All of This Was for Konoha

Konoha, tavern.

What kind of village are we living in now?

"Impoverished ninjas, poverty, old age, and care issues—why is the marriage rate and birth rate among young ninjas decreasing?"

Inside the tavern, under the watchful eyes of countless people, Uchiha Yoru questioned everyone with a accusatory tone.

Upon hearing this question, all the listeners fell silent. These were questions they had never considered, but they were questions they had to face.

As can be seen from the original work, the marriage and childbirth rates among young people during this period were shockingly low. For example, almost all of Kakashi's generation of ninjas were single. Keep in mind that the Shinobi World is a society where people have children early.

"Why would anyone want their children to be born in Konoha as it is now?"

Looking at everyone, Uchiha Yoru angrily rebuked them in a passionate tone. "It's because we are falling into an abyss, yet the rotten people in our village pretend not to see it."

At this point, Uchiha Yoru, suppressing his anger, looked at everyone calmly and said, "Do you know how much the property prices are in the center of the village right now?"

With five fingers slowly extended, Uchiha Yoru angrily and disgustedly declared in front of everyone, "At the most prosperous stage, one shi (unit of currency) costs 500,000! A full 500,000!"

"The reward for a B-rank mission in the Shinobi World is between 80,000 and 200,000! The reward for A-rank mission is between 150,000 and 1,000,000! But whether it's a B-rank or A-rank mission, it requires Jōnin- level leader. Putting aside the level of danger, just considering the resources and personnel allocation for the mission, the village will ultimately take a cut of the reward."

"Tell me, how many B-rank mission or A-rank mission can a Jōnin complete in a year during peacetime?"

"And after each mission, there's the need for physical recuperation, purchasing new tools, and so on..."

Uchiha Yoru pointed at everyone and angrily rebuked, "A well-coordinated team of Special Jonin and three Chunin, working tirelessly for a year, has accumulated less than a million in rewards!"

"A high-ranking Medical Ninja has reached the Jōnin level needs to take on a huge mortgage to pay for the houses in the village!"

At this moment, Uchiha Yoru, his emotions running high, pointed at everyone and roared, "It's because of the village's incompetent leaders! They're corrupt and greedy! Sitting on the village we've shed our blood to protect, they shamelessly enjoy everything!"

"Did you know that after the Third Shinobi War, all the major ninja villages have been working hard to restore their economies and even increase their military capabilities? At present, the military strength of the two major ninja villages Kumogakure Shinobi World Iwagakure, has surpassed that of Konoha!"

"And the aging and senile Third Hokage, greedily sitting in the Hokage position, absorbed the village's resources, transforming the once unknown Sarutobi Clan into the Konoha's Second Noble Clan."

Over the course of three years, Uchiha Yoru's behavior escalated from subtle hints to directly pointing out names and criticizing corruption. This audacious act gradually gained acceptance, with countless ninjas in the tavern blushing and pounding their fists on the table in excitement.

"Sarutobi Asuma! You are first and foremost a Konoha ninja, and only secondly the son of the Third Hokage! Now, tell me, is there any falsehood in what I have said?"

Suddenly, Uchiha Yoru pointed a finger, and in an instant, everyone looked at the ninja hiding in a dark corner, drinking alone. It was Sarutobi Asuma.

Three years ago, Sarutobi Asuma returned from the Fire Temple and encountered Uchiha Yoru. The two had gone from being enemies to having a mutual respect.

Facing everyone, Sarutobi Asuma slowly rose, took a deep breath, and looked at all the ninjas in the village, his mind made up.

"Indeed, the military strength of Shinobi World and Iwagakure is constantly increasing. On the other hand Kumogakure, in terms of military strength, Konoha is no longer the strongest in the Shinobi World."

An uproar!

The fact that the son of the Third Hokage personally admitted it was more compelling than any other evidence, causing a great uproar.

Three years ago, Sarutobi Asuma was full of prejudice against the Third Hokage. As a result, he went to the Daimyo's Mansion and encountered a series of changes before he could grow up, and was hurriedly recalled.

Upon returning, he encountered Uchiha Yoru, who had become the center of attention. Regarding Hiruzen Sarutobi's methods, Uchiha Yoru sneered, "Since you want to turn Itachi against us, then I will turn your son against us."

Treat them as they treat you.

