Konoha High-Level Meeting
Konoha.
The Harusame under the dark clouds showed no signs of stopping, falling from day to night. The peaceful atmosphere in Konoha yesterday was replaced by a sense of oppression today.
The Hokage Building was brightly lit under the gloomy sky, and the highest Meeting Room was filled with all the Jōnin from the village, except those on duty, on missions, and stationed in the surrounding areas.
Special Jonin are not qualified to attend this meeting. Officially, there are only two types of Jōnin in the village: one is Jōnin, who are already considered the village's elite, and the other is Special Jonin, which is more of an honorary title. This title is bestowed upon those who possess certain abilities at the Jōnin level or who have made great contributions.
The Special Jonin " is more accurately described as "Honorary Jōnin," and there is another type called "Elite Jonin," which is not a title from the Five Great Ninja Villages but merely a designation.
Those ninjas who are hailed Jōnin, or whose reputations are confirmed by enemy ninja villages and ninjas, are called Elite Jonin.
Hokage Meeting Room.
As people arrived one after another, the brightly lit Meeting Room was filled with a strong smell of tobacco.
"They're all here."
There were over a hundred Jōnin who arrived, but this was not the entire strength of Konoha, since Jōnin were needed everywhere to keep order after such an incident.
The faces of the various families were all solemn. Today's events were too sudden, and no one could react in time.
The oppressive atmosphere was even more intense than after the Nine-Tails' Rampage, and even Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, was present in person.
In just a few short years, the Third Hokage, who last exuded an imposing and dignified air, now looked noticeably more haggard.
"Sit."
With a simple, hoarse voice, all the Jōnin respectfully sat down and looked at the village's top four leaders. At this moment, everyone's expression was not good, after all, none of them had ever thought of forcing a Kage Level powerhouse to leave.
The Third Hokage surveyed the crowd, exhaling a puff of smoke before speaking in a somber, hoarse voice, "Orochimaru's research into Forbidden Technique and his human experimentation have been made public. The village's decision is my decision. Does anyone have any objections?"
Age spots were already visible on his aged face, but the Third was still Shinobi Hero, and even in his final moments, he remained like a tiger entrenched in Konoha.
Everyone fell silent, even Uchiha Yoru. This was politics! Some things were clearly orders from above, but as long as you did them in private, everyone knew and it was fine. But once it was exposed, it was no good.
This is still considering the relationship. If Orochimaru had defected directly, the higher-ups would have dared to deny it and pin all the blame on Orochimaru. In the current situation, this matter has been brought to a muddled end.
For example, what were Orochimaru's human experiments? What Forbidden Technique were he researching? How did his experimental base evade the investigations of Konoha Anbu, Root, Konoha Military Police Force, Intelligence Department, and countless ninjas? How were large amounts of research funds, equipment, and specimens brought to the village so openly?
Can all of this be investigated? So if anyone steps forward to investigate at this point, their political career is over, and they will be blacklisted and become a pawn.
Either you play the game within the veneer of politics, or you can't overturn the table before you have the power to sweep through Konoha.
As expected! After seeing countless people silently accept this, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi announced, "Anbu Captain 'Ume Sarutobi' violated regulations, causing turmoil in Konoha. She is hereby dismissed from her position Anbu Captain. Due to serious dereliction of duty, she is sentenced to death, to be carried out in three days!"
"Meanwhile, due to Shin'nosuke Sarutobi poor handling of the Land of Lightning, Shikaku Nara will take over as commander-in-chief."
Boom!
Everyone was shocked, but they also understood immediately. After all, they had caused such a big incident, Hiruzen Sarutobi had to give an explanation.
The Jōnin present are not stupid. Even if they don't know now, Jōnin investigative abilities are extremely strong, and they will be able to find out everything in a few days.
Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi directly raised the issue, and the person involved even issued a ruthless execution order, considering that this was his eldest daughter-in-law.
"Sarutobi! Ume Sarutobi is quite strong. Executing her now would only weaken Konoha's strength."
The Konoha High Command leadership was shocked by Hiruzen Sarutobi's decisiveness, and Utatane Koharu frowned as she looked at everyone and spoke in a deep voice about their current situation.
"Orochimaru's expulsion will cause turmoil throughout Konoha and even the Land of Fire. Konoha is currently going through a turbulent time and is in dire need of manpower. I suggest that we temporarily send Ume Sarutobi to the front lines to redeem herself. After all, the strength of an Elite Jonin is indispensable in any ninja village."
After Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura frowned and said in a deep voice, "Sarutobi, I think Koharu's suggestion is good. The strength of an Elite Jonin is very important on the front line. No one knows what might happen."
At this moment, almost all the ninjas fell silent, but some lowered their heads, filled with resentment. It was Uchiha Shisui, who was hiding in the crowd. Hearing the words of the higher-ups, he felt extremely ironic. An Elite Jonin? Why not mention that they had also lost a Kage Level powerhouse who could intimidate enemy countries?
At this moment, the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans clan Jōnin gave a wry smile. Choza Akimichi then put on a simple and honest smile, "I agree with the two advisors' suggestion. After all, the role of an Elite Jonin on the front lines is extremely important."
I agree.
"Indeed, the Anbu Captain has worked hard, even if he hasn't achieved great things. Nobody knew things would develop this way."
"I agree."
After someone spoke up, one Jōnin after another nodded in agreement. Most of them didn't want to get involved in this matter, while some were simply supporters of the Third Hokage and naturally had to speak up for their own people.
"Let's discuss Ume Sarutobi's matter later, Sarutobi! The current issue is how to quell the turmoil following Orochimaru's expulsion." Utatane Koharu, that old woman, truly lives up to her years of political experience; first she released a signal, and now she's directly shifting the topic.
As expected, the Third Hokage frowned upon hearing about the important matter and said in a deep voice, "I have already ordered the border areas to be on high alert, especially since some small countries may take the opportunity to sow discord between major powers."
After this incident, the Third Hokage's first consideration was how serious the impact would be, and he immediately issued a series of orders.
However, at that moment, Shimura Danzō saw the Uchiha's figure, and a sinister look appeared in his one exposed eye. "Third Hokage, it seems the matter of the Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force, which is under the command of Uchiha Yoru, has not yet been resolved."
The atmosphere fell silent instantly; everyone shut their mouths, knowing the main event was about to begin. Orochimaru had been expelled, so what would become of this direct disciple?
Facing Shimura Danzō's indifferent gaze, Uchiha Yoru calmly looked at the Konoha F4, saying, "The Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force is carrying out orders from Root."
"Presumptuous!"
Shimura Danzō coldly, but inwardly he sneered. No one had expected Orochimaru's actions, but since it had already happened, the only thing to do now was to deal with it quickly. In fact, it might not be a bad thing for him.
This incident shattered the Sarutobi Clan's illusion of having two Hokage from one family. After all, no one expected Orochimaru to react so strongly. Look at White Fang, he quietly went home to suffer, unlike Orochimaru, who was directly aiming to become Rogue Ninja.
He had eliminated almost all of his opponents, but Orochimaru's remaining power still existed, and it was a formidable force. Danzo's greatest desire now was to recruit it into his ranks.
Hizashi Hyuga Hizashi's face turned ashen upon hearing this. He had thought he had found a powerful ally, but in the blink of an eye, he had become a hot potato. Uchiha Shisui clenched his fists tightly, while Hatake Kakashi kept his head down, his expression unreadable.
Despite the difficulties posed by the highest-ranking person in Konoha, Uchiha Yoru remained calm and composed. He even waved his hand behind his back, signaling everyone not to make any rash moves.
They are the weak! They cannot defy everything, but they are a group, a village with rules. Since they cannot break the rules, they will fight back within the scope of those rules.
"Third Hokage, the Konoha Military Police Force is independent of the other departments in Konoha and has its own authority. It is only responsible for obeying orders from the Hokage-sama, but it also has the responsibility to assist the other departments."
Uchiha Yoru completely ignored Shimura Danzō. Since he knew the other party was targeting him, why not just confront him directly? Right now, he still needs to accumulate enough power in the power struggles at the higher levels, so he needs to bring people in, such as the Third Hokage, since the higher-ups owe him something for this matter.
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, frowned upon hearing this and said in a deep voice, "That's right, the Konoha Military Police Force has a responsibility to assist all other departments."
"So, what's wrong with Uchiha Yoru, the Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force, assisting the former vice-commander of Root?"
Shimura Danzō was filled with rage by Danzo's words. He was furious because no one had dared to challenge the authority of Konoha High Command for so many years. Their F4 had never had anyone dare to challenge them, and now a little brat dared to do so.
