The Great Purge

After listening to Inoichi Yamanaka's analysis, Choza Akimichi said in a gruff voice, "Since we know someone is up to something, why don't we clarify things and cancel the Joint Chunin Exams?"

Hyuga Hiashi said, "The invitations have already been sent out; it's probably too late to back out now."

"Besides the various ninja villages, even the wealthy merchants and celebrities of the Ninja World already know about it."

"As is customary, the first round of the Joint Chunin Exams will begin in one month, and the final round will take place two months later."

"Those people are probably already making their travel plans to come and watch the game."

Hyuga Hiashi was right; the Joint Chunin Exams held by the Great Ninja Village are always a major event in the Ninja World.

If Konoha were to reveal its weakness now, saying that the invitation was fake and that someone had used Genjutsu to control them, Konoha would lose face big time.

In order to avoid embarrassing themselves in public, Konoha had no choice but to proceed with the Joint Chunin Exams despite the difficulties.

This was something Danzo had planned long ago; it was an open conspiracy. Even if Shikaku Nara and the others knew he was going to cause trouble during the Joint Chunin Exams, they couldn't stop him.

Everyone remained silent; the feeling of being manipulated and intellectually crushed was extremely unpleasant.

At this moment, Shikaku Nara spoke up, saying in a deep voice, "Now is not the time to dwell on these things."

"We need to discuss first: who is secretly setting this trap for us? And what is their purpose?"

The first question isn't hard to guess. There are only two people in the Ninja World who would do something like this to Konoha: Yichen and Danzo.

Even Choza Akimichi could have guessed that.

Shibi Aburame said, "It should be Danzo. This incident shows that he has many people in the village."

"Danzo at least Hokage, so it's possible he could have done that, but the Tsuchikage couldn't possibly have that many intelligence ninjas."

Tsume Inuzuka chimed in, "It's also possible that the two sides have teamed up again. Don't forget about the port attack; Iwa ninja were involved in that."

When Konoha Port was attacked, the person in charge there was a member of the Inuzuka Clan, which is why Tsume Inuzuka remembers it so clearly.

Kurenai Yūhi said, "Then the mastermind is basically confirmed: it's Danzo, and possibly the Tsuchikage as well."

"As for Danzo's purpose, I think he wanted to take advantage of the chaos of the Chunin Ninja Exams to launch a coup."

Upon hearing the word "coup," everyone's expressions turned grim, for they themselves had come to power through a coup.

Shikaku Nara nodded and said, "Alright, now that we've clarified these two issues, we need to conduct an investigation to find those who have sided with Danzo."

Upon hearing Shikaku Nara's words, the clan leaders of the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans, who were the most skilled trackers in the entire Ninja World, all fell silent.

Because they don't need to investigate to know who is most likely to side with Danzo, and those who have lost benefits due to the rise of these ninja clans are also potential candidates.

There were just too many of these people; none of them could afford to offend any of them.

If a thorough investigation were to be conducted, Konoha might immediately erupt into internal strife.

Just think about how those people will react.

Well, you village parasites, you've hollowed out the village yourselves, and now that the village has problems, you want to shift the blame onto us?

Even if Shikaku Nara produce concrete evidence and only intend to punish a small number of people, the others won't believe it.

They would only think that Shikaku Nara and his group were eliminating dissidents, suppressing Civilian Ninja, and preparing for the complete eradication of Civilian Ninja later.

The course of events then became clear: the more conservative would choose to defect, while the more radical would rebel directly.

Seeing this, Shikaku Nara sighed inwardly, but still said calmly, "There's another problem: should we inform Kakashi about this?"

"The Joint Chunin Exams are a major event, and we can't keep it from him forever. Even if nothing goes wrong, he'll eventually have to take charge of the third exam."

Everyone fell silent. Telling Kakashi would mean they had to admit their mistakes and relinquish power. No one was willing to do that.

