Ignite the Prepared Fuse; the Third Hokage Has Governed Poorly, Grown Old and Senile-He Must Resign

What are the rights of the "roots"?

Hiruzen was just handed over like that?

What exactly does he want to do?

" Hiruzen, this..."

Mitokado Homura spoke in shock.

"Take it!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for argument, his eyes flashing with a stubborn light.

"I need you! I need you to use all your resources to help me monitor the Uchiha's movements and find their weaknesses!"

" The Mirai of Konoha rests on this one move!"

This "trust" came too suddenly, too heavily, and even carried an ominous connotation.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who seemed to be going crazy, and then at the hot potato-like Authority Scroll and Communicator on the table. Alarm bells rang in their hearts.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't give them a chance to refuse, and directly stuffed the item into Mitokado Homura's hand.

"Please! For Konoha!"

He said it heavily, then, as if he had used up all his strength, slumped back into his chair and waved his hand.

"You... go and prepare."

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu held the Scroll and Communicator, which felt as hot as branding irons, their hearts heavy.

They glanced one last time at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who seemed to have aged several years in an instant, then remained silent and turned to leave the Hokage's Office.

Walking down the empty, cold corridor, they could both hear each other's heavy heartbeats.

"Yan, what do you think?"

Utatane Koharu, her face full of worry.

Mitokado Homura's expression was solemn as he gripped the Scroll tightly in his hand.

" Hiruzen... he's almost driven mad. This thing..."

He weighed the licensing rights to the "roots" in his hand.

"It is a powerful weapon, but also a deadly poison. If used improperly under these circumstances, it could trigger even greater turmoil."

" Danzo..."

Utatane Koharu.

" Danzo..."

A sharp glint flashed in Mitokado Homura's eyes.

" Hiruzen said Danzo is untrustworthy, but what Danzo that day... perhaps we should go and talk to him?"

After all, it originally belonged to him.

Moreover, he seemed to... have seen through Hiruzen's condition earlier than we did.

The two reached an agreement instantly.

Rather than holding onto this power that may be a blessing or a curse, it's better to find someone who might know more about the inside story, or perhaps... has a better "solution".

Instead of returning to the advisory office, they turned and headed straight for Shimura Danzō's residence.

Shimura Danzō's residence remained as dark and quiet as ever.

When he saw Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu arriving together, especially when he saw the familiar Scroll and Communicator in Mitokado Homura's hand...

A subtle, almost imperceptible glint flashed in his single eye, beneath his usually placid face.

"Rare guest."

Danzo's voice was hoarse and flat as he gestured for the two to sit down.

Without beating around the bush, Mitokado Homura placed the Scroll and Communicator directly on the table and said in a deep voice.

" Danzo, this is Hiruzen just gave us."

He said, "... You are no longer trustworthy. Let us temporarily take over the licensing rights to this part of the 'root'."

Danzo's gaze fell on those things, and the corner of his mouth seemed to twitch extremely slightly, so quickly that it was almost imperceptible.

He raised his head and looked at the two of them with his one eye.

"Oh? He finally came to this... betting his last chip on so-called 'trust'."

His tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

" Danzo, Hiruzen's current state is very strange."

"Utatane Koharu said urgently.

"He completely ignored all advice and was only focused on suppressing the Uchiha and supporting Minato."

They even... didn't hesitate to use this power.

We are very worried that if this continues, the village will be in big trouble!

Danzo silent for a moment, as if weighing something.

In reality, he was making rapid calculations in his mind.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's anxiety and loss of control were even more perfect than he had anticipated.

This license to "roots" was an unexpected delight, the most crucial piece of the puzzle delivered to him!

Public opinion had reached its peak, the Uchiha's prestige was at its zenith, Hiruzen Sarutobi everyone and was mentally collapsing...

The timing is perfect!

All he needs to do is take over this final authority, and then...

Light the fuse that had been prepared long ago.

As for recommending Chiyo Uchiha for the position?

No, now is not the time to reveal this to these two advisors.

What they need is a "just" reason, an excuse "for Konoha ".

Similar to the "purging of corrupt officials," the removal of the incompetent and irrational Third Hokage...

That's the best and most logical reason!

Danzo slowly raised his head, his single eye revealing a heavy and resolute expression.

" Hiruzen's behavior truly makes him unsuitable to lead Konoha."

He spoke slowly, his voice deep yet carrying an undeniable power.

"His anxiety and selfishness have blinded him and are pushing the village to the brink of civil war."

For the sake of Konoha's survival, we can't stand by and watch any longer.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu their spines.

" Danzo, what do you mean?"

