This Glory Will Not Be Mine Alone

Following the direction Hiruzen Sarutobi pointed.

All eyes of the Konoha Ninja and the general public turned to it.

Was he a ninja who made outstanding contributions to Konoha?

Who will be the first one?

Danzo a beat; this was his location!

Combining what Hiruzen Sarutobi said to him before leaving the table--

But Danzo was still very uneasy.

Would Hiruzen really share this glory with himself on such an important occasion?

Frankly speaking, if Danzo were in Danzo's shoes, he felt he couldn't do it.

Isn't this just giving away your prestige to others?

That's way too generous!

But if Hiruzen Sarutobi knew Danzo's thoughts, he would just laugh and shake his head.

Prestige does not strictly adhere to a zero-sum game, where it is a matter of one person losing and the other gaining, and the total amount is fixed.

His attitude of "not seeking credit" will amplify Hiruzen Sarutobi's personal prestige.

The purpose of highlighting achievements is to elevate the Hokage's Authority once again, rather than to dissipate credit for his accomplishments.

Because everyone knows that the Hokage is behind all of this.

"Hokage's assistant, Shimura Danzō!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally uttered his name.

"It played an indelible role in eliminating enemies for Konoha, maintaining and rectifying internal discipline, and in its deep cooperation with the Land of Fire!"

The intense atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

Shimura Danzō's reputation in Konoha was not exactly stellar.

Many well-informed Konoha Ninja knew Danzo's style of doing things.

I usually avoid him when I see him.

Danzo maintained his smile with slight embarrassment, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.

He thought of something funny--

Given the stubbornness and obstinacy characteristic of ninjas, if he hadn't helped Danzo out of this predicament, who knows how long Danzo would have spent reflecting on it after returning home.

He might even become slightly tainted by darkness! He feels the Konoha Ninja don't understand his sacrifices.

"Well, even if he didn't achieve anything, he still put in the effort—besides, it's not like he didn't achieve anything at all," Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself, not wanting to let Danzo continue to feel awkward.

"Our assistant, who is also the current head of Konoha's Anbu Chief, has been working tirelessly behind enemy lines in a tense environment, gathering intelligence and repelling the enemy day and night—"

"Therefore, his style of doing things is usually somewhat rough, and he has also engaged in self-criticism regarding this—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat and spoke loudly.

And so it was explained.

Many ninjas who didn't know Danzo but were whispering amongst themselves as the atmosphere grew quiet all Danzo admiring glances at him.

Despite being an assistant, he still frequently performed frontline duties.

Truly admirable!

Danzo a cold and hardened aura honed from years of immersion in the shadows of the Anbu.

This perfectly confirms what Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

A ninja who has lived in darkness for so long, inevitably bearing some indelible traces of violence, yet always keeping Konoha in his heart.

In the Training Ground, quite a few young ninjas cast admiring glances at him.

This kind of rhetoric, half-fallen into darkness yet yearning for light, sounds a bit like youthful idealism and adolescent angst.

Yet it perfectly aligns with the spirit of the Shinobi World, stirring the ninjas' inherent courage and respect.

Danzo aback. When had he started engaging in self-criticism with Hiruzen?

The intense gazes directed at him made Danzo feel somewhat lost, and this Darkness of the Shinobi ninja felt a strong urge to escape.

But after a short while, Danzo immediately grew to like the feeling.

Suddenly, he thought of Hiruzen Sarutobi and what he had said.

"I've seen all your contributions—I'll bring you to the forefront."

Danzo a deep breath, amplifying his voice with Chakra, but still maintained his cold, deadpan expression, a slight, unsightly smile playing on his lips, "I—"

As soon as he opened his mouth, he was reminded of the speaking style that Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu commonly used now--

You have to start by mentioning Hokage!

"I will follow the Hokage's instructions, fulfill my duties diligently, and continue to fight for Konoha and the village!"

"That's how it is, and I hope you all feel the same way," Danzo said succinctly and forcefully.

