Public Opinion Reversal, The Furious Third Hokage; The Uchiha Absolutely Cannot Be Hokage!

Public opinion in Konoha changes as quickly as the summer weather.

One moment they were still basking in the glory of the " Yellow Flash," and the next, an even stronger and more surging wave swept across the entire village with overwhelming force.

At the heart of this wave, there is only one name—

Chiyo Uchiha!

The Uchiha Clan's long-planned counterattack, after receiving implicit support from the Anbu leader Hatake Sakumo and tacit agreement from certain other clans, finally erupted.

The young people of the Uchiha Compound were no longer silent. They walked the streets and alleys, talking no longer about the clan's glory, but about the heroic deeds of their Clan Leader, who turned the Chiyo again.

"The one End of War was Lord Chiyo! He single-handedly fought the Raikage and the Tsuchikage, and captured them alive! Who in the Shinobi World can match his strength?"

"That's right! Without Lord Chiyo, who knows how much longer the war would have lasted, or how many more people would have died!"

" Orochimaru? So what if he's an S-rank missing-nin? He was still subdued by Lord Chiyo and willingly undertook research to atone for Konoha's sins. That's true Yamato and magnanimity!"

"..."

These statements were not unfounded, but were supported by real battle achievements, which quickly resonated strongly with the villagers and ninjas who had experienced the trauma of war.

At the same time, some clans that were affiliated with the Uchiha, as well as some small and medium-sized clans that had indeed benefited from Chiyo Uchiha's power during the war, also began to speak out cautiously.

The most eye-catching of them all is the Kurama Clan.

This family, renowned for its Genjutsu magic but which had previously been in decline, had its Clan Leader personally step forward and express his excitement in public.

"If it weren't for Lord Chiyo being on the front lines back then, the elite of my Kurama Clan would probably have been completely wiped out!"

Lord Chiyo is not only incredibly powerful, but also cares deeply for all the ninjas of Konoha!

We, the Kurama Clan, will never forget such kindness!

We believe that Konoha's Mirai needs a leader like Lord Chiyo, who possesses both absolute strength and a compassionate heart!

"..."

The Kurama Clan's statement was like a pebble thrown into Lake Surface.

Although the family's strength was not top-tier, its unique inheritance of Genjutsu magic and this emotionally charged statement had an unexpected effect.

Following this, some members of the Anbu system who were not from the Hokage's faction would "unintentionally" reveal their "confusion" about the one-sided public opinion during missions or rest periods.

" Minato Jonin, is indeed very powerful, but if we're talking about ending the war, isn't it Lord Chiyo who deserves more credit?"

" The Hokage Position seems to require more seniority and prestige; Lord Chiyo appears to be more suitable..."

"..."

These are seemingly personal, scattered voices.

With the deliberate indulgence and guidance of Hatake Sakumo's Anbu, they quietly gathered together, forming an undercurrent that could not be ignored.

Even more devastatingly, the public began spontaneously comparing the two candidates.

Minato Namikaze's achievements are frequently mentioned, but Chiyo Uchiha's achievements are even more astonishing.

Minato Namikaze was sunny and approachable, Chiyo Uchiha was calm and dignified.

Minato Namikaze is a rising star, Chiyo Uchiha is the pillar of the Genin world!

In this contrast, the somewhat superficial " Yellow Flash " craze, which had been forcibly hyped up, quickly melted away and faded like ice and snow meeting the sun.

People are beginning to think more rationally.

Who can truly safeguard this hard-won peace?

Who can lead Konoha to an even stronger Mirai?

The answer seems to be gradually becoming clear without being spoken.

The balance of public opinion has been dramatically reversed in just a few days!

The Hokage's Office.

"Bang!"

With a loud crash, Hiruzen Sarutobi's beloved purple clay teapot was smashed to the ground, shards and tea splashing everywhere!

His chest heaved violently, his face turned bright red, and veins bulged on his forehead.

His usually kind face was now distorted by extreme anger.

"They've rebelled! They've rebelled! They've all rebelled!"

He growled, his voice hoarse with anger.

The latest public opinion report that had just arrived was like a series of resounding slaps across his face.

The report clearly shows that the voices supporting Chiyo Uchiha have completely overwhelmed those supporting Minato Namikaze.

There have even been small-scale discussions questioning why the Third was so eager to promote Minato, and whether he had ulterior motives!

This is practically a blatant challenge to his authority as Hokage!

Uchiha!

It's the Uchiha again!

And there's Hatake Sakumo!

What exactly is he trying to do?

Did he really think he couldn't see through the seemingly objective but clearly biased report from the Anbu?

And those opportunistic families!

Especially the Kurama Clan, those ungrateful bastards!

A surge of anger at being betrayed and besieged, mixed with the anxiety of having his plans disrupted, nearly overwhelmed Hiruzen Sarutobi's reason.

He took a few deep breaths, forcibly suppressing the urge to immediately summon Hatake Sakumo for questioning.

