Konoha, Jōnin Council.
This time, the meeting after the Nine-Tails incident had a completely opposite outcome from the previous one. The Uchiha clan returned to the center of the village and seized great power.
As Kakashi temporarily reorganized the major clans of Konoha, a familiar coughing sound suddenly broke the silence.
All the Jōnin turned their eyes towards the Third Hokage, whose hair had turned white with age.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, slowly stood up, put down his smoking pipe, and looked around with his cloudy eyes, as the battle-hardened Jōnin averted their gazes.
"Root has committed a grave error that nearly led to a civil war within the village. As the Third Hokage, I bear an inescapable responsibility," he said.
At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed deeply before everyone, offering a 90-degree apology.
However, the ninjas below remained silent, especially those from the bloodline clans, who just watched coldly.
Root secretly researched Wood Release and even stole the Sharingan from the Uchiha clan. Considering how powerful the Uchiha are, this was a bold move.
Hence, all the ninjas deeply despised Root. This scene made Jiraiya shake his head and sigh in the background, as Root's actions over the years had been feared by the ninja villages but also loathed by their own people.
After the Fourth Great Ninja War, as depicted in the original story, the Root organization was officially disbanded amidst opposition from the people of Konoha.
This opposition showed how unpopular Root was.
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen, still bowing, and Uchiha Yoru, with a playful smile, squinted his eyes. Indeed, Danzō was the most qualified manipulator.
The order to exterminate a clan was given by Danzō, with the Anbu only assisting. So, no matter how one investigates, the Third Hokage appears innocent, even refusing such actions with righteous indignation in the intelligence reports.
Just like the Uchiha clan massacre in the original story, the Third Hokage always appears as a righteous character. In contrast, it seems all of this was driven by Danzō's personal desires.
After a long pause, Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly stood up, his voice hoarse and low as he announced his decision.
"I no longer have the face to govern. Effective today, I will step down. But Konoha needs a new Hokage."
Saying this, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned his head towards three people sitting on chairs. Everyone's expression became solemn, and even Jiraiya showed a bitter smile.
He knew the old man was still not giving up. Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly looked at Uchiha Yoru. Although neither said anything, it was clear they understood each other's intentions.
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru smiled, stood up in front of everyone, and approached the Third Hokage, slowly grasping the Hokage's hat.
At this instant, everyone held their breath, especially the Uchiha clan ninjas, whose eyes reddened and breaths quickened as they intently watched this scene.
Finally! The Uchiha clan was about to have a Hokage!
Picking up the hat, Uchiha Yoru smiled, flicked the hat lightly, and said, "It's dirty. It needs to be replaced."
Clearly, there was a deeper meaning in his words. Was he referring to the dirt on the hat, or implying the Third Hokage's governance was tainted?
Uchiha Yoru's unabashed smile clearly told everyone that he was determined to take the position of Hokage this time, and any controversy might lead to a bloody conflict.
"Kakashi, it seems I need a new Hokage hat."
With a meaningful smile at Kakashi, who then respectfully nodded, stepped forward, and took the hat, saying, "Yes, Lord Fifth Hokage."
Arrogant! Countless people cursed in their hearts. Nothing has happened yet, and here Uchiha Yoru, with such nonchalance, already positions himself as the Fifth Hokage.
Swish! Just then, a ninja respectfully appeared at the Jōnin Council meeting, and the suddenly appeared ninja said solemnly, "An envoy from the Daimyō has arrived!"
With such a big disturbance in Konoha, the entire ninja world knows about it, so how could the Daimyō's mansion not know. The envoy's arrival at this time is somewhat surprising, but not too shocking.
However, Uchiha Yoru frowned imperceptibly, pondering deeply in his heart, wondering what role the Land of Fire's Daimyō's mansion would play this time!
After all, for the new Hokage election, the Daimyō's mansion is an obstacle that cannot be avoided, especially with the financial support from the Daimyō's mansion. The Sand Village had to implement an elite program directly because the Daimyō's mansion cut funds, showing the importance of the Daimyō's mansion to a ninja village's finances.
With the sound of footsteps, a bald monk walked in. The person was Chiriku from the Fire Temple.
"Third Hokage."
