NABC Chapter 139 A Lack of Successors: Walking on Thin Ice
Chapter 139 A Lack of Successors: Walking on Thin Ice
Chapter 139 A Lack of Successors: Walking on Thin Ice
One hour later.
The crowd gathered in the plaza in front of the Hokage Building did not disperse; instead, it grew larger and larger.
Anger, humiliation, resentment, confusion —
Various emotions intertwined and fermented among the crowd, creating an atmosphere so oppressive it was almost suffocating.
"Why is the Third Hokage apologizing and surrendering? Kirigakure was the one who attacked first!"
"What about those comrades who died in battle? What about their sacrifices! Did they just die in vain?"
"I don't believe it! We still have so many strong sages in Konoha, Lord Orochimaru, Lord Danzo, they're all here! Why should we surrender!"
Angry questions erupted from the crowd from time to time, and the atmosphere became increasingly heated!
In fact, if this happened in other ninja villages, the people there would never be so angry.
Even if people are emotional, some will calm down.
For example, if the younger generation of ninjas are full of youthful passion and unwilling to surrender, then the older generation of ninjas who have experienced many trials and tribulations will speak up to educate them and calm them down.
Or perhaps the public was emotionally charged, but the ninjas, understanding the bigger picture, knew when to advance and retreat, obeyed orders, and calmly maintained control of the situation.
But Konoha is different.
At this moment, Konoha was filled with righteous indignation!
The reason is simple: Konoha has never been defeated!
The younger generation of ninjas, full of youthful passion and high spirits, would never accept surrender.
Needless to say, the older generation witnessed firsthand how Konoha stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world and how it was hailed as the number one ninja in the world!
They witnessed Konoha's glory, and it continues to shine!
Now, this glory has suddenly shattered, and the stark contrast makes it even harder for these elderly ninjas to accept.
Of course, the majority of these were the families of the ninjas who died on the battlefield in Kirigakure.
Konoha has surrendered, but who will give an explanation to those who perished?!
"Why should we surrender? Why should we apologize?!"
"Where is Konoha's glory?!"
'
'
Suddenly, the doors of the Hokage Building slowly opened.
A figure walked out from inside the door.
His right eye and right arm were wrapped in thick bandages. He wore a dark kimono with a sacred robe worn by the Hokage. His single eye shone with a calm and dignified light.
It was Shimura Danzo!
The commotion subsided slightly, and everyone's eyes were focused on the elderly man who had suddenly appeared.
Danzo walked to the top of the steps in front of the square, stopped, and looked down at the dark mass of people below.
silence.
A long silence.
Danzo stood there quietly, without saying a word, his single eye slowly scanning every face in the crowd.
This silence is more powerful than any words.
The previously noisy crowd gradually quieted down.
But soon, some people couldn't help but speak up because of this emotional pressure, this strange feeling, and the anger in their hearts.
"Lord Danzo! Why did the Third Hokage surrender? Tell us!"
"Yes! You're the Hokage's assistant, you must know the inside story!"
"We can still fight, why should we surrender!"
Danzo raised his left hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.
The crowd fell silent again.
"Gentlemen."
Danzo spoke, and his voice, amplified by chakra, clearly reached everyone's ears.
"I know you are angry, I know you are resentful, I know your hearts are full of questions."
"I am also angry, I am also unwilling."
"Because, I am just like you, a ninja of Konoha! A citizen of Konoha!"
The crowd stirred slightly, and Danzo continued.
"In its fifty years of existence, Konoha has weathered three Shinobi World Wars and has never bowed its head to anyone!"
"Konoha's glory was forged by the First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and countless predecessors with their blood and lives!"
"I cherish this honor more than anyone else!"
"When I saw that agreement, when I heard the Hokage personally apologize to Kirigakure, my anger was no less than yours!"
"but!"
He changed the subject and his tone suddenly became sharp.
"Is anger useful? Is resentment useful?"
"The reason Konoha has stood firm in the ninja world for fifty years is not because of anger or resentment, but because of strength, willpower, and unity!"
"Today, Konoha has indeed suffered a setback. But this setback does not mean Konoha's decline, nor does it mean Konoha will fall into ruin!"
