They're promoting the "Konoha threat" theory, and spouting nonsense about the Hidden

Chapter 239 When a country is on the decline, someone needs to step on the gas (7.2K)

On the Sunagakure side, Hozuki Shingetsu didn't have any particular thoughts on Hozuki Shingetsu's suggestion.

After all, although they joined the anti-Konoha alliance, Sunagakure has not changed much compared to before, and cannot gain any benefit from it.

So, with a playful attitude, Sunagakure mobilized its resources to spread the word about the matter throughout the ninja world.

After all four ninja villages raised no objections, they jointly issued a notice to hold the "Uchiha International Arbitration Case" at the Ninja International Organization in the Land of Iron.

-

"Lord Hokage, this is the news regarding the 'Uchiha International Arbitration Case'."

After the ANBU ninja finished his report, he handed a stack of intelligence to Shimura Danzo.

Danzo Shimura suppressed his anger as he read the proclamation from the Four Ninja Villages in his hand.

"Honesty is the foundation of a ninja. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's act of 'farting on the Hokage Rock' has undoubtedly tarnished the reputation of the entire ninja community. Therefore, for the benefit of the entire ninja profession and to rectify the conduct of the ninja profession, we have no choice but to intervene in the Uchiha's affairs and seek justice for the Uchiha!"

The notices from Iwagakure Village revealed a sense of helplessness and resignation, fully demonstrating Onoki's dualistic mindset.

"Fairness and justice reside in the hearts of the people; the injustices of the ninja world will be addressed by the people of the ninja world!"

This is a notice from the Hidden Cloud Village; it's simple and direct, perfectly reflecting the village's character.

"The problem between Konoha and the Uchiha is by no means an internal affair of Konoha. This conflict has seriously affected the important interests of various countries and ninja villages in the Land of Fire, and has involved the energy of millions of people in the Land of Fire and even the entire ninja world."

"As a vital force in maintaining peace in the ninja world, and as a responsible major ninja village, Kirigakure naturally has to shoulder its due responsibilities. Therefore, in response to this issue, we have had to make a decision that goes against our ancestors' wishes: for the sake of all living beings in the ninja world, we propose to introduce international forces to mediate the conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha clan."

"I believe that with our mediation, Konoha and Uchiha will be able to put aside their past grievances, resolve their conflicts, and contribute their strength to the peace of the ninja world."

From this familiar act of labeling and pointing fingers from a moral high ground, it's easy to tell that this is a propaganda proclamation from the Hidden Mist Sect.

As for the propaganda notices for Sunagakure, they were very simple.

"...We, the Sand Village, fully agree with the opinions of the aforementioned ninja villages, believing them to be a long-term strategy that considers the overall situation of the ninja world and looks to the future..."

Simply put, it means "Me too".

Therefore, when Shimura Danzo saw these words, his anger reached its peak.

He was particularly annoyed by the descriptions of the conflict between the Uchiha clan and the village.

because……

Those are all true.

boom!

He slammed the intelligence report on the table, closed his eyes, and began to think about how to resolve the public opinion crisis.

He quickly came up with a solution, and a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.

"Give these things to Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

Danzo Shimura handed all the intelligence he had to the ANBU ninja, saying, "This 'Oath of the Hokage Rock' was ultimately his decision. Let our former Hokage see how to handle this!"

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, all the promotional notices from these four ninja villages mentioned Hiruzen Sarutobi's "Oath of the Hokage Rock," and Danzo Shimura astutely noticed this.

If that's the case, then he can legitimately extricate himself from the situation.

After all, you are condemning the "Oath of the Rock" and Hiruzen Sarutobi, what does that have to do with me, Danzo Shimura?

As a result of this, the relationship between Konoha and Uchiha has deteriorated. Shouldn't you also go find the instigator?

Danzo Shimura astutely noticed this and quickly tried to shift the blame elsewhere.

"By the way, leak these ninja village propaganda notices into the village without leaving a trace, emphasizing that the current situation is caused by Hiruzen Sarutobi's 'Oath of the Hokage Rock'."

Having said that, Shimura Danzo seemed to have thought of something, his expression softened, and he continued speaking to the ANBU ninja:

"Tell him that if he doesn't address the Uchiha issue, I will let these rumors spread and I will not react in any way."

Amidst the astonished expressions of the ANBU ninja, Danzo Shimura's single, exposed eye revealed a look of keen interest.