Shikaku Nara continued to persuade, "We've come this far, everyone's losses have been mostly recovered, it's time to stop."

"Let's return power to Kakashi and Hiruzen Sarutobi, otherwise, we won't be able to withstand Danzo."

The crowd remained silent, all avoiding Shikaku Nara's gaze.

Shikaku Nara sighed and said, "Seven days left. After seven days, we must inform Kakashi."

"Otherwise, Kakashi wouldn't have had time to set up defenses. If Danzo really manages to break in, it won't do us any good either."

Seeing that Shikaku Nara had put it this way, Inoichi Yamanaka finally spoke up, "Alright, in seven days, everyone in the Yamanaka Clan will resign."

With someone taking the lead, the others, though unwilling, stopped insisting.

They successively indicated that they would relinquish power after seven days.

Hyuga Hiashi was the last to speak up. He didn't want to give up, but everyone else had conceded, so he had no choice.

Finally Hyuga Hiashi had no choice but to say, "I will recall all branch family members."

Shikaku Nara frowned and glanced at Hyuga Hiashi, but still didn't say anything.

Hyuga Hiashi meant that although he had relinquished power, he would no longer send people to serve the village.

If Kakashi wants the Hyuga Clan to continue contributing in the future, he will probably have to make concessions.

But this is something Kakashi should worry about; Shikaku Nara doesn't want to get involved, nor can he.

He waved his hand and said, "Meeting adjourned."

Immediately afterwards, all departments and organizations in Konoha became busy.

Various documents requesting funding were sent to higher-ups like snowflakes.

Shikaku Nara knew this was the last hurrah for his allies, and he couldn't stop them, so he agreed to everything.

Seven days later, Shikaku Nara summoned Kakashi, who was engrossed in training, to the Hokage's Office and confessed everything to him.

Of course, it remains unknown what words Shikaku Nara used to cover up their shameless behavior during his report.

When Shikaku Nara finished reporting the situation and left the Hokage's Office, Kakashi, who was sitting alone in the Hokage's seat, was completely bewildered.

He reached out and, with trembling hands, opened the account book that Shikaku Nara had just given him.

Seeing the unbelievable deficit, Kakashi's vision went black, and he almost fainted.

This was a huge matter, Kakashi had no idea how to handle it. In his view, Konoha was facing a dead end with no way to break it.

Danzo's counterattack came on strong, and with the help of Shikaku Nara and others' misdeeds, he had already won over countless people.

These Minor Ninja Clans, must be used to resist Danzo, but relying on them will only cause more discontent among the Civilian Ninja.

In that case, the situation will only get worse and worse.

After remaining silent for a long time, he picked up the account book and other documents and went to Hiruzen Sarutobi's house.

When Kakashi saw Hiruzen Sarutobi's appearance, he stopped in his tracks.

Half a year later, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face had more age spots, and his overall mental state was extremely poor; he was nothing like the Ninja Legend of yesteryear.

Kakashi was reluctant to disturb him, but after glancing down at the documents, he still took a difficult step forward.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi heard Kakashi's words, an incredulous expression also appeared on his face.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned for even longer Kakashi.

A full half hour passed before his dazed eyes finally refocused.

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, because the moment Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes refocused, he saw a sharpness he hadn't seen in a long time.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's appearance remained unchanged; his slightly disheveled clothes and hairstyle were the same, but his entire aura had completely changed.

He sat up straight and said to Kakashi, "We are beset by internal and external troubles. We cannot respond passively. We must use swift and decisive measures."

Influenced by Hiruzen Sarutobi aura, Kakashi sat up straight and asked in a deep voice, "Third Hokage, what should I do?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "First, we need to unify our internal communication."

"Currently, there is intense conflict between the clan ninja and Civilian Ninja within the village, and Danzo is exploiting this conflict. Therefore, we have no time for negotiations or for careful maneuvering."

"We must stand on one side, deliver a thunderous blow to the other, and then regroup."