He knew that doing so would only make the conflict public and cause it to spiral out of control.

"Someone come here!"

He shouted in a somber voice.

A member of the Anbu appeared.

"Go! Invite advisors Yan and Koharu here immediately!"

He emphasized the word "please," but the anger in his tone was hard to conceal.

"Yes!"

Sensing the extremely low atmosphere in the office, the Anbu dared not utter a word and Body Flicker vanished.

Hiruzen Sarutobi restlessly in his office, picking up his pipe and putting it down repeatedly, with no intention of lighting it.

Danzo's repulsive face reappeared before his eyes, along with his hurtful remarks from that day...

No, we mustn't go looking for Danzo!

That guy is completely untrustworthy now!

He even suspected that Danzo might be behind this trend!

That madman is capable of anything!

Now, all he can rely on is his longtime partner...

Yan and Koharu.

Soon, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu walked into the office one after the other.

The two of them clearly sensed that something was wrong. Looking at the mess of broken pieces on the ground and Hiruzen Sarutobi Sarutobi's ashen face, their hearts sank slightly.

" Hiruzen, what happened? Why are you so angry?"

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and cautiously asked.

"What is it? See for yourselves!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi practically slammed the public opinion report onto the table in front of the two of them.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu picked up the report and quickly skimmed through it.

The further they looked down, the more their brows furrowed.

The report was even more intense and one-sided than what they had learned privately.

After reading it, the two were silent for a moment, then exchanged a glance.

That look in his eyes was complex, containing surprise, worry, and a hint of...

As expected, it was quite clear.

Danzo's words from a few days ago resonated in their hearts once again.

" Hiruzen!"

Utatane Koharu, spoke first, her tone reassuring.

"It's normal for public opinion to fluctuate somewhat."

It's understandable that the Uchiha clan members are excited, given that they just accomplished a great feat.

We shouldn't overreact, lest it backfire.

Mitokado Homura took over the conversation and offered a relatively moderate suggestion.

" Koharu is right."

The most important thing right now is stability.

Perhaps we can postpone the publicity surrounding Minato and let it cool down for a while.

Letting the villagers calm down and think things through might be more effective.

Forcing a confrontation will only escalate the conflict and garner more sympathy for the Uchiha.

This was a strategy they had discussed before they came.

First, probe Hiruzen's attitude, and then, under the pretext of maintaining stability, suggest slowing down the operation.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was already blinded by anger and anxiety, was completely deaf to any advice to "take it easy".

In his view, this was more than just a retreat.

It is also a further challenge to his authority!

"Suspension? Cooling off?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly turned around, his sharp gaze fixed on his two old friends, his tone filled with disbelief and suppressed anger.

"Look at this report! Is this normal fluctuation?"

This is an organized counterattack by the Uchiha!

It's Hatake Sakumo's covert favoritism!

They are openly questioning the Hokage's decisions and are trying to divide the village!

He slammed his hand on the table, making the report jump.

"To back down now would be tantamount to admitting we were wrong!"

It acknowledges that the Uchiha can transcend the will of the Hokage!

"At that time, the Uchiha's prestige will reach its peak, and it will be extremely difficult for us to maintain control over them!"

His voice grew louder and louder, carrying an almost obsessive urgency.

"We must fight back! And fight back even harder! Aren't they just trying to build momentum?"

Alright! Homura, Koharu, you two should also mobilize all the resources of your families and subordinates to fully support Minato!

Tell everyone that Minato is the rightful heir to the " Will of Fire " and the "hope" for Konoha's Mirai!

He stared intently at the two of them, the meaning in his words couldn't be clearer.

This isn't a discussion, it's a demand!

They were required to completely choose sides, binding themselves and their family forces firmly to Minato Namikaze's chariot, and Hiruzen Sarutobi!

The office fell into an instant silence.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's expressions changed completely.

They stared in disbelief at their old friend of decades, the Hokage.

His face had lost its usual composure and calculation, leaving only an anxious eagerness for quick results and a kind of...

Unquestionable autocracy.

Danzo's words, like a cold, venomous snake, began to gnaw at their trust once more.

"... Look at his recent behavior, isn't it abnormal?"

"... He became extremely insecure, and only trusted the lineage he inherited..."

"... He wants to find a compliant spokesperson, a puppet Hokage whom you can continue to control from behind the scenes!"

"..."

Could it be...?

Was Danzo said actually true?

Hiruzen's mindset had become unbalanced and he had become so eager for quick success because of his fear of Chiyo Uchiha and his fear of losing power.

They're even willing to drag them and the entire village into a dangerous internal conflict?

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged another glance. This time, both of them clearly saw the undisguised fear and deep doubt in each other's eyes.

The silence lasted for more than ten seconds, so oppressive it was suffocating.

Finally, Mitokado Homura managed to speak, her voice hoarse.

" Hiruzen, this matter... is of great importance."

