Sarutobi Hiruzen felt somewhat exhausted.
Whenever the topic of external affairs came up, Akihara Kagura's ideas were often extreme. If a problem could be solved by killing, he wouldn't consider a second option.
For instance, a document Sarutobi Hiruzen casually pulled out stated: "Takumi Village wants to raise the price of ninja tools on Konoha, and we need to send someone to negotiate…"
"Kill the person who wants to raise the price."
Akihara Kagura's ideas were very pragmatic.
For another example, Sarutobi Hiruzen drew another document: "The Land of Waterfalls and the Land of Frost are experiencing conflicts, and they hope we can help mediate…"
"Destroy these two villages and annex their land."
Akihara Kagura's thoughts were all for the benefit of Konoha.
After hearing Akihara Kagura's methods, Sarutobi Hiruzen could only smoke furiously.
If Sarutobi Hiruzen were to evaluate Akihara Kagura, he would say that this child was really suited for the Anbu, but not quite fit to become a Hokage…
But…
That's not acceptable!
No Hokage could see a talent like Akihara Kagura and waste it; they must find a way to nurture this child to become the next one!
After smoking through a pack of cigarettes, Sarutobi Hiruzen started to handle official duties in front of Akihara Kagura, teaching him how things should be done.
"First, we deal with the issue of Lord Mizukage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Akihara Kagura and gently instructed: "We must first send the Anbu to escort the Fourth Mizukage back to the Mist Village, then request the Mizukage to allow the Hokage to visit the Mist Village once, to prevent him from thinking he is a hostage…"
This was just a pretext.
In reality, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never recklessly leave Konoha to visit another ninja village, and such visitation promises could always be canceled for any reason.
"He's just a hostage, isn't he?"
Akihara Kagura looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, even using the person in question to make his point: "The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, is quite prepared to be a hostage. Shall I bring him over and ask him…"
"But we can't treat him as a hostage…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen hoped the child would understand his deeper meaning: "If you were sent to the Mist Village, and lived there for two years…"
"That would be fine?"
Akihara Kagura thought for a moment, then responded: "If the people of the Mist Village made my stay unpleasant, just destroy the Mist Village…"
"…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen once again took up his pipe, exhaled a rich ring of smoke, and rang the bell to summon a team of Anbu, directly ordering them to follow his instructions.
This matter had to be carried out as soon as possible.
After all, the conflict between the upper echelons of Konoha and the Uchiha was getting more severe. Sending the Fourth Mizukage Yagura away as soon as possible could also prevent any issues with this Three-Tails Jinchuriki.
Yagura's stay in Konoha wasn't short.
During this time, the relationship between Konoha and the Mist Village had greatly improved, and the trade between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water was unceasing. There was no need to keep him any longer.
Sarutobi Hiruzen also issued orders to send envoys to the Takumi Village for negotiations, hoping they would continue to guarantee the original prices. Otherwise, Konoha would gradually reduce the purchase of ninja tools, as a major ninja village does not need many ninja tools in non-war times.
Besides that,
There was also the conflict between the Land of Waterfalls and the Land of Frost.
The Sarutobi Hiruzen dispatched a team of ninjas to investigate the conflict situation and invited the leaders of two villages to Konoha, presenting a stance that Konoha would mediate the matter.
Akihara Kagura's proposal was very good.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not adopt it at all.
If one proposal was adopted, Konoha would have wasted all its previous efforts; adopting two proposals would start a war; adopting three proposals would trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Konoha had many matters that needed the Hokage's attention.
However, this was not something Sarutobi Hiruzen could handle alone.
"If in the future you encounter situations without ideas, or if your ideas are too simplistic..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen resolved a few matters first and then continued to instruct Akihara Kagura on the side: "You can also discuss with others, ask for their opinions. A decision made by one person is inevitably prone to oversight..."
Just at this time.
Hokage assistant Shimura Danzo and two Hokage advisors arrived at the Hokage office, assisting him in handling official duties and convening meetings on some major issues.
"Let me introduce."
Sarutobi Hiruzen pointed to Akihara Kagura by his side, actively introducing his new role: "Kagura is my new guard and assistant."
"This selection..."
Koharu Utatane's eyes narrowed as she observed Akihara Kagura and nodded: "It is an appropriate choice, but isn't he too young?"
"Indeed, a bit young."
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and continued: "I remember this child is only thirteen years old, by the time he is thirty, it would be almost..."
"I don't think it's appropriate."
Upon seeing Akihara Kagura by Sarutobi Hiruzen's side, Shimura Danzo's face immediately soured: "Monkey, I've already mentioned to you..."
"Kagura."
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Akihara Kagura, not wanting him to hear the dispute with Shimura Danzo, and ordered: "Take half a day off this morning, go rest."
"Yes."
As Akihara Kagura passed by, he specifically glanced at Shimura Danzo, his eyes revealing a trace of confusion, seemingly curious as to why this superior seemed to be hostile towards him?