"This needs to be done quickly, before Danzo makes his move."

Kakashi's gaze sharpened, and he asked, "Then which side should we stand on?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stated decisively, "The Civilian Ninja are on the side!"

"With Danzo as an external enemy, the ninja clan has no way out. Even if they are suppressed, they must fight against Danzo together with us."

"But if we side with the ninja clan, Konoha will at best split apart, and at worst be destroyed in internal strife."

Kakashi nodded, took a deep breath, and his gaze was equally determined.

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "The ones at fault in this incident are the ninja clan members."

"They displease the Civilian Ninja for two reasons. First, they occupy high positions despite lacking ability. Second, they enrich themselves at the expense of the village, both stealing from the village and encroaching on the interests of the Civilian Ninja."

Therefore, all our responses must address these two points.

"First, publicly announce the crimes of the ninja clan, dismiss all ninja clan members, and replace them with Civilian Ninja in all positions."

Kakashi asked in confusion, "But they've all resigned voluntarily."

Hiruzen Sarutobi his hand and said, "It doesn't matter. To the outside world, we must say it's your decision as Hokage."

Kakashi seemed lost in thought.

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Then, confiscate their property. Confiscate all the property of all the ninja clans, and take part of their assets for the public good, and distribute the rest to the Civilian Ninja."

Kakashi gasped. He hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi so ruthless. He had thought that making a few of the most egregious ninjas from those clans serve as scapegoats would be the limit.

Kakashi quickly said, "If they rebel, what will happen to the village amidst internal and external troubles?"

Kakashi's concerns were valid. Shikaku Nara, Hyuga Hiashi, and others firmly believed that although their combined power was insufficient to replace the Hokage lineage, it was enough to destroy Konoha.

Unless Kakashi is insane, he won't force them to rebel.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, said with certainty, "They wouldn't dare. They're not willing to risk everything. A group of corrupt officials who just amassed a huge sum of money, how could they possibly have the idea of mutual destruction?"

Kakashi was still uneasy. He said, "But even if they don't rebel, what will happen after that?"

Will they continue to cooperate with the village's various policies?

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked directly at Kakashi and said, "That's all. All the clan territories of all ninja clans have been reclaimed, and all ninja clans have been dispersed and dispersed."

"All ninja clan members will be incorporated into the Anbu or regular military units."

"Assign them stronger ninjas as teammates."

Kakashi's breathing became rapid. Only then did he realize that Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to use this opportunity to completely annihilate the ninja clans that had existed since the founding of Konoha.

After closing his eyes for a while, Kakashi calmed himself down. He Awakening Eyes and said calmly to Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Third Hokage, I understand."

Finally, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, "What if we encounter resistance...?"

Kakashi didn't hesitate and immediately replied, "Kill them all!"

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing decisiveness in each other's eyes.

Then the two discussed it in hushed tones for a while before parting ways to prepare.

The next day, an announcement was released from the Hokage Building.

The Seventh Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, entrusted the administration of state affairs to Shikaku Nara and others while he was in seclusion for training.

However, these guys, behind the Hokage's back, eliminated dissidents, appointed people for personal gain, and embezzled huge sums of public funds internally, while sacrificing the village's interests and tarnishing Konoha's reputation externally.

Therefore, the Seventh Hokage, Kakashi, decided to remove all members of the ninja clan from their positions, including the advisory positions held by Shikaku Nara and others.

Before everyone could even process this bombshell news, another one has arrived.

The Hokage ordered the confiscation of the property of more than ten large and medium-sized ninja clans, including the Hyuga Clan, Nara Clan, Yamanaka Clan, Akimichi Clan, Aburame Clan, Inuzuka Clan Yūhi Clan, Gekkō Clan.

Before the order even spread throughout Konoha, Kakashi had already led his men to the Nara Clan's territory.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi led his men to the Hyuga Clan's territory.

