Shigeo Aburame had never considered becoming the Hokage.
Even twelve years ago, when he was hailed as one of "Konoha's Dual Colors" and his reputation rivaled that of Minato Namikaze, the thought had never crossed his mind.
So, when Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya came to persuade him, his answer remained a firm no.
"Apologies, Lord Third, but I'm not just being modest—I genuinely don't have the confidence to shoulder this responsibility. And, Jiraiya-sensei, you know better than anyone what kind of person I am."
"Ah, I figured you'd say that."
Jiraiya spread his hands in mock resignation and turned to Hiruzen.
"You heard him, old man. It's not that I didn't try—he simply won't budge. There's nothing I can do."
"And what about you?"
Hiruzen immediately shifted his gaze to Jiraiya.
"Can you really stand by and watch me, an old man, bear this burden alone? If Shigeo won't accept the role, then you should take it, Jiraiya!"
"Uh..."
Jiraiya's expression froze, and his mouth twitched. He glanced back at Shigeo Aburame.
"Shigeo, remember what you once said? *'When the master is in need, the student should bear the burden.'* So, this time..."
"Stop right there!"
Shigeo held up a hand in a "time-out" gesture, his tone tinged with helplessness.
"The role of Hokage isn't included in that sentiment. Besides, I believe there's someone far more suitable than either of us. Though she's a woman, her reputation and ability are second to none."
"You mean..." Jiraiya caught on quickly. "Tsunade?"
"Exactly."
Shigeo nodded, adjusting his sunglasses.
"She's the granddaughter of the First Hokage, one of the Legendary Sannin, and the creator of Konoha's medical ninja system, which has saved countless lives. Who would dare question her qualifications? The only issue is finding her."
"I can handle that!"
Jiraiya stood up, turning to Hiruzen.
"I'll find Tsunade and convince her to return as Hokage. That should settle things, right? What do you say, old man?"
"..."
Hiruzen, though initially favoring Shigeo, hesitated for a moment before relenting.
"Alright then. But the village's strength is at an all-time low right now. To guard against Orochimaru's return, Shigeo, you must remain in Konoha."
"Understood."
Shigeo agreed without hesitation, then turned back to Jiraiya.
"I'll leave finding Lady Tsunade to you, but I hope you'll take Naruto with you. Trust me, he'll be useful."
"Minato's son, huh?"
Jiraiya pondered for a moment before a grin spread across his face.
"That kid's a riot. If I bring him along, the journey certainly won't be dull. Alright, I'm off to find him!"
With that, Jiraiya vanished in a flash.
Seeing this, a smile spread across Hiruzen's face.
"Still as impulsive as ever, that Jiraiya. So, Shigeo, when will you return to the police force?"
"Later. I'm currently on 'suspension for self-reflection.'"
With that, Shigeo turned and walked away, leaving Hiruzen stunned.
Suspension for self-reflection?
You're just using this as an excuse to keep humiliating Konoha's upper echelons, aren't you?
Hiruzen's face grew bitter.
During Orochimaru's orchestrated "Konoha Crush" plan, where Sound and Sand allied to attack Konoha, the village had suffered great losses.
Had they listened to Shigeo and recalled all external police forces, the damage could have been minimized.
But there was no undoing the past.
Now that the attack had happened, someone had to take responsibility.
As Orochimaru's former teacher, Hiruzen bore the brunt of the blame. He planned to step down as Hokage to atone.
The advisors, who had obstructed the recall of external forces, were also culpable.
Shigeo, however, had emerged as the battle's greatest hero, making him the natural choice for Hokage—a move that could pacify public anger.
But Shigeo refused.
Not only did he reject the Hokage position, but he also refused to return to the police force, insisting on "suspension for self-reflection."
This left Konoha's leadership in an increasingly precarious position.
"Rejecting the Hokage role to clear out the rot of the old era and pave the way for the future—so that's your plan, Shigeo Aburame!"
Hiruzen chuckled to himself.
"If that's the case, then I'll help you. You won't underestimate my Will of Fire!"
---
Unaware of Hiruzen's inner musings, Shigeo merely sought a break.
Before defeating Orochimaru, he had intended to confront Koharu and the others. Now, it seemed pointless.
With a broader perspective, he realized such disputes were beneath him.
Like swatting at a barking dog versus ignoring a buzzing fly, he saw Koharu and her ilk as insignificant.
He now understood why Madara Uchiha only targeted Konoha instead of other villages—it was because, for Madara, only Hashirama Senju was worth his attention.
"Man, I'm bored..."
Yawning, Shigeo strolled aimlessly through the village, eventually arriving at the riverbank.
On the opposite side, two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds appeared in his view.
Shigeo's drowsiness vanished, and a sharp glint flashed behind his sunglasses.
"They're here already?"
The visitors were none other than Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame.
In the original timeline, Itachi visited after Hiruzen's death to warn Danzo to stay away from Sasuke.
This time, though Hiruzen survived, Itachi still came, likely to check on Sasuke.
"Whatever the reason, it's best to make them leave quickly in this sensitive period."
As Shigeo prepared to intervene, Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yūhi, patrolling the village, intercepted the pair.
"You don't seem to be from around here," Asuma said warily. "What's your business in Konoha?"
Itachi responded calmly.
"It's been a while, Asuma-san, Kurenai-san."
Asuma's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"So, you know us. That means you were once a ninja of this village?"
"..."
Itachi said nothing, lifting his hat slightly to reveal his face—and his blood-red Sharingan, complete with spinning tomoe.
Asuma and Kurenai's expressions changed drastically.
"You... You're..."
(Chapter End)