What does it mean not to choose Orochimaru for the sake of power?
The Fourth Kazekage Rasa was practically watching the chaos with delight.
At this time, he was even stirring things up by seemingly speaking on behalf of Shimura Danzo and even wanting to defend Konoha's traitorous ninja, Orochimaru.
However, Shimura Danzo seemed to have caught Sarutobi Hiruzen in a loophole and immediately followed up on Rasa's words: "No matter what you say, it doesn't change the fact that you have always held power alone in Konoha. Even after the Fourth's sacrifice, you took the Hokage's power for yourself. Is there any case in this world where a former Kage reinstates themselves to seize power?"
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression became a bit unpleasant.
He couldn't explain his reinstatement as Hokage; at that time, Konoha truly had no more suitable candidates. Surely, they couldn't have elected Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hizashi, or Nara Shikaku, right? Besides, Orochimaru was still in Konoha at that time!
This is the truth.
Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't say it aloud.
"It was the Daimyo's order."
Sarutobi Hiruzen could only blame the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, who also happened to have mentioned letting him resume the role of Hokage.
However…
No one present would believe such an explanation.
Sitting beside him, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa even sneered openly.
Because the Kage or leader of a Ninja Village has always been determined within the village itself before being discussed by the Daimyo and nobles.
"For the sake of power, it's understandable."
The Fourth Kazekage Rasa nodded with a smile, even speaking words that seemed to defend the Third Hokage: "If Orochimaru had taken power, perhaps due to differing ideologies, he wouldn't have allowed the Third Hokage to continue holding power…"
The Fourth Kazekage Rasa sat beside him, speaking sarcastically: "This couldn't be helped. If it were me, I would hope the next Kazekage would respect me, share my ideals, and, ideally, let me retain the Kazekage's authority, even turning him into a puppet for my continued control over the Hidden Sand Village…"
As soon as these words were spoken,
Everyone present couldn't help but change their expressions.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen's face turned grim.
"By the way."
The Fourth Kazekage Rasa glanced at Akihara Kagura: "The Ninja World has always believed that Konoha's Akihara Kagura will become the future Fifth Hokage…"
"Kazekage-sama."
Akihara Kagura had to stand up and interrupt him, expressing his own thoughts: "There are times when one shouldn't speak, and the Hokage election is Konoha's affair. Besides, I have never considered becoming Hokage…"
"..."
The Fourth Kazekage Rasa chuckled softly.
This kid is really hypocritical, even trying to avoid suspicion at this time!
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Akihara Kagura and continued, "Kagura is a bit young now; perhaps in the future, he might become Hokage. But right now, Konoha has a more suitable candidate…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen had considered this many times, especially after the incident with Hyuga Hizashi, but still believed Jiraiya should succeed him as Hokage first, hoping that once Jiraiya became Hokage, they could slowly assess whether Akihara Kagura was fit to become Hokage.
"..."
The expressions of the Jonin present became subtly odd.
Everyone's gaze involuntarily shifted toward Akihara Kagura.
Many believed that Akihara Kagura would become the next Hokage, and now the Third Hokage personally denied this, which begged the question, what did this mean?
"Hehehehe…"
Shimura Danzo laughed coldly: "Because young Akihara Kagura won't listen to your orders, that's why you refuse to let him become Hokage, right? Monkey, do you want to pick another obedient puppet to be your puppet again?"
"Shut up!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen could only sternly reprimand Shimura Danzo to silence him.
"I haven't finished speaking yet!"
Shimura Danzo gave a cold look to everyone present and continued, "If I have committed any crimes, then let it be clarified in front of everyone…"
"..."
In reality, Akihara Kagura really wanted to drag Shimura Danzo away.
This old supervisor's words were just too weak. Without the intermittent prodding from the Kazekage nearby, he wouldn't pose the slightest threat to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"You think I and Uchiha Itachi jointly killed the Uchiha Clan."
Shimura Danzo stared coldly at Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Did you forget the task you assigned me back then? It was you who had me monitor the Uchiha Clan, fearing they would rebel, yet unable to find a way…"
"Shut up!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen dared not let Shimura Danzo continue.
"..."
The Jonin present had some unusual looks on their faces.
While everyone knew the Uchiha Clan was arrogant, learning that the Uchiha massacre indeed originated from Konoha's high echelon was disquieting.
Shimura Danzo hesitated for a moment, surprisingly obeying Sarutobi Hiruzen's intentions, thinking it was indeed improper to speak further because it involved Uchiha Itachi.
"Danzo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Shimura Danzo, thoroughly disappointed in this old friend: "I hadn't expected you to disregard the greater good like this…"
"I also care about the greater good."
Shimura Danzo's expression also turned grim, coldly saying, "But I have always carried dark burdens on your behalf, acting by your commands. Don't think all sins are mine alone. You are the source of Konoha's darkness."
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's forehead furrowed in anger.
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