Orochimaru, standing to the side, couldn't help but let out a cold snort.

He simply couldn't believe that Danzo, with his Danzo intellect, would actually initiate self-criticism with his teacher.

It's only because the teacher is kind-hearted and worried about embarrassing him that she saved his face; otherwise, the atmosphere would have been awkward long ago!

On the other hand, Orochimaru was also slightly wary.

Danzo into a long speech, maintaining his cold and austere style, even in front of others.

This demonstrates that you have accurately identified your own value proposition.

This change actually gave it some competitiveness, so it wasn't completely useless.

If Orochimaru were to adopt Orochimaru Hiruzen Sarutobi's style, he wouldn't even give Danzo a second glance.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly and said loudly, "Let's give Danzo a Danzo of applause!"

Thunderous applause resounded in the Training Ground.

Danzo's face remained cold and hard, but his eyes pierced through the crowd and fixed intently on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

He knew perfectly well that Hiruzen Sarutobi had just come to his rescue.

It also provided an excuse for some of his past problems, subverting the issue and elevating it in a positive way.

"I won't let you fall behind—" Danzo said silently in his heart, "You did it, and I will do it too!"

He was referring to their conversation in the forest after they returned from their cooperation with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

Danzo stated frankly that before becoming Hokage, he would be the sharpest blade in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hands.

"Second place, Orochimaru!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "He made great contributions to Konoha's scientific research and revenue generation, and also performed exceptionally well in various missions and wars—"

Orochimaru rose gracefully. "Serving the village is a virtue I've cultivated since childhood, thanks to the Hokage, who is also my teacher—"

"I will continue to work hard to further protect the village's ninjas using technology."

Orochimaru's appearance didn't require any explanation from Hiruzen Sarutobi.

As one of the battlefield leaders of the Second Shinobi World War, Orochimaru is known to most ninjas in the village as a mysterious and powerful figure, and has always been extremely popular.

"Next, we will present the list of groups to be recognized."

"They are Tsunade, Hiruko, Jiraiya, Nara Shikayama, and Torifu Akimichi!"

"They actively participated in the village's income-generating projects, working tirelessly day and night, and selflessly sharing their research findings with the village!"

Those whom Hiruzen Sarutobi out were all key participants in the Sage Pill " and future research projects.

The five men stood up together, waving to the cheering crowd, their faces beaming.

Who doesn't want their efforts to be recognized?

Especially in such a lively atmosphere and occasion.

Even Tsunade, who was used to seeing great figures, was deeply moved, gazing towards the distant Hokage Rock—

Hiruko became rapid.

He received more attention in his entire life than on this one day combined.

And that's exactly what he wanted!

Hiruko for a while, then fixed his gaze on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

It's Hokage--

This gave him this opportunity!

In fact, Hiruko did not feel that his Cell Fusion technology deserved this honor.

If that's the case, then this is the Hokage's earnest expectation and trust in him.

After all five people had appeared on stage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi then pointed to both sides of the platform. "Warriors who will always protect Konoha and fight bravely against the enemy!"

"Hatake Sakumo and Hizashi Hyuga!"

The Konoha Ninja searched for a while before discovering that the two were wearing Anbu uniforms and masks.

They are currently on duty at a high vantage point.

The two removed their masks and waved to everyone.

They were greeted with enthusiastic cheers as a sign of respect for their continued work.

On one side of the Training Ground, Kakashi, preparing for battle, couldn't maintain his Little Cool Guy demeanor when he saw his father being so praised.

They jumped and clapped for their father, and waved vigorously to Hatake Sakumo from the high point.

Hatake Sakumo smiled slightly, looking at his son as well, and responded to Kakashi with a nonchalant air.

Hizashi Hyuga, standing to the side, maintained his aloof demeanor, giving a slight nod in greeting.

He glanced subtly at the Hyuga clan members' reactions before turning his gaze to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Seeing this, Danzo frowned slightly.

No, after working and living in Konoha for so many years, this is the first time he has ever seen someone copy Persona!

