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The Third Hokage's body trembled slightly, and then cold sweat began to pour down uncontrollably. His aged face was frozen in a state of shock and disbelief.
It wasn't that what was said was incorrect.
Rather…
It was *too accurate*!
This was the most genuine thought in the Third's heart.
He had never considered passing the position to someone else, nor did he think about who would be suitable to succeed him as Hokage.
Once he held the position, it was his!
Even when he passed it to the Fourth Hokage, it was because the Third Great Ninja War had left Konoha in ruins, and the village needed an explanation.
Such actions, in the present, were seen as merely avoiding scrutiny!
Ultimately, he planned to find a chance to clear his name and reclaim his position.
At least…
Even now, the Third had never thought about who would succeed him as Hokage.
Whoever comes after him can figure it out!
As long as he was alive, he wouldn't worry about what happens after his death. He never expected to face the First Hokage's reincarnation; otherwise, he would still enjoy the position of Hokage.
Of course.
The Third didn't realize that if Hashirama hadn't intervened, he would now be in the grasp of Death itself.
"Uh… um… I… haven't had the chance to… consider the issue of the Fifth Hokage."
The Third swallowed hard, visibly nervous, as if his inner thoughts had been completely exposed.
In reality.
The Third had consistently claimed to be searching for a candidate for the Sixth Hokage, all the while focusing on Jiraiya, who had no interest in becoming Hokage.
Just push Jiraiya into it.
After all, Jiraiya didn't want the position.
As for others, they were all deemed unqualified.
He had a small hope that he could wait until Asuma was ready and then hand over the Hokage duties to him.
This was also why he had made early arrangements to place Nara Shikamaru under Asuma's command.
During the ninja academy's class assignments, he publicly claimed they were based on grades, but in reality, he placed the future core of Konoha— the new Ino-Shika-Cho trio— into Asuma's class.
As these three grew up, Asuma would gain the support of the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans.
These three clans weren't the largest in Konoha but held significant influence.
Moreover, adding to Asuma's group were his fiancée, Hinata's eldest daughter, and the new generation from the Yamanaka and Inuzuka clans.
This simple class assignment effectively brought the major forces of Konoha under the control of the Sarutobi family, forming a unique Sarutobi faction.
As for others,
They were assigned to other instructors.
Without Minato Namikaze, Naruto Uzumaki, or the fallen Uchiha Sasuke, and with the ordinary Sakura Haruno, these individuals, despite their exceptional talent, lacked sufficient backing.
Even tracing back to the previous generation,
Might Guy taught only the talented members of the Hyuga branch, the hardworking Lee, and the inconspicuous Tenten.
These people were either politically sidelined or had to work their way up from the bottom.
They couldn't match the connections of Asuma and his group in the short term.
All that was needed was a few more years.
Asuma would then smoothly succeed as the Sixth Hokage.
This would give Asuma enough time to wait for Konohamaru to mature and become the Seventh Hokage.
Regarding the Hokage issue,
The Third Hokage had not only thought about it but had indeed considered many things.
With his years of accumulated experience in the Hokage position, he had amassed enough influence to potentially change the Hokage lineage to the Sarutobi name.
Therefore,
For the current Third Hokage,
Claiming that he hadn't considered it was the most fitting answer. He could accept appearing mediocre, but he absolutely couldn't reveal his ambitions in front of the First Hokage.
This ambition had been hidden in his heart for years!
"Hmm."
Hashirama nodded slightly, simply acknowledging with a sound. He didn't say a word more or show any change in expression, leaving his thoughts inscrutable.
The more he remained inscrutable,
The more terrifying it became.
It was almost impossible to find a way to deal with it!
"Now let's move on to the next question."
Hashirama did not linger on the topic, seemingly moving on as if the issue had been resolved, which left the Third with a sense of unease—perhaps it was all too easy.
"The second issue: why did you choose to remain silent about Danzo Shimura's actions and not impose any sanctions? You must know that your inaction only emboldened Danzo, making him increasingly reckless!"
Hashirama narrowed his eyes slightly. In reality, he knew that Danzo was still loyal to Konoha, even thinking of the village until his death.
But loyalty doesn't mean one doesn't make mistakes!
It's like historical figures who made errors but were still considered loyal to their country.
Danzo's actions, despite his loyalty to Konoha, clearly violated many rules!
Of course,
These rules were the ones in Hashirama's mind.
These were dictated by the strong.
If you are weak, you must obey; if you are strong, your words are the law.
"This…"
The Third Hokage took another deep breath. Each of Hashirama's questions felt like a knife, deeply piercing his heart.
It was too difficult!
How did he know about these matters?
Could it be that Danzo talked?
The Third recalled that when the First Hokage met with Danzo, he wasn't present and didn't know what was said. It was possible that Danzo had reported or complained about things.
But…
If it was Danzo who disclosed this information,
Wasn't that effectively a self-revelation?
"Is it really necessary to be so harsh?"
"The truth is, Danzo did indeed attempt to seize the position of Hokage multiple times, and his actions were inappropriate. However, his intentions were good. He wanted to become Hokage to better protect Konoha."
The Third Hokage had to defend Danzo.
If he didn't, it would look like he was covering for Danzo. At this point, he needed to clean up the situation as best as he could.
By defending Danzo, he might also save himself.
For a moment,
Konoha in the sunlight and the roots buried underground formed a unified whole. If the roots were to wither, the leaves would also die.
"Since Danzo's intentions were good, why didn't you give him the position of Hokage and fulfill his ambitions?"
Hashirama sneered coldly, pressing the question.
"I..."
The Third Hokage was suddenly at a loss for words.
It was too logical.
Why didn't he step down?
Because Danzo wasn't as good as he claimed!
The Third felt like he had dug a pit for himself and had now fallen into it, unsure of how to resolve the situation.
"Danzo's talents are more suited for the Anbu, not for being in the spotlight. My actions were the best way to utilize Danzo's abilities."
The Third Hokage's eyes darted around as he desperately searched for reasons, even if they were weak, he had to provide some response and not be caught off guard.
"Third Hokage, do you know that in the future, when the dust settles, many will say that you were the weakest Hokage? But I actually think you are the strongest Hokage. You are greater than both Tobirama and Minato!"
Hashirama suddenly gave the Third Hokage a thumbs-up, praising him with deep meaning.
"Because you are so hypocritical!"
(End of Chapter)