The sky over Konoha gradually darkened.
At Sarutobi Hiruzen's residence—
"Hiruzen, have you gathered all the money?" the Great Elder asked nervously.
"Don't worry, the Great Elder has already been taken care of!" Sarutobi Hiruzen replied happily.
Hearing this, the several elders looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen in disbelief. They hadn't expected that within just half a day, Hiruzen would actually be able to gather five hundred million!
Originally, they had thought that if it really became impossible, they would have no choice but to mortgage the clan's entire fortune.
"Hiruzen… how did you manage to pull it off?"
The other elders also looked at Hiruzen with curiosity, wanting to know exactly how he had done it. It was simply too unbelievable!
Sarutobi Hiruzen then recounted what had happened to the elders.
After listening to his explanation, the elders spoke with puzzled expressions: "But this way, your prestige in the village will be greatly diminished…"
"Rather than lose the position of Hokage, it is better to lose one's reputation," Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.
Hearing this, the other elders fell silent. Indeed, as long as the Hokage's seat remained his, everything else could be dealt with later.
"I'm a bit tired… I'll rest for now," Sarutobi Hiruzen said wearily.
That day, he had run back and forth among the various clans in Konoha, leaving him both mentally and physically exhausted. As he stepped into his room and lay down on his comfortable bed, just as he closed his eyes, he suddenly heard faint movements inside the house.
"Who's there?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes snapped open in alarm. He immediately sat up on the bed, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.
At that moment, a shadowy figure slowly rose from the ground."Hehehe, Lord Hokage, no need to be so tense. I'm only here to collect the money!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face turned extremely ugly. He hadn't expected that just as he managed to gather the money, Black Zetsu would appear. Clearly, he had been under the enemy's constant surveillance all day long.
He pulled a scroll from his robes and said in a deep voice:"The money is all in here. Hand me the photo stone."
However, Black Zetsu remained unmoved, the corners of his lips curling upward into a cold sneer."Give me the money first. Then I'll give you the photo stone. Otherwise… forget it!"
He wasn't stupid. He knew that if he handed over the stone first, Sarutobi Hiruzen might immediately go back on his word. After all, there was absolutely no trust between them.
Hiruzen's expression stiffened. Indeed, that had been his exact plan. He hadn't thought Black Zetsu would see right through him.
Left with no choice, he tossed the scroll over. Black Zetsu carefully inspected it and, finding nothing wrong, placed the photo stone on the ground with satisfaction."Lord Hokage, you are refreshingly straightforward. If I ever need anything in the future, I'll be sure to come to you again!" With that, Black Zetsu sank back into the earth and vanished.
Hiruzen's mouth twitched at those words. Hopefully, such matters would never come back to him again…
—
Meanwhile, within the Hyūga Clan's territory.
At this moment, several dozen people had gathered inside the clan grounds. They were none other than the heads of Konoha's major clans. Their expressions were grim, clearly showing their anger at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Damn it, Sarutobi Hiruzen has gone completely mad with greed!" Hyūga Hiashi cursed.
"That's right, he actually demanded ten million ryō from me directly!" another clan head slammed the table furiously.
"And he even used threats and intimidation!" another clan leader gritted his teeth in rage.
"Shikaku, what do you make of this?" Hiashi turned to the man beside him.
Everyone else turned curiously toward Nara Shikaku. After all, the Nara Clan was renowned for its wisdom, considered the most intelligent family in Konoha.
The Yamanaka-Nara-Akimichi alliance had always been loyal supporters of Sarutobi Hiruzen, but today's behavior was simply too much, pushing them toward resistance.
"I believe the Third Hokage has grown too old. He is no longer suitable to continue serving as Hokage…" Nara Shikaku said quietly.
"Yes, the village now needs a younger, more energetic leader—someone capable of guiding Konoha's future," Yamanaka Kaiichi added in agreement.
"Then… what should we do?" Akimichi Chōza asked.
A sly glint flashed in Shikaku's eyes as he smiled and said:"Since the Third Hokage shows no benevolence, then he cannot blame us for showing no loyalty."
He then carefully explained his plan to the assembled clan heads. After listening, they all nodded in approval and praised the strategy.
"Hahaha, this idea is excellent!"
Suddenly, Shikaku remembered something important and reminded them:"Don't forget to inform the Uchiha Clan. They have long harbored resentment toward the Third Hokage. This operation cannot succeed without their support."
"That's right, how could something this important proceed without involving the Uchiha!"
The group quickly departed the Hyūga grounds, heading toward the Uchiha compound.
—
Inside the Uchiha territory.
When Uchiha Fugaku saw the gathering of clan heads, he was startled and nearly leapt to his feet, thinking to himself:"Could it be that the Third Hokage has already discovered the Uchiha's plans for rebellion?"
But after listening to Hiashi's explanation, his anxiety was instantly replaced by shock. It turned out these people had come to discuss how to force the Hokage into abdicating.
Fugaku's breathing grew rapid—he could hardly believe what he was hearing.
Just yesterday, they had been plotting how to launch a coup. And now, the clan heads of Konoha had come straight to him with this? This was like someone offering a pillow when he was already drowsy!
"In that case, my Uchiha Clan is willing to give its full support to your plan! We must act quickly, there can be no more delays!" Uchiha Fugaku declared excitedly.
—
The next day.
"Have you heard? The heads of Konoha's great clans have all gathered outside the Hokage Tower, saying they have something important to announce!"
"Seriously? I have to go see this!"
As word spread, villagers and shinobi alike rushed toward the Hokage Tower, eager to find out what was happening.
By then, the tower was already surrounded by people, packed layer upon layer. They all gazed curiously at the clan leaders above, murmuring among themselves, speculating about what was to come.
Once the crowd had gathered, Nara Shikaku looked solemnly at the other clan heads and said, "It's about time we begin."
Hyūga Hiashi stepped forward with a serious expression. Slowly, he removed the forehead protector from his brow and raised it high for all to see.
The scene instantly fell into silence. Everyone stared in confusion, unsure of what Hiashi was about to do.
"I, Hyūga Hiashi, formally denounce the Third Hokage of the Land of Fire's Konoha Village. He has abused his authority for personal gain, repeatedly demanding exorbitant tributes.
Just yesterday, the Third Hokage demanded fifty million ryō from me. Because I could not provide it, he seized several of the Hyūga Clan's shops in the commercial district!" Hiashi declared loudly.
"What!? Is that true?"
"I can't believe the Third Hokage would do such a thing!"
"The sky of Konoha has truly darkened!"
At this moment, the other clan heads also stood up one after another.
"I am Nara Shikaku…"
"I am Akimichi Chōza…"
"I am Yamanaka Kaiichi…"
...
One by one, the clan leaders rose and revealed everything the Third Hokage had done over the years. Hearing it all laid out, the gathered crowd was utterly dumbfounded. They never could have imagined that the usually respected and venerable Third Hokage would have such disgraceful secrets.
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