The statement "Not choosing Orochimaru is for the sake of power," is epitomized by the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, who seems to be enjoying the chaos.
At this moment, he is still fanning the flames here, sounding like he is speaking on behalf of Shimura Danzo, and even seems sympathetic towards Orochimaru, the rogue ninja of Konoha.
However, Shimura Danzo appears to have caught a flaw in Sarutobi Hiruzen's argument and immediately follows Rasa's words by saying, "No matter what you say, it doesn't change the fact that you have always monopolized power in Konoha. Even after the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage, you took the power of the Hokage for yourself. Has there ever been a case in this world where a former Kage returned to usurp power?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression looks rather displeased.
His reassumption of the position of Hokage indeed lacks a clear explanation. At that time, there truly was no more suitable candidate in Konoha. It certainly wasn't possible to let individuals like Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, or Nara Shikaku be elected, right? Moreover, Orochimaru was still in Konoha at that time!
This is the truth.
Yet Sarutobi Hiruzen cannot openly admit it.
"This is the command of the Daimyo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen can only attribute this matter to the command of the Fire Daimyo, who also happened to mention his reassignment as the Hokage.
However...
None of those present would believe such an excuse.
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, sitting next to him, even openly scoffs at it.
Because the position of a Kage or leader of a ninja village is always decided internally by their own village first, and then discussed with the Daimyo and nobles.
"For the sake of power, I understand."
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, nods in agreement, even speaking on behalf of the Third Hokage: "If Orochimaru were to take power, perhaps it would be because the two individuals' philosophies clash, preventing the Third Hokage from continuing to wield power…"
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, sitting beside him, makes a cynical remark: "It's an unavoidable situation. If it were me, I would also hope that the next Kazekage respects me, that his philosophy aligns with mine, and ideally, I would retain the authority of the Kazekage, even manipulating him to continue controlling the power of Sand Village…"
As soon as these words are spoken.
Everyone present simultaneously shifts uncomfortably.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression becomes grim.
"Right."
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, says this as he looks towards Akihara Kagura: "The ninja world has always believed that Akihara Kagura of Konoha will become the future Fifth Hokage…"
"Lord Kazekage."
Akihara Kagura has to stand up and interrupt him, expressing his own thoughts: "There are times when one should not speak. The selection of the Hokage is Konoha's affair, and besides, I have never thought of becoming the Hokage…"
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, chuckles softly.
This kid is really hypocritical, avoiding conflict at this time!
Sarutobi Hiruzen glances at Akihara Kagura and continues: "Kagura is a bit young at the moment, perhaps he might become the Hokage in the future, but right now, Konoha has a more suitable candidate…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen has thought about this many times, especially after the incident with Hyuga Hiashi, and still believes that Jiraiya should first succeed as the Hokage, hoping that after Jiraiya becomes Hokage, he can then slowly consider whether Akihara Kagura could be suitable.
All the Jonin ninja present have a peculiar expression.
Everyone's gaze involuntarily falls on Akihara Kagura.
Many believe that Akihara Kagura will become the next Hokage, and now the Third Hokage himself has denied this, what exactly does this mean?
"Hahaha…"
Shimura Danzo laughs coldly: "Because Akihara Kagura won't obey your orders, that's why you refuse to let him become the Hokage, isn't it, monkey? Are you trying to select another obedient person to become your puppet?"
"Shut up!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen can only sternly command Shimura Danzo to be quiet.
"I haven't finished speaking yet!"
Shimura Danzo coldly eyes everyone present and continues: "If I have committed any crimes, let's make it clear in front of everyone…"
"..."
Akihara Kagura really wants to take Shimura Danzo down.
His old boss's mouth is indeed too weak, if not for the Kazekage occasionally providing a beat, there would be no threat to Sarutobi Hiruzen at all.
"You believe that I, along with Uchiha Itachi, killed the Uchiha clan."
Shimura Danzo stares coldly at Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Have you forgotten the task you assigned me back then? It was you who asked me to monitor the Uchiha clan, you who were worried about a coup from the Uchiha clan, yet you were always unable to find a solution…"
"Shut up!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen dares not let Shimura Danzo continue.
