Tsk, little tricks?
Feng Bai held nothing but contempt for Danzō's shallow thinking.
As the village's second-in-command—below one person but above countless others—how could he not understand that what truly binds people together is mutual interest?
Take the Uchiha, for instance. Why had they been causing trouble since the Second Hokage's era? Wasn't it all due to unfair distribution of benefits?
Given Asuma's current behavior, if they had to choose a Hokage from among them in the future, Feng Bai would definitely deliver that classic line: "I choose Asuma—because he bought us meals!"
All members of the Second Hokage's guard squad: the Sarutobi clan produced a Hokage, the Shimura family produced a second-in-command, the Utatane and Mitokado families each produced advisors—but the Uchiha only had Uchiha Kagami, who died young. Who could accept such treatment?
Forget it. The old man always prefers ruling through fear anyway. If I try to advise him, he'll probably just see it as weakness. Better focus on solving this pocket money problem first.
Danzō, sitting across from him, had no idea his son was mentally tearing him apart. Instead, he was seriously contemplating Asuma's resources.
That Hiruzen Sarutobi—though he won't say it outright, he definitely wants one of his three disciples to inherit the Hokage position.
Orochimaru has fallen out of favor with Hiruzen for certain reasons.
Jiraiya claims he wants to travel the ninja world and is rarely around.
Tsunade...
No matter which of the Sannin took the Hokage seat, they would surely give special treatment to their teacher's son. Who knew—maybe another "final test" scenario would play out someday.
I can't let Asuma continue basking in the spotlight.
Danzō closed his single eye. There would need to be a transitional Hokage between Hiruzen and Feng Bai—someone close to him, so Feng Bai could surpass Asuma.
His own subordinates were all shadowy figures; even he might not pass the Jōnin vote.
Someone more renowned than the Sannin, who also has a favorable impression of Feng Bai...
Danzō suddenly opened his eye and looked at Feng Bai, who sat obediently in place.
Noticing Danzō's gaze, Feng Bai perked up, thinking his hints had finally gotten through, and grew excited.
"You need to get along well with Kakashi."
"Huh? Oh." Feng Bai's face fell. Why bring up that brooding guy out of nowhere?
Danzō's reasoning was this: someone who could overshadow the Sannin, had a good impression of Feng Bai, and could be won over—looking across all of Konoha, only the "White Fang of Konoha" fit the bill.
Compared to Orochimaru, Sakumo Hatake commanded even greater respect in the village and was extremely well-liked.
If he could arrange for Feng Bai to apprentice under Sakumo, then promote him as the next Hokage, Feng Bai, as the Hokage's student, would naturally be qualified to aim for that position.
Moreover, Sakumo Hatake was someone Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't refuse.
Compared to his three disciples with their questionable habits, Sakumo Hatake was clearly the one who truly embodied the so-called "Will of Fire."
But approaching Sakumo now would be premature. I need to wait for the right moment...
Feng Bai went from hopeful anticipation to complete boredom. Just as he was about to leave his seat, having waited in vain for Danzō to address the money issue, Danzō finally spoke after his long contemplation:
"You're Danzō's son. Having the Sarutobi kid treat you every day—what does that look like? Starting tomorrow, you're forbidden from accepting his treats!"
Great, just great, old man. Not only won't you give me money, you won't even let me freeload. Classic you!
Feng Bai looked utterly deflated but still forced himself to agree: "I understand, Dad."
"Mm, go study." Having received his reply, Danzō nodded expressionlessly.
...
Several months passed.
During this time, Feng Bai progressed from being kicked into walls by Ryōma while standing still, to actually making Ryōma move a few steps.
Having been injured so frequently, he also learned some medical ninjutsu from Yakushi Nonō in his spare time, with decent results.
But none of that mattered. What mattered was that after Feng Bai's repeated hints, Danzō finally remembered to give his son "a little" pocket money—enough for him to live on.
"This is ten thousand ryō. When you run out, ask Ryōma for more." Danzō's magnificent bearing when handing over the money made Feng Bai call out "Thank you, Dad!" with genuine gratitude for the first time.
Ten thousand ryō! Forget dango—I could treat everyone to deluxe Ichiraku Ramen!
Clutching his stomach and limping to their meeting spot, Feng Bai's unique arrival style had become familiar to Asuma and the others.
"Yo, got beaten up again, Feng Bai." Just as Feng Bai steadied himself, Anko threw an arm around him, grinning.
"How can you slander me like that..." Feng Bai protested vigorously: "Training doesn't count as getting beaten up. Training—ninja business—can you call that 'getting beaten up'?"
The group bantered as they made their way to Konoha's streets, where they happened to encounter Hiruzen Sarutobi chatting with a pretty shop owner.
"Oh my, isn't that the young master? Hokage-sama, your son's here to see you!" The shop owner, who'd been laughing at Hiruzen's words, spotted Asuma and quickly alerted him.
"Mm, oh, it's Asuma." Hiruzen turned around at her words, his expression remaining calm as he nodded.
Asuma nodded back in response.
But when Hiruzen looked at Feng Bai, his face instantly brightened with a kindly smile: "Feng Bai, how's life in the village treating you?"
Seeing Hiruzen address Feng Bai, Anko, who'd been hanging onto him, quickly released her grip and ran to Kurenai's side to watch.
"Pretty good, Third Grandpa—uh, Third Hokage-sama." Seeing the wrinkles created by Hiruzen's smile, Feng Bai nearly slipped and demoted his own father's generation.
But it wasn't really Feng Bai's fault—Hiruzen did look quite aged. Compared to Danzō with his full head of black hair, Hiruzen already showed silver at his temples.
"Hahaha, is that so? Good. Where the leaves dance, fire burns eternal. You're all green leaves—the ones we old folks must protect. Only when you flourish will this village have a future." Looking at the children before him, Hiruzen seized the opportunity to proclaim the Will of Fire.
"Third Hokage-sama! I will definitely uphold the Will of Fire and strive toward becoming Hokage!" A childish voice responded enthusiastically to Hiruzen's speech.
Pleased that this generation was so promising, Hiruzen looked around approvingly for the speaker, then spotted a boy wearing goggles and a shirt with a ping-pong paddle emblem—Obito.
"Mm, you are, uh..." Just as Hiruzen was about to ask his name, he realized this excited boy appeared to be from the Uchiha clan...
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]