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

Chapter 259 Overpowering All Heroes, the Position of Alliance Leader

After news spread that the four great ninja villages were approaching Konoha, the entire ninja world was closely watching the final outcome of this war.

For 99% of the ninja world, it is generally believed that Konoha has suffered a severe blow this time. Even if they survive, the village's resources will probably be plundered to the point of near extinction.

Only the remaining 1% still firmly believe that Konoha has escaped death this time, and some even spread rumors that Hashirama Senju did not die but has been sleeping under Konoha to support their views.

Under these circumstances, public opinion in Konoha Village gradually became more urgent.

Just a few months ago, the people of Konoha often referred to themselves as the number one ninja village in the ninja world.

Even at the beginning of the war, many people believed that Konoha would overcome this difficulty, just like the previous two Shinobi World Wars.

Especially after the news of Danzo Shimura's instant kill of the Third Raikage spread, this trend reached its peak.

However, just two months later, with the deaths of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Fugaku Uchiha, the defeat of Danzo Shimura, and the complete contraction of the four fronts, Konoha was no longer filled with joy and laughter. All the ninja clans locked up their courtyards, stored up supplies, and prepared for Konoha to be breached.

However, compared to these ninja clans, the large number of civilian ninjas and villagers did not react as strongly to this matter.

Thanks to Shimura Danzo's tireless efforts, almost all of these people have come to believe in the "Miroku religion" and have been brainwashed by its doctrines.

This cult, after being localized and modified by Danzo Shimura, basically concentrates all power in the hands of its leader, Kakashi Hatake. Kakashi is also a sharp weapon under Danzo Shimura's command. Given the powerful brainwashing ability of the religion, these people have now basically become Danzo Shimura's followers.

Under these circumstances, Danzo Shimura was able to completely control the situation in Konoha for a short period of time. However, these followers were not fanatics after all, and this situation could not last long.

Given enough time, it will be clear how Danzo Shimura will break the deadlock.

While Shimura Danzo was busy preparing his secret weapon to break the deadlock, outside Konoha Village, Hozuki Shingetsu officially convened the Anti-Konoha Alliance Conference in the name of Kirigakure.

"Lord Tsuchikage, it's been a long time... You're almost fifty this year, aren't you? I never imagined that you'd still be leading the Iwagakure. It seems the Iwagakure truly has no successors!"

Chiyo stood at the entrance of the Kirigakure camp, watching the Iwagakure people slowly approaching from afar, and greeted them warmly and friendly.

In response to Chiyo's teasing, Onoki did not hesitate to retaliate:

"It's Chiyo. What's wrong? You still haven't chosen your fourth Kazekage? Well, that makes sense. Two Kazekage have fallen in just a few years. You really should be more careful about choosing your next Kazekage."

After a heated exchange of traditional ninja greetings, the conversation finally returned to the main topic.

"I never imagined that the Third Raikage, that barbarian, would die at the hands of Shimura Danzo. And what's even more unexpected is that Shimura Danzo was then defeated by Hozuki Shingetsu, leading to the deaths of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Fugaku Uchiha as well... The young people of the ninja world these days are truly remarkable!"

Even though nearly two months have passed, the two still feel deeply moved when discussing this topic.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Raikage, Danzo Shimura, Chiyo, and Onoki were basically the same age, and they all rose to prominence in the ninja world around the same time. It could be said that they were all very familiar with each other.

But the more this was the case, the more they felt a strange sense of absurdity about Hozuki Shingetsu defeating the people of Konoha. Their similar age and status gave them a kind of empathetic illusion, and they subconsciously felt a sense of apprehension towards Hozuki Shingetsu, this rising star who had made his name by stepping on them.

"This kid set up the main venue for this alliance meeting at his Kirigakure camp. On the surface, he said that they arrived the earliest and had the most complete intelligence, but I guess he actually wants to compete with Kumogakure for the position of alliance leader."

Onoki leisurely floated out from his son's back with his hands behind his back, and said with schadenfreude, "But that brat Yotsuki, whose father just died, probably won't give up the position of leader of the alliance so easily. I think there's going to be a good show here soon."

"As far as I know, the Cloud Village's camp isn't far, but we've been standing here for quite a while now, and Yotsuki hasn't come. That tells me he's deliberately trying to make his appearance last and overshadow Hozuki Shingetsu, the host... Heh, the alliance leader's performance later will probably be quite exciting."

