It really wasn't going to be that simple, was it? Nara Shikaku thought.
The Land of Fire's representative felt his heart tighten. Hearing that, he suddenly began to worry about his own future.
By the looks of it, the Third Hokage wouldn't be able to hold on to his position.
Each new ruler brought a new set of officials. If the Third Hokage stepped down, Shikaku figured he'd probably be removed from Konoha's leadership, too.
But then he reconsidered. Given how things had developed, this was already the best possible outcome.
If it weren't for Naruto, the Third Hokage would have met a terrible end.
And as someone from the Third Hokage's faction, Shikaku would certainly have been punished, too.
At this point, they no longer dared hope for anything. Being able to live out their lives in peace was the greatest blessing they could ask for.
"Lord Third Hokage, you... You really aren't fit to lead Konoha anymore."
Jiraiya, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. Today, he had seen for himself how Konoha had been governed all these years.
If the Third Hokage were allowed to keep ruling this way, Konoha's situation would only get worse.
Some things happened either not at all or again and again.
Jiraiya wasn't a fool. Judging by the Third Hokage's initial reaction, when he tried to protect Danzo and the others, the Third Hokage had surely done many things in the shadows over the years.
Jiraiya felt a pang of sadness. The Third Hokage had become someone he could hardly recognize.
The Third Hokage of old had been a beacon of light. Now he had become just like Danzo and the others.
Jiraiya felt deeply disappointed in his teacher.
*Had the position truly left him no choice, or had he simply