The gaze of the Jonin ninja present becomes increasingly peculiar.
Although everyone knows about the arrogance of the Uchiha clan, the fact that the Uchiha clan's downfall originated from the higher-ups of Konoha still makes people feel uneasy.
Shimura Danzo hesitated for a moment, and actually followed the idea of Sarutobi Hiruzen, believing that it was indeed difficult to disclose this matter because it involved Uchiha Itachi.
"Danzo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Shimura Danzo, completely disappointed in his old friend: "I didn't expect you to become like this, disregarding the bigger picture..."
"I also wish to consider the bigger picture."
Shimura Danzo's face turned grim, and he coldly said, "But I have always been carrying the darkness for you. All that I have done has been at your behest. Don't think that all the sins were committed by me alone. You are the true source of Konoha's darkness."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's forehead showed a trace of anger.
Because he knew this was true, many things were done with his tacit approval, things that were beneficial for Konoha.
But...
Shimura Danzo actually brazenly admitted it!
Looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo's voice grew increasingly ominous: "You bask in the sunlight above, as the glamorous Hokage. I am the root buried deep underground, enduring all the filth of the decaying leaves beneath..."
"I can endure all these..."
Shimura Danzo raised his palm, coldly speaking: "But if you think of cutting off the roots, do you think the great tree of Konoha will not perish with it?"
Shimura Danzo fiercely tore his sleeve, raised his palm, and released a powerful Wind Release technique!
"Wind Release: Vacuum Wave!"
This scythe-like Wind Release technique instantly sliced through the wall behind the high platform, directly forcing back all the ninjas present!
According to the plan to collapse Konoha, Shimura Danzo first battled with Sarutobi Hiruzen, draining Hiruzen's chakra, making the next step of the plan smoother.
"Monkey."
Shimura Danzo drew the ninja blade hidden in his sleeve, pointing the blade at his old friend: "Let's settle the matters of the past here..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly removed his Hokage hat, ready to face the challenge from his old friend himself, even dismissing the Hokage Guard Platoon: "Shimura Danzo was my friend of the past, let me accompany him on his last journey."
"Such arrogance, monkey..."
Shimura Danzo's eyes narrowed.
The group of Konoha's Jonin ninjas looked at each other in dismay.
"Don't interfere in their fight."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, sighed, and said: "Everyone, detain the rioting ninja from the Mist, in a while, I will help create an environment for the Hokage and Shimura Danzo to fight."
"Yes."
The group of Jonin ninjas could only comply.
Since the Hokage could not issue orders himself, they had to follow the commands of the Hokage's assistant, doing as Akihara Kagura said was certainly no problem.
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, saw Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo preparing to fight on the high platform, a light smile appearing on his face as he changed to a more comfortable seat in the spectator stands.
Meanwhile...
Inside the arena of the Chunin Exams.
The battle between Gaara and Karin had already ended.
Since Gaara was unable to defeat Karin, Shukaku finally could not restrain himself and took over the fight, only to be immediately subdued by Karin's Adamantine Sealing Chains, even causing Gaara's defeat, completely disgracing the face of the tailed beasts...
Inside Gaara's sealing space.
Shukaku and Gaara were still staring at each other.
"It's all because you insisted on coming out."
Gaara looked at Shukaku discontentedly, his expression gloomy: "Because of you, I lost to that woman again. If I had fought on my own, I wouldn't have been defeated so quickly."
"How did you lose again?"
Shukaku ignored Gaara's plight, still pondering his own defeat, recalling the Adamantine Sealing Chains used by Karin: "What exactly is that technique that's like Adamantine Sealing Chains? Should I ask those guys again?"
The fact that Karin's Adamantine Chains were so effective against Shukaku left him puzzled, wondering why being bound by the chains made it so difficult to use chakra.
Perhaps...
He should ask the other tailed beasts?
Shukaku entertained the idea, then immediately abandoned it.
Due to the profound lessons learned from the last time, it plans to think more carefully about it, testing whether it can solve the issue with Karin next time it encounters her.