Shouldn't we reconsider? Such a hardline confrontation may not be a blessing for the village.

Utatane Koharu echoed this, her tone more tactful, but her stance aligned with Mitokado Homura's.

"Yes, Hiruzen. Perhaps we could arrange a meeting with Sakumo first to understand the Anbu's thoughts?"

Or, perhaps we could try talking to Fugaku Uchiha? After all, he's also Hokage Advisor...

"Enough!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi abruptly interrupted them, his face filled with disappointment and impatience.

"I thought you would understand my good intentions and support my right choice for the Mirai of Konoha!"

I didn't expect you to be so hesitant and timid! Communication? Meeting?

What's the point of talking now? They've already come knocking on our door!

He pointed to the door, his tone icy.

"If you're unwilling to contribute to the village's Mirai, then so be it! I'll do it myself!"

This is tantamount to openly breaking off relations.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's expressions turned extremely ugly.

Looking at the completely unfamiliar Hiruzen Sarutobi before them, their last shred of hope vanished completely.

The two exchanged another silent glance, then slowly stood up.

" Hiruzen, you need to calm down."

Mitokado Homura's voice carried a subtle, almost imperceptible, detachment.

"We need to go back and carefully consider this matter."

Utatane Koharu, added in a similarly indifferent tone.

After saying that, the two stopped looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi's shocked and even more furious expression, nodded slightly, turned around and left the Hokage's Office.

The door was gently closed, separating the two worlds.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood alone, watching his two old friends leave without a second glance. A huge surge of anger and bewilderment at being isolated overwhelmed him.

them...

They really left?

At this most critical moment, did they choose to back down? Or even...?

Deviation?

"Hateful!!"

He slammed his fist on the desk, letting out a painful roar.

The loud noise echoed in the empty office, but no one responded.

After the anger comes a chilling despair and an even more paranoid madness.

Fine! None of you are helping me!

You all favor the Uchiha, right?

Then I'll use my own methods to salvage everything!

Uchiha... Uchiha...

He turned around abruptly, lunged at the filing cabinet behind him, and frantically searched through it.

Dust billowed as the ancient files were roughly ripped out.

His gaze finally settled on an old file marked "Top Secret," on which lay a chilling name—

Madara Uchiha!

He quickly Teuchi the file, which contained the secrets of Madara Uchiha of Konoha and his earth-shattering battle with the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, at the Valley of the End.

As he looked at those words, a determined light suddenly flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's cloudy eyes!

An adventurous plan instantly took shape in his mind!

Chiyo Uchiha, aren't you supposed to have a high reputation? Aren't you supposed to be strong?

But what if... what if everyone remembered that the Uchiha Clan once produced Madara Uchiha, a demon who attempted to destroy Konoha?

What if everyone subconsciously associated you with Madara Uchiha?

Will your power, your Sharingan, cease to be a symbol of glory and instead become the source of fear?

Yes! That's it!

He wants to use history to attack the present!

We must use the ghosts of the past to stifle the heroes of the present!

He suddenly sat up straight, his face flushed an unnatural red from excitement and ruthlessness.

"Someone come here!"

He growled at the empty office.

A trusted Anbu, absolutely loyal to him, appeared like a ghost.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes were sinister as he lowered his voice and gave the order, word by word.

"Go... find a few absolutely reliable people, and make sure they keep their mouths shut."

Let them... 'unintentionally' spread some 'stories' in taverns, markets... places where there are many people and lots of gossip.

"As for the content of the story..."

A cold smile curled at the corner of Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips.

"Let me tell you how powerful Madara Uchiha was back then, how he betrayed the village, how he became an enemy of the First, and how he almost brought Konoha to its destruction..."

Let me tell you, the power of the Sharingan is so strange and dangerous, it's most likely to corrupt people's hearts and lead them to darkness...

"Remember!"

He stared at his trusted aide, his eyes sharp as knives.

"It must be done discreetly, like a drunken slip of the tongue, like an old man reminiscing about the past... No one can be traced back to the source!"

The trusted subordinate in the Anbu trembled slightly, clearly realizing the insidious nature and risk of this order.

But he dared not object and immediately bowed his head to accept the order.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

"Go!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi his hand, as if he had used up all his strength, and slumped back into his chair.

The trusted confidant quietly disappeared.

In the office, only Hiruzen Sarutobi's heavy breathing and the open dossier detailing Madara Uchiha's crimes emanated an ominous aura under the lamplight.

Outside the window, the sunlight in Konoha was still bright.

But a murky and dangerous undercurrent originating from the pinnacle of power has begun to quietly surge, attempting to tarnish the hero's glory and drag the village into an abyss of suspicion and fear.

Hiruzen Sarutobi out the window, his eyes bloodshot and filled with a desperate, all-or-nothing resolve.

He muttered to himself, his voice hoarse.

"Don't blame me... you forced me into this."

" The Uchiha can never become Hokage!"