Naruto: From Fake to Real, Deceiving the Ninja World.

The faces of men, women, young and old were filled with genuine, long-lost smiles.

Some children chased and played with their newly bought "ninja toys," while others dressed up as Hinata Kumokawa and imitated him, having a great time.

The entire village of Konoha, from the highest Shadow Rock to the most secluded alley, was immersed in this atmosphere full of hope and new life.

Without a doubt, today is the day that Hyuga Kumokawa officially takes office as the Fifth Hokage.

The air still seemed to faintly carry the smell of new wood and mortar, and the walls of many buildings still bore their fresh color, silently telling the story of the pain that had just occurred.

This is the first time such a grand celebration has been held since the Akatsuki invaded, the village suffered heavy damage, and was subsequently rebuilt.

The shadow of the Nine-Tails' rampage, the trauma of the Fourth Shinobi World War, and the recent attacks from the Hollow Realm and Akatsuki have dealt a heavy blow to Konoha.

That is why today's hard-won liveliness and vitality are all the more precious.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't choose to go against Hyuga Kumokawa today.

Because the villagers of Konoha desperately need a young and powerful Hokage as their leader to bring a new atmosphere and restore their confidence.

Hyuga Kumokawa's succession was not just a transfer of power, but also carried the hopes of everyone in Konoha for the future, so its scale far exceeded the previous four.

"We've finally waited for this day," a middle-aged businessman remarked with emotion.

His shop, which was destroyed in a previous attack, has just reopened and is now displaying celebratory discount signs.

"I've heard that the Fifth Hokage is very young and accomplished!"

"Yes, it's Lord Kumokawa of the Hyuga clan. He'll surely lead us into a new era."

"I hope that from today onwards, the village can truly live in peace and tranquility..."

Similar murmurs rose and fell among the crowd, never ceasing.

Everyone's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the majestic Fire Shadow Rock in the distance, their faces showing expressions of either awe or anticipation.

Beside the statues of the first, second, third, and fourth generations, a rock wall, repaired and polished overnight, is ready to be engraved with the fifth face.

“However…” someone looked up at the sky and frowned, “This weather doesn’t look too good. Why did they have to choose today?”

"Don't worry," a regular customer next to him comforted him, subconsciously pulling his coat tighter. "The Fifth Hokage's succession will be blessed by the heavens."

Many people shared similar concerns, but these worries about the weather were quickly overshadowed by the festive atmosphere.

Further away, the rebuilt plaza in front of the Hokage Building has been newly decorated, and a temporary viewing platform has been set up.

The Konoha ninjas, dressed in their uniforms, maintained order and guided the flow of people with great vigor.

The invited tribal chiefs, heads of important village institutions, merchants, and nobles have begun to enter, exchanging pleasantries with smiles on their faces.

Compared to the bustling crowds in the plaza outside the building, the atmosphere in the preparation room inside the Hokage Building was rather tense and busy.

As the time drew ever closer to the start of the ceremony, the staff hurried about.

Indoors, Hinata Kumokawa sat quietly in front of the mirror, his posture upright, his expression calm, and his eyes revealing no emotion.

A woman from a mountain tribe, skilled in makeup and styling, stood before him, holding tools, but her expression showed a rare hesitation and unease.

She carefully examined Hinata Kumokawa's face. His skin was smooth and flawless, and his features were clearly defined, especially his beautiful eyes, which possessed an unadorned majesty and aura...

She raised her hand several times, but after examining it for a long time, she finally put down the tool in her hand with a frustrated expression.

Just then, a noise came from the doorway of the preparation room.

"Hey, haven't the clothes arrived yet? It's almost time!" Kakashi Hatake's voice, as always, was lazy as he called out into the hallway outside the door.

Before he could finish speaking, a figure came running up, panting.

"Here it comes!" Hinata Aoi held a set of clothes in her arms, her cheeks flushed from running.

"It's just embroidering a few words and patterns, why has it taken so long?" Kakashi asked with a hint of doubt.

Upon hearing this, Koharu Utatane, who was checking the process sheet, looked up with a knowing smile and explained, "Kakashi, you don't know this."

"From the first generation to the fourth generation, the sacred robes they wore when they took office were all hand-embroidered by that old man, stitch by stitch. His craftsmanship was excellent."

