The Hokage's Seat Belongs To

Hearing Uchiha Chen's objection, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not immediately flare up. After all, based on their recent interactions, he had grown to appreciate this young talent who stood apart from the typical Uchiha.

Since he held a different view, it was only right to let him speak; this would allow Hiruzen to judge the merit of his argument. With a faint smile, Hiruzen said, "Chen, since you have a different opinion, why don't you explain it in detail?"

The people present did not give much thought to the Third Hokage's words.

After all, the Hokage had always been this humble and kind, always willing to open-mindedly accept various suggestions.

Shikaku Nara, in particular, felt this deeply. Yet, despite this, many still watched Uchiha Chen with the look of people waiting for a show, seemingly eager to hear what kind of proposal he could possibly offer.

At this moment, Uchiha Chen felt the mocking gazes of most people in the room, while a few others, relying on their status, looked at him with cold, dismissive eyes. Only a handful, like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shikaku Nara, were listening to his words with genuine attention.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Uchiha Chen felt no pressure at all.

After all, only powerful strength could provide a person with true confidence.

Even a being as powerful as the Nine-Tails was merely a toy for his Mangekyō Sharingan; as for these people before him, what could they do to him if not for their sheer numbers?

If he were strong enough right now and didn't care about preserving the entirety of Konoha, he could sweep away all obstacles with absolute power.

After all, once one possesses power, so-called wisdom is something even a dog would disdain; one simply acts to solve the problem.

Thinking of this, Uchiha Chen's thoughts returned to reality, and he focused his attention on the primary goal he had just proposed.

"Lord Third, the reason I found the previous plan inappropriate is not because I hold any dissatisfaction toward your two prized disciples, but because the current situation is no longer suitable for seeking them out to hold the ceremony." Uchiha Chen analyzed calmly. "The events of last night caused such a massive commotion that I fear intelligence regarding Konoha is already sitting on the desks of every other hidden village. If we continue to wait, it will be too late."

Uchiha Chen's tone carried a hint of urgency and concern. "With the position of Hokage vacant for even a single day, the potential for lost opportunities for Konoha grows with each passing moment."

At this point, Uchiha Chen looked up and swept his gaze over those who had been secretly mocking him just moments ago but were now collectively silent. He raised his voice a notch: "Therefore, I suggest that Lord Third come out of retirement once again to shoulder the heavy responsibility of Hokage."

"At the same time, we can dispatch two teams to search for the two lords. Only by having both sides work in tandem can we preserve the full strength of Konoha to the greatest extent."

"I believe that under the deterrent of the Shinobi Hero's reputation, other villages will certainly not dare to easily stake everything against Konoha."

"Even if they do, it will be nothing more than tentative, minor provocations."

"If anyone truly dares to offend us, believing that Konoha can be bullied after losing the Fourth Hokage, then I, Uchiha Chen, will personally step onto the battlefield to fight for Konoha!"

"I will use blood to tell the enemy that death is their final destination!"

As he said this, a surge of extremely powerful aura erupted from Uchiha Chen.

Although he was deliberately suppressing it, preventing it from reaching the Kage level, it was already enough to suppress most of the people present.

He swept his gaze over the crowd, noting their unsightly expressions and Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was gesturing for him to stop. Uchiha Chen slowly retracted his aura, then changed his tone and spoke again.

"Furthermore, once the news spreads, if Lord Third is back in power, I believe it will be the fastest way to pacify the villagers. These are my thoughts, and I hope Lord Third will carefully consider the pros and cons." Having said this, Uchiha Chen held his head high and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with burning eyes, awaiting his answer.

As for Hiruzen Sarutobi, upon hearing these heartfelt words, he felt not only comforted by the Will of Fire displayed in the young man's concern for Konoha, but he also felt that Uchiha Chen was truly worthy of his regard; his strength and spirit were indeed worlds apart from the average Uchiha clansman.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, feeling that time was of the essence and could not be delayed. After all, when his two disciples might return remained an unknown. If everything went smoothly after finding them, Hiruzen intended to express his agreement. However, just then, someone interrupted him.

It turned out that Shimura Danzō, having witnessed Hiruzen Sarutobi seemingly deciding to ascend the Hokage throne once more, could no longer suppress his inner impulses and spoke decisively: "Wait!"

"I believe my own contributions to Konoha are no less than those three. Since Hiruzen does not wish to take this position, and both Tsunade and Jiraiya are not in the village, then it is not unreasonable for me to serve as Hokage. What do you all think?"

With that, his sinister gaze began to slowly sweep over the crowd, as if threatening everyone present, forcing them to lower their heads to avoid his eyes.

His gaze lingered on Uchiha Chen for a moment longer; those who didn't know better might think he held deep dissatisfaction toward the boy. Yet, who could have guessed that in private, Shimura Danzō was Uchiha Chen's dog?

Just as many people were lowering their heads, cold sweat beading on their foreheads under the weight of Shimura Danzō's tangible gaze, Uchiha Chen, who had been waiting for Hiruzen Sarutobi's answer, turned his head without a hint of fear and met Shimura Danzō's sharp, icy stare head-on.

"Elder Danzō, you want to be Hokage? I, Uchiha Chen, am the first to disagree!"

"When many ninjas and Lord Third were fighting to the death against the Nine-Tails last night, may I ask where you were? Why was there absolutely no sign of you? And where was the Root that you command? Why were they also nowhere to be seen?"

Uchiha Chen's voice was filled with questioning and suspicion.

"Don't tell me you were off evacuating civilians; the elites of the Root wouldn't be needed for such a task. If our Uchiha clan hadn't risked our lives to fight the enemy for control of the Nine-Tails and restrained it to keep casualties to a minimum, who knows how many more would have died! Now, Elder Danzō, please tell me loudly: where exactly were you at that time?"

Uchiha Chen's words were like a sharp sword, piercing the silence of the room. The crowd seemed to wake from a dream, remembering the scene from last night and realizing that they had indeed not seen Shimura Danzō.

They raised their heads one after another, their gazes toward Shimura Danzō gradually turning strange.

The ninjas who had previously held awe for Elder Danzō now felt a flicker of doubt and dissatisfaction. Even Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who were standing to the side, suffered collateral damage due to their close relationship with Shimura Danzō, drawing many cold stares and criticisms.