Enma and some Sarutobi Clan ninjas went to the Aburame Clan's territory.

Might Guy then led his men to the Inuzuka Clan's territory.

In addition, there were also elite Elite Jonin like Maruboshi Kosuke, who were not from any ninja clan, and they quickly surrounded the other ninja clans.

Because they had reached a consensus before the battle, Kakashi and his team acted very decisively this time.

The territories of the Ino–Shika–Cho Clans are very close. When Kakashi and his men appeared near their territory, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Choza Akimichi all rushed out in alarm.

Shikaku Nara wanted to explain further to Kakashi, but Kakashi only said two words: "Take him down."

Some tried to resist, but Kakashi personally intervened and swiftly killed them.

The remaining people all looked at Shikaku Nara and his two companions.

Before Shikaku Nara could recover from his shock, Kakashi repeated the order, "Take him down."

As soon as he finished speaking, his men, who had stopped because of the earlier incident, stepped forward again and captured everyone, including Shikaku Nara and the other two.

Shikaku Nara resist, knowing Kakashi's strength; at this moment, Kakashi alone could take down all three of their clans.

Moreover, he could tell that Kakashi was about to get serious.

Although I don't understand why Kakashi is acting so recklessly, just as Hiruzen Sarutobi predicted, he's a smart man and he's not willing to take unnecessary risks.

After everyone's Chakra was sealed, Kakashi uttered two more words. "Confiscate their property."

Shikaku Nara felt a wave of dizziness upon hearing this; he knew all too well what those two words meant to these great ninja clans.

Their wealth, accumulated over hundreds or even thousands of years since the Warring States period, was lost in a single day.

Shikaku Nara regretted it, regretting how he had been blinded by such short-term gains.

Only now did he begin to understand that there was a prerequisite for using tricks: one must have the strength to support those tricks.

They were originally the pillars of Konoha, and they thought they had the strength to do so.

Even if Kakashi knew what they had done, he would turn a blind eye.

Because they always believed that Kakashi needed them.

But at that moment, Shikaku Nara realized he was wrong; Kakashi had another path to take.

Too bad it's too late!

The three most powerful Ino-Shika-Cho, Ino-Shika-Cho, were personally subdued by Kakashi, the Hokage. The Hyuga Clan remained relatively unaffected.

Hiruzen Sarutobi displayed an equally astonishing aura, while Hyuga Hiashi, who was completely unprepared, only uttered a few harsh words throughout.

Hyuga Hiashi, raised in a sheltered environment, was like a helpless child when faced with Hiruzen Sarutobi, who turned on him directly.

The other families fared even better than this one; they all assumed Kakashi was just putting on an act, so they didn't resist.

They only woke up from their dream when they were sealed away and heard the words "confiscation of property".

The capture went very smoothly, taking less than half a day. All the ninja clan members who remained in the village, regardless of age, gender, or strength, were taken to a huge Training Ground of the Anbu.

Throughout the entire process, fewer than twenty people were killed by Kakashi's side using swift and decisive methods for resisting.

The clan leaders had their Chakra sealed, were bound with ropes, and knelt at the front of the crowd.

Shikamaru Nara and the other children also had their Chakra sealed and remained among the crowd, though they were not bound by ropes.

Shikamaru Nara knew what his clansmen had done, so he wasn't surprised by the end of his clan and remained relatively calm.

The other members of the team were less composed, especially Hinata Hyuga. She tightly hugged her younger sister, Hanabi Hyuga; she was probably the most flustered person in the crowd.

Without the slightest delay, Kakashi immediately ordered the interrogation to begin in front of thousands of Civilian Ninja.

After a brief trial, the crimes of these ninja clan members in embezzlement were all confirmed.

Because the evidence is conclusive, many cases don't actually need to be investigated; they just need to go through the motions.

They didn't try to hide their embezzlement because they never expected the Hokage's faction to directly overturn the table.

