No matter how big the problem is, it always finds a reasonable resolution in the end. Or, to put it another way, it's solved in a way that everyone can accept.
The so-called art of politics is about compromise, and nobody embodies that better than the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
By confronting Danzo's ambition and reining in some of his control over Root, while simultaneously reducing Tsunade's overwhelming influence within Konoha's medical system, he managed to balance the power structure in Konoha.
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, exhaling thick smoke while gazing at Konoha through the clear window. His expression was uncertain.
He'd just received a letter from Tsunade. The message was brief, stating that she was leaving for a while and that her return date was unknown. There was a sense of deep disappointment in the air.
"Has she really left?" Hiruzen asked one of the ANBU stationed beside him, his voice tinged with melancholy.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kirikaku responded. "This morning, Tsunade-sama and her apprentices departed from Konoha."
"I see."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked toward the village gate. A wave of regret washed over him—perhaps he'd been too harsh. But he quickly squashed that thought: "No, I did the right thing. It's Tsunade who's too immature!"
As the village's leader, his duty was to ensure its continuity and prosperity, even if it meant making tough decisions or sacrificing certain individuals for the greater good.
"Rinko, please summon Uchiha Sogetsu," Sarutobi Hiruzen said as he sat down, his voice firm. Since Tsunade's departure was now a reality, he had to take measures to stabilize the village, at least on the surface.
Not long after, Uchiha Sogetsu entered the Hokage Building, his presence commanding attention.
"Hokage-sama, why did you call me here?" Uchiha Sogetsu asked, his eyes downcast and his expression tense.
Though he tried to conceal it, the experienced Sarutobi Hiruzen noticed the faint traces of indignation and confusion in the young man's demeanor.
After all, he was young and believed he had hidden his feelings well. Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled gently, an amiable expression on his face. "I know you're feeling a bit off-kilter right now. You're questioning the decision I made, aren't you?"
"No, not at all, Hokage-sama."
Uchiha Sogetsu quickly panicked and denied any such feeling.
"Haha, it's fine, I understand," Hiruzen replied with a wave of his hand. "I was young once, too. It's normal to lose your temper sometimes. And, let's be honest, you're not wrong to be upset with the choices Danzo made, right?"
"Hokage-sama, I'm not dissatisfied with you, just a bit confused," Uchiha Sogetsu replied, his head bowed and his fists clenched in anger.
"There are some things I can't explain right now," Hiruzen said after taking a puff of his pipe. He paused briefly, then continued, "Danzo did overstep a bit, which is why I called you in today. I have two things to discuss with you."
With a quick tap, he knocked the ashes out of his pipe before setting it aside. Sarutobi Hiruzen then said, "First, let's talk about this mission you completed. You did an excellent job, so as a reward, I'm letting you choose a jutsu from the Scroll of Seals."
Uchiha Sogetsu was taken aback, his expression turning to one of disbelief. "Hokage-sama, isn't that a bit..."
The Scroll of Seals is one of the most important treasures in Konoha Village, left behind by the First Hokage. It contains a collection of unique and powerful jutsu.
Techniques like the Reaper Death Seal, the Four Symbols Seal, the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu, the Eight Gates, the Flying Thunder God Technique, and more are recorded within its pages.
These jutsu will play pivotal roles in future conflicts, especially during the Fourth Ninja War.
Normally, learning the jutsu from the Scroll of Seals is nearly impossible without special permission, requiring significant accomplishments or a close relationship with the Hokage's faction. It's even more challenging for someone from the Uchiha clan.
"Hokage-sama, this is too generous," said Uchiha Sogetsu, his voice tinged with hesitance.
Though he was tempted to accept immediately, he couldn't seem too eager. He had to maintain his composure.
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved off his concerns, as if expecting this response. "I know what you're going to say, but I trust you, Uchiha Sogetsu," he said.
"Despite the misunderstandings and conflicts between the Uchiha clan and the village, we're all from Konoha. I believe you embody the Will of Fire."
"Hokage-sama," Uchiha Sogetsu responded, letting a hint of emotion show.
Sarutobi nodded and continued. "This is also my way of compensating you," he explained, an edge of regret in his voice. "Let's put this matter with Danzo to rest. I've already warned him, and this won't happen again. I hope you understand my intentions."
Uchiha Sogetsu internally scoffed. Understand? He had no plans to let Danzo off the hook. He was just getting started.
But outwardly, he had to play along. He paused, pretending to think, then nodded, saying, "I understand, Hokage-sama. With the growing tension in the ninja world, Danzo's Root is a necessary force for Konoha. I'll let it go."
Anyone who was paying attention knew that this was just rhetoric. If they really cared about doing the right thing, why did they force White Fang to commit suicide? It was all about consolidating power and eliminating opposition.
"Yes, I knew I could count on you, Uchiha Sogetsu," Sarutobi said, patting him on the shoulder. He added with a serious expression, "You have a bright future. With the right mindset, it's not impossible to imagine someone from the Uchiha clan becoming Hokage one day!"
Uchiha Sogetsu was unimpressed by the Hokage's grandiose talk.
"At this level, maybe you should go back and study with those who worked under the 996 schedule. They were much better at selling dreams and promises," he thought.
After another round of "Brainwashing Attempt," Hiruzen Sarutobi handed Sogetsu a scroll. "This contains some ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals. You can take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to learn. If so, I'll have someone make a copy for you."
Of course, Sarutobi wasn't about to give Sogetsu the original Scroll of Seals.
Uchiha Sogetsu accepted the scroll, pretending to look through it, but he already had a plan in mind. Unsurprisingly, there was no record of Reaper Death Seal or Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu.
After a while, he closed the scroll and said, "Hokage-sama, I'd like to learn the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags."
"Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags?" Sarutobi was taken aback. He had expected Sogetsu to choose something like the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Choosing a forbidden technique like this made Sarutobi frown. "This jutsu is designed to self-destruct and can be fatal to both the user and their enemies. When combined with the Shadow Clone Technique, it consumes a huge amount of chakra. Are you sure about this?"
"I am sure, Hokage-sama," Sogetsu replied.
The Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags is often seen as a close-range self-destruct ninjutsu when used with shadow clones.
While it is powerful, it consumes a great deal of chakra and isn't considered practical for general combat. However, in Sogetsu's eyes, its potential was far greater than any Impure World Reincarnation ninjutsu.
With this technique, combined with Konan's Paper Release, even the Sage of the Six Paths might kneel and call him "daddy!"
Forget about the Rasengan, Tailed Beast Bomb, and Wood Release. This was the strongest offensive ninjutsu in ninja world.
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