I Am the Hokage

I Am the Hokage

After a busy night, the Third Hokage convened a high-level meeting at the Hokage Building overnight.

Before long, elder advisors Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, along with Root's leader Danzo, arrived in the conference room.

Within Konoha's structure, many Jonin could be considered high-ranking officials, such as the heads of major departments and the clan heads of prominent families holding important positions.

But in truth, only these four could decide Konoha's fate at present.

Yet their combined ages exceeded two hundred, with not a single young face among them. It was hard not to worry about Konoha's future.

Having been woken up for the meeting, Utatane Koharu looked at the Third Hokage with some displeasure and asked, "Did the Hokage summon us old folks because something serious happened?"

"Something serious did happen. I need your counsel."

The Third Hokage wore a bitter smile, then briefly explained the two incidents from the previous night.

After hearing this, the Elder Council Duo's expressions turned extremely grave. After exchanging looks, they slowly said,

"The head of the Cloud Village Envoy was murdered, and the Jinchuriki was attacked. Those are indeed troublesome matters. But the urgent priority is finding the culprits behind these two incidents. Does the Hokage have any information?"

"The ninja who attacked the Jinchuriki was already killed by the Jinchuriki. His body was torn apart, making it impossible to search his memories. As for the person who killed the Cloud Village Envoy's head, we found him—but that makes things even more difficult."

After a brief pause, the Third Hokage continued, "Because the one who killed the envoy head was Hiashi Clan Head. And he had a perfectly legitimate reason: the envoy head broke into the camp first and kidnapped a member of the Hyuga Main Family."

Utatane Koharu frowned. "It seems Cloud was the one who started this. Their target was the Byakugan, but the Hyuga Clan killed them while they were carrying out the kidnapping. The Hyuga Clan did nothing wrong in this."

The Third Hokage nodded and said, "But the Delegation is now using their leader's death as an excuse, demanding that we hand over the culprit. Otherwise, they will tear up all the previous peace negotiation agreements and continue the war..."

"What do you intend to do?" Utatane Koharu asked.

The Third Hokage did not answer. Instead, he looked at Mitokado Homura and asked, "Homura, how many supplies does the village have left? Can they sustain the consumption of a battlefield?"

Mitokado Homura, who managed the village's finances and provisions, considered the matter before saying,

"We can continue fighting, but both supplies and funds are somewhat strained. We could only increase the village's cut from mission rewards, reduce pensions, and cut spending across the major departments."

After a pause, Mitokado Homura secretly glanced at Danzo and the Third Hokage before continuing, "However, the previous funding cuts have already caused widespread complaints in the Police Force. If we cut further, the Uchiha Clan will grow even more dissatisfied. I'm afraid there could be trouble."

"And Iwagakure also appears to be restless. They could enter the conflict at any time."

"I see..."

The Third Hokage's face darkened as he fell into a dilemma.

Given the current situation, prolonging the war would allow Iwagakure to take advantage of it and further intensify the village's internal conflicts.

But if they made the Hyuga Clan hand over their clan head, the Hyuga Clan and the Hokage Building would likely become estranged.

At that moment, Danzo, who had remained silent, gave the Third Hokage a deep look before abruptly saying, "Hiruzen, it seems you've forgotten something. For example, those Cloud ninja who appeared near the Jinchuriki's home last night..."

"Those Cloud bastards weren't just after the Byakugan. They were after the Jinchuriki too."

Hearing this, the Third Hokage shot Danzo a glare. Danzo, however, said indifferently, "More than ten years ago, Cloud ninja made a move against the previous Jinchuriki. They have always coveted Konoha's Nine-Tails."

The Third Hokage coughed and reminded him, "Danzo, Kushina wasn't a Jinchuriki at the time."

Danzo said bluntly, "There is no difference. And if Cloud dares to demand that we hand over the culprit today, tomorrow they will dare to tear up the treaty outright. Blindly yielding will only make them press us harder step by step."

"Hiruzen, don't forget the Hokage's duty. Show Cloud what we're made of."

The Third Hokage's expression grew increasingly unpleasant at those words. He snorted coldly. "Fine. Why don't you send your men to the front lines to stop the Cloud ninja? It would be a good chance to see what Root has accomplished over the years."

"Root is a special assassination unit. Using it on the front lines would be a waste."

When the Third Hokage mentioned Root, Danzo quickly changed the subject. To him, Root was the military force that truly belonged to him, and one of the foundations for becoming Hokage in the future.

"Enough, enough. Stop arguing."

Unable to stand it any longer, Utatane Koharu took the initiative and said, "Let's think properly about how to resolve these problems. Arguing during the meeting is meaningless. Let's vote directly. My opinion is that we compromise with Cloud."

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and said, "The finances and provisions do not support a war. I also oppose continuing it."

Seeing that the Elder Council Duo both opposed continuing the war, Danzo's expression shifted uncertainly. In the end, he said, "I abstain. I neither oppose nor support it."

There was no need for the remaining Third Hokage to vote. He would also oppose continuing the war.

After the vote, Utatane Koharu said worriedly, "Everyone opposes continuing the war, but how should we deal with the Delegation? Who will tell the Hyuga Clan to hand over the culprit? They won't be easy to placate."

Mitokado Homura remained silent, while Danzo wore a mocking expression. Neither had any intention of volunteering.

The Third Hokage said helplessly, "I'll go. I'll make a trip to the Hyuga Compound, explain the pros and cons to them, and ask them to make a sacrifice for the greater good. Everything is for the village."

After dealing with the Delegation incident, the high-level meeting was more or less over.

Compared to the Delegation incident, the attack on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was hardly worth mentioning. The Jinchuriki was important, but he had not been harmed. Everything remained under control.

After the meeting ended, the Third Hokage summoned Danzo to the Hokage's Office.

Danzo looked at the Third Hokage in confusion, seemingly unable to understand why he had been called over.

The Third Hokage stared into Danzo's eyes, took a document from a drawer, and said,

"Last night, besides the attack on the Jinchuriki, a Chunin named Tenpu also went missing. The time of his disappearance coincided with the attack on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and his Konoha forehead protector was found at the scene."

"Do you have anything to explain?"

Danzo frowned, his expression displeased. "He isn't my subordinate. Nor is there any reason for me to attack the Jinchuriki. Root did not carry out any operations last night."

"Of course I know he isn't one of your Root subordinates, but he was Minato's former subordinate!"

At this point, the Third Hokage grew impatient. He stood up and shouted, "Explain to me why Minato's former subordinate would attack Naruto! Why?!"

Danzo's expression changed. "This has nothing to do with me. Perhaps he had his own reasons."

After venting his anger, the Third Hokage regained his composure. His hawk-like gaze fixed on Danzo. "This is the last time. I don't care what thoughts you harbor in private, but remember this."

"I am the Hokage!"