Ace, Sakura, and Kaza were going to travel with Ryota in search of his former sensei. The trip wasn't going to be too hard, and Ryota had a good idea where his former teacher was hiding from the world. Unlike Tsunade, finding Amon wouldn't be that challenging as Ryota had a solid lead. He believed Amon was living a quiet life in a small village, most likely helping out and doing what he could while living in isolation. Ryota wondered why his sensei had chosen to stay in the village and not return to the world at large again.

"So remember to be polite and respectful," Ryota said as he looked over at his team for this mission—Sakura and his two boys. "Amon is a respectable man, a proud and confident man who is very skilled and talented. He has gone through a lot in his life, from wars to peace. Just keep that in mind. Amon has been through at least two more major wars than I have."

Ryota thought about it for a moment. He knew that the weight of tragedy had made Amon give up the path of a ninja, that the challenges of being a warrior were too harsh over time. Amon had lost so much in his life. Ryota also knew a lot about loss, having lost three brothers and a sister in war, as well as never having met his father. Ryota walked, leading the others as he looked back at them walking in formation, moving with him as he kept the lead.

"I think that's the village," Ryota said as he looked down from a hill upon a small farm village. It had two roads with a number of small homes lining them, as well as a few others spread out over the valley before them. The fields of fruits and rice spread out around the small village in all directions. It was a quiet-looking place, inviting and rustic as well. "Keep alert, but remember this is a diplomatic mission."

The three young ninja knew that this was important, and the two brothers had a good idea that this was important for their father too. The three of them moved down into the valley and walked into the picturesque village. It was peaceful and quiet. Amon being here was a bit of a surprise, as it was so out of the way and so quiet, that a Senju of Amon's heritage stayed here in this place. The three followed Ryota's lead, trusting him completely in this situation.

As they walked through the village, Kaza looked at the people and smiled, waving to one or two. "Let's remember what Dad said. Let's be good guests and help out when and where we can, show everyone that we are here to help out."

Ace smirked and nodded. "Right. Diplomatic mission. No showing off."

Sakura, ever the voice of reason, added, "We just need to focus on our goal: finding Amon and convincing him to return with us. Let's stay calm and respectful."

Ryota led them through the rustic and warm village. The atmosphere was nice and peaceful, villagers doing their normal daily work in the fields or supporting the farms in town. Children were walking along the street to a small school where they would learn basic education to help them in the future so they knew at least how to read and write. The world moved around the team as if they were unconcerned about the new people who had just wandered into the village.

After walking down the main street, they came to a modest and simple home near the edge of the village. It had a simple brick exterior, looking quaint and unassuming. Nothing fancy, nothing over the top. It stood out in how much it didn't stand out. As they walked to the door, Ryota knocked while the young ninja remained around him. A moment later, the door opened, and an older man stood before them. He was tall, strong, and dignified even in simple green and gray clothes fitting for an old farmer. His blue eyes had the same sharpness as ever. His jet-black hair had streaks of gray in it, remaining shoulder-length and well-kept.

"Ryota," Amon greeted, a hint of surprise in his voice. "It's been a long time."

"Sensei," Ryota replied respectfully, bowing slightly. "Yes, it has. We need your help. The village needs your help."

Amon's eyes shifted to Ace, Sakura, and Kaza, studying them intently. "Come inside," he said, stepping aside to allow them entry. He had not expected to see his former student here before him. This was a big surprise for Amon. Yet, he should have realized that he would at some point come knocking.

The team followed Amon into the house, the interior simple but comfortable. They took seats around a low table, and Amon poured them tea. As they sipped, Ryota explained the situation: the death of the Third Hokage, the village's need for strong leadership, and the mission to find a new Hokage.

"We're hoping you'll consider returning to the village," Ryota concluded. "Your experience and wisdom would be invaluable."

Amon was silent for a moment, his expression contemplative. "I've been away from that life for a long time, Ryota. Why do you think I would be the right choice?"

Ryota leaned forward, his gaze steady. "Sensei, because you're the best. You have so much experience. You are so skilled and talented. You know what it means to lead and have done so much. You know the challenges that being a ninja faces on a daily basis, and you are Senju Amon, the grandson of Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage. It is your destiny to take up leadership, sir."

Ace, feeling the need to add his voice, spoke up. "Sir, I've read about your achievements and your sacrifices. We could really use someone like you to help lead us. The village needs hope."

Sakura nodded in agreement. "Please, Amon-sensei. The village needs someone strong and wise to lead us."

Kaza, his voice sincere, added, "You've already done so much. But we need your help now more than ever."

Amon looked at each of them in turn, his expression softening slightly. "You all have spirit, I'll give you that. But I need some time to think about this. Stay here for the night. We'll talk more in the morning."

"Ryota Togusa, father, I see," Amon said as he looked at his former student and then back at Kaza. "He looks like someone I knew once long ago. What is your name?"

"Kaza Togusa, sir," Kaza replied, looking at the older ninja.

"So, Ryota, you named him after Kazanori, I am guessing," Amon said, looking at the kid before reaching out and messing with his hair a bit. "That isn't who you look like. Teal hair, I remember old Sentaku, and kid, you look a lot like him. That is your great-grandfather, by the way," Amon said as he looked at the other two. He could see the strength of youth before him, he could see the resolve in their eyes and the determination there.

"Ryota, why do you need me to go back? I am out of practice and my era is over. Plus, I think the village has a ninja who is more than worthy of being its leader, who is younger, has more energy, and is the most capable ninja I ever had as a student. A hero worthy of every honor, a genius of traps and tactics, whose feats in the Third Ninja War are the match of almost anyone," Amon commented, looking right at Ryota. "Why don't you take up the leadership yourself? You are as good of a ninja as there is in this world."