Danzo's single eye swept sharply over the two of them, his voice lowered, yet it exploded in their ears like thunder.

"It's time for a change. For the sake of Konoha, we must ask Hiruzen... to relinquish the burden of Hokage!"

"What?!"

The two exclaimed in surprise. Although they had a premonition, hearing Danzo utter such "treasonous" words still shocked them greatly.

"This... this is insane! Danzo!"

Mitokado Homura.

"Crazy?"

Danzo sneered.

"Is this even more insane than Hiruzen's attempt to divide the village with historical rumors?"

Is it more insane than his plan to have you use the power of the 'roots' to engage in internal strife?

Yan, Koharu, you are the village's advisors.

Your duty is to maintain the stability of the village, not to be blindly loyal to any one person!

"Look at Konoha now, how many more times can it withstand his antics?"

His words struck them like a heavy hammer.

They recalled the recent turmoil, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's obsessive gaze, and could not refute it.

"But... without a suitable reason, without sufficient support, this is simply..."

"Utatane Koharu said with difficulty.

"Reasons? Support?"

Danzo stood up, and suddenly exuded an oppressive aura of someone who had long held a superior position.

" Hiruzen's governance has been ineffective, he is old and senile, and he is no longer fit to Hokage Position. This is the most legitimate reason!"

As for support...

He stared intently at the two of them with his single eye and extended his hand.

"Now that you have the license to 'Root' in your hands, and the portion of the Hokage Guard that I previously had..."

I will connect with all those who are dissatisfied with the current situation and worried about the Mirai of the village!

You don't need to worry about the Uchiha's power; they have their own goals.

What we need to unite are those forces that also yearn for stability and for Konoha to truly become strong!

His words were incredibly persuasive.

"This is not a coup, this is 'for Konoha '!"

It's to set things right, it's for the Mirai of Konoha!

Once this is accomplished, a new leader, one whom everyone has the right to support, will naturally emerge and lead Konoha to new heights!

He cleverly concealed his ultimate goal in mind: to elevate Chiyo Uchiha to the position of Hokage.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's hearts pounded, and their faces turned deathly pale.

They looked at Danzo's outstretched hand, then at the hot Authority Scroll and the Communicator on the table.

On one side is the Third Hokage has already spiraled out of control and could bring disaster.

On one side is Shimura Danzō, who, although radical, seems to "have Konoha in his heart" and may have stronger initiative and support.

This was a difficult decision.

But considering Hiruzen Sarutobi's recent actions, and the potential turmoil the village might face...

The hesitation in their eyes was gradually replaced by a resolute sense of "having no other choice".

Mitokado Homura took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind.

With trembling hands, he pushed the Scroll and Communicator on the table back in front of Danzo.

" Danzo... I'm entrusting Konoha to you."

His voice was extremely dry.

Utatane Koharu, nodded heavily as well.

A cold, triumphant smile finally flashed in Danzo's single eye.

He put away the Scroll and Communicator, and said in a deep voice.

"Rest assured, everything is for Konoha."

After seeing off the two distraught advisors, Danzo stood alone in the dimly lit room.

He stroked the Scroll of the "roots," which had been lost and regained, and now held even greater power.

And the "permission" that symbolizes partial control over the Hokage Guard, its single eye burning with a fanatical flame.

The time has come!

The east wind has arrived!

Without any hesitation, he immediately issued a top-level emergency summons through the special channels of "Root".

The target wasn't his old subordinates, but...

All Konoha clans and powerful figures who have explicitly or implicitly expressed their support for Chiyo Uchiha, or who are extremely dissatisfied with the Third's recent policies!

That night, the moon was dark and the wind was high.

Outside Konoha, there is an extremely secluded Abandoned Training Ground Underground Base.

This is one of the long-abandoned strongholds of "Roots," but now it is brightly lit and bustling with people.

Representatives or powerful figures from various families received the news.

With a mix of surprise, tension, and complicated emotions, I secretly arrived here.

Aburame Shibi, the representative of the Aburame Clan, stood silently in the corner, her figure blending into the shadows, her gaze sweeping across the entire room behind her sunglasses.

Hyuga Sakon, the Current Head of the Hyuga Clan, arrived in person. His expression was solemn, and his white eyes appeared particularly dignified under the lights. Standing beside him was Hyuga Hiashi, who also had a serious expression.

Shikaku Nara, the representative of the Nara Clan and also the leader of the Jonin Commander, rubbed his temples, seemingly lazy, but his eyes gleamed with shrewdness. Beside him were Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi, both with serious expressions.