The monk Chiriku who walked in bowed to the Third Hokage in front of everyone, and at this moment, Kakashi Hatake frowned and stepped forward.
In an instant, Chiriku saw the Hokage hat in Kakashi's hand, and looking at the scene before him, he couldn't help but feel bitter inside, thinking that the Daimyō had given him a difficult task.
"Now, all eyes in the ninja world are on the Land of Fire. The Daimyō hopes that Konoha will soon select a new Hokage."
In front of everyone, Chiriku respectfully explained the Daimyō's intention, and finally respectfully looked at Tsunade, one of the Sannin, saying, "The Daimyō heard that Princess Tsunade has returned to Konoha. If Princess Tsunade is interested in becoming the Fifth Hokage, the Daimyō's mansion believes that Konoha will shine again."
Boom! At this moment, everyone's expression tightened, and Uchiha Yoru's face showed a smile, but this time the smile was filled with endless cold light.
"What a move by the Third, playing such a hand."
Tsunade comes from the Senju clan, and both her grandfather were the First and Second Hokage, and the Third Hokage was her teacher.
With Tsunade's prestige, once she wants to become the Fifth Hokage, it's not necessary to rely on Sarutobi Hiruzen's influence. Just by herself, she could compete with Uchiha Yoru.
At this moment, under everyone's attention, Tsunade couldn't help but sneer, seeing clearly that the old man obviously wanted to drag her into this.
And at this time, Chiriku hesitated for a moment, and said in a lowered voice, "Third Hokage, with such a big turmoil in Konoha, a slight mishap could trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War. Although the Daimyō's mansion intends for Lady Tsunade to take up the role of the Fifth Hokage, it is only a suggestion."
"The intention of the Daimyō's mansion is that Konoha now needs an interim Hokage to handle affairs, and Lady Tsunade's status and prestige are enough…"
Just then, a crisp applause suddenly interrupted the scene, and everyone anxiously looked towards the person clapping.
They saw Uchiha Yoru with a dangerous smile on his face, watching the scene and continuously clapping, but everyone already saw his anger.
What a move by the Third Hokage, truly a cunning old fox. With Tsunade's prestige, the Daimyō's proposal, and so many Konoha ninjas in the Land of Fire, his Uchiha clan, even if currently cleared of the Nine-Tails' suspicions, cannot compare to Tsunade. Among all the ninjas in Konoha now.
If Tsunade becomes the Fifth Hokage, no one can refute her existence. In terms of prestige! She is one of the Sannin, a medical sage, who has saved countless ninjas over the years and has built up so many connections.
In terms of family background, she comes from the Senju clan, and her grandfathers were the First and Second Hokage.
Moreover, once Tsunade becomes the Fifth Hokage, Konoha will enter a situation of three powers in equilibrium, a buffer between the Uchiha clan and the Third Hokage's lineage.
The Uchiha clan ninjas glared angrily. Never before had the position of Hokage been so close to their clan, yet it was slipping away just when it seemed within reach. Despite their anger, they faced Tsunade!
Many Uchiha upper ninjas felt frustrated but fell silent at the same time. Tsunade, one of the Sannin, also treated many Uchiha ninjas during the war.
Even Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Shisui, though unwilling, faced a dilemma in front of Tsunade.
The most important point was that Uchiha Yoru was too young, and his prestige fell short when compared to the Sannin.
"Acting Hokage, not bad."
Uchiha Yoru rose slowly with a smile, taking the Hokage hat from Kakashi's hand. However, he turned not to Tsunade but to the Third Hokage.
"Third Hokage, this soiled Hokage hat should stay in your hands. Since I, Uchiha Yoru, represent the true Will of Fire, it naturally also represents the rebirth of Konoha."
With such an action, Uchiha Yoru made it clear to everyone that this was all due to the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's unwilling tactics.
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and sighed, gently patting the non-existent dust off the Hokage hat, "This is just a temporary position. I have decided to nominate the Fifth Hokage."
However, Uchiha Yoru turned and walked out without mercy, followed by his ninjas.
They were outmaneuvered! "Brother Yoru!"
Uchiha Shisui, just stepping out of the Hokage's office building, revealed a reluctant expression. Even Kakashi said in a deep voice, "Yoru, at this point, the Third nominating Tsunade is clearly a strategic retreat."