"Hiruzen, I'd like to see what you'll do in this situation."

For Danzo Shimura, was the harmony and stability of the village important?

important!

Does he understand the importance of the Uchiha clan to Konoha?

Of course I understand!

Did he not know that the Uchiha clan had become an absolute destabilizing factor in Konoha at this time?

Of course I know!

But does that mean he has to bow down to the Uchiha clan?

not necessarily!

As a hawk, and as Shimura Danzo who became Hokage by stepping on the Uchiha clan, neither his personality nor the Hokage's authority would allow him to bow down to the Uchiha.

In this situation, Danzo Shimura suddenly thought of a question: if he were to resolutely deal with this matter, how would Hiruzen Sarutobi react?

Even though he loathed Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura had to admit that the old man's love for Konoha was truly heartfelt.

So, if he did nothing, could he just stand by and watch the Uchiha clan and the village split apart, and watch Konoha face the danger of collapse under the overwhelming force of the anti-Konoha alliance?

If he were to ignore the overwhelming rumors in the current situation, the Uchiha clan would inevitably break with the village, no matter how unwilling he was.

He could easily apologize and step down, resigning from his position as Hokage to escape unscathed, but what about Konoha?

How can Konoha, without the Uchiha clan, withstand the overwhelming malice of the ninja world?

Yes, whether for his own ideals or to prove himself, he would definitely not give up the position of Hokage, but would Hiruzen Sarutobi dare to gamble?

Even a one in ten thousand probability?

If Danzo Shimura just leaves, what will happen to Konoha?

"Hiruzen, I bet your love for the village surpasses mine!"

When a country is on the decline, someone needs to sit in the driver's seat and step on the gas pedal hard.

When Shimura Danzo thought about how Hiruzen Sarutobi, even though he had stepped down, was forced to clean up his mess by his actions, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.

Although this move also has very serious side effects and can severely damage one's image, it is the kind of move that kills a thousand enemies but also hurts eight hundred of your own, so it cannot be used frequently.

After all, it's somewhat unreasonable for the Hokage to do nothing in the face of such a situation and instead have a retired former Hokage step in.

But...who cares?

Are you kidding me? Does Danzo Shimura care about his image in the village?

Or rather, did Danzo Shimura have a positive image in the village?

As someone who has led the Root for decades and earned the title of "Darkness of the Ninja" in the ninja world, how could he not know what kind of image he has in the village, or rather, in the hearts of those ninja clans?

Besides, once this matter is over, he can later say that Hiruzen Sarutobi went to resolve the Uchiha incident at his request.

It's perfectly reasonable for the current Hokage to command the former Hokage, isn't it?

You say I'm not doing anything? You say I'm letting the rumors spread and ignoring them?

Produce the evidence!

"Hiruzen, I'll make you understand... I am the Hokage!"

Danzo Shimura stood up, looking at the Hokage's office that now belonged entirely to him, his eyes revealing boundless ambition.

Danzo Shimura knew that as long as he firmly controlled the Anbu and his own elite forces, he could ignore all opposition.

Therefore, his next step is to further increase the number of people drawn from the ninja clans in order to expand the strength of the ANBU.

However, these measures will definitely have to wait until Hiruzen Sarutobi has resolved the Uchiha incident and the impact of it has completely dissipated.

After all, even though he already had a plan, he still harbored some resentment towards the anti-Konoha alliance formed by Iwagakure, Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure.

-

Uchiha clan territory, Naga Shrine.

All the Jonin of the Uchiha clan have gathered once again at the Naga Shrine to discuss the "Uchiha International Arbitration Case" that has been making headlines.

"Chieftain, this is also a golden opportunity for us!"

Looking at Uchiha Homura, who was sitting comfortably in the main seat with his eyes closed, Uchiha Hachika couldn't contain his excitement.

"When Shimura Danzo climbed to the Hokage position by stepping on us, we originally wanted to cause trouble at the Jonin Tournament based on Hiruzen Sarutobi's 'Oath of the Hokage Rock.' However, you strongly opposed it, saying that Shimura Danzo had taken out the Mangekyou Sharingan. Regardless of whether his story was true or not, our Uchiha clan was ultimately in the wrong, so we gave up."

"But we didn't start this. Public opinion has reached this point, and we're just using this as an excuse to go with the flow and demand our rightful share of the benefits from the village. That makes sense, doesn't it?"

Uchiha Homura, who was sitting comfortably in the main seat, slightly opened his eyes, seemingly thinking about something.

