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Chapter 6: I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, The Strongest Hokage
They watched Sasuke as he studied Konoha's history until the middle of the night. He successfully sifted through the annals of the village. With a firm grasp on the past few decades, Sasuke was building his understanding of Konoha's legacy.
"Senju and Uchiha jointly established Konoha, but the Senju produced two Hokages. I, as the Third Hokage, was a disciple of the Second. The Uchiha, however, never had a Hokage of their own."
"In the Second Ninja World War, Konoha's White Fang rose to prominence with remarkable contributions, overshadowing the Sannin. Yet, his later choice to save his teammates over completing a mission led to his suicide amid the village's harsh judgement."
"The Third Ninja World War showcased the brilliance of the Golden Flash, Namikaze Minato. His accomplishments outshone even Orochimaru, leading to his appointment as the Fourth Hokage. Unfortunately, he perished soon after during the Nine Tails Rebellion."
"After the Nine Tails Rebellion, suspicion fell upon the Uchiha and they were forced to move. I had to step up once more as Hokage, and since then, no Fifth Hokage has been chosen. On the 50th anniversary of Konoha, Orochimaru, who was once a candidate for Hokage, became a defector."
Sasuke shut the history book, noting it ended with Orochimaru's defection. Although some events lacked a full narrative, the records of major incidents were quite detailed.
Overwhelmed by information, Sasuke pinched his forehead. "What does all of this indicate?"
"The one thing that stands out is my long tenure as Hokage," he concluded with a sigh of reflection.
From being named the Third Hokage by the Second, throughout the First Ninja World War to now, I've been at the helm for thirty years.
A flicker in his eyes, Sasuke speculated inwardly:
"With over 30 years of leadership, could the Third Hokage truly be oblivious to the events transpiring in the village, especially something as momentous as the Uchiha genocide?"
He saw two possible scenarios: One, what Hiruzen told him about the genocide was the truth. Two, Hiruzen concealed some information.
"Which seems more plausible?"
Ohnoki didn't hesitate: "Why even deliberate? It's impossible that Sarutobi knew nothing!"
The Fourth Raikage added, "If the Third Hokage really lacked insight, he would have surely been ousted by this point."
Terumi Mei chimed in, "A Hokage who's been in command for over three decades surely hides some truths."
Hiruzen's face darkened at these words. It was unexpected that Sasuke could analyze and deduce so much just from Hiruzen's period in office, a conjecture that, regrettably, held merit.
Orochimaru, right beside me, was visibly delighted, teasing, "Fear not, Teacher Sarutobi. Take your time contemplating your defense."
Hiruzen shot Orochimaru an irritated glare, inhaled deeply, and prepared to respond in the chat room.
"The age in power doesn't explain anything; you should know this best, Onoki!"
Onoki replied, "Why are you bringing me into this? Mind your own business!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen then said, "Really? Onoki, remember, you served as the Third Tsuchikage starting from the first Ninja World War.
Does leading Iwagakure grant you omniscience and omnipotence? I've heard that your disciple, Deidara, left Iwagakure a few years ago and has since disappeared. And what about your Four Tails thatchūriki? He shows little regard for your title of Tsuchikage, roaming the ninja world alone."
Upon hearing this, Onoki's face turned to stone. The arguments made sense, and he found himself unable to contest either point. In governing longevity, he matched Sarutobi Hiruzen. Yet, Iwagakure was in disarray, beyond the control of its Tsuchikage. Given these circumstances, it would be normal for Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Hokage, not to have complete insight into the happenings within Konoha Village, right? If Onoki questioned Hiruzen further, would he not be questioning himself?
Conceding, Onogi spoke, "I'm convinced, Sarutobi. It is indeed you." No wonder Sarutobi Hiruzen maintained firm control in the face of rising stars like Konoha's White Fang, the Sannin, and the Golden Flash. His ability to navigate through words was unparalleled in the ninja world.
Orochimaru remarked dryly, "Tsk, how dull."
The Fourth Raikage commented, "Your village is quite the spectacle."
Terumi Mei chose to remain silent. If Kirigakure claimed to be the second most turbulent village, no one in the ninja world would dare claim to be the first.
The next day, Sasuke returned directly to the ninja school, disregarding comments about the Uchiha massacre. In class, he took out the history textbook and started browsing through its pages. Having already learned all that was taught in the courses, he figured he might as well read the book himself. Sasuke had read this textbook before, but now, with intent, he noticed many inconsistencies: "So much content is missing... The records on the history of Konoha's founding are scarce, while those about the Third Hokage's reign are extensive."
The book touted, "The Third Hokage is the greatest among them, having cultivated the likes of Konoha's White Fang, the Sannin, and the Golden Flash."
"But there are glaring omissions," Sasuke noted. "There's hardly anything about Konoha's White Fang, a significant figure in the Second Ninja World War!" He also realized, "The sections involving Orochimaru are severely abridged, without any mention of his defection!"
Internally, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed in frustration. Why was it always his responsibility? It was too much to bear.