The Third Hokage issued an order to prohibit any further discussions about him and arranged for Anbu to arrest several people who were suspected of spreading rumors.
However, the real source was the aunts at the entrance of the village, the vendors in the vegetable market, and the old men who have nothing left to do but lie in front of their homes to bask in the sun each morning.
Although these measures have slightly curbed the spread of public opinion, private discussions have still not stopped.
On the contrary, because of what he did, people now don't doubt the authenticity of what had spread.
If he had come to the front and issued a statement, he might be able to prove his innocence. Unfortunately, the Third Hokage didn't have such intentions at all. The deadline given by Kazekage was tomorrow, and he is still thinking of what kind of storm he will face next.
Every member of Anbu was transferred to investigate the rumors, even the ones who were usually around him.
Anbu and Root were sent to keep an eye on Orochimaru's appearance, Gaara and Hayate's disappearance, and the spies from various ninja villages, who sneaked in during the Chūnin exam. Thus, none of them were free. Even the normal ninja took action in maintaining Konoha's law and order, and to find the missing elders. The village was just getting more and more chaotic.
In the past few days, all these rumors have caused everyone to suspect the Third Hokage. Their thinking pattern was also changing.
Is Third Hokage innocent?
Were those things not done by the Third Hokage?
They asked themselves in their hearts.
Especially Kakashi, he was too disappointed, as the Third Hokage didn't find him, even after his shift had changed.
"Although I'm just a Jōnin, don't I even deserve the answer from the Third Hokage?"
He has learned that the Third Hokage has started arresting people and has even ordered that no discussion about Sakumo will be allowed.
The Third Hokage did nothing when the discussion about the Senju Clan and the Uzumaki Clan was prominent but when someone talked about his father, he couldn't wait to start rectifying.
This made Kakashi wonder if there was a problem behind this and if the Third Hokage really did something.
…
Third Hokage, now, was feeling guilty. Not only that but also anxiety.
When will Sunagakure's Jinchūriki appear? Is the prophecy brought by Jiraiya accurate? Could it be that now that he is old, he will have to start a war with his own hands?
This Is what worries the Third Hokage.
Especially when Jiraiya came to question him during the day, the disappointed expression on his face made Hiruzen very angry.
When Jiraiya learned that Danzo colluded with Hanzō, the Salamander, to attack the Akatsuki organization of the Land of Rain, Jiraiya knew that they were the three disciples which he had accepted. He was very disappointed and angry.
Nagato with Yahiko, and Konan, who he once believed were the people in prophecy, were just thinking of bringing peace.
However, they ended up being a tragedy.
When Jiraiya was traveling around the world, he got the news that his disciples had died in battle. This made him extremely sad for quite some time. But, what did he hear now? Danzo also contributed to this.
But why?
Even if Akatsuki's organization expanded, ninjas from the Land of Rain would be the first to be endangered. It is understandable for Hanzō, the Salamander, to take action against them. But Danzo, who was a member of Konoha, went to other people's territory to target others, why?
Jiraiya had already thought of the Rinnegan eye being the possible reason.
"Old man, I need an explanation! Why did Danzo go to the Land of Rain?!"
Jiraiya questioned Third Hokage because he didn't know where the Root base was, so he couldn't find Danzo. At last, he had to come to the Third Hokage.
"I don't know about this. After all, Danzo does things autonomously."
To be honest, Hiruzen had limited knowledge regarding this matter. He was aware of Danzo's visit to the Land of Rain but remained uninformed about the purpose behind it. Furthermore, Root and Anbu operate independently, making it impossible for him to receive any updates from the Root ninjas, let alone have information about Danzo's covert control over them.
Even Though, Hiruzen was convinced that his response was justified. However, these words, to Jiraiya, suggested that his teacher was protecting Danzo. After all, as the Hokage, he possessed the highest authority. But now he was saying that Danzo operates independently without reporting to him? Are you kidding me?
The reason Jiraiya believed the news of Danzo's collusion with the Land of Rain was because Danzo's focus was targeting the Land of Rain rather than Konoha. As it does not directly harm Konoha, the credibility of this is naturally not low.
As for the words which said that the Third Hokage harmed Konoha, why didn't Jiraiya believe them?
One reason is that Jiraiya has no personal involvement in these matters, so he lacks a sense of connection.
Secondly, since the Third Hokage is his teacher, Jiraiya is more inclined to believe that the Third Hokage did not engage in such actions rather than trusting mere rumors. After all, without any evidence, doubts will naturally arise.
However, today, his trust in his old teacher couldn't help but be shaken.
"Then what about the matter related to Sakumo? Did Danzo truly operate it from behind, intending to secure his position as Hokage? But who did he kill? White Fang!"
"This matter has no relation to me. Sakumo's suicide was not something I desired!"
Hiruzen said in a deep regret.
"Then did you ever consider passing your Hokage position to Sakumo?"
Jiraiya stared closely at the Third Hokage's old face.
"I did."
As Hiruzen said that, he exhaled a wisp of smoke from his lips, revealing a faint glimpse of his entire face within the white haze.
"But because the war had just ended, and Sakumo was too young, I wanted him to gain experience for a few more years. But I didn't expect such a thing. It also saddens me."
"Really? But I remember that when Sakumo committed suicide, it had been more than five years since the end of the Second Ninja World War. He even had a child by then."
Jiraiya continued asking.
Hearing it, Hiruzen went silent.
"Sigh. I understand, teacher. This is precisely why I have no desire to become a Hokage. This position has transformed into a political tool rather than acting as a protector of the village and becoming someone who is genuinely acknowledged by all."
Jiraiya said disappointedly, turned, and left.
At this moment, Jiraiya knew that even though Sakumo was not instigated by his teacher and Danzo, he had no intention of passing the position of Hokage to Sakumo.
Or... the Third Hokage knew but he ignored it.
"Jiraiya!"
Hiruzen shouted, but couldn't stop Jiraiya.
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Hiruzen cursed angrily. He hated the guy who created all these situations even more in his heart!
Had it not been for him, his reputation and credibility wouldn't have plummeted!
Even his disciples wouldn't be so disheartened by his actions! It has led the other party to question him as well!
Now, he couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps the entire population of Konoha wore smirks of mockery whenever they spoke about him behind his back.
This made Hiruzen extremely panicked and anxious.
Meanwhile, just like the Third Hokage, Orochimaru was also panicking.
"Naruto-kun... Tomorrow is the fifth day, the deadline I agreed upon with the Sarutobi-sensei. I can't extend it any longer…Are you really going to start a war?"
…