"That's right. We didn't start this situation. Whatever their purpose, the Four Ninja Villages have already set the stage for us. All we need to do is follow the steps and perform our part."

"The village was in the wrong to begin with, we were just going along with it. This kind of thing wouldn't be considered unreasonable anywhere, would it?"

Upon hearing Uchiha Hachiho's words, even an Uchiha clan elder of the same generation as Uchiha Homura couldn't sit still and immediately stood up to support Uchiha Hachiho.

"We should at least take this opportunity to get the village to return the Mangekyou Sharingan to us!"

Upon hearing this, the previously quiet Nanga Shrine immediately became noisy.

The Mangekyou Sharingan has been absent from the Uchiha clan for decades now. During this long period, not only in the ninja world, but even within the Uchiha clan, some young people still believe that the three-tomoe Sharingan is the highest level of the Sharingan.

They only learned from their clan elders after the Mangekyou Sharingan appeared on the battlefield of the Land of Rain that there was an even more astonishing Mangekyou Sharingan above the three-tomoe Sharingan.

Regardless of the inside story, the current situation is that the Uchiha clan's "ultimate power" is not in the clan, but in the hands of the village. How could this not make the proud Uchiha feel frustrated and dissatisfied?

Taking advantage of this opportunity, a large number of Jonin began to clamor, demanding that the village return the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Amid this fervent atmosphere, more and more people began to speak out on the matter, supporting demanding the Mangekyou Sharingan from the village.

Then gradually, the atmosphere started to get out of control.

"If you ask me, it's not just the Mangekyou Sharingan that matters; Danzo should also relinquish the Hokage position and let Fugaku take it!"

A young Uchiha Jonin stepped forward and shouted with fervor, "It was Hiruzen Sarutobi who personally promised, in front of Mito Uzumaki, pointing to the Hokage Rock, that he would help Fugaku become Hokage."

"It was because of this promise that we spared no effort in mobilizing our clan members, young and old, to participate in the Second Shinobi World War."

"What? Now that the war is over and the village no longer needs our Uchiha clan, you're just going to abandon us so easily? Does he think his words are just empty promises? Are we just going to let go of the blood our Uchiha clan shed and the lives we've taken because of some explanation that may or may not be true?"

Under the influence of this Uchiha Jonin's words, the atmosphere at the Naga Shrine became increasingly heated. It seemed that many of the Uchiha Jonin were gradually reaching a consensus: to once again carry the entire clan in a coffin to the Hokage Rock to demand justice from the village.

This time, it's not just about getting back the Mangekyou Sharingan, but also about restoring the reputation of the Uchiha clan and forcing Shimura Danzo to relinquish the Hokage position!

Sitting calmly beside Homura Uchiha, Fugaku Uchiha listened to such crazy words, a look of difficulty on his face, as if he wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, he finally gave up.

As a disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi, it can be said that his life within the clan has not been pleasant during this period.

A significant portion of the clan blamed him for failing to compete with Shimura Danzo, believing that he had not exerted sufficient influence over Sarutobi Hiruzen, which ultimately led to Hiruzen breaking his promise.

They completely failed to consider Hiruzen Sarutobi's situation at the time and the extent to which the Uchiha clan was feared by other ninja clans after the Mangekyou Sharingan appeared.

However, the clan elder, Uchiha Homura, ultimately supported him, so even at this time, the clan would still choose him when electing the Hokage.

boom!

Just as everyone was discussing the matter enthusiastically, Uchiha Homura, whose eyes were slightly open and closed as if he were really dozing off, finally stood up and tapped his cane.

As if this were a signal, the previously noisy Nanga Shrine immediately fell silent.

As an elder who took over the clan leadership from Madara Uchiha and ruled the Uchiha clan for decades, Homura Uchiha's prestige within the clan was naturally unparalleled.

So when he stood up, everyone immediately stopped talking and waited for the old clan leader's instructions.

Uchiha Homura didn't mince words either. After a brief inspection, she spoke:

"The Uchiha clan owes Konoha nothing; on the contrary, Konoha owes the Uchiha far too much!"

As soon as these words set the tone, everyone present immediately showed joy on their faces.

Except for Uchiha Fugaku.

A look of embarrassment, rarely seen on a normal Uchiha's face, appeared on his face.

As a member of the Uchiha clan, and a ninja of Konoha.

On one side is the village, and on the other side are the clansmen.

