[This Chapter Is Sponsored by Florin Durbaca! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
In Konoha, during the blazing summer, the cicadas chirped loudly from the treetops.
"Lord Third, the above is the recent development of intelligence from the Police Department," Kakashi Hatake reported calmly with his head bowed in the Hokage's office. He was meticulous and truthful in his report.
The Third Hokage, sitting across from him, showed more age spots on his face, with his hair and beard turning white, looking like an old man in his twilight years.
"Kakashi, you've worked hard," the Third Hokage said, looking at the intelligence report Kakashi had investigated. Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke, his brows furrowing in gravity.
In just half a year, the Police Department had developed rapidly, far beyond his expectations, attracting many ninjas and nearly doubling its strength.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha clan, having withdrawn nearly half of its members from the Police Department, used these elite forces to maintain and build their family's industry, making the Uchiha name more prominent within the Land of Fire.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned at the alarming report, while Kakashi, silent and head bowed, felt a chill in his heart.
The once powerful Third Hokage, now an elderly man, still clung to his position. The situation at Fire Temple remained unresolved, causing a rift between the Daimyo's mansion and the Konoha, though at least it had reached a conclusion.
The chaotic situation in the Land of Whirlpools stabilized gradually, with the bloodline rebel ninjas led by Terumi Mei from the Mist Village emerging, now entrenched in the Land of Whirlpools.
The Konoha played a role of covert support to these rebels, causing the Mist Village to be in disarray and unable to contend with the Leaf.
Other villages like Cloud and Rock, fearing a quick suppression of this force, secretly supported it, leading to the failure of Mist Village's repeated attempts to quell the rebellion and strengthen Terumi Mei's forces, now waiting for an opportunity to strike back.
With the instability in the ninja world, the Konoha's borders became the largest friction point, but now they were relatively stable despite minor skirmishes.
Over half a year, the Konoha had gradually stabilized, but to Kakashi's dismay, there were no signs of appointing a Fifth Hokage.
"Lord Third!" Kakashi, holding onto his last bit of hope, looked up calmly at the Third Hokage, who returned his gaze with a puzzled expression.
"Kakashi, do you have anything else to report?"
"Third Lord Third, recently, with the village's stability, there have been talks in taverns about electing the Fifth Hokage."
Kakashi's expression was well-masked, as if testing whether this was a move by the Third Hokage.
However, the Third Hokage was momentarily startled upon hearing this. The Fifth Hokage! His eyes became slightly unfocused. Indeed, it was time to choose a successor, but who?
Jiraiya was unrestrained, Tsunade was impulsive and aggressive. If Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage, inheriting the domineering nature of the Senju clan, her first act would be to seize power, likely causing conflict with the Anbu and Root divisions.
The village had just stabilized, and he certainly didn't want to see any disturbances.
"Kakashi, I understand."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's sigh of melancholy upon realizing that there was no one to inherit his "Will of Fire" left him feeling somewhat desolate.
However, at this moment, the last glimmer of hope in Kakashi's heart shattered. He saw clearly that the so-called "Will of Fire" had long become the Third Hokage's personal political ideology.
The "Will of Fire," often spoken of by the Third, was a great dedication, yet he couldn't accept even the slightest dissenting opinion. Plainly speaking, he was a dictator of will, becoming more autocratic with age.
"Lord Third, I shall take my leave now."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, watching Kakashi leave, nodded with a relieved expression, "Be careful, Kakashi. The village is gradually stabilizing; you don't need to rush into the Police Force."
"Yes!"
As Kakashi walked out of the Hokage's office building, he looked up at the brilliant sun with his one visible eye, but his heart was ice-cold.
"The Third Hokage has fallen into his own woven 'Will of Fire,' intolerant of the slightest dissent."
Kakashi, with his cool head and unique political insights, understood that it wasn't that Konoha lacked a candidate for the Fifth Hokage, but that the Third wouldn't allow anyone to cross his bottom line.
The so-called "Will of Fire," where everyone has their unique understanding, yet the Third insists that the next Hokage completely inherit his will. Isn't this too tyrannical? A slight deviation from his "Will of Fire" is seen as an unstable element, bringing turmoil to the village. Why is he so sure? Couldn't it lead to a better tomorrow?
Dictator! A dictator of political ideology, Kakashi sighed with emotion as he walked towards the Police Force, disappearing into the streets.
However, Kakashi's probing today made the Third Hokage sense a hint of conspiracy, leading him to convene a meeting with the village's high-level officials.
Hokage office meeting room.
After Koharu, Homura Mitokado, and Shimura Danzo arrived, they calmly looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, eager to know why they were all summoned. Was something significant about to happen?
