Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 241: Draped in the Yellow Robe

Haneda ordered the Root ninjas to return and stand by, then led Shisui and Itachi back toward Konoha.

On the way, Haneda briefly explained:

"I've long been aware of Danzo's schemes against me. I didn't mention it before, and you know the reason."

"The Mangekyō Sharingan awakens only under extreme emotions of love and grief."

"This was all for you, Itachi."

"As for Shisui, you should already know his situation."

"I tried to dissuade him before he went to confront Danzo, but it was no use."

"Only by going through such heart-wrenching experiences could he truly grasp the shamelessness and hypocrisy of that old scoundrel Danzo."

Haneda withheld part of the truth.

Beyond these matters, he also had plans involving the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and measures to guard against Kotoamatsukami's control.

Now that those plans had succeeded, there was no need to explain further, lest it create unnecessary distance between himself and Itachi or Shisui.

Itachi listened silently, and after Haneda finished, he softly said, "Thank you."

Though Haneda had used Shisui, the outcome was favorable—for himself, for Shisui, and for Haneda.

The Forest of Death was vast. They passed through grove after grove, crossed the Naka River, and neared Konoha.

Shisui awoke from his coma. Looking at Itachi, who was carrying him, he smiled faintly.

"This time, it's your turn to protect me, itachi."

"No, it's Uncle Haneda protecting you, Shisui-brother," Itachi replied without much explanation.

He also deliberately concealed the truth.

At that moment, Haneda reminded them:

"Your ocular powers are heavily depleted, and your body is severely fatigued. Also, for your right eye—I transplanted your grandfather Kagami's eye for you."

Hearing the latter part, Shisui chuckled bitterly.

He guessed Haneda had retrieved it from the Root's possession—or perhaps from Danzo himself.

For Danzo to have secretly stolen his grandfather's eye…

But it no longer mattered. Shisui had seen through Danzo's hypocrisy.

"Thank you, Lord Haneda," Shisui said gratefully.

Haneda simply acknowledged him with a hum and said no more.

The three walked on, and soon they arrived at the Uchiha clan's grounds.

The clan grounds were bustling with activity, adorned everywhere with festive lanterns.

Under the glow of the colorful lights, Konoha was as bright as day.

Every passing Uchiha clan member greeted Haneda warmly.

At his doorstep, Haneda prepared to bid farewell to Itachi and Shisui.

Suddenly, someone rushed up behind him.

The person held a Hokage robe embroidered with the insignia of the Fifth Hokage, ready to drape it over his shoulders!

Haneda instinctively blocked with his hand. Turning around, he saw Asuma.

Before Haneda could ask, his door slammed open, and Fugaku quickly approached him, also holding a Hokage robe!

Asuma and Fugaku exchanged an awkward glance, both realizing they shared the same intent.

Then, Asuma looked up at the moon and spoke in an exaggeratedly prophetic tone:

"Brother Haneda, I observed the heavens tonight. With the waning moon high in the sky and the Hokage seat vacant, this is destiny!"

"Brother Haneda, why not take up the mantle of Fifth Hokage now and fulfill the will of the heavens?"

Fugaku, less brazen than Asuma, couldn't bring himself to speak so theatrically. Instead, he simply stated matter-of-factly:

"That's right, Haneda. The clan hopes you will assume the role of Fifth Hokage as soon as possible."

As soon as Fugaku finished, Uchiha clan members hidden nearby stepped out, surrounding Haneda and shouting in unison:

"Lord Haneda, the Uchiha need you, and Konoha needs you even more!"

Taking advantage of the moment, Asuma draped the Hokage robe over Haneda's shoulders. Smirking smugly, he cast a triumphant glance at Fugaku.

Haneda, now wearing the Hokage robe, looked around with a touch of helplessness and said:

"You've all truly trapped me."

Understanding the moment, all the surrounding Uchiha ninjas knelt in unison and declared:

"Hail, Lord Hokage!"

Just then, the Shimura clan leader led a horse over and bowed obsequiously, saying:

"Lord Hokage, Konoha cannot go a day without a Hokage!"

The nearby ninjas exchanged unsure glances, unsure how to respond until Asuma stepped in:

"Please, Lord Fifth, proceed to the Hokage Tower to oversee Konoha!"

Everyone followed suit, shouting:

"Please, Lord Fifth, proceed to the Hokage Tower to oversee Konoha!"

"I never wanted this, yet here I stand with the Hokage robe thrust upon me. What choice do I have…"

Mounting the horse, Haneda, accompanied by a grand procession of ninjas, headed toward the center of Konoha—the Hokage Tower.

The massive entourage quickly attracted the attention of other clans and shinobi.

The Hyūga, Sarutobi, Ino-Shika-Chō, and other major clans all joined in, swelling the ranks of the procession.

In no time, the streets leading to the Hokage Tower were filled with noise and excitement.

The originally spacious roads felt cramped under the throngs of villagers watching the spectacle.

Fugaku, still slightly bewildered, pulled Itachi and Shisui—who were also a bit dazed—forward, clearing a path with the help of Haku and Kimimaro.

Haneda's horse advanced steadily and soon arrived at the Hokage Tower.

Standing on the rooftop, the Third Hokage watched Haneda, who was surrounded by thousands, and fell into deep thought.

Riding high on his horse, Haneda was full of confidence and spirit.

As he arrived at the Hokage Tower, the Shimura clan leader hurried to hold the horse's reins for him, eager to please.

Suddenly, a kunai landed in front of the Hokage Tower.

Kakashi appeared instantly, eyeing Haneda and the joyous crowd behind him with curiosity.

"Haneda, isn't the Hokage position supposed to be decided by a vote and approved by the Daimyō? How did this…"

Haneda, smiling faintly yet feigning complaint, replied:

"They've really trapped me this time, Kakashi."

"You wouldn't believe it—just as I got home, they threw the Hokage robe on me, brought me a horse, and dragged me here."

"They've truly trapped me!"

Kakashi looked at Haneda with speechless disbelief. He had personally seen how confident Haneda had been while riding his horse earlier.

As Kakashi blocked the way, Asuma seized the moment to declare:

"Don't stand in the way, Kakashi. It's time to welcome Brother Haneda as the Hokage!"

Reluctantly, Kakashi stepped aside, watching Haneda being escorted into the Hokage Tower. Despite himself, he smiled.

Since Minato-sensei had become the Fourth Hokage, it was now Haneda's turn.

"Obito, do you see this?"

"Your dream of becoming Hokage—Haneda has fulfilled it for you."

Kakashi gazed at the moon, lost in memories of the past.

At that moment, Haneda, surrounded by numerous ninjas, stood atop the Hokage Tower.

He gazed down from above. Under the glow of lanterns, the crowd stretched from the Hokage Tower to the farthest reaches of the streets.

Standing silently for several seconds, Haneda waited as the crowd gradually quieted.

After sweeping his eyes across everyone below, Haneda finally spoke with rare solemnity:

"From this day forth, I, Uchiha Haneda, officially assume the role of the Fifth Hokage!"

"I promise this: anyone who dares to infringe upon the rights of Konoha or its people shall be eradicated, no matter how far they may be!"

"I will lead Konoha to greatness once again!"

…