Behind him, followed by a crowd of ninjas, Uchiha Yoru, looking back, revealed a bloodthirsty smile.
"Lose? The old fox of the Third, close to his grave, still covets power. It seems the contingency I prepared needs to be revealed."
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru's face showed determination, and only Kakashi seemed to guess something, saying solemnly, "Yoru, this step is dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Facing Kakashi, Uchiha Yoru gradually fell silent. "Reform requires bloodshed. What have we done all this for? And do you think we, with absolute military power, will not be feared?"
"I, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Itachi, three pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, and your one, Kakashi, even one taken from Danzō, Might Guy who can now open seven gates, and them!'
Uchiha Yoru pointed to all the ninjas following him, his eyes full of determination.
"They were the first to use force. I gave them the choice of peace, but obviously, they wanted to test our limits. I will use strength to tell the Third! Testing comes with a cost!"
"If we don't pay the price in this generation, then our next generation will have to. To seize this chance to change our fate, I will resort to any means necessary."
Faced with the resolute gaze of Uchiha Yoru, Kakashi Hatake fell silent for a moment before raising his head to reveal a look of determination, nodding and saying, "I understand."
This time, such a significant move was not about seeking so-called balance, but about completely breaking down the old system of Konoha and establishing a new one.
Looking at Kakashi Hatake, who supported him, Uchiha Yoru showed a smile, "From now on, for the peace and stability of Konoha, all police department ninjas will enter a state of war readiness, and war supplies will be distributed."
"Shisui, I want you to take over the war supplies coming from the borders of various countries and inform everyone."
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru's face was filled with determination, unabashedly telling all Konoha ninjas that if anyone was preparing for a war of attrition, he feared nothing.
Many ninja villages in the ninja world would love to see Konoha's internal strife without spending a single soldier, especially the Stone Village and Cloud Village.
Since the Third Hokage has laid down such a challenge, he must brazenly show his muscle, openly telling everyone that they are not afraid of bloodshed.
"Yoru, once the civil war starts!"
At this time, Kakashi Hatake lowered his voice and spoke of a possibility. At this moment, Uchiha Yoru's eyes revealed a crimson color as he looked back.
"Don't worry, I don't want to start a civil war. If it really comes to that, Jiraiya and Tsunade will be held back by Teacher Orochimaru and Shisui. The power of Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan combined with yours, Kakashi, and my eyes!"
Having said this, Uchiha Yoru firmly stated his decision and then strode away.
"Execute the decapitation operation!"
Echoing these words in his ears, Kakashi Hatake looked up at the dark sky and murmured to himself, "The village has already decayed. We are changing the village for its future."
With their high-end combat power, they held an absolute advantage! This time, Uchiha Yoru left decisively, taking away all the elite troops around the Hokage office building, but also putting immense pressure on countless people.
Inside the Hokage office.
At this moment, Tsunade angrily slammed the table and shouted, "Old man, you're using me as a pawn!"
Faced with Tsunade's angry questioning, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent for a long while before saying in a low voice, "Tsunade, all of this is for the sake of Konoha. Only you can suppress Uchiha."
But Jiraiya, leaning against the window, remained silent, not saying a word. Even at this point, the old man was still unwilling to let his rule over Konoha change.
At some point, the once-great ninja had become this paranoid.
However, facing Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tsunade sneered, "Do you know the strength of this kid now? Three and a half pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, plus one snatched from Danzo, a total of four pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"Even Orochimaru is there. Do you dare say this kid won't call back Orochimaru? Old man, you're playing with fire, betting whether this kid dares to start a civil war!"
"And do you really know the strength this kid holds!" At this moment, Tsunade massaged her forehead, truly filled with disappointment. The old man was too stubborn now.
So stubborn that only by following his will of fire could Konoha thrive and prosper, and any slightly different opinion was not inheriting the will of fire.
"Old man." Jiraiya, leaning by the window, suddenly spoke up, the window open and a breeze blowing through his white hair as he revealed a smile.
"This kid has promised me, I will support him and leave Naruto to me to supervise."
"Jiraiya, you!" Watching Jiraiya suddenly turn traitor, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face looked extremely ugly.
~~~
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