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, looked at his three friends, lowered his Hokage hat, and exhaled a puff of smoke, his voice hoarse: "According to intelligence, the Police Force is preparing to nominate the Fifth Hokage."
"What!"
The most intense reaction came from Danzō, his only showing eye filled with rage.
"Damn it! Ambitious wolves!"
Angry, Danzō slammed his fist on the table, furiously saying: "The Uchiha's ambition is too great. Not only has the Police Force expanded, but the Uchiha clan's power has drastically increased. Now, their ambition has grown to coveted the position of Hokage. Arrogant!"
In Danzō's eyes, the Uchiha clan, blinded by their confidence in the Mangekyō Sharingan, audaciously coveted the Hokage's position.
At this moment, Koharu Utatane frowned and said solemnly, "The Uchiha clan has produced a terrifying Mangekyo Sharingan. Coupled with Uchiha Yoru's methods and his reputation, especially among the younger generation, he indeed has the qualifications to be discussed for the position of the Fifth Hokage."
Koharu Utatane spoke the truth. There was now a gap in the village's leadership. Above were the Sannin from an older era, with only Jiraiya and Tsunade possessing the ability to be considered for Hokage. Below them, only the eighteen-year-old Uchiha Yoru had the strength of a Kage, especially with his unknown Sharingan abilities, which were a trump card.
There was a gap, with no ninja around thirty years old having the strength of a Kage, indicating a clear break.
"The Uchiha clan is ambitious and must not be allowed to succeed. Moreover, the village needs stability now!" said Homura Mitokado after a long silence, leading to a moment of quiet among the three.
They had personally experienced a new Hokage taking office in recent years, which significantly impacted the older generation's influence and prestige.
When the Fourth Hokage took office, he began cultivating his own power. With the Third Hokage still in existence, the Hokage's power was immense.
With two Hokages alive and the Third still wielding his power, where would the new Hokage's authority come from if not by dividing the existing powers among all?
After all, the cake was only so big. If the Third gave up a significant portion of his power, they also needed to cooperate and give up some.
Watching their influence and prestige being gradually eroded was disheartening for anyone, a part of human nature.
Looking at his three old friends, Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of thick smoke and hoarsely said, "With the Fourth Hokage gone and the village gradually stabilizing, we indeed need a young new Hokage."
"No!" exclaimed Shimura Danzo, slamming the table in opposition to Hiruzen's idea of stepping down.
Anyone who took the position would be younger than the Third, making it difficult for Danzo to outlast them. Given the Third's advanced age, Danzo saw an opportunity to outlive his rival, one he couldn't miss.
The other three looked at him as if to say his opposition was a bit much.
Danzo coldly huffed, "A new Hokage means a transfer of power, which can bring turmoil, especially giving the Uchiha an opportunity."
"If Uchiha takes power, Konoha will face unprecedented turmoil. Even if Uchiha fails to ascend, they will not be content and will stir up trouble. Sarutobi, now is not the time to select a new Fifth Hokage. The village needs stability."
Danzo spoke righteously, but the others shook their heads, knowing his true intentions. Danzo feared the new Hokage's impact on his Root organization.
Not everyone was like the Third, who allowed Danzo some leeway. Root's power was comparable to the Anbu, and they knew of some of Root's questionable research but turned a blind eye.
After all, Danzo's intentions were for Konoha's sake, a reason they pretended not to see.
Koharu Utatane nodded gravely in agreement with Danzo, "Sarutobi, if we choose a Fifth, only Jiraiya and Tsunade can surpass Uchiha."
Jiraiya and Tsunade – these names made everyone frown.
Tsunade was the least desirable choice for them. If Tsunade took the position, they would have no way to counter her, nominally speaking.
Grandfather was the first generation, Great Uncle was the second generation, bearing the bloodline of the Senju clan, and being a princess of the Land of Fire herself, with these identities, could they really suppress her?
Moreover, Tsunade's explosive temper meant that their pointing and commenting would likely be met with angry scolding.
Others might think such scolding is excessive, but when she reprimands, no one can gossip, who can match her background?
Simply put, in their eyes, Tsunade is a formidable figure, not to be provoked, as provoking her would only lead to their own misfortune.
Therefore, the chosen one is Jiraiya! At this time, both Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado nodded to each other in agreement, but Jiraiya was their last choice. Regardless of who took the stage, their group's interests and rights would be compromised.
More importantly, like the Third Hokage, who had long held power, they possessed the mindset of a dictator, believing that only by following their direction could the village remain stable, and any deviation would lead to turmoil.
