Naruto: The Ninja World's Life Buyer

Chapter 212 The Fourth Hokage, Orochimaru!

Konoha Village.

When the group carrying the Hokage's remains returned to the gate, the entire village fell into a deathly silence.

People were so shocked by this enormous change that they were speechless.

The Jonin Class Meeting Room.

All the Jonin in the village and the heads of the major clans were urgently summoned.

The atmosphere was heavy.

Shikaku sat in the head seat and read out the battle report.

Upon hearing the words "dying from exhaustion," many ninjas lowered their heads.

"Gentlemen."

Shikaku put away the battle report and scanned the entire arena with his eyes.

"We'll talk about the sad things later."

"Now, we need to immediately elect an acting Hokage to take charge of the overall situation and stabilize morale."

I don't recommend using a proxy.

A hoarse voice came from the corner.

Orochimaru came out.

"We are at war now. Acting Hokage is not legitimate, and his orders lack authority."

"If we're going to choose, let's go straight for the Fourth Hokage."

The audience erupted in uproar.

So hastily? He's about to ascend to the throne before the bodies of three generations are even cold?

Hiashi Hyuga frowned, about to speak.

"I agree."

Uchiha Sōji stood up.

He represents the power of the Uchiha clan.

"At this time, Konoha cannot be leaderless. Lord Orochimaru has outstanding military achievements and great strength, making him the best candidate."

The support from the Uchiha clan carries immense weight.

Followed by.

"The Takaya Chamber of Commerce also supports Lord Orochimaru.

Sosuke sat at the end of the table and spoke calmly. As a special advisor, he was also qualified to attend the meeting.

"The front lines need a strong Hokage to coordinate things. I have faith in Lord Orochimaru's decisiveness."

This is supported by money.

"I support it too."

An unexpected sound rang out.

Tsunade.

She pushed open the door and entered, reeking of alcohol, but her eyes were clear.

"The old man is gone, and someone has to clean up this mess. Orochimaru may be a bastard, but he's better than any of you here."

"and----"

Tsunade's eyes were resolute.

"I will serve as the new advisor to Konoha. If he dares to cause trouble, I will keep an eye on him."

The entire audience was shocked.

Tsunade also supports Orochimaru? She is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, and her statement basically represents the political legacy of the Senju clan.

Money (Sousuke), Power (Uchiha), Name (Tsunade), Strength (Orochimaru).

All four trump cards were played together.

The other Jonin, such as the Ino-Shika-Cho, Aburame, and Inu-Clan families, exchanged glances.

The tide has turned. Or rather, it's the inevitable course of events.

At this critical moment, there was really no better candidate than Orochimaru to keep things in order.

"Since that's the case—"

Nara Shikaku raised his hand.

"Jonin Team—I second that."

The next morning.

Above the Hokage Rock, sunlight pierced through the clouds.

Orochimaru stood on the rooftop of the Hokage Building.

He changed into the divine robe symbolizing supreme power and put on the Hokage hat.

Below was a dense, dark crowd. Villagers and ninjas alike awaited the new Hokage's declaration.

Orochimaru looked down.

He showed neither excitement nor agitation.

There was only tranquility in his eyes.

"I am Orochimaru."

His voice, amplified, resounded throughout the entire Hidden Leaf Village.

"From this day forward, I am the Fourth Hokage."

"I will end this war."

"Use strength."

Simple, direct, and ruthless.

There were no clichés of "The Will of Fire," and no sentimental speeches.

Only a naked declaration of power.

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

In a time of fear and war, people crave not gentle comfort, but strong protection. Orochimaru's ruthlessness, ironically, gave them a sense of security.

Sousuke stood at the back of the crowd, looking at Orochimaru on the stage.

"finally----"

Sosuke's lips curled into a smile.

"Our partner has taken over."

"Next, Konoha will enter an era of technological explosion."

He turned around and said to Rena beside him.

"Let's go."

"Where to?"

"Go and prepare the new contract."

Sosuke's eyes were deep and unfathomable.

"With a new Hokage taking office, there will definitely be many big moves. These all require money and resources."

"This is—a huge business deal like never before."

The capital of the Land of Fire, Daimyo Prefecture.

"Snapped!"

A beautiful porcelain cup was smashed to the ground.

The daimyo of the Land of Fire trembled with rage, breaking the folding fan in his hand.

"Rebellion! Rebellion!"

"How dare they?!"