Kurama Murakumo, the Clan Head of the Kurama Clan, looked excited, with a hint of resolute determination.

There were even representatives from some small and medium-sized clans, as well as several Commoner Jonin who were quite prestigious among ninjas and dissatisfied with the Third Hokage's recent actions.

They exchanged glances, the air thick with tension, doubt, and a hint of anticipation.

No one knew the purpose of this emergency summons.

But Danzo's name and the "invitation" from "Root" gave them a premonition that something earth-shattering was about to happen.

Finally, Shimura Danzō appeared on the high platform in front of the base.

He leaned on his cane, his single eye sweeping over the crowd below like a hawk's.

The cane he gripped tightly in his hand tapped slightly on the ground, making a dull thud that instantly drew everyone's attention.

The entire underground base fell silent, and all eyes were fixed on Danzo.

Danzo slowly, his voice hoarse yet as firm as a rock, clearly resonating throughout the entire underground space.

"You all came here tonight, presumably because you are all deeply concerned about the current situation in the village."

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his single eye.

" The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is old and senile, and has mismanaged the government!"

Driven by selfish motives, he disregarded the interests of the village, manipulated power, spread rumors, caused internal strife, alienated meritorious officials, and plunged the village into turmoil!

His behavior has rendered him unfit to serve as Hokage!

Like a thunderclap, the crowd below the stage had already made various guesses.

However, hearing Danzo's direct and severe accusations against the Third Hokage still caused a huge uproar and shock!

" Danzo, is this really true?!"

Hyuga Sakon voice, his tone filled with disbelief.

Shikaku Nara narrowed his eyes.

" Danzo, do you know what you're saying? This is a very serious accusation."

"Serious?"

Danzo retorted sharply, his voice suddenly rising in pitch.

"Is there anything more serious than a village leader splitting the village and suppressing heroes for his own power?!"

Look at the recent public opinion! Look at what the Uchiha has gone through! Look at the fear and suspicion that have been stirred up!

Is this how a Hokage should act?!

His words struck like a hammer blow to everyone's heart.

Recent events flashed through their minds, silencing them as their initial shock gradually turned into contemplation and acceptance.

Clan Leader Anma shouted excitedly.

"That's right! Lord Chiyo End of War, yet he was treated like this! It's heartbreaking!"

"Today this has happened to Lord Chiyo, but next time it will happen to us, everyone!"

Even a Jonin couldn't help but speak up.

" The Third Hokage Master's recent actions are truly baffling..."

Danzo pressed his advantage, his voice filled with inflammatory rhetoric and a sense of righteous indignation.

" Konoha is now at a critical juncture of life and death!"

We cannot stand by and watch our village be destroyed by someone blinded by power!

For the Mirai of Konoha, we must stand up!

He suddenly raised the Scroll and token in his hand.

"This grants partial control over the Hokage Guard and permission to use 'Root'!"

Today, I, Shimura Danzō, earnestly request that you all join me in the cause of Konoha— "

His single eye blazed with astonishing light, and his voice resounded through the underground space like a vow.

" Hiruzen has failed in its governance and is senile and incompetent!"

"Please, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, step down!"

This earth-shattering slogan, like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly ignited the long-suppressed emotions of everyone present!

Shock, fervor, resolve, a hint of fear of the unknown, and a tremendous sense of excitement at participating in history intertwined, creating immense tension!

Hyuga Sakon's eyes narrowed as he stared intently at Danzo, then he nodded emphatically.

" The Hyuga Clan seconds this!"

For the sake of the family's Mirai, a choice must be made!

If the Uchiha clan was the first to be suppressed by public opinion, then the Hyuga Clan was the second!

Shikaku Nara took a deep breath.

He exchanged a glance with Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi, and slowly nodded.

I second that.

Reason told them that this was the best course of action to cut their losses.

Aburame Shibi silently pushed up her sunglasses, signifying her agreement.

Clan Leader Anma was almost moved to tears.

"We, the Kurama Clan, are willing to serve you like dogs and horses!"

I second that!

I second that!

"For Konoha!"

"..."

A frenzied roar echoed through the underground base, and everyone's emotions were stirred to the peak!

They may have different motives.

But on the point of "overthrowing Third Hokage morally corrupt officials," a surprising consensus has been reached at this moment!

Danzo looked at the enthusiastic crowd below the stage, a cold, satisfied look of complete control flashing deep in his single eye.

The chess pieces are in place, and the stage is set.

Next, the coup d'état will take place, ushering in a new era!

And the master of that new era in Konoha...

Danzo sneered inwardly.

Need I even ask?

That could only be the universally acclaimed Chiyo Uchiha!!