"Hiruzen, the current Onoki of Iwagakure has no intention of stepping down yet, and I think it's not yet necessary to talk about the Fifth Hokage."
"Indeed, what the village needs now is stability, and we cannot leave the Uchiha's instability to the next generation. If handled poorly, all these would be our faults."
Koharu Utatane's last comment made Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turn serious, and even Shimura Danzo let out a cold snort.
They were proud in their own right. The Uchiha posed such a big threat during their time, and now they were incapable of dealing with it, passing it on to the next generation? Wasn't this indirectly admitting their incompetence?
This was something Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't accept; he couldn't tolerate leaving such a big hidden danger as a legacy to the next generation during his political career.
"The village might face turmoil soon."
With Sarutobi Hiruzen's firm tone, everyone understood his meaning, and Shimura Danzo let out a cold laugh, "The Root will react accordingly."
"No!"
Looking at Danzo, it was clear what he would do. Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a confident expression.
"Danzo! Send someone to the Uchiha clan and inquire about the new clan head, how far have they progressed in investigating the Nine-Tails incident and the death of the Fourth Hokage during the incident?"
What is called "old but still wise," the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, made it clear to everyone.
To take the initiative, directly mentioning the Nine-Tails incident from a few years ago, implying the Uchiha clan had suspicions. The previous clan head, Fugaku, had been investigating for so long, and now with the change of leadership, what had they uncovered?
While warning, he also reminded the ambitious new head of the Uchiha clan, thinking of competing for the Hokage position with the Mangekyo Sharingan? Then first clean up the mess left by the Nine-Tails.
"Hiruzen, it's dangerous for the Uchiha clan to have such thoughts!"
After resolving the issue, Koharu Utatane showed a wary expression. The Uchiha clan had already become their worry, and now their retaliation and ambition made them even more uneasy.
For Shimura Danzo, who saw the Uchiha clan as the biggest threat, his expression turned sinister, "Indeed, the Uchiha clan is an extremely dangerous existence. With the Mangekyo Sharingan's presence, their arrogance and pride as a clan will not be resolved, making the Uchiha clan a continuous threat."
Mangekyo Sharingan! That was the reason for everyone's apprehension.
It wasn't just about individual power; the impact was enormous. Especially since the Uchiha were an extremist clan.
In the eyes of the Uchiha, the Mangekyo Sharingan equated to invincibility, especially since Wood Release had vanished.
[This Chapter Is Sponsored by Florin Durbaca! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
In Konoha, during the blazing summer, the cicadas chirped loudly from the treetops.
"Lord Third, the above is the recent development of intelligence from the Police Department," Kakashi Hatake reported calmly with his head bowed in the Hokage's office. He was meticulous and truthful in his report.
The Third Hokage, sitting across from him, showed more age spots on his face, with his hair and beard turning white, looking like an old man in his twilight years.
"Kakashi, you've worked hard," the Third Hokage said, looking at the intelligence report Kakashi had investigated. Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke, his brows furrowing in gravity.
In just half a year, the Police Department had developed rapidly, far beyond his expectations, attracting many ninjas and nearly doubling its strength.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha clan, having withdrawn nearly half of its members from the Police Department, used these elite forces to maintain and build their family's industry, making the Uchiha name more prominent within the Land of Fire.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned at the alarming report, while Kakashi, silent and head bowed, felt a chill in his heart.
The once powerful Third Hokage, now an elderly man, still clung to his position. The situation at Fire Temple remained unresolved, causing a rift between the Daimyo's mansion and the Konoha, though at least it had reached a conclusion.
The chaotic situation in the Land of Whirlpools stabilized gradually, with the bloodline rebel ninjas led by Terumi Mei from the Mist Village emerging, now entrenched in the Land of Whirlpools.
The Konoha played a role of covert support to these rebels, causing the Mist Village to be in disarray and unable to contend with the Leaf.
Other villages like Cloud and Rock, fearing a quick suppression of this force, secretly supported it, leading to the failure of Mist Village's repeated attempts to quell the rebellion and strengthen Terumi Mei's forces, now waiting for an opportunity to strike back.
With the instability in the ninja world, the Konoha's borders became the largest friction point, but now they were relatively stable despite minor skirmishes.
Over half a year, the Konoha had gradually stabilized, but to Kakashi's dismay, there were no signs of appointing a Fifth Hokage.
"Lord Third!" Kakashi, holding onto his last bit of hope, looked up calmly at the Third Hokage, who returned his gaze with a puzzled expression.
"Kakashi, do you have anything else to report?"
"Third Lord Third, recently, with the village's stability, there have been talks in taverns about electing the Fifth Hokage."
Kakashi's expression was well-masked, as if testing whether this was a move by the Third Hokage.