Is that correct?

You even copied Darkness of the Shinobi? You really think this is something to learn?!

But Danzo was helpless.

Hizashi and Sakumo were like Heng and Ha Generals Hiruzen Sarutobi's most trusted lieutenants, never compromising their principles in any way.

If they discover anything amiss, they should bypass him, the Anbu Chief, and report directly to the Hokage.

Therefore, Danzo currently being very well-behaved.

When he first sat down, he had considered that since Hiruzen elevated his prestige so much, perhaps he could slightly expand his influence and cultivate a group of people who were relatively loyal to him.

Danzo wasn't trying to fight Hiruzen; he was trying to deal with Orochimaru.

But the thought of Sakumo and Hizashi extinguished Danzo's interest in the matter.

He certainly didn't want to be the one teasingly told to be careful when he reported back to Hiruzen after he found that Ninja Clan.

"Hiruzen, you're doing a better and better job as Hokage these days—" Danzo looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and shook his head with a sigh.

He had actually been annoyed by the restriction of his power.

However, Danzo was no longer angry after discovering Hiruzen's ingenious deconstruction of the Anbu.

As the Hokage, one must both limit such a supportive figure and enable him to get things done!

In a sense, it's a case of "the more they fight, the more I admire them."

And among the Hyuga Clan's audience.

Hyuga Tenzo gazed at his youngest son, whose face was as cold as ice, and sighed softly.

He truly hadn't expected that Hizashi, despite being from the Branch Family, would be so highly regarded by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hyuga Ko Takashi stared Hizashi at Hizashi's figure, listening to the cheers in his ears.

My last line of defense crumbled.

When Hyuga Ko was appointed as Committee Member that Hizashi, he was already so distressed that he couldn't sleep.

When they met at the clan's territory, even he, as the Main Branch, had to lower his head and respectfully address him as "Hizashi Committee Member."

The thick barrier between the two sides had been reversed at this moment.

And now he's being honored by the Hokage on such a grand occasion!

Hyuga Ko secretly glanced at Hyuga Tenzo and made up his mind.

There's no future in hanging out with that old man.

I need to find a way to curry favor with the Hizashi when I have time, and see if I can put in a good word for them with the Lord Hokage so I can get a decent job myself.

Staying in the Main Branch all the time is really not a good thing!

While Branch Family is like a caged bird, the original family members, trapped in the cage, aren't exactly free either.

Hyuga Hiashi sighed softly, but still clapped for his younger brother first, his hands turning red from clapping.

"And, Uchiha Hono!"

"Having lived through the Warring States Period, he still stepped forward when the village needed him, actively passing on his experience to the younger generation. Two months ago, he even led a team to capture a large number of spies from Kusagakure— "

"Holding bones as torches, they illuminated the village and future generations!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi uttered a name that surprised everyone.

Uchiha?

It was actually an Uchiha!

It wasn't Fugaku or Isshin, but an unknown old Uchiha man.

Among the Uchiha Clan spectators, many clansmen stared at him in shock.

Uchiha Hono said that the Hokage once gave him a pack of cigarettes.

Everyone thought it was just bragging!

Given the awkward relationship between the Hokage Faction and the Uchiha Clan, this whole thing sounds incredibly unlikely.

It seems this is actually true.

Uchiha En was also experiencing a great deal of internal turmoil.

He wanted to maintain the Uchiha's traditional aloofness, so he gave a curt reply.

But as soon as he stood up, he couldn't help but smile and wave to everyone.

On the Training Ground, Namikaze Minato gave him a thumbs-up and waved to him.

Uchiha Isshin's heart sank.

If the Uchiha Clan wasn't mentioned, given the clan members' personalities, they would definitely feel dissatisfied.

This is where you can make a statement.

However, if the mention is of Fugaku or himself, Isshin can also find a way to internalize this reputation.

But it just so happens to be Uchiha Hono from the Patrol Force!

This old bastard has Namikaze Minato with that brat Minato Namikaze lately, and he even inexplicably unlocked the Three-Tomoe.

