Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Fugaku Uchiha's eyes became incredibly determined.

He will protect all of this.

In a corner of the crowd, Tobirama Senju gazed at Madara's portrait, his expression complex. He listened to his brother's eulogy without uttering a word of objection. After a long while, he whispered something to Hashirama's retreating figure, a sound only he could hear.

"Big brother, his final appearance... really resembled that of a true Uchiha clan leader."

Madara's coffin was eventually placed in the most prestigious position in the Uchiha ancestral land, to rest alongside the Uchiha clans of all generations.

The funeral is over, but its impact is only just beginning.

Even though it was late at night, the lights in the Hokage's office were still on.

Nara Shikanobu finished processing the last document and let out a long sigh of relief. Madara Uchiha's funeral had ended smoothly, without any disturbances in the village, finally putting his mind at ease.

"Thanks to your presence, Second Generation Lord," said the deer antler sincerely.

Tobirama Senju sat on the sofa, holding a cup of hot tea in his hands, the steam obscuring his expression.

"It's because Sarutobi laid a good foundation."

Tobirama's voice was devoid of emotion, "He sharpened the Uchiha clan too much, so much so that everyone forgot how sharp it once was. Madara's death was like a shackle being removed from them."

The antlers nodded; he understood what Tobirama meant.

"Then...about the Rinnegan?"

The deer antlers asked tentatively.

This was a top secret decided by the Third Hokage after discussing it with several wise advisors before his departure.

He entrusted the Rinnegan left behind by Madara Uchiha to Nagato, a descendant of the Uzumaki clan.

"There are no problems with Hiruzen's arrangements."

Tobirama put down his teacup, his eyes sharp. "With the bloodline of the Uzumaki clan and the assistance of Hashirama's cells, that child is the only one who can perfectly control the Rinnegan. Rather than letting those eyes become a legend to be worshipped, let them become a new force to protect the village."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the brightly lit Konoha.

"The old era is over, Antlers. All we old folks can do is pave the final stretch of the road for the children of the new era."

……

After the funeral, the sky over Konoha cleared up for several days.

Madara Uchiha's departure was like a silent curtain falling, taking away an era filled with strife and rupture. Life in the village continued as usual; the aroma of barbecue restaurants still filled the streets, children chased and played on the ninja academy's playground, and the shouts from the construction site mingled with the clanging of the tram, composing a peaceful, slightly noisy symphony.

Training Ground 7.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

Yahiko quickly formed hand seals, his chakra surging within him. He took a deep breath, his chest expanding, and forcefully expelled a stream of water towards the small lake in front of him.

However, the majestic and imposing water dragon that was expected did not appear.

A... well, a plump aquatic creature, resembling a tadpole, even blowing a bubble, splashed merrily on the lake surface twice before bursting into a puddle with a splash.

The air was quiet for a moment.

"puff."

Beside her, Xiao Nan, who was folding a delicate butterfly out of paper, trembled slightly, unable to hold back her excitement.

Yahiko's face flushed instantly. He stiffened his neck and shouted, "Ahem! This is tactical weakness! Let the enemy think that this is all I can do, and then unleash a big attack at the crucial moment! All's fair in war!"

Nagato, who was sitting cross-legged not far away, quietly practicing drawing the sealing technique array, looked up upon hearing this and spoke gently: "Yahiko, your chakra was somewhat scattered in the last step and did not condense properly."

"I know!"

Yahiko stood with his hands on his hips, looking completely in control. "I did that on purpose, to feel the flow of chakra after it dispersed."

Xiao Nan placed the folded paper butterfly on her fingertip, blew gently, and the butterfly fluttered its wings, dancing around Nagato's red hair before finally landing on his shoulder.

"Yeah,"

Konan's voice was soft, yet it was like a needle, precisely puncturing Yahiko's balloon. "I remember someone confidently saying yesterday that he would show us his unparalleled talent today."

Yahiko's expression froze. Like a duck being choked, he couldn't speak for a long time, finally resorting to an even louder voice to mask his unease: "Th-that's tomorrow's plan! Today was just a warm-up! A warm-up, understand?!"