However, the Third Hokage was momentarily startled upon hearing this. The Fifth Hokage! His eyes became slightly unfocused. Indeed, it was time to choose a successor, but who?
Jiraiya was unrestrained, Tsunade was impulsive and aggressive. If Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage, inheriting the domineering nature of the Senju clan, her first act would be to seize power, likely causing conflict with the Anbu and Root divisions.
The village had just stabilized, and he certainly didn't want to see any disturbances.
"Kakashi, I understand."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's sigh of melancholy upon realizing that there was no one to inherit his "Will of Fire" left him feeling somewhat desolate.
However, at this moment, the last glimmer of hope in Kakashi's heart shattered. He saw clearly that the so-called "Will of Fire" had long become the Third Hokage's personal political ideology.
The "Will of Fire," often spoken of by the Third, was a great dedication, yet he couldn't accept even the slightest dissenting opinion. Plainly speaking, he was a dictator of will, becoming more autocratic with age.
"Lord Third, I shall take my leave now."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, watching Kakashi leave, nodded with a relieved expression, "Be careful, Kakashi. The village is gradually stabilizing; you don't need to rush into the Police Force."
"Yes!"
As Kakashi walked out of the Hokage's office building, he looked up at the brilliant sun with his one visible eye, but his heart was ice-cold.
"The Third Hokage has fallen into his own woven 'Will of Fire,' intolerant of the slightest dissent."
Kakashi, with his cool head and unique political insights, understood that it wasn't that Konoha lacked a candidate for the Fifth Hokage, but that the Third wouldn't allow anyone to cross his bottom line.
The so-called "Will of Fire," where everyone has their unique understanding, yet the Third insists that the next Hokage completely inherit his will. Isn't this too tyrannical? A slight deviation from his "Will of Fire" is seen as an unstable element, bringing turmoil to the village. Why is he so sure? Couldn't it lead to a better tomorrow?
Dictator! A dictator of political ideology, Kakashi sighed with emotion as he walked towards the Police Force, disappearing into the streets.
However, Kakashi's probing today made the Third Hokage sense a hint of conspiracy, leading him to convene a meeting with the village's high-level officials.
Hokage office meeting room.
After Koharu, Homura Mitokado, and Shimura Danzo arrived, they calmly looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, eager to know why they were all summoned. Was something significant about to happen?
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, looked at his three friends, lowered his Hokage hat, and exhaled a puff of smoke, his voice hoarse: "According to intelligence, the Police Force is preparing to nominate the Fifth Hokage."
"What!"
The most intense reaction came from Danzō, his only showing eye filled with rage.
"Damn it! Ambitious wolves!"
Angry, Danzō slammed his fist on the table, furiously saying: "The Uchiha's ambition is too great. Not only has the Police Force expanded, but the Uchiha clan's power has drastically increased. Now, their ambition has grown to coveted the position of Hokage. Arrogant!"
In Danzō's eyes, the Uchiha clan, blinded by their confidence in the Mangekyō Sharingan, audaciously coveted the Hokage's position.
At this moment, Koharu Utatane frowned and said solemnly, "The Uchiha clan has produced a terrifying Mangekyo Sharingan. Coupled with Uchiha Yoru's methods and his reputation, especially among the younger generation, he indeed has the qualifications to be discussed for the position of the Fifth Hokage."
Koharu Utatane spoke the truth. There was now a gap in the village's leadership. Above were the Sannin from an older era, with only Jiraiya and Tsunade possessing the ability to be considered for Hokage. Below them, only the eighteen-year-old Uchiha Yoru had the strength of a Kage, especially with his unknown Sharingan abilities, which were a trump card.
There was a gap, with no ninja around thirty years old having the strength of a Kage, indicating a clear break.
"The Uchiha clan is ambitious and must not be allowed to succeed. Moreover, the village needs stability now!" said Homura Mitokado after a long silence, leading to a moment of quiet among the three.
They had personally experienced a new Hokage taking office in recent years, which significantly impacted the older generation's influence and prestige.
When the Fourth Hokage took office, he began cultivating his own power. With the Third Hokage still in existence, the Hokage's power was immense.
With two Hokages alive and the Third still wielding his power, where would the new Hokage's authority come from if not by dividing the existing powers among all?
After all, the cake was only so big. If the Third gave up a significant portion of his power, they also needed to cooperate and give up some.
Watching their influence and prestige being gradually eroded was disheartening for anyone, a part of human nature.
Looking at his three old friends, Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of thick smoke and hoarsely said, "With the Fourth Hokage gone and the village gradually stabilizing, we indeed need a young new Hokage."
