Ch. 321Hokage's Half-Sleeve
Umino Sasuke watched Mitokado Homura die after an Anbu silenced him, while Hiruzen Sarutobi redirected public anger and maneuvered Torifu Akimichi into the vacant Advisor Elder seat. Hiruzen awarded Sasuke the Hokage's Half-Sleeve, but Sasuke announced he planned to become Root's deputy minister, alarming him with the prospect of Danzo gaining a powerful ally.
- The Mitokado Clan's Great Elder publicly accused Mitokado Homura, and an Anbu stabbed Homura before he could expose Hiruzen Sarutobi.
- Uchiha Fire Nucleus attacked the Anbu, who died by poison; Hiruzen framed the deaths as an outburst of righteous anger and an accident.
- The Finance Minister proposed filling Homura's vacant Advisor Elder seat, and Hiruzen Sarutobi secured the position for Torifu Akimichi over Uchiha Fire Nucleus and the Hyūga Clan head.
- Umino Sasuke declined the Advisor Elder position, and Hiruzen awarded him and Hatake Sakumo the Hokage's Half-Sleeve.
- Umino Sasuke announced that he intended to join Root as Danzo's deputy minister, startling Hiruzen Sarutobi.