Everyone Returns

"Is the village my teacher entrusted to me just going to be handed over to the Uchiha...?"

The Third Hokage glanced at the Military Police Force behind Naraku, especially noticing Uchiha Fugaku's peculiar Sharingan, and then looked at Uchiha Nara, Hatake Sakumo, and the others, letting out a sigh of relief.

Simply giving up power like that is something Third Hokage cannot do.

Because the Third Hokage didn't respond, the scene remained deadlocked, falling into an eerie silence.

"I am Konoha Uchiha Nara, the Fourth Hokage, elected by the Jonin Konoha and appointed by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire."

Utatane Koharu Mitokado Homura, I hereby announce that your positions will remain unchanged. You will continue to be in charge of the Administrative Department and the Finance Department, respectively, and will serve as Hokage Advisor, assisting me in advising on Konoha affairs.

"Namikaze Minato is the Fourth Hokage I appointed as his assistant. With all these Konoha Ninja here as witnesses, this is the first decree I, as the Fourth Hokage, issue!"

As Naraku finished speaking, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked at Uchiha Nara with some surprise.

The two exchanged a glance and nodded, then tugged at the Third Hokage's sleeve, signaling Third Hokage not to be too reckless.

The Third Hokage and Danzo exchanged a glance, but their interaction was not as harmonious as that of the other two classmates.

Danzo said coldly and disdainfully:

"Ha! You use Genjutsu to control the Daimyo, and you still want to sow discord and divide us? Wishful thinking! Uchiha Nara, you... huh!?"

Before Danzo could finish speaking, he was pulled hard by Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu behind him, causing him to stumble slightly.

"Danzo, don't talk nonsense. Namikaze Minato is a ninja known as the Yellow Flash. How could his senses be wrong? Since he said there was no trace of Chakra or manipulation on the field at the time, then there was none. Don't make wild guesses!"

Before Uchiha Nara and the others could refute him, Mitokado Homura directly refuted Danzo, defining Danzo's opening words as nonsense and his closing words as wild guesses.

"Danzo, how could you frame the Fourth Hokage like this? Are you even Konoha ninja? Apologize right now!"

Utatane Koharu, also rebuked her righteously.

"You!"

Danzo left eye widened in shock, and a chill ran through him.

Upon hearing Uchiha Nara smiled and nodded slightly, looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent.

"Third Hokage, you were the previous Hokage, and you made great contributions to the development of Konoha. I am a ninja who grew up in your era, and my respect for you is beyond words."

Even after Naraku became Hokage, Konoha still couldn't do without your guidance as the previous Hokage.

I hope you can join the Advisory Council and serve as my advisor, assisting me as the Fourth Hokage. Please!

Naraku bowed slightly, his words earnest, as if seeking guidance.

It wasn't that Naraku was kind enough not to eliminate them, but rather that he had just become the Fourth Hokage when the previous Hokage died, and moreover, the Fourth Hokage was being appointed by the Daimyo in the Capital City, while the Third Hokage had died in the Capital City.

Dying at this time is not a good time. He hasn't been completely disgraced yet. If he dies like this, people will mistakenly think that Naraku killed him to seize power, which will cause turmoil in Konoha. This is not what Naraku wants to see.

Naraku considered everything that Sarutobi Hiruzen could think of.

Having lived two lives, Naraku's combined age wasn't much younger than the Third Hokage's; he was just as cunning and shrewd.

At this point, it's best to slow down and adopt a humble attitude, which would be beneficial for Naraku, the Third Hokage, and the others.

Upon hearing this, Shimura Danzō knew he was doomed. He knew his classmate perfectly well, and all his scheming was ultimately for power.

Uchiha Nara discussed this earlier, there wouldn't have been any complications.

But if things don't come to that point, who in the Third Hokage Faction would consult with Naraku, and who would listen to Naraku's words?

Shimura Danzō stared at Naraku with a grim expression. His three old classmates had all retained their power and positions. What about me? What about me?

After Naraku finished speaking, he bowed and stared intently at Sarutobi Hiruzen Danzo, completely ignoring Naraku.

If it weren't for the fact that it wouldn't be appropriate for Danzo to die at this time, given that the previous Hokage Danzo would probably be dead today.

Pull three against one, don't go too far, spare his life to show Naraku's mercy and kindness, this is the best way to ease tensions with the Third Hokage Faction.

If Naraku decisive and ruthless, ready to fight or kill, even if one of the Group of Four had died today after working together for so many years, the other three would band together and fight Naraku to the very end.

If we can simply divide things up today, Naraku's Hokage Position will be secure, and then those people's good days will come to an end.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression shifted, and after a long while, he sighed and said in a deep voice:

"Very well! Naraku, you have devoted yourself to Konoha and have always been a promising successor to the Will of Fire. Minato is also good; he suppressed Kumogakure and made extraordinary contributions to Konoha."

The Ninja War is not over yet, Kumogakure Village continues to provoke us. The Hidden Konoha has been fighting for years, and the ninjas and villagers are exhausted. Naraku, I hope you can treat the Konoha well.

As the former Hokage and one of the advisors to the Fourth Hokage, if you act recklessly and abuse your power, I will not turn a blind eye and will make you understand what it means to be a Hokage!

The Third Hokage's words still held sway, but he had already compromised and relinquished the title of Hokage.

Naraku was overjoyed to hear the Third Hokage's words of submission, and bowed slightly again to show humility, saying respectfully:

"Yes, Konoha needs someone like you to assist in its governance so that it can prosper even more. Now that our trip to the Capital City is complete, everyone, please follow me back to Konoha!"

As Naraku finished speaking, the Special Police Force and the Anbu present all breathed a sigh of relief.

They all understood that this was Konoha fighting amongst themselves, targeting ninjas from their own village. Even for them, who were belligerent and cold-blooded, not everyone could bring themselves to do it.

Naraku waved his hand, and the Military Police Force and Uchiha followed Naraku back.

"Konoha finally has Fourth Hokage, I can finally take a break."

The Third Hokage seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, waved his hand, and led the way, with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura immediately following behind, and the Anbu behind them all closely following.

Only Shimura Danzō remained, along with a large group of Root elites, standing bewildered in the arena.

"Danzo, what are you standing there for? Get back to Konoha right now!"

Mitokado Homura leaped a few steps, but seeing Danzo standing still, he couldn't help but urge him on.

Those who had pledged allegiance to the new master retained their power, and they no longer cared who became Hokage. They were quite pleased with Naraku's submissive demeanor and would likely heed their advice in the future.

Moreover, if the Root's elites cause any trouble in the Capital City, it will have a huge impact on Konoha.

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Danzo behind him, sighed, and said in a deep voice:

"Danzo, I still need your assistance. The handover of the Anbu will take time. What are you worried about? Let's go!"

In front of so many elite Anbu, the Third Hokage succinctly hinted that it was difficult to say whether the Anbu were still under his control, knowing that Danzo would understand the implication.

"Hmph! Let's go!"

Danzo snorted coldly, gave an order, and followed the Anbu back to Konoha. The Root members followed suit after receiving the order.

"As long as I retain power over the Anbu, I will never submit!"

Shimura Danzō's single eye revealed a sinister gaze.