Every shinobi village has spies from other shinobi villages.
These spies are generally civilians, unable to access classified matters.
But a disaster like this, anyone would know about it.
The spies, dedicated as ever, immediately spread the news.
At the same time, since incidents often happened in Konoha, Zetsu had also stationed White Zetsu near Konoha.
White Zetsu also delivered this first-hand information.
After a day of fermentation, the outside world knew what had happened in Konoha, and most importantly, the black market bounty mission had been completed.
An Uchiha man, under the public eye, carried Danzo's head to claim the five-hundred-million bounty.
The black market even collected an additional gatekeeping fee.
The money beyond five hundred million, the Uchiha and the black market split evenly.
Everyone was overjoyed.
The only ones unhappy were the bounty hunters of the black market.
Most had spent money to buy intel and qualification, but in the end got nothing.
But after so long, even Konoha was attacked, and no one could find Danzo.
Yet the Uchiha brought Danzo's head themselves. If your skills are inferior, who can you blame?
At that time, the Uchiha bringing Danzo's head to the black market was essentially settling the bill.
But after settling it, they still brought the head back. After all, it was crucial evidence.
———
[Konoha Village]
[Hokage's Office]
"What? Let me be Hokage?"
Tsunade had just finished a round of work and was summoned to the office by Jiraiya.
Upon hearing the Third Hokage's words, Tsunade was a bit shocked.
The Third Hokage nodded and responded, "That's right. This time it was discovered that the ANBU had been infiltrated by Danzo's people. They were secretly researching forbidden jutsu, which ultimately went out of control and caused the explosion."
Tsunade erupted in anger, "What? ANBU was infiltrated by Danzo? Old man, do you know what you're saying?"
She was a medical ninja, witnessing so many people die in front of her, and not from war, but for such an absurd reason.
The Third Hokage's expression darkened, "Indeed, which is why I cannot escape blame and am preparing to resign."
Jiraiya chimed in from the side, "Tsunade, many ANBU members were originally trained by Root. Being infiltrated was inevitable."
Tsunade slammed the table with her hand, producing a heavy bang, "What do you mean inevitable? Do you know how many people died in Konoha?"
"Since Konoha was founded, never have this many villagers died!"
Tsunade's words were true.
Even in the previous three shinobi world wars, even when fighting at Kikyo Mountain right outside Konoha, those who died were all shinobi.
Shinobi are inherently combat units that live by the sword, casualties are normal.
But this time was different, villagers had died. And not just a few, over a thousand.
Jiraiya looked embarrassed and dared not say more.
Seeing Tsunade in a fury, if he said two more words, he'd probably get another two ribs broken.
The Third Hokage sighed, "It's precisely because something like this happened under my leadership that I must take responsibility."
Seeing the Third's sorrowful face, Tsunade's heart still flared with a nameless anger, "I don't want to be Hokage. Let Jiraiya do it."
The Third turned to Jiraiya, "If he were reliable, I wouldn't be asking you."
At this point, Jiraiya really hoped he could disappear.
Couldn't even get a word in and was being dragged out to be a scapegoat.
"As things stand, besides you two, only Uchiha Rengoku qualifies."
"If you won't be Hokage, Konoha will fall into the Uchiha's hands."
Tsunade did have prejudice against the Uchiha, but it was more a matter of caution than hostility.
The Third Hokage earnestly warned, "The Uchiha now have three Mangekyo Sharingan and control the One-Tails' jinchuriki."
"Rengoku, as the Ninja Academy's principal, can easily control the Nine-Tails."
"At the last high-level meeting, Rengoku fully exposed his belligerent and arrogant nature."
"If he becomes Hokage, Konoha will definitely be dragged into the mire of war."
"What Konoha needs is to recuperate and rebuild."
Hearing this, Tsunade furrowed her brow. She indeed didn't want the Uchiha to inherit the Hokage position.
After all, with the Uchiha's current power, not starting a war would be a waste of the three Mangekyo Sharingan.
But war isn't that simple.
Tsunade wasn't afraid of war, she just believed it was an unprofitable venture.
Konoha had always fought defensively in the past because the Land of Fire was too wealthy.
With continued development, no other nation's strength could match.
In terms of population and resources, it could crush them.
But if war broke out, Konoha could be surrounded by multiple nations, too many uncertainties.
Jiraiya, seeing Tsunade deep in thought, sensed hope and said, "Tsunade, you wouldn't want your grandfather's legacy to be destroyed by the Uchiha, would you?"
Tsunade first glared at Jiraiya, then sighed, "It's too sudden. I don't know anything. I don't want to be Hokage for decades."
Seeing her soften, the Third Hokage quickly said, "Don't worry. In politics, I, Koharu, and Homura will assist you."
"If after a few years you don't want to be Hokage, and there's someone suitable, you can step down directly."
Tsunade rubbed her forehead and reluctantly said, "Fine. Handle everything else yourselves. I'm going to the hospital."
With that, she ignored the Third and Jiraiya and left on her own.
"Old man, looks like it worked," Jiraiya let out a breath of relief.
If Tsunade had firmly refused, he would've been the final backup.
Now that she had relented, Jiraiya couldn't be happier.
The Third Hokage gave Jiraiya an annoyed glare.
Jiraiya shivered, "Ahahaha, I'll go rest a bit."
Then he flipped out the window in one motion.
The Third Hokage picked up his pipe and took a slow puff.
'Fortunately… not the worst outcome.'
———
Konoha had just suffered such a serious incident, rescue was only the first step.
There were still many follow-up tasks.
Investigation, compensation, and accountability were all needed.
At that time, Danzo wasn't directly killed by the Tsuchigumo clan's secret technique.
So when Rengoku saw Danzo appear at the explosion's center, it was obvious to deduce that the explosion was related to Danzo.
And Danzo had previously been imprisoned by the Third Hokage.
The Third didn't know how much Uchiha Rengoku knew, but as Hokage, he couldn't avoid blame.
Luckily, Danzo didn't live long afterward and was dealt with.
Under the ANBU's "investigation," any charge they wanted could be pinned on Danzo.
After all, everyone in the prison had died. No one knew what really happened inside.
At the same time, thanks to Tsunade's presence at the hospital, the patient mortality rate sharply dropped.
Though Tsunade didn't directly treat patients, with her and Shizune's guidance, the medical unit's efficiency soared.
Under the manipulation of those with intent, Tsunade's name repeatedly appeared in villagers' conversations.
Tsunade's past merits were constantly brought up.
All of Konoha was like a pot of boiling water, public opinion churning non-stop.
After a few days of fermentation, the Third Hokage convened a Konoha high-level meeting.
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