Should we prioritize the overall situation, or argue our case based on reason?

Fugaku Uchiha couldn't understand it. He had originally wanted to pretend he couldn't see the problem, but now he could only sit there silently, acting as a mascot and listening to the old clan leader's words.

"Why does Kirigakure repeatedly use us as a pretext to attack Konoha? Why don't they use other ninja clans as an excuse, but specifically target us?"

"Last time we backed down because of the kaleidoscope, and the time before that we backed down because of Hiruzen Sarutobi's promise..."

At this point, Uchiha Homura's eyes widened, and the three blood-red tomoe in his eyes spun wildly.

"So, I've decided..."

"Clan Chief, Hiruzen Sarutobi is outside requesting an audience!"

Just as Uchiha Homura was about to announce his decision, the guards from the clan arrived and reported to him.

"Who? Did I hear that right? It's Hiruzen Sarutobi?"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi? He still has the nerve to show his face?"

"It's perfect timing that he's here, saving us a trip. Let's go out and ask him for the Mangekyou Sharingan and the Hokage title! If he agrees, great; if not, we'll tie him up and demand it from the village!"

Upon hearing that Hiruzen Sarutobi had arrived, all the Uchiha present erupted in a frenzy, their words filled with surprise and dissatisfaction at his arrival.

On the stage, Uchiha Homura was equally surprised by Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrival. It was already late, and this was the Uchiha clan's territory. For Hiruzen Sarutobi to come here at this time, it must be something significant.

Uchiha Homura narrowed his eyes, thought for a while, and finally had Hiruzen Sarutobi brought here.

A moment later, led by a member of the Uchiha clan, Hiruzen Sarutobi entered the Naka Shrine, the ancestral home of the Uchiha clan, alone.

As soon as Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared, some Jonin couldn't contain their emotions and unconsciously activated their Sharingan.

As soon as this Uchiha clan member activated his Sharingan, it seemed as if all the Uchiha clan members in the entire shrine were "infected," and they all activated their Sharingan, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Inside the dimly lit shrine hall, apart from a few scattered firelight, only pairs of scarlet Sharingan eyes gleamed in the shadows.

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked in through the main gate under the watchful eyes of countless crimson Sharingan eyes, strolled leisurely through the crowd, and arrived in front of Homura Uchiha.

The two stood facing each other in silence, less than three meters apart.

"Lord Sarutobi, you've come to visit so late; you must have something important to discuss. May I ask what it is?"

Since the guests had come from afar, it was Uchiha Homura, as the host, who spoke first, asking Hiruzen Sarutobi about his purpose in coming.

As Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at his old rival and acquaintance, with whom he had competed openly and secretly for half his life, his face remained expressionless. He sighed inwardly and then slowly bent down.

In the pitch-black night, in the highest forbidden area of ​​the Uchiha clan, under the gaze of all the Jonin of the Uchiha clan, amidst the incredulous eyes of the Sharingan, and under the astonished expression of Uchiha Homura.

This former Hokage of Konoha, once hailed as the "strongest Hokage in history," slowly bent over, his knees touching the ground, his head resting on the ground, supporting his body with his hands, and addressed Uchiha Homura in a standard dogeza posture:

"I've heard some of the rumors circulating in the ninja world lately... I have no intention of defending myself. I am largely to blame for breaking the 'Oath of the Hokage Rock,' and all the fault lies with me..."

"I know this is extremely unfair to the Uchiha clan, but Konoha is currently in a time of unity and needs all ninjas to strive for excellence. The current international situation does not allow for further conflict between the village and the Uchiha. If the Uchiha clan has any grievances, please vent them on me!"

"Regarding what I did... Red bean paste is privately intimate!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's prostration was like a bombshell, leaving all the Uchiha present stunned and momentarily unable to hear what Hiruzen Sarutobi had said.

There was no other way; after all, he was the Hokage who had been in charge of Konoha for decades!

Even though he has now abdicated, his status and position remain.

Even the most arrogant Uchiha clans, who could imagine threatening the village, couldn't imagine making Hiruzen Sarutobi perform a dogeza (a deep bow) for them!

After all, not every Hokage is like Hashirama Senju, whose integrity is a disgrace to the strong.

Like everyone else present, Uchiha Homura was also deeply shocked.

Compared to others, he had dealt with Hiruzen Sarutobi for half his life, so his understanding of Hiruzen Sarutobi was extremely profound.

