"Orochimaru is not a traitor. I deliberately arranged for him to rebel against the village previously so that he could be sent to the Akatsuki organization as an undercover agent."
Hiruzen explained once again in front of everyone.
It was still a pre-prepared rhetoric.
Regardless of whether he appointed him or not, just say that Orochimaru did not join the Akatsuki organization.
He just never expected that one day he, Sarutobi Hiruzen, would blame someone else!
It was quite uncomfortable to be blamed. No wonder Danzo often complained to himself before.
"Hiruzen."
Danzo, who had previously formed a deep cooperation with Orochimaru, certainly knew that Hiruzen's rhetoric was nonsense!
But he couldn't make others believe him!
As long as most of the Konoha ninjas believed him, the stain of Orochimaru's rebellion against the village would disappear, and he could even become a hero of Konoha!
Danzo's expression changed several times, and he also noticed the astonishment of those around him.
With the Third Hokage's assurance, the perception of Konoha ninjas towards Orochimaru had indeed improved dramatically, and they applauded enthusiastically.
Even Jiraiya looked shocked, upset that he had wrongly blamed Orochimaru.
Besides Danzo, Kabuto also knew the truth. But of course, he wouldn't immediately refute it; Orochimaru's desire was his long-cherished wish.
So what was the reason for the Third Hokage to be willing to be blamed? It didn't matter at all.
"But he launched an attack on the village and caused significant losses. He is not worthy of becoming Hokage at all!"
In desperation, Danzo attacked Orochimaru from another angle, taking advantage of the current situation to criticize and accuse him.
After all, Orochimaru collaborated with Otogakure and Sunagakure to attack Konoha, causing casualties in Konoha. This was a very strong fact!
"This is what Orochimaru and I planned beforehand."
"The goal was to eliminate the Fourth Kazekage and dismantle the threat of jinchūriki against Sunagakure. By the way, it could also test the village's emergency defense capabilities. But now it seems very pessimistic!"
Hiruzen once again expertly took the blame.
There was only zero time and unlimited time to blame.
When they heard this, everyone was in an uproar.
"What?"
"The Fourth Kazekage is dead?"
"Did Orochimaru-sama do it?"
"Is the Jinchuriki also planning something?"
"So, is this the plan of Sandaime-sama and Orochimaru-sama? Amazing!"
Killing one of the five Kage alone was an achievement that no Hokage had ever accomplished!
This alone was enough for Orochimaru to achieve a good service.
The village could bear a little sacrifice.
"Sensei, you are amazing! I was wrong to blame you before!"
Anko rushed forward, hugging Orochimaru's thigh, and said with tears in her eyes.
Orochimaru moved his lips, wanting to shake off this useless student. However, in order to maintain the image of the new Hokage, he decided to endure it.
On the contrary, he gently touched Anko and said comfortably:
"My good student, you have suffered so much all this time!"
Faced with Orochimaru's extraordinary gentleness, Anko trembled and became more sincere.
"For the village and sensei, it's all worth it!"
Seeing this, Kabuto beside her couldn't help but adjust his glasses.
Did he suddenly feel that his position was threatened?
Fortunately, with his intelligence, how could he not defeat Anko alone?
"Danzo, is there anything else you want to ask?"
Orochimaru stared at Danzo. Although he smiled, his eyes were filled with cold snake-like gazes.
Danzo looked around.
He found that there was no one around him supporting him.
He knew he couldn't continue attacking Orochimaru at this moment. Although he was very reluctant, he had no choice but to give in.
Finally, he said with disgust:
"Hiruzen, the next Hokage position cannot be decided by you alone. It must also be approved and appointed by the daimyo of the Land of Fire!"
"Until that time comes, Orochimaru cannot take over as Hokage!"
"Do you want to act arbitrarily and place your own desires above the Daimyo?"
Danzo didn't respect the Dai too much; it was purely useful at the moment.
Only after that did he use the title of Daimyo to pressure Hiruzen. Although he couldn't completely prevent Orochimaru from ascending the throne, he could still delay it for a few days and allow himself to plan another scheme.
"This is not a problem. Orochimaru can temporarily take over the position of Hokage and handle various affairs."
"As for the Daimyo, I will write a letter personally. They may not refuse."
Hiruzen replied.
From here, we can also see the difference between the era of the Second Hokage and the following eras.
Tobirama didn't take the name of the Land of Fire seriously.
The next Hokage could be appointed with a single word, without asking the Daimyo's opinion, let alone the appointment and testimony of the envoy of the Land of Fire.
In contrast, during the Third Hokage's time and onwards, he bound himself more and more to the Land of Fire.
Receiving more assistance and control from the Land of Fire.
Therefore, during the period of the Third Hokage, the village appeared more prosperous than before, but this prosperity was merely superficial, a false prosperity achieved at the cost of some sovereignty.
After all, the Third Hokage had lived for quite some time, and his relationship with the current Daimyo of the Land of Fire was still good.
As long as the Third Hokage was alive, the Daimyo would not deliberately make things difficult for him to reject the next Hokage he appointed.
Unless the current Hokage died unexpectedly and the next Hokage needed to be chosen together, then the Land of Fire could take the opportunity to tighten control further and manage the selection and appointment of the next Hokage.
This was one of the reasons why Lux saved Hiruzen's life earlier.
❀❀❀
"Hiruzen, what's wrong with you…"
Danzo was clearly still a bit reluctant. He wanted to know what kind of thing Orochimaru had given to Hiruzen?
He was able to completely change his mind in a short time. Even at the cost of so many scapegoats, he still wanted to support Orochimaru to replace him as Hokage.
This was completely unlike him!
Such determination and will, how could he be like Hiruzen in his youth? But he was clearly nearly 70 years old!
"Danzo, don't think about this anymore! Also, can you explain where you and the root ninjas were when the village was attacked?"
Danzo's frequent issues also made Hiruzen even angrier.
Certainly, when he challenged Orochimaru, this old friend didn't even show his face, but now he came out to criticize him once everything was over.
Although Hiruzen was made of clay, he still had a bit of anger.
"That…"
Danzo was startled and suddenly broke out in a sweat.
In front of many people, if he couldn't provide a reasonable explanation, it would prove that his position was very problematic!
Even though everyone was similar and came very late, anyone who was the most out-of-the-box should not be blamed for being the first.
"I ordered the root ninjas to protect important fortifications."
"For example?"
"For example, the Hokage Building, the infirmary, and the core barrier."
Danzo boldly fabricated some answers, but they were clearly not convincing.
These important arrangements were already guarded by ninjas; why did he need root ninjas to join in the fun?
And this gave Hiruzen a reason to attack.
"Hmph! The root has nothing to do with your hands."
"Danzo, starting today, I will remove you from your position as Hokage Assistant, and also hand over the leadership!"
Hiruzen commanded harshly.
He punished Danzo and protected him.
Because he knew that his outstanding student, Orochimaru, would not indulge Danzo like he did.
If Danzo continued to act arrogantly, he would only seek his own death!
"No! Hiruzen, how could this be?"
"That's my order!"
"Hiruzen, you will regret this."
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"