"Look at your comrades! Look at your former comrades who fought alongside you! Look at the ninjas who are still protecting Konoha!"
"We still possess immense power! We still possess an indomitable will! We still possess the finest ninjas in the ninja world!"
Danzo's voice grew louder and louder, each word like a heavy hammer striking everyone's heart.
"Failure is not terrible; what is terrible is wallowing in failure! What is terrible is losing the courage to get back up!"
"In the fifty years since Konoha was founded, we have weathered countless crises and challenges. Each time, we have overcome them through unity and unwavering will!"
"This time, it's the same!"
Under Danzo's impassioned words, the anger and resentment that had been present in the crowd were gradually replaced by a new emotion.
All eyes fell on Danzo. They had never imagined that this Hokage's assistant, known as the Dark Knight, could utter such words.
In the minds of most Konoha villagers and ordinary ninjas, Danzo Shimura was a mysterious and fearsome figure.
He spends most of his time in Gen's underground base and rarely appears in public.
When he does appear, he always has a gloomy face and an aura of indifference that keeps strangers at bay.
Rumors about him are mostly chilling stories of assassination, torture, and secret police rule.
Some say he is the shadow of Konoha, some say he is a bloodstained blade in the Hokage's hand, and some privately call him Danzo the Black Pot, because his face is always as gloomy as the bottom of a pot.
But at this moment, Danzo, standing in front of the Hokage Building, showed a completely different side of himself than before.
His voice was strong and clear, his eyes were firm yet warm, and his words were like a fire in winter, igniting the dying hope in everyone present!
"I know that many of you have lost loved ones, lost friends, and lost comrades who fought alongside you."
Danzo's voice became low and heavy, and tears seemed to well up in his single eye.
"I know that kind of pain, the agony of losing a loved one, cannot be soothed by words."
"I too have lost comrades-in-arms and companions. I understand that kind of pain."
Some people in the crowd began to sob quietly.
The families who lost loved ones in the war seemed to have found someone to confide in, and their emotions began to break down.
"but!"
Danzo's voice rose again.
"What did those who perished protect with their lives? It was Konoha! It was this village! It was you! It was our future!"
"If you just sink into despair like this, if you let failure crush you like this, what does their sacrifice mean?!"
"What they want to see is a more united and stronger Konoha! A Konoha that can inherit their will and continue to move forward! Not a Konoha that has been crushed by defeat and is wallowing in pain!"
"Tell me, are you willing to disappoint your fallen comrades?!"
"I don't want to!"
A roar erupted from the crowd.
"Are you willing to let Konoha fall like this?!"
"I don't want to!"
"Are you willing to give up the glory of Konoha, to give up the pride of being Konoha ninja?!"
"I don't want to!!"
The three roars were each louder and more passionate than the last.
The light in Danzo's single eye shone even brighter, as if he had seen hope.
"Good! Excellent! This is how Konoha ninjas should be!"
"If you're unwilling, then stand up! Wipe away your tears, lift your head, and keep moving forward!"
"Konoha will not fall, Konoha will never fall! Because you are here! I am here! And there are millions of people who love this village!"
"As long as we are united, as long as we stay true to our original aspirations, and as long as we remember the legacy of our fallen comrades, Konoha will always be Konoha! The strongest Konoha in the ninja world!"
A deafening cheer and applause erupted from the crowd.
Those young people who were originally angry and resentful now had a new light shining in their eyes.
The bereaved families wiped away their tears, their faces hardening with resolve. Even the once-lost old ninjas straightened their backs once more!
Danzo watched this scene and nodded to himself.
The results were even better than he had expected.
In a sense, this should be considered his first speech. However, whenever Hiruzen said something like this in the Hokage Building in the past, he would watch from the shadows and then unconsciously immerse himself in the speech.
In other words, this was his first time giving a speech.
But he had actually imagined this scene countless times in his mind!
"Gentlemen!"
The cheers gradually subsided, and everyone waited to see if the Hokage's assistant had anything else to say.
Danzo Shimura took a deep breath. Looking at the faces below and feeling the gentle sunlight, he felt his energy soaring to its peak.
"I stand here today not as the leader of Root, nor as an assistant to the Hokage, but as an ordinary Konoha ninja."
