To Fool Others, Fool Yourself First

After making use of this person, Obito—

Black Zetsu suddenly spoke. "There's some news you should be interested in."

"What?" Obito asked doubtfully.

Black Zetsu said in a low voice:

"Konoha is choosing the Fifth Hokage. The current candidates are Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Uchiha Shamu."

Thanks to the Spore Technique, the news had reached Black Zetsu as soon as it was exposed in Konoha.

"Uchiha Shamu?"

Obito frowned.

"How could an Uchiha possibly become Hokage?"

There was not only disdain in his tone, but also a trace of some other emotion.

Black Zetsu shook his head.

"According to the intelligence, Uchiha Shamu nominated himself, and his nomination passed the vote."

Obito snorted, seeming to think of something.

"Isn't that even better? When the Fifth Hokage takes office, we can give Konoha a fine gift."

Weakening Konoha was also Black Zetsu's intention, and he agreed.

"The seeds I scattered in Konoha have already taken root and sprouted. Now they've borne fruit, and all that remains is for me to pick them."

Obito gazed into the distance, in Konoha's direction.

"Then let's take this imitation Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki away first."

Uchiha Clan Grounds.

Shamu had already brought Yahiko back to the clan grounds and settled him in. He told him not to wander around during this time and that, after a while, he would send him to meet Konan and Nagato.

All the Uchiha clan members knew that Shamu had brought someone back, but no one asked unnecessary questions.

Yahiko also knew that he was weak now, so he tried his best not to cause Shamu any trouble.

Every day, he either cultivated in his room or trained at the training grounds.

People with that hair color rarely appeared within the clan grounds.

Tsunade would occasionally notice that figure from upstairs in the hospital, but she clearly did not remember who he was.

After all, too many years had passed.

Shamu had not been idle these past few days.

After leaving Yahiko with the clan, he went to Konoha every day.

For small clans, he could simply throw money at them.

For some of the larger clans, besides spending money, Shamu went to their doors in all seriousness to canvass for votes.

He explained what preferential policies he could offer if he became Hokage.

Hokage came and went, but clans remained. After Shamu's years of undermining the Third Hokage—

Some clans had indeed become disappointed in the Third Hokage.

Shamu personally visiting to canvass for votes was far more sincere than Sarutobi Hiruzen canvassing for Orochimaru.

Still, aside from a few clans that declared their support for Shamu, most said they needed to consider it.

Shamu did not mind. He only needed to put on the proper show.

Because he knew that, when it came to choosing the Fifth Hokage—

The Third Hokage had more cards up his sleeve than he did.

Tsunade had been somewhat troubled lately, because many ninjas from the medical department had specifically come to the Uchiha Clan Grounds to see her.

They asked whether she intended to run for Fifth Hokage.

After all, Mitokado Homura had submitted the nomination. Tsunade had never publicly declared before that she wanted to run for Fifth Hokage.

Now that she had suddenly been nominated, it was tremendous news for the Medical Ninja.

Tsunade's prestige within the Medical Ninja system was beyond question.

As long as Tsunade became Hokage, the treatment of Medical Ninja like them would naturally rise with the tide.

Moreover, Tsunade met all the qualifications, which was why so many people had come to find her.

Tsunade had originally wanted to reject them immediately.

But...

"Why shouldn't I reject them? I don't want to be Hokage."

Tsunade looked utterly confused as she asked Shamu, who sat before her.

"With you in the race, we can at least pull all the Medical Ninja votes to your side."

"That means fewer people will vote for Orochimaru."

Shamu spoke in all seriousness, his tone making it sound completely real.

Tsunade looked at Shamu suspiciously.

Judging by Shamu's recent actions, did he truly want the position of Fifth Hokage?

Tsunade knew that Shamu had been leaving early and returning late every day, visiting the various clans to canvass for votes.

"Do you really want to run for Fifth Hokage?"

Tsunade looked seriously at Shamu.

Shamu's expression turned solemn, completely unlike his usual carefree grin.

"Originally, I only wanted the Third Hokage to step down."

"I never expected the major clans to no longer hold much prejudice against us Uchiha."

"Since I have a chance to become Hokage, why not give it a try!?"

Shamu imagined what it would be like if he became Hokage...

His gaze burned brightly, and his eyes filled with desire for power.

Tsunade saw all of it.

For Tsunade, rather than letting Orochimaru become Hokage—

It would be better for Shamu to become Hokage. At least she would not have to face difficult choices in the future.

"In that case, I'll help you."

Hearing Tsunade agree, Shamu smiled happily.

At the same time, he relaxed inwardly. Sure enough, if you want to fool others, you have to fool yourself first.

If I didn't imagine what power would look like after becoming Hokage, it would have been hard to fool Tsunade.

"The clan members outside should be returning soon. We can put practical combat instruction on the agenda."

"When the time comes, your medical instruction won't lack internship opportunities."

Fire Temple.

Obito quietly infiltrated alone.

He reached an unoccupied corner and opened the Kamui Dimension.

He released Kakuzu. Kakuzu was still unconscious when he came out.

Obito would no longer allow anyone other than himself to enter the Kamui Dimension while awake.

Kakuzu's performance on the Land of Water battlefield had been fairly good.

But Obito also knew that lasting violence could not control a person.

He had released Kakuzu tonight because this place had something Kakuzu liked.

Obito used another genjutsu to wake Kakuzu.

Kakuzu rose while clutching his head, his tone filled with resentment. "Where is this?"

Obito said softly, "Fire Temple."

"Hm!?" Kakuzu was puzzled. "Why did you bring me here?"

Obito patted Kakuzu on the shoulder.

"You were in charge of Akatsuki's finances before. Now that you're with me, naturally I'll arrange the same position for you."

"The head monk here is Chiriku. You should know him well, right?"

"Chiriku!?" As expected, Kakuzu grew excited the moment he heard the name.

Although he had lost his ledger, he had memorized some of the more valuable bounty targets.

"Thirty million ryo!?"

Obito was quite satisfied by Kakuzu's reaction.

"That's right. I can quickly help you find people with high bounties like this."

"So, will you work for me or not?"

Kakuzu's eyes flickered. "Put that aside for now. Let's turn Chiriku into money first."

Obito nodded. "I've already brought you in. We'll split up in a moment. Remember to deal with the other monks too."

"Fine. No problem."

After hearing Kakuzu agree, Obito opened the Kamui Dimension and slipped inside.

Seeing the way Obito departed, a trace of wariness flashed through Kakuzu's eyes.

Then he looked toward the buildings of the Fire Temple.

His back bulged, and the water- and lightning-element Earth Grudge Fear burst out from his body.

The two Earth Grudge Fear burrowed underground toward the main gate.

Wind- and fire-element Earth Grudge Fear masks appeared on Kakuzu's left and right shoulders.

Both masks opened their mouths wide. Chakra began to gather rapidly!

Kakuzu aimed at the central main hall of the Fire Temple.

Combined Ninjutsu: Flame-Wind Wild Wave!

Explosive flames erupted from the fire-style Earth Grudge Fear mask, merging with the howling gale.

In an instant, enormous flames fell like a burning cloud descending from the sky.

They crashed directly onto the central main hall of the Fire Temple!

The Fire Temple instantly erupted into chaos as countless monks began shouting amid the commotion!

"What's going on!?"

"It's on fire!"

"Enemies are attacking!"

"Quick, go summon Lord Chiriku!"