When the Senju clan hid their surname and assimilated into Konoha, they had already begun to decline.
What could a young, ambitious boy possibly change?
And yet—
This little fellow had posed quite the dilemma for old Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked gently at Yukika, like a kind, doting father. The warmth in his eyes made him appear every bit the responsible Hokage.
After all, the boy before him was the biological grandson of his own teacher!
Restoring the Senju name? That kind of declaration could only be made by the clan head.
But you're only ten years old… Can you really be the clan leader of the Senju?
Hiruzen suddenly chuckled.
"Teacher Yamazaki," he called, turning toward Yamazaki Ryuji beside him with a subtly reproachful look.
Yamazaki's heart skipped. He quickly nodded.
"Lord Tobirama did indeed speak to me about Yukika. He said that upon graduation, Yukika would take over from Tsunade as acting clan leader and become the official head of the Senju clan."
"That's how it should be."
Recognizing the boy as the clan head? Yamazaki's eyes widened in disbelief.
Was this real?
"However…"
Hiruzen's tone shifted.
"As the Third Hokage of Konoha and a disciple of Lord Tobirama, I made a promise to protect the last direct bloodline of the Senju."
"Especially his grandson—he must be safeguarded at all costs."
"After all, Yukika is destined to become the Senju clan's leader."
What is he trying to say?
Yukika raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
"In fact, this is the very reason I came to the academy today."
Hiruzen's voice grew heavy, his eyes filled with sorrowful remembrance.
"The Senju gave everything for Konoha. I can't bear to watch the last child capable of carrying the Senju name march off to war. That clan has already exhausted itself for the village."
"To preserve the Senju bloodline, I will—both as Hokage and as Tobirama-sensei's student—administer a special graduation exam."
"Yukika, you should understand what it means to be the head of the Senju clan. At the very least, I believe you need to be able to protect yourself."
"Otherwise, you must remain in the village to accompany Lady Mito."
"I'm sure even Tsunade would agree with me."
In the end—
Hiruzen had outmaneuvered them all.
He composed himself again, staring at this troublesome child who bore the legacy of the Senju.
The Second Hokage's last instructions had been clear: only after Yukika graduated would he become the clan head.
But this could also mean—only when he was strong enough.
So if he failed the exam, he couldn't become the clan leader. He'd have no authority to give orders.
Even his declaration about restoring the Senju name would become meaningless.
Hiruzen just needed to wait a little longer.
When Uzumaki Mito eventually passed away, nothing would stand in his way.
Hiruzen wasn't foolish. He knew he couldn't interfere in Senju clan affairs while Mito still lived.
But what if Yukika never became clan leader?
He was just a child. How could a kid possibly disrupt his grand plans?
No—he would never allow Yukika to restore the Senju clan's influence.
That was Sarutobi Hiruzen's answer.
An open scheme.
A trap that couldn't be avoided.
And as for the exam…