"I assure you, from this day forward, Konoha will place even greater emphasis on the growth of every ninja, the unity of every clan, and the well-being of every villager!"
"I assure you, Konoha will not easily wage war again, but it will never fear any challenge!"
"Anyone, any village, who dares to bully Konoha will pay a terrible price!"
"I assure you, Konoha's glory will not fade because of one defeat! Konoha's future will not be dimmed because of one setback!"
"Because we have you! We have millions of people who love this village!"
"Where the leaves dance in the air, the fire will never die out; its light will continue to illuminate this village and allow new leaves to sprout!"
Danzo's voice was loud and impassioned, and his left arm was raised high.
Another thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd, and tears welled up in their eyes!
"Lord Danzo! Lord Danzo!"
The cheers were like a tsunami, wave after wave, echoing throughout the plaza in front of the Hokage Building and even reaching the entire Hidden Leaf Village.
Danzo stood at the top of the steps, looking down at the frenzied crowd below, a smile playing on his lips.
Having spent decades in darkness, watching his old buddy become Hokage for just as long, Danzo had long since figured out one thing.
What the people need is never the truth, but a pillar of support and hope!
In the face of high pressure and despair, as long as you give them someone to trust and a direction to follow, they will follow you and obey you!
Today's speech is just the beginning.
There is still much more to be done.
Reassuring the public and stabilizing morale is only the first step.
More importantly, he should take this opportunity to thoroughly consolidate his position in Konoha and pave the way for his true ascension to the throne.
Hiruzen is old, and after this defeat, his prestige will inevitably be greatly damaged. It's only a matter of time before he resigns to take responsibility.
At that time, he, as the acting Hokage, will naturally become the sole successor.
Yan has already died in battle, and Xiaochun is all alone. Even if she occasionally has some complaints, she can't make any waves under these circumstances.
Among the various clans, the Hyuga clan has always remained neutral and will not get involved in such power transitions. Although the old foxes of Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi are shrewd, they will not jump out to oppose as long as their core interests are not touched.
As for the Uchiha—
No need to worry about it.
The position of Hokage in Konoha is not going to the Uchiha clan; even a dog on the street has a higher chance of becoming the Hokage than the Uchiha!
The only one we might be worried about is Orochimaru.
With Jiraiya dead and Tsunade gone, Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin and a disciple of the Hokage, was probably the biggest threat to his position as Hokage.
However, he had a lot of dirt on Orochimaru, and with that information, that guy would definitely not dare to compete with him.
Everything is under control!
I am determined to become Hokage!
Danzo then gave a series of speeches to boost morale.
-
He even personally distributed pensions and visited the families of those who died in the Battle of Wuyin.
This approachable manner left everyone in Konoha speechless. Those who knew Danzo especially wondered if he had been replaced in the Hidden Mist battlefield or if his mind had been controlled by the Mangekyou Sharingan.
Is this still the same Ninja Darkness who could stop a child from crying?!
Danzo's reputation soared in Konoha, and at the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had returned to the battlefield of Iwagakure, also received several intelligence scrolls.
Of these scrolls, apart from Danzo's own, the rest all came from Hiruzen Sarutobi's own people.
The intelligence report meticulously documented all of Danzo's actions over the past three days, including visiting the families of the fallen, comforting the wounded, holding a memorial service, distributing compensation, promising assistance, and delivering a moving speech.
Every word and phrase was written clearly.
After reading it, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a long time.
"Hiruzen?"
Seeing that his expression was strange, Akimichi Torifu couldn't help but ask him.
Hiruzen raised his head, a complex smile appearing on his face.
There was a sense of relief, and a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, mixed feelings).
There was also a sense of relief.
"That Danzo guy—"
He handed the scroll to Akimichi Tokifumi.
Akimichi Torifu was stunned after reading it.
"This...this really is Danzo?"
"It's him."
A smile appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face.
"When he was young, he was always at the forefront, competitive and unwilling to admit defeat. Later, after the Second Hokage sacrificed himself, he always felt that he should have become Hokage and that I had taken his place."
"Later, he established his roots, retreated behind the scenes, and became increasingly gloomy and indifferent."
