The power of public opinion slowly accumulated in Konoha Village, making more people curious about the Third Hokage's past deeds. They were constantly evaluating his merits and demerits, and arguing endlessly about it.
As the influence expanded, more and more people started bringing up the past deeds of the Third Hokage. While some praised his accomplishments, there were also a growing number of people who questioned his motives. They analyzed the benefits the Third Hokage had gained and speculated on how advantageous it was for his position as Hokage. The interpretations varied, with some suggesting ulterior motives and personal gain behind his actions. The political landscape became increasingly divided, with supporters and detractors engaging in heated debates and discussions about the Third Hokage's legacy and intentions.
And this is the power of public opinion!
In the beginning, Naruto's Shadow Clone and the Root ninjas who were in charge of intelligence would still get in the mix, stirring up disputes and triggering discussions. Slowly, even if Naruto didn't intervene, as long as new black material came out, they would take the initiative. They will continue to spread, increasing the scope.
At first, when the Third Hokage heard the rumors, he also wanted to investigate and stop them, but he couldn't do it!
Because he is short of people!
Anbu is busy looking for the missing Jinchūriki, and Root is also busy looking for people. There is no room for manpower. Especially knowing that Fourth Kazekage was coming early, the Third Hokage couldn't care about this.
Even though he clearly knew that this would affect his reputation, at this critical juncture, he could only endure it and sulk himself!
'These ignorant villagers, what else can they do other than gossip? Are you full now, you bastard?!'
The Third Hokage, who stood at the front, also heard those discussions. His face was extremely gloomy. He was itching to tear apart the man behind the scenes who manipulated all this.
'If you have the ability, come directly! Why are you hiding in the dark?!'
As for how the Third Hokage feels when the people of Konoha Village are gossiping on his back, Naruto has the best say on this.
These people are indeed useless and idle, otherwise, they wouldn't be full of hatred for Naruto for twelve years. Even if there were not many victims who really suffered from the Nine Tails Rebellion. It cannot be said that every time Naruto meets a person, they will use Nine Tails to condemn him.
But most of them follow others, fearing Nine Tails out of their hearts at the same time hating Nine Tails, and under Danzo's deliberate dissemination, Naruto was used as their venting tool.
What is the mere rumor that Third Hokage is suffering now compared to what Naruto was going through?
The rumors about the Third Hokage circulated among the villagers, sparking curiosity and initial interest. However, as time moves on and the rumors will become repetitive, the villagers will grow bored and accustomed to the ongoing discussions. The topic will be akin to a casual conversation after dinner, with everyone sharing their own opinions and speculations about the situation. Since the entire village was immersed in these discussions, it was not uncommon for individuals to feel left out if they were unaware of the latest developments.
The aunts are truly remarkable, as they possess the skill of crafting captivating opening sentences, leaving the rest to the imagination of the editor. It's fascinating how a single incident can generate multiple versions and interpretations, leading to a state of confusion.
For example, the young man, who is the head of the village, did not come home for the Spring Festival. Till he came back, the story had become that this young man could not come back because he was in prison.
Rumors are so terrifying, especially the aunts in the village who are the fastest to grasp the first-hand information, and their effectiveness is particularly strong. Even the ninjas of the intelligence department at the Root are not as good as they are.
It can only be said that after the war, the peaceful life had made them too good and they were even more afraid that this kind of life would be broken by the war and they resisted the war even more in their hearts
That's why they feel that the Third Hokage, as Hokage, allowed such a thing to happen, isn't that the best manifestation of his lack of ability?
Therefore, Naruto believes that in just one month, no matter how bright and clean the initial image of Third Hokage is, it will inevitably be blackened under the guidance of public opinion.
These things are still facts. Even if the Third Hokage wants to refute it, he can only suppress it forcibly, otherwise how will they conduct the Chūnin exam?
You must know that in the third round of exams, not only Kazekage from Sunagakure will come, but also guests from the Land of Fire will come.
If at this time there are remarks about the Third Hokage's lack of ability, the Third Hokage's age, and the Third Hokage's incompetence as a Hokage, the Fire Nation daimyo will have to consider whether to change Hokage or not.
The Fire Country's Daimyo provides substantial financial support to Konoha each year. Additionally, whenever a new Hokage is chosen in Konoha, they must obtain an official letter of approval from the Fire Country Daimyo. Consequently, the Fire Country Daimyo has proposed modifications to the authority regarding the appointment of the Hokage.
Then, it will become a fact that the Third Hokage is getting older.
"When this matter is resolved, we must catch some of the loudest ones to make an example! I'm Hokage! How dare you talk about me so unscrupulously?"
Hiruzen was really angry at this group of white-eyed wolves.
"Hokage-sama, Fourth Kazekage is here!"
An Anbu appeared and saluted respectfully.
"I see it."
In the distance, the shadows of some people have appeared, and it is Sunagakure's Fourth Kazekage who arrived in advance.
And Gaara of Sunagake is not just Jinchūriki, but is also his son.
After a while.
The two groups met in front of the Konoha gate.
"Haha… Welcome to Konoha, Fourth Kazekage."
The Third Hokage stepped forward to welcome him.
"Really? The person who doesn't want me to come the most should be you, Third Hokage. After all, there was such a big mess in the Chūnin exam."
Fourth Kazekage Rasa snorted coldly.
"Ah...Haha. This matter is indeed Konoha's negligence, for which I am extremely sorry."
Third Hokage was choked by Rasa's straightforwardness and smiled awkwardly.
"If an apology was useful, why did I come here?", Rasa said disdainfully.
"Anyway, let's move away from here and go to a suitable place for talk. We will give you a good explanation!"
Third Hokage smiled and invited Rasa to walk into Konoha.
'Sarutobi-sensei is quite tolerant; it seems that he has completely lost the vigor of his youth.'
Orochimaru, disguised as Fourth Kazekage, looked sideways at his former mentor coldly, resisted the urge to stick out his tongue and lick his lips, and walked into Konoha.
'It seems that Kazekage is really angry...Konoha has recuperated in the past few years. Although we have not fully recovered our strength as before the three World Wars, but Sunagakure should be the ones who should be most anxious as they are at the bottom. Right? Now, will they take advantage of Jinchūriki's disappearance and team up with other ninja villages to attack Konoha?'
Hiruzen thought with great worry in his heart.
The Third Ninja World War, because of the disappearance of Third Kazekage, they insisted that Konoha had done it and the war was launched.
A single hair can have a profound impact on the entire body, and other ninja villages were not willing to be isolated. Taking advantage of the situation, the Iwagakure also joined the siege against Konoha. However, they were unexpectedly attacked from behind by the Kumogakure, resulting in the emergence of a second battlefield.
Kirigakure saw that there are profits to be made, and secretly poked things in the back. They even used Three Tails, resulting in the sacrifice of Minato's disciples Obito and Rin on the battlefield, and also created the reputation of Copy Ninja Kakashi later.
Of course, only Naruto knew that this was all designed by Uchiha Madara from behind.
Therefore, as soon as the Third Hokage thought about it, he knew what Rasa was planning, which made him have to deal with it with more energy.
... ...