Hiruzen's face twitched. He hadn't expected Morpheus to know so much about the Sarutobi, let alone air it publicly.
He felt the others' gazes turn suspicious, as if they saw him as a corrupt official.
Hiruzen defended himself, "I admit I've given the Sarutobi some advantages, but their growth is their own effort. I haven't favored them."
"Really? I don't buy it," Morpheus sneered, turning to Shikaku. "You're Konoha's brain. Tell me, after the Senju clan's demise, where did their wealth go? Was it all collectivized for Konoha's benefit?"
Shikaku hesitated, then said slowly, "I… didn't see that happen."
Morpheus pressed Hiruzen, "So, where did the Senju's wealth go? Don't tell me Tsunade gambled it all away—along with their land?"
Hiruzen mumbled, "It's been too long. I don't recall clearly. Perhaps my wayward student did lose it."
"And the Uchiha's wealth?" Morpheus continued. "They didn't have a gambler. After their annihilation, did their millennium of accumulated wealth end up with Sasuke Uchiha?"
Hiruzen fell silent.
Morpheus looked to the others. "Anyone see the Uchiha's wealth?"
They shook their heads, their gazes on Hiruzen growing stranger. No wonder the Sarutobi flourished—they'd reaped the Senju and Uchiha's dividends.
Sensing the shift, Hiruzen said stiffly, "Running a clan takes money. The Uchiha had vast holdings, but after a millennium, little remained."
"Oh?" Morpheus said. "What about Naruto Uzumaki? Son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki. Minato completed countless missions, earned a fortune. Did Naruto inherit any of it?"
Hiruzen said, "He was too young to handle that much money."
"Then why have I heard he lives on expired milk and instant noodles?"
Hiruzen was speechless.
Morpheus continued, "Your grandson, Konohamaru, travels with bodyguards and private tutors, living grandly. Why does the Hokage's grandson get such treatment, while the Fourth Hokage's son gets nothing? Because Minato's dead?"
Hiruzen said, "I did it to protect Naruto."
Morpheus laughed. "Protection? Letting him eat spoiled food, endure villagers' scorn, and be ostracized—that's your protection? If Minato and Kushina came back, would they thank you?"
Hiruzen had no response. Even he couldn't muster such shameless words.
Morpheus sighed. "Looking at your actions and Konoha's decline, I can only conclude one thing. You may have worked hard for Konoha, poured your heart into it. But you're too weak. You're not Hokage material. Your rule sent Konoha into a downward spiral—not for lack of effort, but for lack of ability. You lack the First Hokage's strength to dominate the ninja world or the Second's cunning. Forcing you into the Hokage seat harmed everyone. It proves not every strong ninja is fit to lead. Yet, in this world, strength earns followers, leading people to assume the strongest make the best leaders. That's the root of many tragedies. You're skilled in ninjutsu, but your governance is a mess. What a pity for the Uchiha."
The room fell silent, the leaders exchanging uneasy glances.
Morpheus, tired of talking to these martial-minded ninjas, waved them off. "Enough. The past is past. From now on, Konoha enters my era. I'll appoint someone suitable to manage it, and under their leadership, Konoha will thrive. Dismissed. Return tomorrow."
Seeing Morpheus's dismissive expression, the group left with mixed thoughts. Even the convulsing Danzō was carried off by Hiruzen.
That night, Konoha buzzed with undercurrents, as if brewing an unprecedented storm.
Morpheus knew but didn't care. As a clone, his power was diminished, not enough to crush the ninja world but more than sufficient to control Konoha.
Whatever schemes they hatched, he was unconcerned. Their lives were in his hands. If they refused to obey, he'd eliminate them and move to another village—like the Kumogakure, which suited him well.
The next day, when Konoha's leaders returned to the Hokage Tower, they were stunned by the man at Morpheus's side.
Morpheus gestured to him. "I believe you know him: Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage. From now on, he'll manage Konoha on my behalf."
Hiruzen stammered, "Sensei, is it really you?"
"It's me," Tobirama nodded, looking at his student. "You've grown old, Monkey."
Hiruzen trembled at the familiar voice. But why was his teacher here, managing Konoha for Morpheus? What had happened?
The story began the previous night. Morpheus came to this world to consume it, not to manage Konoha. So, he sought a capable administrator.
Who better than Tobirama Senju?
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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