Chiyo glanced at the leisurely Onoki and retorted, "If you ask me, the position of leader should be held by someone who is experienced and capable. If the Tsuchikage wants the position of leader, then Sunagakure is willing to fully support you."

Chiyo understood perfectly well that, regardless of how the disappearance of the Third Kazekage had greatly diminished the cohesion of Sunagakure, in terms of sheer strength, Sunagakure was definitely out of the running for the position of leader.

In that case, it would be better to just put it out there and sell it, or use the position of alliance leader to make the three families fight each other, and then take this opportunity to raise its value, attracting the other three families to keep offering prices to win over Sunagakure for the position of alliance leader, and steadily earn a guaranteed fee.

"Hehe, I'm getting old, my legs and back aren't good, so let the young people handle these fighting and killing!"

Onoki glared at Chiyo. Being a seasoned fox, he naturally understood Chiyo's little scheme and wasn't fooled at all.

For Onoki, who has always valued practical benefits, the position of leader of the alliance is just an empty title, far less desirable than the secret techniques passed down in Konoha and the Bloodstained Ninja Clan.

He simply didn't believe that even if he became the leader of the alliance, he could force others to hand over the secret techniques or bloodstained ninjas they had captured during the war afterward.

Or, if someone else becomes the leader of the alliance and lets Iwagakure take the lead, he will accept it.

Therefore, the outcome of this war will ultimately depend on the abilities of each party. For him, this alliance summit is merely a formality.

"Elder Chiyo and Lord Tsuchikage have come from afar; we are so sorry for not welcoming you properly!"

Just as the two were talking, Hozuki Shingetsu, who had learned of their arrival, finally came out of the camp to meet them.

Chiyo and Onoki also displayed proper etiquette and exchanged pleasantries with him.

It was at this moment that the newly appointed Fourth Raikage finally arrived at the gate of Kirigakure's camp, just in time.

"Elder Chiyo, Lord Ōnoki, and Shingetsu Hozuki, it's been a long time! How have you been?"

Upon meeting, the Fourth Raikage clearly revealed his dissatisfaction with Hozuki Shingetsu through the difference in how he addressed him.

Chiyo and Onoki, who were standing nearby, also looked on with schadenfreude, wanting to see how the two would get out of this mess.

However, Hozuki Shingetsu remained unmoved, seemingly oblivious to the meaning behind the Fourth Raikage's words, and invited everyone to his tent to discuss important matters.

Seeing that Hozuki Shingetsu didn't give him an excuse to lash out, the Fourth Raikage couldn't really break off the mask of civility, so he could only enter the Kirigakure tent with the others.

"Although our current situation is very favorable, with the four forces converging on Konoha and half of the overall strategic goal already achieved, objectively speaking, Konoha's overall strength has not suffered much loss. We still cannot let our guard down."

After a brief opening statement, Hozuki Shingetsu directly pointed out the problems currently facing the league.

"Leaving aside Konoha's low-to-mid-level combat strength for now, since the ninjas from the four major ninja villages are all here, even if Konoha is strong, they definitely can't beat us in terms of low-to-mid-level combat strength when we join forces. The only thing we need to be very wary of is the high-level combat strength."

"Although Hiruzen Sarutobi and Fugaku Uchiha have passed away, Konoha still retains many powerful ninjas, including the 'Legendary Sannin,' the 'Yellow Flash,' Danzo Shimura, the Hyuga and Ino-Shika-Cho clan leaders, and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"We currently have the upper hand, but if these people were to unite and break through from a single point, they could still very well tear through our defenses and escape the encirclement."

Looking at the leaders of the ninja villages before him, Hozuki Shingetsu solemnly pointed out a possibility.

"Although the possibility is small, if we push them too hard and they give up and run away from the village when they see that things are hopeless, given their strength, they will definitely cause great harm to our villages once they are free from the constraints of the ninja village."

Upon hearing this, even the Fourth Raikage, who was extremely at odds with Hozuki Shingetsu, couldn't help but become serious.

After all, this possibility cannot be ruled out; on the contrary, it is quite likely.

If they were in each other's shoes, they would definitely choose this method to retaliate against these ninja village forces.