"Sometimes I wonder if Danzo, who once fought alongside me, has disappeared."
"But now it seems—"
He paused, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.
"He didn't disappear. He just hid himself away. He hid for decades."
"Now, Konoha has encountered unprecedented setbacks. Someone needs to step forward to stabilize public morale and give people hope. He—stepped forward."
Akimichi Torifu paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Danzo did a really good job this time. His speech and his actions were just right. The public's response was also very enthusiastic, and he really lifted the previously low spirits."
"But Hiruzen, we both know why he did this, right?"
"Of course I know."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled calmly, looking at the sand table in front of him, where the Iwagakure banner occupied most of the area.
If he hadn't arrived at the battlefield in time, the situation would have been even worse.
"Danzo has wanted that position for decades."
"When he was young, he felt I stole him from him. Later, he felt the time wasn't right. Then, he felt someone was holding him back. Now—"
Hiruzen paused, his tone carrying a hint of complexity.
"Now, the opportunity has finally arrived."
Akimichi Torifu frowned: "Hiruzen, you don't really intend to—"
"To obtain the wind."
Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him, turned around, and looked at his old friend with whom he had fought side by side since they were young.
"How old am I this year?"
Akimichi Torifu was taken aback, and subconsciously replied, "Almost sixty, right?"
"I'm fifty-six." Hiruzen nodded. "I've been in charge of Konoha for over thirty years now."
"More than thirty years is long enough."
His voice carried a hint of weariness and a hint of relief.
In this era, although the average lifespan of ninjas had increased significantly compared to the Warring States period, it was still only around twenty or thirty years old.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was already fifty-six years old and had been in charge of Konoha for over thirty years, which was considered extremely old for a ninja!
"In this war against Kirigakure, I made many mistakes. I misjudged the intelligence, underestimated the threat posed by Makoto Karatachi, and ignored Danzo's warnings—ultimately leading to Konoha's unprecedented defeat."
"This is a responsibility I must shoulder."
"But Hiruzen!" Akimichi Torifu exclaimed anxiously, "The responsibility for this defeat cannot be entirely placed on your shoulders! A monster has emerged from Kirigakure. Who would have thought that a twenty-year-old brat could replicate a bloodline limit and possess that kind of power?"
"Anyone in that position might—"
"To obtain the wind."
Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him again, his tone calm.
"Failure is failure. No matter the reason, no matter the excuse, it was I who ultimately signed that humiliating agreement. It was I who bowed my head and apologized to Kirigakure."
"As Hokage, this is my responsibility."
Akimichi Torifu opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a rebuttal.
He understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's personality.
This old friend, who usually seems gentle and even somewhat indecisive, has a stubbornness and sense of responsibility that is hard for ordinary people to understand when it comes to matters of great importance.
"and----"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked out the window again, his gaze becoming distant.
"Danzo did a really good job this time."
"Look at these reports. Visiting the families of the fallen, comforting the wounded, distributing pensions, giving speeches—he did everything personally. Every word he spoke resonated with the people."
"The people needed hope, and he gave it to them. Konoha needed stability, and he provided that."
"Isn't this sense of responsibility and ability exactly what a Hokage should be like?"
The autumn path is silent, taking in the wind.
He admitted that Danzo's performance this time was indeed beyond everyone's expectations.
That gloomy and aloof ninja, who only knew how to plot and scheme in the Root's underground base, actually had this side to him.
Akimichi Torifu looked at his old friend, his voice low and deep: "Hiruzen, are you serious? Danzo—he is still Danzo. You know better than I what he's done all these years, what methods Root has employed. Are you really comfortable entrusting Konoha to him?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a long time.
"I'm not at ease."
'
"But precisely because I'm worried, I've kept him in check all these years. There are some things I can't let him do freely. There are some boundaries I can't let him cross."
"But it's about getting wind—"
Although his gaze was fixed on the sand table, something different appeared before his eyes.
It was a picture frame containing seven people.
Tobirama Senju, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, Torifu Akimichi, Kagami Uchiha!
Tobirama's expression was cold, while the six young people stood side by side, their smiles radiant.
That was when they were young, the most vibrant era in Konoha.