"No!" exclaimed Shimura Danzo, slamming the table in opposition to Hiruzen's idea of stepping down.
Anyone who took the position would be younger than the Third, making it difficult for Danzo to outlast them. Given the Third's advanced age, Danzo saw an opportunity to outlive his rival, one he couldn't miss.
The other three looked at him as if to say his opposition was a bit much.
Danzo coldly huffed, "A new Hokage means a transfer of power, which can bring turmoil, especially giving the Uchiha an opportunity."
"If Uchiha takes power, Konoha will face unprecedented turmoil. Even if Uchiha fails to ascend, they will not be content and will stir up trouble. Sarutobi, now is not the time to select a new Fifth Hokage. The village needs stability."
Danzo spoke righteously, but the others shook their heads, knowing his true intentions. Danzo feared the new Hokage's impact on his Root organization.
Not everyone was like the Third, who allowed Danzo some leeway. Root's power was comparable to the Anbu, and they knew of some of Root's questionable research but turned a blind eye.
After all, Danzo's intentions were for Konoha's sake, a reason they pretended not to see.
Koharu Utatane nodded gravely in agreement with Danzo, "Sarutobi, if we choose a Fifth, only Jiraiya and Tsunade can surpass Uchiha."
Jiraiya and Tsunade – these names made everyone frown.
Tsunade was the least desirable choice for them. If Tsunade took the position, they would have no way to counter her, nominally speaking.
Grandfather was the first generation, Great Uncle was the second generation, bearing the bloodline of the Senju clan, and being a princess of the Land of Fire herself, with these identities, could they really suppress her?
Moreover, Tsunade's explosive temper meant that their pointing and commenting would likely be met with angry scolding.
Others might think such scolding is excessive, but when she reprimands, no one can gossip, who can match her background?
Simply put, in their eyes, Tsunade is a formidable figure, not to be provoked, as provoking her would only lead to their own misfortune.
Therefore, the chosen one is Jiraiya! At this time, both Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado nodded to each other in agreement, but Jiraiya was their last choice. Regardless of who took the stage, their group's interests and rights would be compromised.
More importantly, like the Third Hokage, who had long held power, they possessed the mindset of a dictator, believing that only by following their direction could the village remain stable, and any deviation would lead to turmoil.
"Hiruzen, the current Onoki of Iwagakure has no intention of stepping down yet, and I think it's not yet necessary to talk about the Fifth Hokage."
"Indeed, what the village needs now is stability, and we cannot leave the Uchiha's instability to the next generation. If handled poorly, all these would be our faults."
Koharu Utatane's last comment made Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turn serious, and even Shimura Danzo let out a cold snort.
They were proud in their own right. The Uchiha posed such a big threat during their time, and now they were incapable of dealing with it, passing it on to the next generation? Wasn't this indirectly admitting their incompetence?
This was something Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't accept; he couldn't tolerate leaving such a big hidden danger as a legacy to the next generation during his political career.
"The village might face turmoil soon."
With Sarutobi Hiruzen's firm tone, everyone understood his meaning, and Shimura Danzo let out a cold laugh, "The Root will react accordingly."
"No!"
Looking at Danzo, it was clear what he would do. Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a confident expression.
"Danzo! Send someone to the Uchiha clan and inquire about the new clan head, how far have they progressed in investigating the Nine-Tails incident and the death of the Fourth Hokage during the incident?"
What is called "old but still wise," the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, made it clear to everyone.
To take the initiative, directly mentioning the Nine-Tails incident from a few years ago, implying the Uchiha clan had suspicions. The previous clan head, Fugaku, had been investigating for so long, and now with the change of leadership, what had they uncovered?
While warning, he also reminded the ambitious new head of the Uchiha clan, thinking of competing for the Hokage position with the Mangekyo Sharingan? Then first clean up the mess left by the Nine-Tails.
"Hiruzen, it's dangerous for the Uchiha clan to have such thoughts!"
After resolving the issue, Koharu Utatane showed a wary expression. The Uchiha clan had already become their worry, and now their retaliation and ambition made them even more uneasy.
For Shimura Danzo, who saw the Uchiha clan as the biggest threat, his expression turned sinister, "Indeed, the Uchiha clan is an extremely dangerous existence. With the Mangekyo Sharingan's presence, their arrogance and pride as a clan will not be resolved, making the Uchiha clan a continuous threat."
Mangekyo Sharingan! That was the reason for everyone's apprehension.
It wasn't just about individual power; the impact was enormous. Especially since the Uchiha were an extremist clan.
In the eyes of the Uchiha, the Mangekyo Sharingan equated to invincibility, especially since Wood Release had vanished.