Seeing his expression, Nagato and Konan both smiled faintly.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the grass. The laughter of the boys was as clear and crisp as wind chimes.

Just then, a gentle yet powerful voice rang out behind them.

"That sounds like a very dynamic plan."

The three of them froze and turned around at the same time.

In the sunlight, the man stood there, wearing an ancient crimson armor, his long black hair reaching his waist.

He didn't release any chakra, but his very existence was like a sun, impossible to ignore and inspiring awe.

The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.

"S-First-sama!"

Yahiko instantly stood at attention, so nervous that he could barely speak, his previous smug demeanor completely gone.

Nagato and Konan quickly stood up and bowed their heads respectfully.

"Don't be so nervous, kids."

With his signature cheerful smile on his face, Hashirama Senju walked to the lakeside and looked at the water that had just returned to calm. "That water technique was very clever. Concentrating power at one point and then unleashing it in an instant is the right approach."

Upon receiving the approval of the God of Ninjas, Yahiko's eyes almost sparkled with light. He straightened his chest, feeling as if his tadpoles had become taller and more impressive.

Hashirama's gaze finally settled on the boy with the Uzumaki clan's signature red hair. He looked at Nagato, his eyes softening considerably.

"Nagato, is that so?"

"Yes, yes, First Generation Lord."

Nagato answered somewhat reservedly.

Hashirama nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his smile. "Your hair is exactly the same as it was in Mito. A very beautiful color."

He reached out his hand slowly, as if afraid of disturbing the boy in front of him. In his hand, he held an ancient scroll.

"I've come today to give you something."

Hashirama laid the scroll flat on the ground and formed a hand seal with one hand.

"untie."

A puff of white smoke dissipated, and a transparent crystal box appeared on the scroll.

Inside the box, a pair of eyes floated silently.

Those were eyes that defied description. Within their purple pupils, mysterious ripples slowly spread, as if containing the secrets of the universe's beginning, or as if bearing the sorrow of countless ages.

Just one glance was enough to make Yahiko and Konan feel their breath catch in their throats, as if their bodies were being crushed by an invisible mountain, unable to move.

Nagato's body trembled slightly. He sensed a shared, vast power, like a starry sea, in those eyes. That power seemed to be calling to him, drawing something deep within his soul. At the same time, an indescribable heaviness and sorrow seeped into his heart along with this connection.

"First Lord, what... what is this?"

Yahiko was the first to break free from that oppressive aura. He took a step forward and stood in front of Nagato, watching those eyes warily, even though his legs were still trembling slightly.

Konan instinctively grabbed Nagato's arm; her palms were icy cold.

"This is the Rinnegan."

Hashirama's voice calmed down. He didn't hide anything and told them the origin of the eyes and Madara Uchiha's last wish in detail.

"...Ban Ta, only at the very end, accepted this path. He hoped that these eyes could be inherited by a child who truly cherishes peace, to be used to protect, not destroy."

Hashirama looked at Nagato with sincere eyes, "And the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, also believes that you are the most suitable candidate."

"Me...?" Nagato was stunned.

Inheriting Madara Uchiha's eyes? Becoming the master of this legendary power?

He subconsciously looked at his hands. They were a pair of clean, somewhat thin hands belonging to a boy. These hands could draw intricate sealing arrays and bandage the wounds of injured companions, but could they truly control the power capable of destroying the world?

"This force... is too heavy."

Nagato's voice trembled slightly, "I'm afraid... I won't be able to control it."

He was afraid that he would fail this trust, afraid that this force would harm his most cherished companion.

Just as he was wavering and almost backing down, a warm hand gently grasped his.

It's Xiao Nan.

She didn't speak, but stood quietly beside him, her blue-violet eyes reflecting his anxious face. Her gaze seemed to say: Don't be afraid, we're always here.

On the other side, Yahiko took a deep breath, patted Nagato's shoulder forcefully, and spoke in a loud voice, full of unquestionable trust.

"What nonsense are you talking about, Nagato!"

"Those eyes may be powerful, but you're not alone! You have me, you have Xiaonan, we are Akatsuki! We will always be by your side!"