Especially Minato Namikaze, who has mastered space-time ninjutsu. If he really gets away, then you should go after him.

If he wants to run away, even if the four great ninja villages unite, they probably can't do anything to him.

"Therefore, under these circumstances, I feel that it is necessary to have someone in charge of overall coordination, to coordinate the efforts of all parties, to ensure that all parties act in unison, to communicate information and promptly identify and address any shortcomings to prevent anyone from escaping."

At this point, Hozuki Shingetsu finally revealed his true intentions, frankly stating his plan amidst the bewildered gazes of the crowd.

"Since it was my suggestion, then I shall take the liberty of recommending myself... To those who support me, please drink this cup to the brim."

Seeing that no one made a move, Hozuki Shingetsu didn't feel embarrassed at all; he had already expected this situation.

"It seems you all still have doubts about my sincerity... In that case, to show my sincerity, I'll offer you all a toast!"

Having anticipated this, he naturally got up and went to the Fourth Raikage's side, intending to pick up the sake from the table.

boom!

The Fourth Raikage gripped the wine glass tightly with his right fist, preventing Hozuki Shingetsu from raising it and showing him no respect whatsoever.

Hozuki Shingetsu, however, remained expressionless, continuing to hold the wine glass in one hand, slowly but firmly raising it despite the pressure from the Fourth Raikage.

Crack!

Seeing this, the Fourth Raikage immediately realized that it would be incredibly embarrassing for him to be forced to drink the sake.

Therefore, seeing that his power was no match for Hozuki Shingetsu in his normal state, he immediately activated Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

In an instant, his body crackled with lightning, his physical attributes surged, and his strength increased dramatically.

The wine glass, which had been gradually raised by Hozuki Shingetsu, slowly descended again thanks to his efforts.

"Sigh, why bother? They won't listen to reason, so they'll have to suffer the consequences..."

Crack!

Seeing this, Hozuki Shingetsu disregarded his pride and simultaneously activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

The two village leaders, their bodies crackling with lightning, began to wrestle with their wine glasses, the force of their movements so great that the dense lightning could be clearly seen flashing on the glasses.

Chiyo and Onoki watched the two quietly, looking on with amusement.

The powerful electric currents from both of them converged on the wine glass. Fortunately, Hozuki Shingetsu knew about this in advance, so the wine glass was made of chakra alloy, which could barely withstand the power of the two of them.

Even so, the liquid in the glass was decreasing at a visible rate, clearly due to the powerful electric currents emanating from the two individuals, causing the wine to evaporate continuously.

Hozuki Shingetsu looked down and realized he couldn't wait for the wine to evaporate completely. He immediately activated Water Release Chakra Mode again, and a faint mist appeared around his body. With this reinforcement, Hozuki Shingetsu quickly gained the upper hand in the battle.

Despite the Fourth Raikage's bulging veins on his arms and his flushed face, he couldn't stop the wine glass from slowly rising, and could only watch helplessly as it got closer and closer to his lips.

"We truly felt Lord Hozuki's sincerity."

Seeing that things were going badly and fearing that the Hidden Cloud Village would lose even more face, Tsuchikage quickly patted the Fourth Raikage's thigh in secret and then loudly hinted to the Hidden Cloud Village to admit defeat.

Seeing this, the Fourth Raikage angrily stopped exerting his power and drank the cup of wine that was ostensibly a toast but was actually a punishment.

After finishing off one, Hozuki Shingetsu turned to look at Onoki, wanting to see what the old fox was thinking.

Unexpectedly, the old fox raised his glass first, expressing his support.

"Every time I see someone like Lord Hozuki, I feel like I'm getting old. It seems my era is gradually fading away from our generation... This ninja world will ultimately belong to you young people!"

Although his words carried a hint of condescension, Hozuki Shingetsu didn't mind much, considering Onoki's hearty toast.

With the successive statements from Kumogakure and Iwagakure, Chiyo sighed inwardly at the pity, but also very decisively raised her sake cup to Hozuki Shingetsu, and then drank it down in one gulp with great gusto.

And so, after a period of open and covert struggle, with the tacit approval of the three great ninja villages, Hozuki Shingetsu officially became the first leader of the anti-Konoha alliance, ostensibly in charge of the alliance's purge of Konoha.

(End of this chapter)