Strictly speaking, this was the first time he met Shimura Danzo after the Yakushi Kabuto and Yakushi Nono incident.
After Akihara Kagura closed the door, the Hokage office erupted into an argument, with Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo's voices louder than the other's!
"I absolutely disagree with Akihara Kagura becoming a Hokage candidate!"
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"
"Sarutobi, you will regret this!"
"If you hadn't taught this child too extremely, I wouldn't need to bring him to my side to cultivate him at this age!"
"That child is inherently extreme! He is a pure trickster! He is a scheming fellow! He deceived me in the matter of Yakushi Nono!"
"You were wrong about that! A child from an orphanage, willing to save the head of the orphanage, that should have been praiseworthy!"
"..."
For a moment, Shimura Danzo was somewhat at a loss for words.
The identity of this child from the orphanage was initially brought up by him to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and it was also he who had placed his hopes on Akihara Kagura…
Could it be that he should reveal the truth? That Akihara Kagura was someone he had brought over from Orochimaru himself, and that he had been in cahoots with Orochimaru? That Akihara Kagura, who came from an orphanage, had been deceiving him all along, making him believe that Kagura was not from an orphanage?
"Monkey!"
Shimura Danzo stared at Sarutobi Hiruzen, speaking in a grave tone, "One day, you will understand that everything I have done was for the sake of Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, unfazed, glanced at Shimura Danzo, "Then, for the sake of Konoha, please assist the village's future Hokage properly!"
"Stop arguing."
Koharu Utatane quickly interrupted them, shifting the topic, "Let's discuss the Uchiha clan first. Has Uchiha Itachi not sent the information from their side yet?"
"It will arrive tonight."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's mood eased, he said solemnly, "However, we no longer need to worry about them betraying us now. Even though Jiraiya might leave the village, the strength of Kagura is sufficient to deal with the potential threat of the Mangekyo Sharingan."
The Uchiha clan's Mangekyo Sharingan is too sinister, even including Uchiha Obito's nearly invincible space-time ninjutsu.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen has aged, he cannot guarantee his victory over the Mangekyo Sharingan, but with Akihara Kagura's Wood Release, he believes they are enough to suppress the Uchiha clan.
Shimura Danzo did not object to this, nodding, "Since we have the strength, let's quickly eliminate those who wish to rebel..."
To be honest, no one present wished for the Uchiha's downfall more than Shimura Danzo. After finally acquiring the eyes of Uchiha Shisui, he did not expect them to be snatched away by Uchiha Obito in an instant. He also wanted to acquire more Sharingan as material for the Izanagi.
"No."
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately disagreed with Shimura Danzo, "Now that we have enough strength to prevent the Uchiha clan's idea of rebellion, we need to inform them as soon as possible, letting them realize that only peace is the only way out..."
"That's just temporary peace..."
Shimura Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen's attitudes diverged again.
"As long as we have a period of peace, everything can still be slowly changed in the future. Using violence to solve the Uchiha clan only weakens Konoha's strength..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was dissatisfied with Shimura Danzo's extreme methods, even starting to blame him, "Danzo, it's all because you are too selfish, wanting to keep Wood Release for your own use, unwilling to send Akihara Kagura to the Ninja Academy, making his thoughts become too extreme!"
"Akihara Kagura was never meant to become the Hokage!"
Shimura Danzo was infuriated by Sarutobi Hiruzen's accusation, having carried many burdens in the illusionary world two years ago and still having to carry them in the real world.
Who would be happy with that!
"Let's not talk about this anymore."
Koharu Utatane quickly interrupted their argument, saying, "Akihara Kagura is too young after all. The discussion of him succeeding as Hokage can be delayed, but the threat of the Uchiha clan is imminent and must be resolved quickly!"
"Let's wait for Itachi's information first."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat back down, calming down, "Tonight, the Uchiha clan will hold another clan meeting."
"Then let's deal with official business first."
Mitokado Homura quickly smoothed things over.
Konoha Hospital.
Yakushi Kabuto rested in his office.
Just then, he suddenly noticed a change in the shadows on the ground. The shadow moved to an open space.
"This is…"
Before Yakushi Kabuto could react, a pitch-black figure emerged from the shadows, slowly transforming into the appearance of Akihara Kagura.
Kabuto's heart skipped a beat, looking at this terrifying entrance, he couldn't help but push up his glasses: "What kind of technique is this?"
"Just a little trick with shadows."
Akihara Kagura sat on the table, not elaborating further.
The initial use of the [Light and Shadow] trait allowed Akihara Kagura to experience its tremendous utility, enabling him to move freely within the shadows.
"Congratulations on becoming a Jonin ninja."
Without asking further, Yakushi Kabuto softly expressed his congratulations, then continued: "The village just announced this yesterday. I was wondering when you returned to the village, planning to find an opportunity to visit you, but you came over instead..."
