No matter how great the trouble, in the end, it would always be resolved in the most reasonable way.
Or rather, in a way everyone could accept.
So-called politics was the art of compromise, and this was perfectly embodied by Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He had used Tsunade to suppress Danzo's arrogance and reclaim part of Root's authority, while also successfully diminishing Tsunade's immense prestige within Konoha's medical system.
With that, power throughout Konoha had finally become highly centralized and consolidated.
Inside the Hokage Office Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag from his pipe and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke. Through the clear glass, he gazed at Konoha outside, his expression shifting uncertainly.
Just moments ago, he had received a letter from Tsunade.
The contents were simple: she planned to leave for a while, with no definite date of return.
Between the lines, there seemed to be a deep sense of disappointment.
"She's gone?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt somewhat downcast as he questioned the Anbu beside him.
"Yes, Lord Hokage." Lin Jiao answered truthfully. "This morning, Lady Tsunade left Konoha with her disciple."
"I understand."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked in the direction of the Village Gate, and an inexplicable trace of regret rose within him. Perhaps he should not have been so direct.
But that thought was quickly and forcefully suppressed. No, I did nothing wrong. Tsunade is simply too immature!
As the village's highest leader, everything he did was for the village's continued existence and prosperity, even if it meant sacrificing certain people or things!
"Lin Jiao, bring Uchiha Sōgetsu here." Hiruzen Sarutobi sat back down and gave the order.
Since Tsunade's departure was now a foregone conclusion, he had to take steps to repair the damage. Even if the effect would be minimal, he at least needed to stabilize those who remained on the surface.
Before long, Uchiha Sōgetsu was brought to the Hokage Building.
"Lord Hokage, may I ask why you summoned me?" Uchiha Sōgetsu lowered his eyelids, his expression stiff.
Though he had concealed it well, the seasoned Hiruzen Sarutobi could still detect a trace of indignation and confusion beneath the youth's hidden emotions.
Young people really were young people. They thought they had hidden it well. Hiruzen Sarutobi was quite pleased, and put on a kind, approachable expression. "Child, I know you must feel very unbalanced right now. You're confused by the decision I made, aren't you?"
"No, I'm not, Lord Hokage."
Having been seen through, Uchiha Sōgetsu immediately appeared somewhat "flustered" and hurriedly denied it.
"Hehe, it's alright. I understand how you feel."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved a hand to show that he did not mind. "I was once your age too. Young people, after all—who doesn't have a bit of a temper? I understand that you're dissatisfied with my decision. Danzo committed such a grave mistake, yet this was all he received, right?"
"Lord Hokage, I... I simply don't understand. I'm not dissatisfied with you." Uchiha Sōgetsu lowered his head, clenching his fists indignantly.
"There are some things I cannot explain to you right now."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff from his pipe, paused, and said, "However, Danzo truly went too far this time. That is why I summoned you today. There are two matters I wish to tell you."
Knock knock!
He tapped the pipe against his palm and emptied the ashes inside.
After setting the pipe aside, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "First, you performed excellently on this mission. I have decided to let you choose one ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals as your reward."
Hearing this, Uchiha Sōgetsu revealed a shocked expression and was momentarily at a loss. "Lord Hokage, isn't that too..."
The Scroll of Seals was Konoha's most important treasure, as well as the most important—bar none—legacy left behind by the Second Hokage!
The Reaper Death Seal, Four Symbols Seal, Impure World Reincarnation, Eight Inner Gates, Flying Thunder God Technique, and others like them would all play pivotal roles in the future Fourth Great Ninja War!
Generally speaking, unless one had rendered tremendous service or belonged directly to the Hokage's faction, there was almost no chance of learning the ninjutsu recorded within the Scroll of Seals.
Much less for someone born into the Uchiha Clan.
"Lord Hokage, this is too precious."
Though he wanted to agree immediately, Uchiha Sōgetsu still made a show of declining, looking deeply apprehensive and flattered.
"I know what you wish to say, but I believe in you, Uchiha Sōgetsu."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, seeming to know what he intended to say as he interrupted him. "Although the Uchiha Clan and the village have had many misunderstandings and frictions, we are ultimately all people of Konoha. I can also see that you are different from them. You are someone who possesses the Will of Fire!"
"Lord Hokage..."
Uchiha Sōgetsu appropriately showed a trace of emotion.
"Of course, this also includes my compensation to you." Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed a hint of apology. "Let Danzo's matter end here. I have already warned him. Such things will not happen again in the future, and I hope you can understand my painstaking intentions."
Understand? Of course he understood.
Uchiha Sōgetsu sneered inwardly. He had never intended to let Danzo go. What use was understanding? Making the other party "understand" was what mattered.
Of course, he still had to give the Hokage some face. He pretended to be silent for a moment before nodding. "I understand what you mean, Lord Hokage. The situation in the Shinobi World is becoming increasingly tense. The Root led by Danzo is an indispensable force for Konoha. I will let this matter end."
Words were just words. Anyone with eyes could see that it was pure nonsense.
If he truly cared so much about Konoha's internal strength, why had he driven White Fang to death?
In the end, it was merely political rhetoric. Everything was for the sake of centralizing power and eliminating dissidents.
"Good. I knew I had not misjudged you, Uchiha Sōgetsu."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction, then walked over and patted his shoulder. With an earnest expression, he said, "At such a young age, you already possess the mindset of a Hokage. Before long, perhaps someday in the future, even as a member of the Uchiha Clan, you may become Hokage!"
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Uchiha Sōgetsu had little reaction to his leader's empty promises.
At this level, he should go study in his previous life. Those things about 996 work schedules and blessings from overwork were far more professional when it came to spinning grand promises.
After pouring out another round of meaningless inspirational drivel, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally felt satisfied and handed him the prepared Scroll. "This records the ninjutsu in the Scroll of Seals. Take a look. Whatever you wish to learn, I will arrange for someone to make a copy for you."
Naturally, it was impossible for him to be shown the original Scroll of Seals.
Uchiha Sōgetsu accepted the Scroll. He had long since decided on his choice, but he still pretended to search through it.
As expected, it did not record the Dead Demon Consuming Seal or Impure World Reincarnation.
After a while, he closed the Scroll and said, "Lord Hokage, I wish to learn Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tag."
"Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tag?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was clearly surprised. He had thought Sōgetsu would choose a powerful ninjutsu like Flying Thunder God or Eight Inner Gates. He had not expected this choice, and could not help frowning. "This is a ninjutsu for perishing together with the enemy. If used with the Shadow Clone Jutsu, it consumes an enormous amount of Chakra. Are you certain?"
"I am certain, Lord Hokage."
Uchiha Sōgetsu reaffirmed his choice.
In the eyes of others, Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tag was perhaps merely a ninjutsu used with Shadow Clones for close-range self-destruction.
Though its power was considerable, it consumed an enormous amount of Chakra. Its usefulness in battle was far inferior to more practical ninjutsu. But in his eyes, the value of Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tag was countless times greater than ninjutsu such as the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
Paired with the later Konan, even if the Sage of Six Paths himself came, he would probably have to kneel and call him daddy!
What Rasengan, Tailed Beast Bomb, Buddha's Palm... they all had to step aside!
December 23rd, Clear
My cold has turned into a low fever, and my coughing is severe. I'm going to get an IV after work. I really can't hold on anymore. It feels like my immunity has dropped badly...
Before you continue