At this time, Sarutobi Asuma was going through a rebellious phase, and faced with a great deal of real evidence, he completely erupted, practically standing on the opposite side of the Third Hokage.

"We cannot deny the Third Hokage's contributions, but the huge command errors in the Third Shinobi War led to the damage to Konoha. The Third Hokage has already resigned to take responsibility, but after the Nine-Tails' Rampage, the higher-ups, under the pretext of a temporary return to serve Third Hokage, have been sitting in that position ever since!"

"Not a single word was mentioned about the Fifth Hokage's position!"

Uchiha Yoru looked at everyone, and finally pointed at Sarutobi Asuma, shouting excitedly, "We can no longer indulge in the dream of being the number one ninja village in the Shinobi World! The Third Shinobi War almost brought us down from our pedestal. It's only been a few years, have we already forgotten?"

"Now! What we need is a new Hokage! A young and vigorous Hokage with vision and foresight, a man with the courage to crush the bones of his enemies into dust! Now he has arrived! He lives in our time! He will lead Konoha to victory once again!"

"We need to unite! We need to unite into a powerful Konoha that can once again dominate the Shinobi World!"

"Victory will ultimately belong to us!" With Uchiha Yoru's impassioned declaration, the atmosphere in the tavern was instantly stirred, and the simple-minded ninjas shouted excitedly.

Sarutobi Asuma, his face flushed, shouted excitedly, "Lord Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade are back! Uchiha Yoru! You're not the only option!"

As Sarutobi Asuma approached excitedly, he shouted angrily, as if he were opposing him. However, Uchiha Yoru not only did not get angry, but instead opened his arms and smiled.

"Of course! Of course Jiraiya and Tsunade are included as well. Konoha needs fresh blood right now. It can't rely on young people fighting to the death on the front lines while a bunch of old fogies greedily occupy high positions, always talking about the village!"

"I, Uchiha Yoru, propose that the village needs the Fifth Hokage! Not the old, corrupt Hokage leaders!"

Hoo hoo~

After three years of guidance, everyone's pent-up emotions finally found an outlet, and they screamed wildly.

Their outlet was the new Hokage. As Uchiha Yoru repeatedly exposed the village's decay, and the older generation occupied high positions, even the better jobs in the village were monopolized by these old guys' clansmen, they were filled with anger.

They dared not overturn this idea, but the Third Hokage's return was originally just a temporary slogan, and now, under Uchiha Yoru's leadership, they naturally had a new direction.

I nominate the Fifth Hokage!

Sarutobi Asuma gazed at Uchiha Yoru, the most important person in the crowd, his eyes filled with deep jealousy and envy. He also deeply resented the current corruption, but he also did not want to see Yoru become the new Hokage.

Therefore, Sarutobi Asuma's goal was clear from the beginning: to elect the Fifth Hokage from Jiraiya and Tsunade, and he would absolutely not elect Uchiha Yoru.

Inside the frenzied tavern, as Uchiha Yoru's speech stirred emotions, some people in the crowd became somewhat agitated. Just then Sarutobi Asuma inadvertently spotted someone, and his pupils immediately contracted.

"What do you want to do!"

Wearing small sunglasses, Ebisu was suddenly grabbed by Sarutobi Asuma's wrist. Ebisu's face was filled with fanaticism, but his eyes were calm as he looked at Asuma.

"Young Master Asuma, I apologize, but it was for the mission."

Although Ebisu didn't utter any words, his lip movements filled Asuma with shock. Sure enough, the next moment, under Asuma's horrified gaze, the other slowly formed Hand Seals and uttered the last syllable.

"Burst!"

Rumble~

Suddenly, an explosion occurred amidst a burst of Kakkō inside the tavern, instantly throwing the agitated crowd into chaos.

When Uchiha Yoru on the podium saw this scene, a smile appeared on his face. "Finally, you've arrived. I've been waiting for you for so long."

"Fire! Order the Konoha Military Police Force to maintain order!"

"Someone is deliberately creating chaos. Don't panic, everyone stay calm!"

Ninjas are known for their high efficiency. Even if someone tries to create chaos, they won't deliberately disrupt things. Instead, they calmly maintain order.

The chaos was quelled in a short time, but everyone looked angry when they saw the person who had been arrested.

Although Ebisu was somewhat disheveled after being arrested, he glared at Uchiha Yoru and roared, "Madman! You're a madman! The Third Hokage sacrificed so much for the village, and you dare to slander an old man who dedicated his life to the village!"

