Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou-Chapter 272: Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou []

Because the more arrogant and confident Konoha appeared, the more it proved that their strength was real.

After all, two Mangekyo Sharingan users, a recently revealed Anbu member with Wood Release... were there more Wood Release users hidden in their ranks?

And then there were Konoha's numerous Kage-level shinobi, capable of standing on their own.

The current Konoha seemed to possess the foundation to once again dominate the shinobi world.

"Look! It's Lord Shirou!"

"No, it's Lord Hokage now!"

On top of the Hokage Tower, a group of Konoha shinobi began to appear, prompting cheers to erupt from the crowd. Meanwhile, the emissaries and shinobi from the other villages turned pale.

Standing prominently around the Hokage Tower were legendary figures of Konoha: Senju Tsunade, Uchiha Mikoto, Uzumaki Kushina, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Naiko, and others whose names had long reverberated across the shinobi world.

And in their midst, like the moon surrounded by stars, stood the tall and imposing figure of Uchiha Shirou. His presence radiated a terrifying chakra pressure, making the faces of the emissaries from the other villages darken further.

Glancing at the elite Konoha shinobi standing guard on the surrounding rooftops, it became evident—this wasn't just a Hokage inauguration ceremony. It was a show of force.

A brazen display of strength meant to let the entire shinobi world witness Konoha's might.

Even after enduring the Third Shinobi War, Konoha continued to produce geniuses and powerful shinobi.

"Shirou, congratulations."

At that moment, Tsunade, her golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, smiled warmly. Holding the Hokage hat in her hands, she stepped forward. No one could have been a more fitting person to pass on the mantle of Hokage than Tsunade of the Senju clan.

"The Uchiha's long-held dream has finally come true."

The usually composed Tsunade allowed herself a rare moment of playfulness as she teased Shirou. Yet, her words were undeniably true.

Around the Hokage Tower and within the crowd below, countless Uchiha clan members looked on with fervent expressions, their eyes brimming with tears as they witnessed this historic moment.

The Uchiha clan, long burdened by grievances and injustices, had finally seen one of their own rise to the position of Hokage.

"From this moment on, Uchiha Shirou is officially the Fourth Hokage of Konoha!"

Read lat𝙚st chapters at fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓ Only.

Tsunade's bold proclamation echoed across Konoha as she raised the Hokage hat high, passing it to Shirou under the expectant gaze of countless shinobi and villagers.

Taking the hat, Shirouu surveyed the village. His sharp, commanding gaze caused the emissaries and shinobi from other countries to avert their eyes in discomfort.

"Konoha was founded by the combined efforts of the Senju and Uchiha clans. Together, they brought an end to the chaos of the Warring States period and ushered in the era of shinobi villages.

Back then, Konoha's power—bolstered by the Mangekyo Sharingan and Wood Release—shook the entire shinobi world.

But look at us now. How many years has it been? Under weak and envious leadership, Konoha has fallen to the point where the Third Shinobi War lasted six long years and spilled into the borders of the Land of Fire..."

Standing atop the Hokage Tower, Shirou addressed the gathered crowd, revisiting the history of Konoha's founding and contrasting its former glory with its recent struggles.

For many in the crowd, this was the first time they truly understood the extent of Konoha's past greatness, built on the foundation of the Mangekyo Sharingan and Wood Release.

Though Shirou never directly criticized the Third Hokage, his words were a clear indictment of Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership. Jiraiya, who stood nearby, could only offer a helpless smile. Shirou's speech was a thinly veiled critique of the Third Hokage's perceived incompetence.

Once the strongest shinobi village, capable of distributing tailed beasts to other nations, Konoha had fallen so far that its borders were breached during the Third Shinobi War.

The people of Konoha, hearing this, began to seethe with anger. Shirou's passionate and provocative words stirred their emotions, igniting a burning desire for change.

"We cannot remain complacent, dreaming of being the strongest shinobi village. The Third Shinobi War nearly knocked us off our pedestal. Have you all already forgotten that?"

"What we need now is a new Hokage! A young, visionary Hokage! A Hokage with the courage to crush the bones of our enemies into dust! And now, that Hokage is here! He is one of us, living in this very era! I will lead Konoha to victory once more!"

Shirou's fiery speech resonated with the crowd, their fervor growing with each word. Meanwhile, the emissaries and shinobi from the other villages watched in horror as Konoha's people became increasingly impassioned.

Shirou raised his arm, his Mangekyo Sharingan glowing menacingly as he declared:

"Now that the Mangekyo Sharingan and Wood Release have reappeared, as long as we are united—united as one powerful Konoha—we will once again dominate the shinobi world!

I, Uchiha Shiroou, as the Hokage of Konoha, swear to lead you to victory! Any enemy who dares to challenge us will be crushed into dust beneath our feet!"