After receiving the list of everyone's crimes, Kakashi wrote a few strokes of his pen and sentenced all those exceeding a certain number to death.

Then, in front of thousands of Civilian Ninja from Konoha, more than a hundred ninja clan members were executed.

This included the patriarch of the Gekkō Clan, who was the only patriarch among them to embezzle funds himself.

Besides those who were executed for embezzling excessive amounts of money, those who bullied their subordinates and incurred the greatest public resentment during their tenure were also executed directly.

Some were executed for being incompetent and giving poor commands, resulting in the deaths of ninjas during missions.

These two groups are relatively small, totaling only a few dozen people.

Finally, nearly ten clan leaders, including Kurenai Yūhi and Tsume Inuzuka, were executed because they or their clans had not made any significant contributions to the village.

Upon witnessing the killing of her clansmen, Hinata Hyuga fainted with great pleasure.

The other Xiaoqiangs also looked grim; most of them still couldn't accept that their clansmen, or even their fathers, had been found guilty by the village.

The matter wasn't over yet. Kakashi stepped forward and personally placed the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal on the meritorious clan leaders, including Shikaku Nara, Hyuga Hiashi Inoichi Yamanaka, Shibi Aburame.

Kakashi then dispersed the remaining ninja clan members, incorporating them into the Anbu and regular mission teams.

Kakashi further stated that any ninja clan member who has engaged in embezzlement will never be allowed to hold a position of squad leader or higher.

Looking around, he saw that the hatred in the eyes of the Civilian Ninja had finally subsided somewhat.

Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief, but continued, "All ninja clan property will be confiscated."

"Since I became Hokage, every Civilian Ninja has died or been injured in service to the village has received a pension."

"All Civilian Ninja will first have their ninja ranks reassessed. After the rank assessment, everyone will receive a reward based on their rank."

" Among Genin and lower can receive the reward of one A-rank mission and ten B-rank Mission, and can learn five C-rank Ninjutsu."

"Chunin will receive the reward of ten A-rank mission and will be able to learn three B-rank Ninjutsu."

"Jonin will receive three S-rank mission and ten A-rank mission as rewards, and will be able to learn two A-rank Ninjutsu and five B-rank Ninjutsu."

"Elite Jonin will receive ten S-rank mission rewards, five A-rank Ninjutsu, and one S-rank Ninjutsu."

"Furthermore, all the secret techniques of the ninja clans will be available to everyone! The only requirement is to re-establish the seals in your mind."

Everyone listened quietly as Kakashi finished speaking, but as Kakashi continued, the breathing of the Civilian Ninja became rapid.

Kakashi gave a lot, many times more than what Shikaku Nara lost when they were all in control.

The tactic of sharing ninja clan secret techniques is especially effective at winning people's hearts! Ninja clan members are generally stronger than Civilian Ninja because they possess secret techniques.

Furthermore, these secret techniques are often very difficult to deal with.

Meanwhile, the sealed ninja disciples were breathing even more heavily; there was no doubt that Kakashi was being generous with their lives.

What they embezzled was not enough to pay these huge rewards.

However, if you add in the accumulation of these ninja clans over hundreds or even thousands of years, that would be enough.

Kakashi said, "Third Hokage, Kosuke, Kosuke... you are responsible for assessing the strength of all Civilian Ninja. Begin now. After each assessment, register the ninja and receive the corresponding reward."

"Time is of the essence, so everyone should think in advance about what Ninjutsu they need."

Then, right in front of Kakashi, one by one, the Civilian Ninja began to be assessed for their ninja ranks and receive their corresponding rewards.

The reason for re-evaluating ninja ranks is that during the rule of Shikaku Nara and others, many Civilian Ninja who should have been promoted were suppressed.

Once they've received their payment, they'll leave the Anbu and be replaced by other Civilian Ninja who haven't yet received theirs.

The process was not quick, lasting more than two days before everyone's ninja ranks were reassessed.