Besides, who doesn't know that was Orochimaru's previous position Root Deputy Commander?
When Utatane Koharu saw this, she narrowed her eyes and shook her head, saying, "Danzo, you've been suspended."
Looking at F4's seemingly impartial demeanor, as if they were standing up for justice, they were actually playing good cop and bad cop.
"Hokage-sama, this is all the evidence that the Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force assisted Root."
Uchiha Yoru slowly took out a scroll from his robes. At that moment, many people showed surprise, but then they all fell into deep thought.
Was Orochimaru prescient? Or was the Uchiha Clan already prepared to protect themselves should anything go wrong?
"The Former Root Deputy Commander once ordered me to raise research funds from various families under the pretext of conducting confidential research in the village. He said that the Root and the village would make up the difference afterward. These are all the IOUs."
Once again, he took out a scroll from his robes. Despite Uchiha Yoru's calm expression, the various clans were all moved and could no longer sit still, all turning their gazes towards Shimura Danzō.
However, Shimura Danzō, after receiving the scroll of money, opened it with a cold laugh, and instantly one of his eyes widened in shock at the series of numbers.
The Third couldn't help but snort coldly upon seeing this scene, giving Danzo a disgruntled look. "If you hadn't made such a big fuss, this wouldn't have happened. So much money, serves you right!"
As for the Sarutobi Clan's 500 million, he was even more heartbroken. He wasn't heartbroken about the money, but rather about the loss of a Kage Level fighter under his command.
Uchiha Yoru sneered inwardly. Now that Teacher Orochimaru had left behind a force after leaving his homeland, it had become a hot commodity. Some people who weren't close to him didn't care, but there were quite a few ninjas who had already been marked.
Only two people were truly confident in accepting this power: the Third Hokage and Danzo. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were in charge of diplomacy, and especially at their age, they had long lost Danzo's drive.
Danzo wants to recruit people to Root? Ask Konoha how many ninjas are willing to go.
"That's right, it was personally signed by the former deputy minister of the Root." The clan chief of the least noticeable Aburame Clan said in a deep voice. You should know that the fifty million they lent out was a considerable sum.
After someone spoke up, the other Noble Houses families also chimed in. Seeing this, Shimura Danzō gritted his teeth in hatred, and the Third was furious at their lack of ambition.
They didn't expect things to turn out this way, and now what's the difference between Orochimaru and a defector? It's just that Konoha still has one last fig leaf.
The Sannin, Tsunade, lived outside of Konoha, practically ignoring everything, and Konoha tacitly accepted this. Konoha Ninja Jiraiya 'Shinobi World astonishment upon seeing him Chunin Ninja Exams, who exclaimed that he was a legendary ninja.
Orochimaru's research for Konoha has backfired, caused by some people acting out of greed. They took all the research data and funds, meaning Orochimaru gained nothing and even forced a Kage Level ninja to flee to another country. He was clearly just a hair's breadth away from becoming Rogue Ninja.
"The village is currently facing a shortage of funds. Once the village stabilizes, these funds will be gradually used to make up for the shortfall in funds for each family." Mitokado Homura frowned as he looked at the large sum of money in the bag, directly stating the village's current determination. The family members secretly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. It was good that they acknowledged it; otherwise, if such a large sum of money had gone down the drain, they would have been truly devastated.
It was precisely because of this large sum of money that none of the families took advantage of his misfortune. Orochimaru, now listed as S-Class Dangerous Ninja, was already teetering on the edge of becoming Rogue Ninja. If he crossed that line, he would be considered Rogue Ninja who absconded with the money, and they would have nowhere to get their money back.
Similarly, the Konoha High Command also considered the matter very carefully, concluding that it was not worthwhile to classify Orochimaru as an S-rank Rogue Ninja for a mere amount of money.
"Uchiha Yoru, I would like to offer my condolences to the ninja in charge of the Land of Water Frontline, in the name of the Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force. What do you think?"
Now comes the main event. The Orochimaru affair has come to an end, so that's the end of the story. But what follows is Orochimaru's direct forces. The Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force is just a microcosm. The real main event is the Ninja legion on the front lines.
Orochimaru has been stationed on the border for so many years, and he has countless supporters on the front lines, including quite a few fanatics. The Third Hokage's solemn expression when he spoke about this matter was an attempt to appease Orochimaru by using Uchiha Yoru's identity as Orochimaru's disciple.
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