Tsukushi Koharu paused for a moment, then continued, "However, in recent years, the old man has grown old, and his eyesight and energy are not as good as before. He has already handed over his work to several disciples."

"The only thing she will definitely not entrust to others is the robe of the Hokage successor, so it will be slower."

As they were talking, Hinata Aoi handed the clothes to Hinata Kumokawa, who unfolded them.

The robe is predominantly white, with a red flame-shaped pattern at the hem, and the words "Fifth Hokage" are embroidered in red on the back...

"It's time," Xiaochun, who was turning over to the dormitory, reminded him in a low voice.

(One more chapter. I finished outlining today, so the update is a bit late. But I've realized that the 1.5 million words I initially planned for are probably not enough. I won't be able to finish writing it, lol.)

Chapter 346 Let this fire burn even brighter

Hinata Kumokawa nodded slightly, and with a wave of his arm, draped the cloak, which carried the aspirations of countless people in Konoha, over his own shoulders.

For a moment, the room fell silent, and everyone's eyes were involuntarily focused on him.

Hinata Kumokawa's features appeared even more striking against the backdrop of the sacred robe. His tall and slender figure, clad in the robe, made his broad shoulders and back appear even more imposing, exuding a sense of reliability that was truly captivating.

Feeling a large amount of spiritual energy converging towards him, Hinata Kumokawa didn't say much, but simply strode towards the door leading to the rooftop open-air platform.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere outside the Hokage Building had reached its climax.

Red, yellow, and blue triangular flags hung in the air above the square, fluttering in the breeze. Although the sky was slightly overcast, the vibrant colors still ignited the atmosphere.

The building’s rooftop terrace, surrounded by low stone railings, offers a panoramic view of the entire plaza and the eager crowds below.

Several ANBU ninjas stood silently around the platform like statues, while Mitokado Homura and Sarutobi Hiruzen were already standing on the platform.

The square was bustling with people, young and old, all beaming with joy. They craned their necks, eagerly anticipating the view from the top of the Hokage Building.

Whoosh... slap!

A series of crisp explosions ripped through the sky as several fireworks soared into the air, bursting into plumes of white smoke and bright flames.

Although it lacked vibrant colors, the crisp sound instantly brought the atmosphere to a climax, drawing excited cheers from the crowd.

Amidst the sounds of fireworks and cheers, Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in a white divine robe and wearing a Hokage hat, slowly walked to the railing of the platform and appeared in the sight of the crowd below.

In an instant, the once noisy and bustling square quickly fell silent, and countless eyes focused on the old man.

"Distinguished guests, everyone!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward, his voice aged yet steady: "Thank you for your kind invitation. Today, I, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, will preside over the inauguration ceremony of the Fifth Hokage."

"Where leaves dance in the air, fire will never die. Today, we will witness together a new flame taking on the responsibility of illuminating the path to the village's future!"

After saying that, he paused, turned to the side, stretched out his arm towards the entrance of the platform, and suddenly raised his voice: "Now then."

"Let us welcome our protagonist today with the warmest anticipation and respect, as he officially assumes the position of the Fifth Hokage..."

He deliberately drew out his words, raising everyone's expectations to their peak.

"Hyuga Kumokawa!"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, a figure stepped into everyone's view, his handsome face displayed without any obstruction.

He wore a divine robe, the flame pattern on the hem and the words "Fifth Hokage" on the back were particularly eye-catching, and his beautiful eyes were gentle and deep.

After a brief silence.

"Oh!"

"Lord the Fifth Hokage!"

"Hyuuga Kumokawa-sama!"

The square erupted in thunderous cheers and applause.

The sound surged skyward as if it were a tangible force, as if it would shake the low-hanging dark clouds apart, and people waved their arms.

The most excited were those in the Hyuga clan's area, especially the members of the branch family.

They clenched their fists, their eyes reddened, and their bodies trembled slightly with excitement.

"Yun Chuan! This is youth!"

Compared to the restraint of the Hyuga members, Might Guy was moved to tears, raised his thick arms high, and unleashed a terrifying roar that made everyone around him cover their ears.

