Konoha: We, the Uchiha, are ready to give up!

“Yeah, I understand.” Uchiha Jin said with a smile, “You have to put on an act, right?”

"However, with the withdrawal of the three elders and Jiraiya, it seems that a vote is no longer necessary."

"Let's watch the show."

Yes.

Even without Nara Koji reminding him, he knew how to do such basic things.

Nara Koji nodded.

He felt quite honored to have such a worry-free boss.

therefore.

He glanced at Nara Shikaku instinctively, a hint of sympathy naturally appearing in his eyes.

There's nothing we can do about it.

Unlike his own good fortune, his clan's home in Nara Shikaku must be having a tough time.

after all.

When dealing with a boss like Hiruzen Sarutobi, you have to be careful at all times.

And coincidentally...

At that moment, Nara Shikaku also happened to turn his head and look over.

After exchanging a glance, Nara Shikaku instantly understood the meaning in his cousin's eyes.

Then, the corners of his mouth twitched.

He was speechless.

obviously.

Just like Nara Koji thought, he was having a really tough time right now.

But, not bad.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't notice this, otherwise he would probably be furious.

Who are you embarrassing?

on the contrary!

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was extremely gloomy.

I'm in a very bad mood.

He vaguely sensed that something was wrong.

Yes.

The three elders collectively abstained, and even Orochimaru gave up.

Especially Danzo!

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew his old friend very well.

He dreams of seizing power, even becoming Hokage.

He would never give up an opportunity like today that would allow him to gain public recognition.

So why?

What exactly are my three old friends and that good apprentice plotting?

Obviously.

If he couldn't figure this out, he would feel really uncertain, and he wouldn't even be able to go to the Five Kage Summit with peace of mind.

He was terrified that Danzo and the others would stab him in the back the moment he left Konoha.

Just as he was thinking, Koharu from the next dormitory spoke up.

"Sun Slayer!"

"The three of us and Orochimaru have all given up, so there's no need to vote now."

"Only Minato Namikaze and King Uchiha remain as candidates."

"It's your turn to announce the results!"

Her words interrupted Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts.

After a moment's hesitation, he smiled and nodded.

"Xiaochun is right, since all four candidates have withdrawn."

"Then the vote of confidence is cancelled, and Minato and Jin-kun automatically qualify."

"Go back and make some preparations."

"We'll meet at the village entrance early tomorrow morning and set off."

After finishing speaking.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up abruptly and walked straight out of the meeting room.

Of course, before leaving.

He also remembered to inform Nara Shikaku to come with him to the Hokage's office.

Followed by.

As the meeting came to an end, Danzo and the other two elders exchanged glances and left the meeting room together.

The countless ordinary people didn't think much of it.

Yes.

They were unaware of the brutality of the power struggles within Konoha's upper echelons, so they naturally didn't notice anything amiss with Danzo and the others' strange abstention.

So they remained smiling, and left in small groups, one or two at a time.

even……

They were still happy about the end of the war and the arrival of peace, and made a pact to go to a restaurant for a drink.

Only the major ninja clans.

There was no joy on their faces; instead, their brows furrowed even more.

Obviously.

They possess more resources, and are naturally more perceptive of the power struggles at the top than ordinary people.

The abstention of the three elders and Jiraiya made them vaguely aware that something was wrong, and they even began to smell danger.

……

Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, his brows furrowed, and began smoking incessantly.

The entire room was shrouded in mist.

"Lu Jiu, you tell us."

"What exactly are Danzo and Orochimaru plotting?"

"They're willing to give up even the Five Shadows Conference; that's not like them."

"I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen."

"Can you guess?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke softly.

His tone was very calm, but his eyes were filled with murderous intent, and his whole body exuded a cold aura.

However, regarding this...

Nara Shikaku looked helpless, and when he heard Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, his lips were filled with bitterness.

It's numb and tingling.

This job is getting harder and harder, and he even considered quitting.

Yes.

Take this current problem for example, I'm not a tapeworm in Danzo's stomach or anyone else's.

Even if you think about it, you'll know that you couldn't possibly know.

Are you kidding me?

The Nara clan is clever, but damn well, they can't predict the future!

The more clues he knows, the more accurate his deductions can be.

What now?

There isn't a single clue, so what am I supposed to speculate about?

In other words, he didn't dare to provoke Hiruzen Sarutobi; otherwise, if anyone else had asked him, Nara Shikaku would have dared to slap him to death.