The Hokage's meeting hall quickly filled with people.
They were all clan leaders of the prominent families allied with Konoha—among them was Nara Mitsuru, current head of the Nara clan.
"Everyone," Tobirama began once all had gathered, "I've summoned you today to announce three matters."
The room immediately fell silent.
"First, starting today, Nara Hikari will serve as the Hokage Advisor of Konoha Village."
The moment Tobirama spoke, the entire room erupted in whispers and gasps.
"Hokage-sama, Nara Hikari is only sixteen years old!" someone exclaimed.
"What of it?" Tobirama replied coolly. "At sixteen, he led 500 shinobi and halted a 10,000-strong army from the Hidden Cloud. He even defeated the Second Raikage alone. Can any of you say you've done the same?"
Silence.
No one dared answer.
From his seat, Nara Mitsuru glanced at his grandson with undisguised pride.The more he looked, the more satisfied he became.
"If there are no further objections, then from this day forward, Nara Hikari will act as my representative. Does anyone oppose?"
"Hokage-sama," said the head of the Shimura clan, "the position of Hokage Advisor has always been held by someone of great moral character. While Nara Hikari has accomplished much in battle, he may lack the maturity to be fully persuasive."
"Moral character? Strength is what truly matters," Tobirama retorted. "If any of you can defeat Nara Hikari, you're welcome to take his position."
The Shimura patriarch fell silent.
Of course he had nothing to say—he was only an elite jonin. Challenging Hikari would be suicide.
"Good. That settles the first matter," Tobirama continued. "Now for the second: Konoha will be establishing a special assassination unit. Nara Hikari will lead it."
"What?!"
The room stirred again.
An assassination team?
That meant Hikari would have his own private military force.
"This is…"
The Shimura patriarch again wanted to speak—
But one glare from Nara Mitsuru made him shut his mouth.
"Nara Hikari," Tobirama said, "you may recruit members from any clan. If you like them, they're in."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Nara Hikari's eyes drifted toward Danzo, standing off to the side.
So I'm taking your job this time, he thought.
Then he turned to look at Hatake Sakumo, who stood behind him.
This time, you won't have to die so unjustly. Kakashi won't have to grow up an orphan.
Tobirama continued, "Lastly, the four major hidden villages have secretly held a Kage Summit—our intelligence from the Cloud reports that their discussions centered around one target: Nara Hikari."
All eyes turned to him.
Some were concerned.Some were proud.Some—smug.
The one worried was Nara Mitsuru.The one proud was anyone who understood what it meant for Konoha to have a figure feared by all other villages.The one gloating was the Shimura clan leader.
Let's see how long you last now, brat, he thought jealously.
"Nara Hikari, any comments?" Tobirama asked.
"No, Hokage-sama."
"Very well. This meeting is adjourned. Nara Hikari, stay behind."
With that, the room cleared out—shinobi vanishing one after another.
"Nara Hikari, to my office," Tobirama said.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Hikari stood and turned to Sakumo, Nishito, and Xilabi.
"Wait for me outside."
"Yes, Advisor."
That last word startled Hikari for a brief second—but he quickly composed himself and followed Tobirama into the office.
Inside, Tobirama spoke seriously."Hikari, with the four great nations joining forces against you, you must be cautious. Your safety is now critical."
"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama."
"That young one—Sakumo—is quite the talent."
"Yes. Hatake Sakumo—Chunin at age seven, Special Jonin at twelve, Jonin at thirteen."
"That's him. Truly a rare genius."
"I plan to make him part of my personal guard."
"Good idea. Your situation isn't safe. You should have trusted guards close by."
"Understood."
"Alright, then—get to work. Begin assembling your assassination squad."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Leaving the Hokage building, Hikari was met by Sakumo and the others.
"I've informed the Hokage—you three are officially my personal guards."
"Yes, Advisor!"
"Alright, alright—don't call me 'Advisor.' It sounds stiff. Just call me... Guang."
"Guang Dad?"
"'Light.' It means 'Light.'"
"Oh, got it. Master Light."
"…Fine. Go rest."
"Yes!"
The trio vanished in a flash.
Hikari, now alone, headed for home.
[Congratulations to host: Nara Xixi has given birth to a child. Reward: Quick Cut Fruit obtained.]
As Hikari walked, a joyful smile crept across his face.
Another reward, huh?
He leapt to a secluded area and whispered:"Extract."
A spiral-shaped fruit, edged like a blade, materialized in his hand.
Hikari raised it to take a bite—then paused.
Is it really okay to eat a second one?
He hesitated.
His system wasn't intelligent—it had only introduced itself during the binding process.He received rewards each time a descendant was born, and just had to say the word to receive them.
But it had never explained what would happen if he consumed a second fruit.
What if I explode? That'd be tragic.
He considered his current strength—already at the peak of early Kage level.That was more than enough to protect himself for now.
There will be better rewards in the future. I'll save this fruit.
Then a thought came to him—he was now effectively Konoha's second-in-command, yet had no Kage-level guards.
This Quick Cut Fruit would be perfect for Hatake Sakumo.
Nishito was a fire-style jonin.Silbi used genjutsu and mental attacks.Neither suited the fruit.
Decision made, Hikari turned around and went looking for Sakumo.
After asking four passersby, he finally found his address.
Knock knock knock.
He rapped on the door.
A middle-aged couple answered.
"Yes? Who are you looking f—oh! Nara Hikari! Please, come in!"
Recognizing him, the man lit up with delight and quickly ushered him inside.
"You're too kind. Thank you," Hikari said, stepping in.
"Sakumo! Look who's here!" the man called into the house.
Sakumo came out shortly after.
"Mr. Hikari!"
"No need for titles in front of your family. I'm older than you—just call me big brother."
"A-ah... okay. Big... big brother."
"Good. And these two are your uncle and aunt, right?"
"Yes, Mr. Hikari."
"Just Hikari is fine. That sounds more natural."
"Understood... Hikari."
"Do you mind if I borrow Sakumo for the day?"
"Master Guang, what are you saying? Shumao, go with Master Guang—If you even think about refusing, I'll beat you myself!"
Hikari was momentarily stunned.