At the front of the crowd, a group of children from the ninja academy were particularly excited. They had all been rescued by Hyuga Kumokawa earlier, and now their little faces were flushed red as they jumped and screamed.

"Akamaru, do you see that? The next Hokage will definitely be me!" Kiba Inuzuka hugged Akamaru, his face full of longing, and Akamaru barked "woof woof".

Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka clapped enthusiastically, but at the same time, they both showed a hint of regret and whispered, "If Naruto and Sasuke were here too..."

In contrast, Nara Shikamaru yawned widely, scratched the back of his head, and muttered, "Ugh, it's the weekend, getting up so early is such a hassle... Huh?"

Suddenly, he felt a damp coolness on his forehead. He subconsciously looked up and another drop of water landed on his face.

"Is it really going to rain?" Shikamaru's languid expression vanished, and his brows furrowed immediately.

Although he complained, the intelligent man was well aware of the importance of this ceremony to Konoha at present.

Meanwhile, amidst the adoring gazes and deafening cheers, Hyuga Kumokawa and Sarutobi Hiruzen stood side by side, their gazes sweeping over the villagers below who were celebrating for him.

His gaze was very gentle, and everyone felt that they were being watched by him, which made them even more excited.

Hinata Kumokawa's gaze was indeed very gentle at this moment, so gentle that it was as if he were looking at one experienced baby after another.

At this moment, within his body, the Hogyoku was continuously absorbing the spiritual energy dissipated by the people of Konoha, filled with feelings of worship, longing, envy, gratitude, and anticipation...

This spiritual energy continuously flowed into Hinata Kumokawa's body, making him appear more gentle and kind, and more approachable.

but……

Name: Hinata Kumokawa

【Age: 18】

[Bloodline: Otsutsuki Clan (40% → 44%)]

Chakra Limit: S-rank

[Chakra Properties: Wind, Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning, Yin, Yang]

[Ninjutsu: ...]

[Secret Techniques: Cero, Black Cavity, Shadow Domain, Sanctification...]

[Bloodline Limits: Rinnegan, Hurricane Release, Tenseigan (97.4% → 98.2%) [Abilities: Mental Puppet, Chakra Rosary, Silver Wheel Reincarnation Explosion, Tenseigan Chakra Mode, Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion]]

[Divine Arts: 'Growth' (Evolving), 'Unknown Divine Arts' (Awakening)]

[Item: Hogyoku (positive 10% → 21%; negative 15% → 17%)...]

【Achievement:……】

[Remaining realization points: 49841]

Hinata Kumokawa's consciousness swept across the panel that only he could see, his gaze lingering briefly on the [Divine Arts] entry.

Is divine magic finally about to evolve?

Previously, the divine technique "Growth" felt more like a seed, which he used for "Shadow" to complement the shadow's abilities.

However, it is clearly still far from being a true divine art.

After all, he wasn't a true member of the Otsutsuki clan, and couldn't inherit divine techniques directly through bloodline like Isshiki and the others. He could only wait for his body to awaken its own divine techniques.

Now, because the Hogyoku is driving the evolution of the Otsutsuki bloodline and physique, the divine arts that were originally just "seeds" are about to undergo a transformation, and there is another divine arts as well.

"I'm a little curious about what kind of divine magic I've awakened, but..."

Hinata Kumokawa glanced at the progress of the Hogyoku and thought to himself, "The completion of this half of the Hogyoku in my body is taking longer than I expected."

[正]The Hōgyoku naturally refers to the half of the Hōgyoku within his body, which is used to absorb pure spiritual energy.

The "reverse" Hogyoku refers to the half of the Hogyoku within the "Shadow" that is used to absorb negative spiritual energy.

When both parts are completed to a certain percentage, and then combined into one, it becomes a truly complete Hogyoku.

He went to great lengths, acting as Hokage and savior, as well as as the mastermind and hero, all to complete the Hogyoku.

However, despite this scene of "flowers in full bloom and oil sizzling over a raging fire," the progress of completing the project is only slightly ahead of the other half.

Is it true that it's harder to be a good person than a bad person?

"In that case..."

Hinata Kumokawa slowly raised his head, his deep eyes gazing at the overcast sky. Raindrops fell on his sacred robe, spreading dark watermarks.