However...
This whole scene was witnessed by Uzumaki Naruto.
Inside the sealing space within Uzumaki Naruto, the Nine-Tails could see through Naruto's eyes that Gaara and Shukaku were being chased by Karin, and it let out a contemptuous cold laugh.
What a fool Shukaku is!
To actually try to withstand the Uzumaki clan head-on!
Even though it had suffered enough from the Uzumaki clan's Adamantine Sealing Chains, did that fool Shukaku really believe that it could change the fact that it was the weakest of the Tailed Beasts just because it thought it had developed some worthless ability?
The Nine-Tails plans to remember today's events, and should Shukaku argue with it again in the future, it can completely use this as material to mock Shukaku.
"Karin wins."
After announcing the victor, Genma Shiranui's gaze shifted inquiringly towards Akihara Kagura, as if to ask whether the exam should continue.
"Continue."
Akihara Kagura calmly glanced at Genma Shiranui and then dispelled all his wooden clones, recasting the Multiple Wooden Clones Technique!
"Wood Release: Multiple Wooden Clones Technique!"
Eight wooden clones emerged from behind Akihara Kagura!
"Ninjutsu: Four Red Yang Formation!"
Four wooden clones stayed in the Chunin Exam venue to ensure the safety of the audience; the other four leapt onto the high platform, surrounding the battlefield between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo, to prevent their fight from affecting others.
Two Red Yang Formation barriers appeared here!
All the spectators felt overwhelmed, not knowing whether to watch the duel between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo or to continue watching the Chunin Exam battles.
"Are we still continuing the exam at this time?"
Hatake Kakashi stood beside Akihara Kagura, somewhat speechless: "Shouldn't we be dealing with Shimura Danzo and the Mist Village now? And what about the people from the Sand Village..."
"This won't cause any delays."
Akihara Kagura glanced at Hatake Kakashi and continued indifferently, "Don't worry, there won't be any problems, didn't everyone say so before? Some allies will not betray us."
"..."
Hatake Kakashi sighed helplessly.
Honestly.
Everyone's words aren't very reliable.
Still, Hatake Kakashi was more inclined to trust Akihara Kagura's judgment.
Although there has been no movement from the Sand Village and other smaller ninja villages, Hatake Kakashi was a bit skeptical whether a new crisis might emerge soon...
Because Shimura Danzo and the Mist Village's sudden uprising seemed utterly thoughtless, as if never considering Akihara Kagura would suppress their issues, it seemed somewhat brainless.
These people dare to do this...
Unless there is an additional plan...
Could it be that Shimura Danzo sacrificed himself and the Mist Village was just to have a fair fight with Sarutobi Hiruzen at this time?
Shimura Danzo is no match for Sarutobi Hiruzen, and this former Hokage's advisor isn't known for being recklessly bold, plus there are frequent rumors of his collusion with Orochimaru, if there isn't a greater crisis looming, Hatake Kakashi really doesn't believe it...
On the high platform.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo were already fighting fiercely.
These two old men, already advanced in years, were panting after just a few exchanges, even using their respective jutsu to fiercely combat within the Four Red Yang Formation barrier!
"Wind Release: Shuriken!"
Shimura Danzo produced several shurikens in his hands, exhaling Wind Release chakra that clung to each shuriken, the shurikens outlined by sharp Wind Release blades, becoming high-speed spinning Wind Release blades shooting towards Sarutobi Hiruzen!
"Ninjutsu: Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, undeterred, threw a shuriken, quickly clasped his hands to form seals, and dozens of shurikens instantly collided with the Wind Release: Shuriken, altering their direction, these Wind Release: Shurikens directly embedding into the barrier of the Four Red Yang Formation and dissipating!
"Danzo!"
The expression on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face was stern as he fixed his gaze on his old friend: "This time, to protect the village, I must kill you here..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not intend to entrust this matter to anyone else; he was determined to personally deal with Shimura Danzo here, just as the First Hokage had once killed Uchiha Madara!
~~~
Little did he know, the Real Hashirama is Coming!
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