Kujo Kanesuke knelt below, cold sweat pouring down his face.

"Your Highness—a notification from Konoha states that this is an emergency clause for wartime—"

"What emergency clauses! This is a coup!"

The name roared.

"How can a Hokage be elected without my appointment?"

Daimyo felt an unprecedented crisis.

If Konoha can elect its own Hokage, then what is his title of Daimyo? Just a mascot?

"Cut off the supply! Cut off the supply immediately!"

The emperor gave the order.

"From today onwards, not a single grain of rice, not even a single item of military funds, pensions, or food, is permitted to be transported to Konoha!"

"I want them to know who truly rules this country!"

Kujo Kanesane wiped his sweat and said bitterly, "Your Highness—I'm afraid—it's no use."

"Why?!"

"Because————Takaya Chamber of Commerce."

Kenji Kujo has released a new market report.

"Sousuke Takaya had already planned this all along."

"He not only controlled 60% of the food distribution in the Land of Fire, but also opened up overseas shipping routes."

"Even if we cut off supplies, Konoha can still obtain supplies from the Land of Tea, the Land of Waves, and even the Land of Iron through the Takaya Trading Company's channels."

"and----"

"The Takaya Trading Company recently announced that it will assume all financial expenses and material supplies during the Konoha War."

"Konoha has established its own economic cycle."

Daiming slumped into a chair.

He suddenly realized that the economic sanctions that had previously worked every time were no longer effective.

Konoha is going to sideline the daimyo.

"Then—then let's send troops!"

Da Ming gritted his teeth in anger.

"Gather the Twelve Guardian Ninjas! Assemble the Samurai Order—"

"Your Highness."

Kujo Kanesuke had to remind him of a harsh truth.

"Our samurai regiment is equipped with castle-breaking crossbows purchased from the Uchiha factory. The manufacturing methods for the core components are in Konoha's hands."

"If we go to war, all they have to do is cut off the supply of spare parts, and in a few months our weapons will be nothing but scrap metal."

His name has completely disappeared.

He felt a profound sense of powerlessness. It was as if a giant net had already entangled him before he even realized it.

"That Sousuke Takaya—"

Da Ming muttered to himself.

He is not a businessman.

"He is a usurper."

A week later, Kanesuke Kujo arrived in Konoha.

He stood in the reception room of the Takaya Manor and bowed deeply to Sosuke.

-

"Lord Takaya, His Highness the Daimyo cordially invites you to the capital for a meeting."

"This is to recognize your contributions to the country and to discuss the ceremony for the official appointment of the Fourth Hokage."

Sousuke chuckled secretly.

To the capital?

That was a trap. He knew without even thinking that the powerful figure now wished he could devour him alive.

He wouldn't take the risk, even if it meant offending someone famous.

"Lord Kujo".

Sosuke spoke in a gentle tone.

"I really want to pay my respects to Your Highness."

"However, as you can see, Konoha has just undergone a major upheaval and is in dire need of rebuilding. As a strategic materials advisor, I have to oversee factory production, coordinate logistics between various countries, and comfort the wounded ninjas."

"I really can't leave."

"If Your Highness has any instructions, you may relay them. Or—"

Sousuke smiled.

"Let Your Highness come to Konoha. I can then fulfill my duty as a host."

Refused.

Kujo Kanesane felt a headache coming on. He had indeed refused; this was blatant disrespect for the daimyo's authority. In the past, this would have been a capital offense punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family.

But now, looking out the window at the elite private soldiers equipped with chakra prosthetics, Kujo Kanemane swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

"----I see."

"Kujo Kanesato said bitterly."

"I will report the truth to Your Highness."

Another week has passed.

A special convoy drove into Konoha.

In addition to the samurai, there were dozens of maids and servants dressed in gorgeous gowns.

In the middle is a gilded oxcart.

-

The convoy did not go to the Hokage Building or the official inn, but instead stopped at the gate of the Takaya Manor.

The carriage curtain was lifted.

A fair, jade-like hand reached out.

A beautiful young woman wearing a twelve-layered kimono descended the steps.

She looked to be eighteen or nineteen years old, with a noble air unique to royalty in her eyes and brows, but her gaze was not arrogant; instead, it revealed a gentleness and intelligence.

Princess Enna, the beloved daughter of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

"Is this Lord Takaya's residence?"

Princess Yuanna looked at the magnificent manor and smiled slightly.

"Truly impressive."