The Uchiha clan, driven by Shirou's powerful words, were the first to erupt in cheers. Their voices, filled with passion and pride, cried out:

"Shirou-sama!"

The crowd followed suit, their roars of approval growing louder and louder. Never before had a Hokage's inauguration been accompanied by such a rousing, defiant speech—a direct warning to the emissaries of the shinobi world.

Even after enduring war, Konoha still possessed the strength to annihilate any village.

With the Mangekyo Sharingan and Wood Release, Konoha had reclaimed its position at the pinnacle of the shinobi world.

"Hokage-sama! Victory!"

"Victory!"

"Victory!"

The village erupted into a tidal wave of cheers, the cries of its people rising to the heavens. Shinobi and villagers alike raised their fists, their voices proclaiming their unwavering loyalty.

Standing under the sunlight, Shirou turned his gaze toward the emissaries in the front row, their pale faces betraying their fear. Without hesitation, he declared in a commanding voice:

"Return to your Kage and tell them: the era of the Third Hokage's weak and corrupt leadership is over. The shadows hanging over Konoha have been lifted. Any nation foolish enough to wage war against us will face Konoha's wrath!"

Raising his voice even further, Shirou's eyes swept across the gathered Konoha shinobi as he roared:

"I, Uchiha Shirou, as the Hokage of Konoha, declare:

From this moment forward, the tides of the shinobi world have turned!

Those who dare to offend Konoha—no matter how far—will be destroyed!"

As Shirou's stirring words echoed across the village, the shinobi and villagers erupted into a frenzy of cheers.

"Lord Shirou! Banzai!"

"Banzai!"

The thunderous roar surged skyward like a tsunami, scaring the birds and beasts in the forests surrounding Konoha into panicked flight.

Under the bright sunlight, the envoys and shinobi from various nations watched the fanatical Konoha villagers and ninjas with growing unease. Their scalps tingled, their faces paled, and cold sweat trickled down.

This was Konoha's blatant show of military dominance over the entire shinobi world!

As for their confidence? The Mangekyō Sharingan combined with Wood Release—it was more than enough!

Meanwhile, amidst this overwhelming display of power, a stifling tension filled the compounds of the Sarutobi, Mitokado, and Utatane clans on Konoha's outskirts.

Within the Sarutobi clan's shrine, a pair of cloudy eyes gazed bitterly toward the Hokage Rock through the window.

Today's Hokage inauguration ceremony was nothing but a cruel joke to him.

A new face had been carved into the Hokage Rock, while his once-proud visage next to it still lacked a complete face.

"Uchiha! Konoha in your hands is far too dangerous!"

The low, resentful voice echoed within the shrine, filled with unrelenting bitterness.

...

The shinobi world trembled!

Konoha's Fourth Hokage inauguration ceremony was nothing short of audacious and domineering—clearly, only someone with absolute confidence would dare such a declaration.

Especially with Konoha's bold proclamation. In the past, Konoha had never declared war on other villages due to the Land of Fire being surrounded on all sides.

But this time, Konoha had formally announced to the world: any village that started a war would face Konoha's overwhelming counteroffensive.

Which shinobi village in the world had the confidence to withstand Konoha's invasion?

At this moment, the shinobi world seemed to fall silent.

Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village).

"Damn it! Who said Uchiha Yoru's Mangekyō Sharingan was almost blind?"

The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, slammed his desk angrily. Beside him, his son Kurotsuchi shook his head helplessly and said:

"This information came from Konoha itself. Based on our investigations, the source of the rumor seems to be Danzo of Root."

Ōnoki was fuming.

"That Danzo! After all these years, he's only managed to live like a dog! How dare he openly research his own village's kekkei genkai and implant it into himself, wasting such an opportunity!

If not for being caught red-handed, how could Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi have fallen so quickly? What should have been an internal conflict ended just like that!"

Ōnoki was frustrated. He had seen the signs of Konoha's internal strife brewing, only for it to be extinguished in an instant.

"Danzo is useless! He thought the Mangekyō Sharingan would inevitably lead to blindness. That Uchiha Shirou is even more cunning than Uchiha Madara ever was! He had already been quietly planning everything using his Mangekyō Sharingan from the start."

Ōnoki spoke bitterly, piecing together all the intelligence to reach one conclusion:

The risk of Mangekyō blindness was a trap deliberately leaked by Uchiha Shirou to manipulate Danzo. This led Danzo to adopt a strategy of trying to deplete the Sharingan's power.

And the rest of the shinobi world? They fell into the same trap, attempting to exhaust Uchiha Shirou's Mangekyō Sharingan, treating him as a ticking time bomb.

But it was all part of his plan!"

