary," his tone dripped with sarcasm, making Tobirama grit his teeth in frustration, wishing he could stab Madara in the side.

After the meeting

Leading the way was Uchiha Gin, followed by a smiling Madara and a confused Izuna Uchiha.

"Cousin, thank you. If it weren't for your reminder, I might have made a huge mistake."


Gin, with his hands behind his head, turned to Madara and rolled his eyes, teasing.

"Hey, we're family. No need to be so formal."



"Wait, how can you two be so calm? That Tobirama stole our position!"

Seeing his brothers chatting so casually, unaffected by the loss, an anxious Izuna nearly fainted.

"Little cousin, you're the deputy clan leader. How can you not see the bigger picture here?"

"Huh?"

Baffled by Gin's words, Izuna only knew that Tobirama had taken Madara's position as village secretary, unaware of the deeper implications.

"Gin, congratulations~"

As they chatted, Sarutobi Sasuke, who had just left the meeting, approached with a smile, offering his congratulations.

"You're congratulating me too early. It'll take a few more years~"

With Sasuke's intelligence, he quickly grasped the situation after analyzing Madara's question. It was a case of "surprise"—he couldn't tell if Madara had gotten lucky or if he was truly cunning.

"Hey! It's a done deal! Please take care of me in the future, Gin~"

"Of course, of course!"

"Gin, my father sent word asking when you're free. He'd like to invite you and Clan Leader Uchiha for a meal."

Hyuga Tenya, appearing out of nowhere, also greeted them with a smile and extended an invitation.

"I'll definitely make time!"

"Gin!"

Under Izuna's bewildered gaze, many clan representatives who had attended the meeting approached to chat, their words filled with flattery. To an outsider, it might have seemed as though the Uchiha had won the village chief position.

"Cousin, they..."

"Still don't get it? Have you been watching too many historical dramas lately? Has your brain development slowed, affecting your memory?"

"Ah! I haven't~"

Seeing his flustered, evasive little cousin, Gin felt a pang of disappointment. How could he waste such precious Uchiha potential?

In the future of the original story, every drop of Uchiha blood was invaluable. Selling a few drops to other nations could make them rich.

"Alright, cousin, stop teasing him. Just tell Izuna."

Madara, watching the close bond between the brothers, felt a warmth in his heart. Without their companionship, he might not have come this far.

"Fine, since little cousin insists, I'll tell you."

Gin then explained the implications of Tobirama becoming village secretary. As Izuna listened, his smile grew wider, and he eventually burst into laughter.

"Haha, that white-haired fool shot himself in the foot this time. He'll never be Hokage now~"

"Exactly~"

With Tobirama out of the running, the position of Second Hokage was firmly within Madara's grasp. No one in Konoha could compete with him now.

"Hmph~ When Hashirama steps down, it'll be the Uchiha's time to rise!"

Madara, arms crossed, couldn't hide the glee in his eyes. He began to imagine himself in the Hokage's robe, sitting on the throne in the office, barking orders at the white-haired village secretary.

"Wait, don't celebrate too soon. The future is unpredictable~"

Unlike his excited brothers, Gin remained calm.

It's unwise to pop the champagne before the game is over. Their opponent wasn't the national soccer team.

"I'll keep a close eye on Tobirama."

Though he had missed out on the village chief position, Madara's status as a Hokage candidate remained intact. He could still clock in at the Hokage's office daily, letting Tobirama have his moment for now. Once Hashirama retired, the title of Second Hokage would naturally fall to him.

"Watch out for workplace bullying."

Gin's only concern was that Tobirama might abuse his newfound power to bully Madara, openly or covertly.

"Hmph~ He wouldn't dare."

Confident in his own strength, Madara didn't take Tobirama seriously. In his eyes, the white-haired man was nothing but speed.

"Madara!"

A robust figure suddenly approached from the distance. Hashirama, now in casual attire, beamed with a bright smile.

"Gin, Izuna, let's go eat together!"

He had come to invite them to dinner, but why was he alone?

Reading the confusion in their eyes, Hashirama chuckled and explained:

"Tobirama said he needed to sort through some documents, so he won't be joining us."

