Chapter 98: The Hokage Advisor Is Dismissed
Was it just on a whim?
A wave of powerlessness washed over everyone's hearts.
Their wariness and vigilance, their greed and fear toward the Reincarnation Game, all their guesses and judgments—turned out to be nothing more than the whim of a higher being.
Like a giant intruding into the world of ants, bringing endless panic. The ants arranged their defenses, speculated on the giant's intentions, wondering how to interact with him, how the giant saw them…
Hiruzen Sarutobi tried to maintain his Hokage's dignity, but his eyes unconsciously lowered. Tense, he said, "Mr. Fang Yi, Danzo Shimura's attack on you was not Konoha's will. We will deal with him seriously—there will be no leniency!"
His tone was sincere, revealing the apology and humility of the Hokage himself.
"Lord Hokage, it seems you still don't understand…"
Fang Yi withdrew his smile and sighed. "I don't mind being attacked. On the contrary, I admire Danzo's courage and intense desire. That's what drives players to hunt polluted monsters."
"I stripped him of his right arm and eye not because he attacked me, but because he dared to perform such a cheap trick in front of me."
At this, Fang Yi looked at the aging Hokage with a half-smile and asked, "Are you truly unaware of Danzo's actions against me?"
"…"
Hiruzen couldn't answer.
Normally, he could firmly claim he had nothing to do with it.
But under the gaze of this mysterious game merchant, even the ability to lie seemed to vanish. He had no will to deny or argue.
Although he hadn't acted directly, he had indeed taken advantage of Danzo's impatience and ambition, subtly guiding him into action.
As Hokage, how could he forget Danzo when issuing the order not to provoke the game merchant?
No one had expected the merchant to possess power far beyond the imagination of any shinobi.
How was he supposed to clean this up now?
Hiruzen slowly closed his eyes and whispered, "Lord Fang Yi, I am willing to bear any punishment you deem fit. I only beg that you not involve the village."
The shift in how he addressed Fang Yi marked the abandonment of his Hokage pride—bowing to an existence that defied comprehension.
"No need to be so nervous. I'm just a game merchant. Everything can be resolved through trade."
Fang Yi paused, then smiled. "Let's make a deal, then. Starting with this Chunin Exam…"
…
The sun rose as usual.
What happened that night in the Forest of Death was sealed under the highest level of secrecy by the Third Hokage. Not a single word was to be spoken.
Then came a public announcement that stunned both shinobi and civilians alike:
Former Hokage Advisor Danzo Shimura, for conducting human experiments on fellow Konoha shinobi, was stripped of his title and imprisoned in the deepest level of Konoha's prison. Sentence length: unknown.
"Lord Danzo… who would've thought he was such a cruel man?"
Most Konoha civilians were relatives of shinobi or closely tied to them. They had a basic understanding of the ninja world.
But this—
A public decree from Konoha's highest authority—was unprecedented.
At the Konoha guest pavilion,
where foreign participants of the Chunin Exams were housed, luxurious and grand—each of the Five Great Ninja Villages had their own separate quarters, while smaller villages were grouped together.
It was blatant favoritism.
But no one objected.
This was the ninja world. Power determined respect.
In the Kumogakure quarters—
"Samui, the Chunin Exams start tomorrow. Are those two kids really ready?"
Sitting on her bed, polishing claw-like weapons, Yugito Nii asked.
Samui stood with arms crossed, her expression cold. She nodded, "Don't underestimate Omoi and Karui. If they fight together, even you would get hurt."
After their baptism in the Reincarnation Game, the two had far surpassed ordinary jonin.
Even the talented Raikage—who once broke off a horn from the Eight-Tails barehanded—hadn't been this strong at their age.
"I'm just worried they'll be beaten by Konoha's players and embarrass the village."
Yugito, pretty and braided to her waist, sounded harsh—but her eyes betrayed concern.
That was just how she was. Seemingly cold, but gentle at heart—deeply protective of her comrades.
It stemmed from her upbringing.
Chosen at a young age for her prodigious talent, she was made a jinchūriki. The Two-Tails was sealed inside her. But through discipline and determination, she became a perfect jinchūriki.
Kumogakure was different from other villages.
They revered strength and didn't fear tailed beasts. Though villagers were in awe, they treated her with kindness.
And that acceptance shaped her proud but kind character.
Samui rubbed her aching shoulders and said, "You're afraid they're too weak and Konoha will try to keep them here?"
"Exactly. If their strength falls short, even the Kumogakure shinobi under their command will be at risk."
Yugito's voice dropped.
Hundreds of Kumogakure shinobi had come to Konoha. Aside from the Raikage, who had to stay with the noble delegation, Omoi and Karui were the core, with Yugito and Samui leading the squad.
All four were Reincarnation Game players.
Samui and Yugito had already reached Kage-level. Add two elite jonin—and they could easily level a small ninja village.
Samui sighed again and muttered, "Relax. Lord Raikage sent us here to cause chaos. If things go south, we retreat immediately."
The Raikage's guards, Cee and Dodai, had already led advance teams to the border of the Land of Fire.
If they caused enough confusion and drew Konoha's attention, the Kumogakure force would strike swiftly, overwhelming the outposts guarded by Konoha.
Yugito clipped her claws on, sharp as cat's talons. She moved to the window, gazing out over the rooftops. "So many prosperous towns… No wonder Konoha breeds geniuses."
"Don't forget," Samui warned, "Iwagakure's team is led by Kitsuchi. He's strong. We may be allies now, but never let your guard down."
Alliances between ninja villages were always fragile.
Especially between Kumogakure and Iwagakure, sworn enemies. Their current alliance was only to divide Konoha's power. If danger arose, betrayal was likely.
"No signs from Kirigakure yet?"
"None. But our spies report that they've sent teams to the border, supposedly to buy supplies—but hundreds of small squads are headed toward Konoha."
Yugito scoffed. "Lady Mabui predicted Kirigakure wouldn't stay out of this. After losing their Seven Ninja Swordsmen and tearing themselves apart in civil war, even with rich island resources, they won't miss a chance to bite Konoha hard."
"Good. The more factions get involved, the safer our retreat will be."
Even so,
this was the heart of the Land of Fire. Even proud Yugito felt uneasy.
Konoha had earned dazzling victories in both Shinobi World Wars. Its prestige was undiminished.
No one dared to let their guard down.
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