He never expected that Hiruzen Sarutobi would perform a dogeza (a deep bowing gesture) for him in this setting, in front of so many people.

However, Uchiha Homura was, after all, someone who had led the Uchiha clan in rebellion against Uchiha Madara. After a brief moment of shock, he immediately realized Hiruzen Sarutobi's intention—to ask the Uchiha clan to forgive and forget this matter in consideration of his status as the Third Hokage and his willingness to perform a dogeza (a deep bowing gesture).

That's exactly what happened.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi learned of the movements of the Four Ninja Villages from Danzo Shimura, especially when Kirigakure once again targeted the Uchiha, he knew that the Uchiha issue had to be resolved.

In particular, when he heard the message from the ANBU ninja, implying that Shimura Danzo would ignore the matter, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt both anger and deep sorrow.

Just as Shimura Danzo thought, he dared not gamble that Shimura Danzo truly did not care about the matter.

Only after Shimura Danzo became Hokage did he realize that his old teammate had changed his personality and was no longer the young man who loved the village.

Under these circumstances, he didn't even dare to publicize the matter—internally, they had just experienced the deaths of Hatake Sakumo and Hatake Nao, and the change of Hokage, while externally there was the anti-Konoha alliance. In the current situation of Konoha, it really couldn't withstand any more setbacks.

So even though Hiruzen Sarutobi was extremely frustrated, he had no choice but to come to the Uchiha clan and try every possible way to resolve the grudges.

"Let Fugaku become Hokage, and that's the end of it."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Uchiha Homura pondered for a moment before responding to Hiruzen Sarutobi's prostration.

"You know that's impossible."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't even raise his head, maintaining his dogeza posture, and calmly replied.

Even disregarding the obstacles posed by Danzo Shimura, Danzo Shimura had only been the Fourth Hokage for a short time in Konoha, and the Hokage position was changed due to external pressure. Wouldn't that make them a laughingstock if word got out?

"you……"

Someone immediately stood up to speak, but was quickly stopped by Uchiha Homura.

His gaze was fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi's bent body, his expression serious.

"Then the Mangekyou Sharingan must be returned to us."

Although those Mangekyou Sharingan had already been examined by everyone when Shimura Danzo took them out to show off, and they were almost rendered useless by losing their eye power, it can still be said that they were a source of pride for the Uchiha clan.

This kaleidoscope, symbolizing the highest power of the clan, was left outside and studied by the villagers, ultimately becoming a thorn in the side of the Uchiha.

"……Can."

Hiruzen Sarutobi answered, his head pressed against the ground.

The Mangekyou Sharingan is now almost devoid of its power and poses no danger whatsoever, so Danzo Shimura, under the guise of research, took control of it in his capacity as Hokage.

Unaware that Shimura Danzo still possessed the combined power of Wood Release and Mangekyou Sharingan, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally agreed.

Upon seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's posture, Homura Uchiha immediately realized that Hiruzen Sarutobi had indeed come to reconcile with the Uchiha clan.

Therefore, Uchiha Homura had a sudden thought and immediately stated the last condition.

"One last thing...make Fugaku his assistant!"

Should the Uchiha clan be made the Hokage's assistant?

Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to refuse, but then he remembered what Danzo Shimura had just done.

He too had a sudden inspiration and thought of a good way to restrain Shimura Danzo.

If Fugaku Uchiha were to become the Hokage's assistant, given Danzo Shimura's personality, Fugaku, no matter how unwilling, would inevitably gradually become his adversary.

Because there is an irreconcilable contradiction between the two.

With Fugaku Uchiha as his Hokage, along with Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, they could completely restrain Danzo Shimura!

As for whether Shimura Danzo would agree...

Ah!

Since becoming Hokage, Danzo Shimura's actions have long been feared by Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.

Coupled with Danzo Shimura's wretched reputation in the village, he was practically on par with the Uchiha clan.

Making Fugaku Uchiha Hokage would only make the other ninja clans think it's a dogfight. With his support, along with Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, and a hint that Danzo Shimura was planning to increase the number of ninjas being transferred from the clans, the other ninja clans would definitely agree.

If these people agree, what can Danzo Shimura do even if he objects?

"Danzo, I'll make you understand... it's not that becoming Hokage guarantees everyone's support, but rather that gaining everyone's support is what makes you Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally raised his head and, under Homura Uchiha's expectant gaze, agreed to the condition.

(End of this chapter)