In a daze, the seven people in front of me vanished like bubbles.
We're all getting old.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice carried a hint of emotion and nostalgia.
"Jing is gone, Yan is gone. Xiaochun and Qufeng, your health hasn't been good these past few years either. This old man—this old man is tired too."
"I understand your thoughts. Konoha does indeed need a young, energetic Hokage who can lead everyone out of this predicament. But look at us now, how many are capable of succeeding him?"
Akimichi Torifu fell silent.
He could understand what Hiruzen Sarutobi meant.
In fact, based on the original circumstances, the most likely successor to the Fourth Hokage should have been Hiruzen Sarutobi's eldest son, Shinnosuke Sarutobi.
With his bloodline and impeccable lineage, plus his own hard work and outstanding abilities, Shinnosuke is far superior to Asuma, the second son who went to ninja school and then spent his time smoking, gambling, and causing trouble.
Not to mention Hiruzen Sarutobi, even Danzo Shimura acknowledged his nephew as his own.
Unfortunately, he died.
Next is Jiraiya!
Jiraiya is the person most like Hiruzen Sarutobi. They are almost identical, both with outstanding personality and talent. Although he is a smooth talker, he is very reliable when it comes to doing things, and he is also the representative of Mount Myōboku.
But it's a pity.
He died too.
In this situation, who could become the Fourth Hokage?
Orochimaru is undoubtedly an excellent choice. He has outstanding talent, extremely strong abilities, and numerous achievements. He is also his own disciple, making him a chosen one and the Fourth Hokage! Apart from Jiraiya, Orochimaru is almost the best candidate.
The problem is, after Orochimaru was transferred from the Sunagakure battlefield by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the more he looked at his disciple, the more suspicious he became.
He knew that his disciple had become obsessed with the research of forbidden techniques since the Second Shinobi World War. At first, Hiruzen Sarutobi thought it was just a normal thirst for knowledge. After all, the development of ninjutsu was a field that every genius would venture into, and Orochimaru had a unique talent for ninjutsu since childhood.
But later, Hiruzen Sarutobi realized something was wrong.
The forbidden techniques Orochimaru researched were not only those in the Book of Sealing, but also some even more forbidden things!
Previously, due to the pressure from Kirigakure and Iwagakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi had tested Orochimaru, but the result he received chilled him to the bone.
Orochimaru's experiments have long since gone beyond the scope of ordinary research, even involving the human body, life and death, and even the cells of the First Hokage!
In this situation, how should he hand over the Hokage position to Orochimaru?
The Hokage is the Hokage of Konoha, a position that everyone expects and should not be given to someone who disregards life!
Akimichi Torifu opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, it turned into a sigh.
"Hiruzen, are you really sure about this?"
"Um.
""
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, his gaze resolute.
"Once the war in Iwagakure comes to an end, I will formally propose to the elders and the major ninja clans that Danzo succeed as the Fourth Hokage."
"Of course, this isn't something he can just hand over. He needs to continue proving himself, continue winning the hearts of the people, and show everyone that he has the ability to lead Konoha out of its predicament!"
"But at least—I'm willing to give him this opportunity."
Akimichi Torifu paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Since you've made up your mind, I support you."
"But Hiruzen, don't forget to keep an eye on him too. Danzo's temperament—once he's in that position, without anyone to keep him in check, who knows what he might do?"
"Torifu, you're still the same as when you were young, always worried about Danzo."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "But you're right. Even if he becomes Hokage, he'll still need someone to keep an eye on him, someone to remind him, and someone to pull him back when he goes astray."
"Although I have abdicated, I will not leave Konoha. I will watch over him, watch how he governs the village, and watch how he leads Konoha into the future."
"If he does well, I will retire peacefully and enjoy my grandchildren. If he doesn't do well—"
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused.
"These old bones of mine can still fight for a few more years!"
Akimichi Torifu was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"Good! That's more like how Hiruzen should be!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed too. As he laughed, his gaze fell outside the tent, toward the hazy mountains in the distance, toward the land shrouded in war.
"Shinnosuke————Jiraiya————"
"The Konoha you protected with your lives will never fall. After being tempered by war, it will only be stronger and more united than before!"
"I assure you!"
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