Of course, that petty white-haired fool was probably off cursing them somewhere.

"We won't join you. We need to design a new look for Izuna. You two enjoy your meal~"

Pulling a reluctant Izuna aside, Gin subtly winked at Madara.

Third wheels are the worst!
"Huh? What look?"

"A look that'll help you pick up girls. I call it the 'Blue Enchantress.' Guaranteed to win over Mihoko~"

"Brother, I have important matters to attend to. You two enjoy your meal~"

"In that case, let's go eat!"

Understanding the hint, Madara nodded and left with Hashirama, heading toward the commercial street.

"The ninja world is in shambles, and I, Uchiha Gin, am here to patch it up~"

Watching their retreating figures, Gin couldn't help but sigh. His cryptic words left Izuna utterly confused.

"Cousin, hurry up and fix my look! I have a date with Mihoko for bubble tea today~"

"..."

Finding a clothing store, Gin quickly got to work, designing and tailoring a "Blue Enchantress" outfit for Izuna in under half an hour.

"I feel like a god!"

Satisfied, Izuna tightened the belt of his leather pants and admired himself in the mirror, nearly falling for his own reflection.

"Get lost, you brat~"

Unable to bear the sight, Gin kicked Izuna's perky rear, sending him out into the street.

"Cousin! Wait for my good news!"

In the following days, things were surprisingly peaceful. Tobirama, now village chief, didn't cause any trouble for the Uchiha clan, nor did he bully Madara, the intern, in the office.

"Something's off. Very off~"

"You've been lying around muttering 'something's off' for days. Weren't you supposed to start work?"

Slouched on the sofa, Gin stared blankly into space, continuing his daily complaints. Meanwhile, Senju Itama, who was cleaning the living room, slowly looked up, her small face filled with confusion.

"Work? Damn it, that's what's been bothering me. Where's my appointment letter?"

Gin's question snapped Itama out of her daze.

No wonder he'd been feeling something was amiss—he'd been ghosted again.

"This is bullying the honest man!"

Three years, then another three years. If they didn't let him work in the prison soon, he'd have to break in himself.

"Uh, not working isn't so bad. I can support you~"

Hearing Gin's ramblings, Itama cautiously offered comfort.

"Huh? I don't need support. I just want something to do~"

Sitting up, Gin rolled his eyes. He didn't work to make a living but to grow stronger.

With the mission system locked, gaining strength through missions had become his only path. Lately, the backyard only spawned small fry, offering nothing worthwhile.

Seeing Gin like this, Itama understood.

He's just bored!

"Then go find a job!"

Itama tilted her head, thinking for a moment, then remembered the recently built mission hall in the village. She decided to offer Gin some advice.

"Aren't you a registered ninja? Go take on missions."

If you're too idle, go take on some tasks to dispel your loneliness, instead of lying on the couch all day moaning about nothing.

"Huh? Doing tasks isn't as good as having a secure job."

"You curly-haired ape, always complaining about this and that, no wonder you're still single at your age."

"Tsk, you little brat, the older you get, the sharper your tongue becomes."

Lies don't hurt people, the truth is the sharp blade. Heartbroken, Uchiha Gin turned to look at Senju Itama, who stood with her hands on her hips and a look of disdain, and couldn't help but mutter,

"Indeed, you look cuter when you're small~"

As soon as the words fell, a shadow wrapped in thunderous force darted forward,

What greeted Uchiha Gin was a million-ton punch from the flashy brute force.

"Big pervert!"

"Thud!"

After taking a powered punch from the young girl, Uchiha Gin crashed through the roof of the mansion and landed headfirst in the soft grass of the backyard, creating a several-meter-deep crater.

"Whew~ This kid is getting fiercer, actually hitting her old man."

Rubbing his swollen cheek, Uchiha Gin complained while climbing up using both hands and feet,
Just as he was about to climb out, he suddenly noticed the sunlight above him was blocked by a shadow, and he looked up,

At some point, a short figure stood at the edge of the crater, looking down at him,

"Hey! Isn't that Naruto? Give me a hand, pull your uncle up, will you~"