"I've had a falling out with Orochimaru."
This statement made Kabuto's expression change drastically.
Yakushi Kabuto quickly lowered his head, starting to think intensely about the trouble their falling out with Orochimaru would bring: "Do Dean Nono and I need to prepare to defect? Orochimaru will not let us go..."
"There's no need for Dean Nono."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, softly saying: "Regardless of whether I was really a child from the Konoha Orphanage before, from today onwards, treat me as if I was pretending to be from the orphanage, as if I was scheming to usurp the position of the Hokage of Konoha..."
Kabuto fell silent.
At this moment, Yakushi Kabuto didn't even know how to respond.
Why go through all this trouble?
Akihara Kagura had done so much for him and Dean Nono; they had finally reunited, only to separate again?
"Orochimaru intends to use me and Dean Nono to threaten you?"
Yakushi Kabuto could only sit in his chair, thinking seriously: "Why split with Orochimaru? Because he wants to take over your body?"
"You knew?"
"Of course."
Yakushi Kabuto nodded, continuing: "I formed a small team mainly to participate in the Chunin Exams, to help Orochimaru scout some talents. I thought he wanted to enhance his own strength, but he told me outright that he needs some talents as backup containers..."
"Do you think I should give myself up to him?"
Akihara Kagura looked at Yakushi Kabuto, softly saying: "As long as he takes over my body, Orochimaru won't trouble you guys anymore."
Yakushi Kabuto quickly shook his head, whispering: "The Dean would never agree. She's already felt guilty about the past; you've sacrificed a lot for us. I'll arrange for the Dean to hide as soon as possible..."
"You decide."
Akihara Kagura looked at Yakushi Kabuto, directly handing over the task: "Make Orochimaru believe I'm not a child from the orphanage, make him think I'm a cunning person, let him know I don't care about your and Dean Nono's lives, letting him understand that I won't give up my body for you and Dean Nono..."
"That's difficult."
Yakushi Kabuto's eyebrows were deeply furrowed as he reached to remove his glasses, gently wiping the mist from the lenses: "Originally, for the sake of myself and Dean Nono, you disregarded your own life to become Orochimaru's undercover agent, entering under Danzo's command. Orochimaru wouldn't easily trust..."
"Especially..."
"At this point in time."
"Orochimaru would definitely suspect this to be a plot."
Putting his glasses back on, Yakushi Kabuto looked towards Akihara Kagura, who was sitting on his office desk: "Unless, one of us, either Dean Nono or I, dies by your hand."
"I..."
"Dean Nono..."
"One of us must sacrifice ourselves."
"Only by doing so, Orochimaru would believe there are no bonds between us, perhaps even hatred, allowing at least one of us to survive."
Yakushi Kabuto had more to say that remained unspoken.
In fact, among the three of us, one must make a sacrifice; either Akihara Kagura sacrifices himself so that Dean Nono and I can live; or one of us, Dean Nono and I, must make the sacrifice...
However...
Yakushi Kabuto understood.
No matter what, Akihara Kagura cannot be sacrificed.
As Yakushi Kabuto was intensely struggling with the decision of when exactly Dean Nono and he should choose to sacrifice, Akihara Kagura's expression drooped.
"This is so troublesome... Why does someone have to die?"
Akihara Kagura casually picked up a pear from Yakushi Kabuto's office desk and took a bite: "We can't die. Otherwise, I'll make time to kill Orochimaru! After all, he's no match for me..."
"Wait..."
Yakushi Kabuto's mood suddenly quivered, feeling his emotions undergoing a strange change: "Did you just say, you can kill Orochimaru?"
"He's no match for me."
"Then why not kill him?"
"Because he's still useful. He possesses a lot of useful forbidden jutsu. This guy needs to be killed a few more times."
"Well, I thought..."
"Thought what?"
"Nothing."
Yakushi Kabuto's mood relaxed a bit.
Akihara Kagura wouldn't lie to him about this sort of thing, would he?
However...
This guy has a precedent for secretly sacrificing himself!
Yakushi Kabuto was genuinely worried about Akihara Kagura sacrificing himself, whispering, "I'll try to find a way to get close to Orochimaru as an undercover agent, to see if I can steal his knowledge, and also monitor his actions..."
"That works."
"Actually, I might not need to be so anxious."
After finishing the pear, Akihara Kagura pulled out a paper to wipe the pear juice from the corner of his mouth, revealing a mischievous smile: "Something big is going to happen in Konoha soon, maybe after these few days, Orochimaru will have a new target and won't focus on my body anymore?"
"But..."
"We always have to be fully prepared."
"Yes..."
Yakushi Kabuto nodded, a glint of sunlight reflecting off his glasses from the window outside: "We all want to sacrifice ourselves, but after going through great hardships to finally survive, we must live well, not a single one of us can afford to not live on…"