They've already been Isshin as part of the pro- Hokage faction.

But in the hearts of most Uchiha, Yan was a veteran Hawk Faction who had come from the Warring States Period.

This is cutting off his right to speak as the head of the Uchiha Clan Head!

Uchiha Isshin felt exhausted.

When fighting Hiruzen Sarutobi in the arena, it always seems like he's struck without warning.

Nobody's even gone to complain!

Isshin glanced at Fugaku, who was clapping and cheering for Uchiha Hono, and was about to explode with anger.

How can a successor as incompetent as this possibly govern the Uchiha Clan effectively?

Is there really no one who can help him?

"Good--"

Hiruzen Sarutobi lightly, extended his right hand, and clenched it slightly.

The noisy and bustling Training Ground immediately quieted down and returned to silence.

"These ten people are those who have recently stood out in the village, and those who haven't been mentioned—"

"For example, our Koharu and Yan, our advisors, led the Administrative Department to build a solid bridge with the Land of Fire."

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura felt a warmth in their hearts.

It has to be Hiruzen; he took such good care of her. He's always been a kind and considerate person, from childhood to adulthood.

"And there are ninjas and students who take missions, work, and training seriously. As long as everyone does their job, they are contributing to the development of Konoha." Hiruzen Sarutobi made a dumpling.

The applause continued to thunder.

"Good--"

"I originally intended to say just a few words."

"But once you start talking, you can't stop, right? Everyone's probably tired of hearing it, aren't they?" Hiruzen Sarutobi joked humorously. "Well then, let's welcome our main guest for today!"

"First, there are the little geniuses at the Ninja Academy. With the great help of your parents, they are already showing promising signs of success—"

"My unfilial son even started this Azure Dragon Gang— "

Everyone burst into laughter.

Asuma blushed slightly; it wasn't shameful to talk about such things at the Ninja Academy.

But in public, it's a completely different story.

"Their opponent is Namikaze Minato, who made great contributions in resisting the invasion of Kumogakure— " Hiruzen Sarutobi took on the role of host, stirring up the emotions of the audience.

This is a rare moment of relaxation for a ninja whose emotions are constantly on edge.

So, who exactly defeated him—the so-called Azure Dragon Gang?

"Or were the Ninja Academy students reorganized into the Azure Dragon Study Group?"

"Please allow both sides to enter!"

Namikaze Minato and the fifty-odd children stood facing each other.

Mito Uzumaki watched this scene with a smile, nodded slightly, and said to Biwako beside her, "In some aspects, I think Hiruzen does a better job than Tobirama— "

Biwako quickly shook her head, but a smile played on her lips, "How could that be! Lady Mito, what are you saying—"

At Hiruzen Sarutobi's instruction, Biwako would often visit Mito with baby supplies and homemade dishes, chat about parenting experiences, and help with some housework.

Over time, Biwako and Mito developed a very harmonious relationship.

I've been able to spend more time with Mito now.

And in a place far away from Konoha.

Uchiha Madara was controlling a White Zetsu, broadcasting this scene to him.

Uchiha Madara didn't actually want to do it himself.

However, if Mito is nearby, there's a risk of something going wrong if he doesn't handle it himself.

"This disciple of Senju Tobirama is quite interesting—"

"Besides the Senju and Uchiha, they're considered to have some ability."

"But the limit is already locked, so there's no point in trying to fix it anymore."

Uchiha Madara watched the holographic image while turning the food in the oven in front of him.

There are some meat patties on top.

The solitary life of elderly people living alone is simple, unpretentious, and rather dull.

Besides watching TV, I mostly just read newspapers.

This program was produced by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Even so, it's still much better than "The Frog Squad is a loving family"—

"Obito-- "

Uchiha Madara took a bite of the grilled pork chop.

Although he has the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, he doesn't need to do this.

However, eating allowed Uchiha Madara to feel a sliver of life remaining in his body. "Let me see if you're qualified."