"Father, according to the intelligence, Konoha has indeed produced a wielder of Wood Release. There's no doubt about it. And now, with the Mangekyō Sharingan as well..."

Kitsuchi hesitated for a moment, then cautiously suggested:

"Father, you've mentioned before how the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara's differences led to their conflict, which ultimately weakened Konoha. Could we not exploit this opportunity to reignite the hatred between the Uchiha and the Senju?"

Ōnoki's eyes widened at his son's suggestion, and he immediately erupted:

"How do you suggest we sow discord?! Uchiha Shirou and Senju Tsunade are literally sharing a bed these days! They might even have a kid next year! Do you think this is like the old days with two stubborn men?

Tell me, how do we drive a wedge between them? Seduction? You think I haven't considered it? Uchiha Shirou is involved with multiple women, and Tsunade doesn't even care..."

The more Ōnoki spoke, the more frustrated he became, his face full of helplessness.

"This is absurd! There isn't a single normal person between the Senju and Uchiha clans!

Back then, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara's sudden rivalry shocked the entire shinobi world.

And now, decades later, Uchiha Shirou and Senju Tsunade are sharing a bed, ready to have kids!

Ridiculous! Nothing between the Senju and Uchiha clans has ever been normal!

The things you think are impossible—they always happen!"

"Then, father, what should we..."

Kitsuchi, although embarrassed by his father's scolding, remained focused on the pressing issue of how to deal with Konoha.

After venting his frustrations, Ōnoki sat down heavily, breathing deeply as he combed through the intelligence on Konoha with furrowed brows.

"Konoha's current aggressive stance will only push the other villages to unite. No matter how strong Konoha is, they can't possibly ignore everyone else, right?"

Kitsuchi's reasoning wasn't without merit. Konoha's overwhelming strength would force the other villages to band together. No matter how strong Konoha was, it couldn't take on the entire shinobi world.

However, Ōnoki shook his head and sighed.

"You don't understand. The power of the Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release is already formidable on its own. But Uchiha Shirou reminds me of someone..."

"Who?"

Under Kurotsuchi's puzzled gaze, Ōnoki's expression stiffened before he solemnly answered:

"Senju Tobirama."

"The Second Hokage of Konoha?"

"Exactly!" Ōnoki nodded gravely.

"If you carefully analyze Uchiha Shirou's actions, you'll notice that he possesses the power of the Mangekyō but lacks the typical arrogance of the Uchiha clan. Instead, he has an extremely calm mind and meticulous strategies.

Konoha's current harmony between the Senju and Uchiha clans, every seemingly reckless move that hides deeper intentions—it all reminds me of Senju Tobirama!"

That's what troubled Ōnoki the most. If the Uchiha clan possessed power alone, it would be manageable—arrogance and recklessness were their trademarks.

But the problem was that Konoha now had someone with strategic brilliance to back that power.

Kitsuchi frowned, still unconvinced, and muttered:

"Father, isn't Konoha being quite reckless this time?"

From his perspective, Konoha's recent actions seemed far from calm or calculated.

Ōnoki shot his son a withering glare, shaking his head in exasperation.

"You're only seeing the surface, not Uchiha Shirou's methods. What appears to be recklessness is deliberate. Remember, the recent events in Konoha attracted envoys and merchants from every corner of the shinobi world..."

"There's also the deterrence of Wood Release and the Mangekyō Sharingan. Such a domineering declaration seems to make many people nervous, but in reality, after the Third Shinobi War dragged on for so many years, the entire ninja world would need at least ten years to recover."

"And that's a full ten years!" At this point, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, shook his head and remarked:

"In ten years' time, do you think the ninja world could still unite as one?"

That single statement rendered even Kitsuchi silent. Even someone like him understood one thing.

And that is the dirty schemes between the major ninja villages. Everyone is focused on development and recovery. At first, perhaps there's pressure from Konoha, but as time passes, conflicts over resources and mutual interests inevitably arise.

Ten years is enough time for many things to happen.

"Not only that but once Konoha's strength spreads across the ninja world, it will attract countless merchants. By then, Konoha will recover its economy at the fastest possible speed. After all, Konoha doesn't lack population or a deep foundation of ninja talent..."

At this point, even Ōnoki couldn't help but show deep envy.

They had worked so hard, joining forces just to leave Konoha half-destroyed. It was so difficult to bring everyone back to the same starting line.

And now Konoha suddenly brings out Wood Release and Mangekyō Sharingan. While everyone else is racking their brains trying to recover their economy, Konoha's Hokage succession ceremony alone has attracted the attention of all the merchants in the ninja world.

"No wonder the Hokage succession ceremony has been dragging on for so long. At first, I thought it was to resolve internal conflicts. Turns out, it was all just to draw every merchant in the ninja world over there!"

At this moment, even Ōnoki had to admit—this move was brilliant!