Ryota blinked as he looked at his former teacher. "I am not worthy of being the Hokage of Konohagakure. I am just a simple Togusa clan member. There is nothing special about me, and I don't think anyone would think me worthy of following."

Ryota rubbed his temples. "I mean, I am not some great hero like you or Minato, or Jiraiya or Tsunade, or others. I am just simple Ryota Togusa, father and teacher at the academy."

Amon looked at Ryota with a mixture of understanding and disappointment. "Ryota, being Hokage isn't about being a hero or having a famous name. It's about leadership, wisdom, and the ability to make tough decisions for the good of the village. You have those qualities. You've taught countless students, raised a family, and faced your own trials. Don't sell yourself short."

Ace, seeing his father's discomfort, stepped in. "Dad, you took me in, a random orphan, and raised me as your own. You treat me just like Kaza, no difference in the amount of love you have for either of us. You have made me into the person I am, you guided me and Kaza, you taught us, and you are our role 've got what it takes to be Hokage. You care about the village more than anyone I know."

Sakura added, "I am not your child like Ace and Kaza, but even I can tell you have this natural wisdom and leadership to you, and it is obvious from even our test we did against you, and from our time at the academy. That you care about your students and want the best for all of them. That is fitting for a leader I think."

Kaza nodded in agreement. "You've always been our hero, Dad. You may not see it, but we do. The village needs someone like you, someone who understands what it means to protect and care for everyone."

Amon watched the exchange, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "You see, Ryota, you have the support and respect of your family and students. You are every bit the leader needed, you do good acts not so that others will give you glory. You do them my student cause they are the right thing to do. We both know this fact well. Think about it. The village needs someone who understands its people, who has lived through its challenges and triumphs."

Ryota sighed, feeling the weight of their words. "I'll think about it, Sensei. But for now, we still need you. If there's any chance you can help, please consider it."

"Ryota, I know your history, I know the battles that others don't know about. The three battles in Kusagakure where you defeated the advances of Iwa ninjas yourself, the battle against the Crimson Reaper of Kiri—my own rival—you drove him back alone. The fight that drove Iwa from our very walls, and the other victorious battles you had in that war," Amon said firmly, his eyes locking onto Ryota's. "You stopped a massive uprising and saved a whole village. Ryota Togusa, if you're not worthy of the role, I am not sure who would be. You are every bit worthy of the title. You are a hero, a leader, a man of the people, and having you in charge will be a change—and sometimes, change is good."

Ace and Kaza looked at Ryota, their eyes wide with surprise and admiration. They had known none of this, as their father had kept his heroics and his great history of war and violence to himself. His silence had been for many reasons, but the two boys were not entirely surprised. They knew their father was awesome, but this level of awesomeness was beyond what they had imagined.

Ryota looked down, processing Amon's words. The memories of those battles, the lives saved and lost, flooded back to him. He had always viewed his actions as a duty, something that needed to be done, rather than heroism.

"You never told us, Dad," Ace said, his voice filled with awe and pride.

"Yeah, we had no idea you did all that," Kaza added, his respect for his father growing even more.

Ryota sighed, a small smile forming on his lips. "Those were dark times. I didn't think it mattered now. I just wanted to focus on teaching and raising you two."

Amon placed a hand on Ryota's shoulder. "The past shapes who we are, Ryota. And your past shows that you have the strength and wisdom needed to lead. Think about it. The village needs someone who understands its history and its people. And that someone is you."

Ryota nodded slowly. "I'll think about it, Sensei. But for now, we still need you. If there's any chance you can help, please consider it."

Amon's eyes softened. "I will consider it, Ryota. But remember, the village's future isn't just about one person. It's about all of us working together. Let's talk more in the morning."

That night, Amon and Ryota stood alone in the fields, sparring under the moonlight. The rhythmic sounds of their movements and strikes filled the air, creating a serene yet intense atmosphere.

"You picked up two little ones," Amon remarked, parrying Ryota's attack effortlessly. "I'm sure that, along with the shrine, keeps you busy. But what's the real reason you don't accept the role of Hokage? I'm sure Tia helps out a lot with them and the shrine, knowing her. She must be the one in charge by now."

Ryota hesitated for a moment, his movements slowing as he considered Amon's words. "I've killed so many people, Sensei. I've taken happiness from so many others. Do I deserve this happiness? Do I deserve to be the leader of the village now?" he asked, dodging and countering with a quick strike. He realized in an instant that Amon hadn't lost any of his prowess.

"I know I almost died back during the uprising," Ryota continued, "and I was given a miracle second chance at life. I don't want to die again and leave my boys without their father. I guess I'm afraid, Sensei."

Amon smiled, blocking Ryota's attack with ease. "How about this," he suggested. "I'll come back to help you in this new role, guide you as your assistant and support. But you should take over. My generation's time has passed, and it's time for your generation to come into leadership, Ryota."

Ryota paused, absorbing Amon's words. The offer was unexpected, yet it made sense. Amon's support would provide the guidance he needed, while also allowing him to step into the role he had been avoiding.

"You would do that for me?" Ryota asked, his voice tinged with hope and uncertainty.

Amon nodded. "Yes, Ryota. I believe in you. You have the strength and wisdom to lead. And with me by your side, we can ensure the village has a bright future."

Ryota's eyes softened, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over him. "Thank you, Sensei. Your support means more than you know."

The two continued their sparring, the weight of the conversation lifting slightly from Ryota's shoulders. With Amon's guidance and his own inner strength, Ryota began to see the possibility of accepting the role of Hokage—not as a burden, but as an opportunity to protect and lead his village into a new era.