"Evil Uchiha, you haven't cleared your name Nine-Tails Night incident, disgusting!"

Also arrested were Kamizuki Izumo and Kotetsu Hagane. After their arrest, the three of them publicly denounced the injustice in front of everyone.

"Arrest him and put him in Prison!"

The person in charge of the Konoha Military Police Force was none other than Yūhi Kurenai, who, under her efficient leadership, ordered the three people who had caused the chaos to be taken away.

The ordinary disturbance came to an end, but Uchiha Yoru unexpectedly ran into Asuma.

After exchanging glances, Sarutobi Asuma took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Release them."

"Release them? You're Jōnin of the village now, so you should know the meaning of rules."

Uchiha Yoru, his face clearly grim, turned and left. Sarutobi Asuma, however, sensed something was amiss. The resolute look in the eyes of the three men had given him a bad feeling.

"Damn it!"

Sarutobi Asuma cursed loudly and hurriedly left the tavern. He needed to go back and ask the old man what exactly needed to be changed.

"Night!"

Yūhi Kurenai appeared beside him, a hint of worry in her eyes, while Uchiha Yoru narrowed his eyes, raised his hand, and chuckled, "Don't worry, at least this time we know. It seems the Third Hokage is truly determined this time."

These three people are probably just bait, bait to put his conflict with the Hokage's higher-ups into the open.

When he stormed back into the clan, the door was suddenly pushed open, and there stood the Third Hokage with a full head of white hair, writing calligraphy, finishing a large character for "endurance".

"Old man, what exactly do you want Ebisu and the others to do?!"

He burst through the door and angrily questioned his son. Faced with his son's loud questioning, Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly raised his head, picked up the pipe beside him, and lit it slowly.

"Asuma, have I disappointed you that much?!"

He never imagined that being so busy with political affairs would eventually lead even his own son to suspect his motives.

"Disappointment?"

Seeing the Third Hokage so old and frail, Sarutobi Asuma sneered, "I've already said it, you were Shinobi Hero in your youth, but look at what you've done now!"

"Your family occupies a high position, and which of these so-called high-ranking members isn't doing things for their own family's benefit? Let's not even talk about that. Why do you still insist on clinging to the Hokage position? It's been so many years! Do you know what people say when I go out on missions?"

"All the ninjas are talking about it, saying that you're greedy for power, unwilling to give up the position of Hokage, and that you're just holding on as acting Hokage. You won't step down until you die."

Sarutobi Asuma shouted, "It's clear to everyone, not just outsiders, that my father has no intention of handing over the Hokage position!"

Faced with his son's reprimand, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed sadly, a hint of sorrow in his cloudy eyes, but when he thought of his son's persistence, his eyes turned firm again.

"Asuma, you don't understand! Konoha is everything to me, while the Uchiha Clan will only bring disaster to the village. As a Konoha Ninja, you cannot allow the Uchiha's ambitions to succeed."

"The Sharingan in the Nine-Tails' eye! I cannot entrust Konoha to an ambitious Uchiha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with great determination that he could not leave a mess for his descendants. He had to eliminate the Uchiha, or at least suppress them, before that happened.

"Then Ebisu, Izumo Kamizuki, and Kotetsu Hagane!"

Sarutobi Asuma glared at his father, unable to believe that the three of them would create chaos and clash with Uchiha Yoru for no reason.

Faced with his son's questioning, Hiruzen Sarutobi silent for a long while, then exhaled a puff of smoke before calmly saying, "Asuma, you really aren't suited for politics."

"For those who achieve great things, sacrifice is an inevitable means."

"You!" Staring at his old man in shock, Sarutobi Asuma seemed to have guessed what was going on. He then angrily tried to rebuke him, but what he was met with was a pair of cold, murky eyes.

"This is all for the village! I can't hand over a chaotic village to the next generation!"

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi became increasingly paranoid and stubborn, staring intently at his son, unwilling to allow such a tainted aspect to appear in his political career.

This time, he summoned Jiraiya and Tsunade back to the village, naturally preparing for the position of Fifth Hokage, but he couldn't leave the world with the memory of the mess he left behind.

He is the Third Hokage, a man of Shinobi Hero! He will once again suppress the evil Uchiha, bringing his reign to a more successful conclusion.