Danzo Humiliated · Expired Milk

Hiruzen Sarutobi became a candidate for the Third Hokage.

This outcome had been within Toji's expectations. The Shadow Guard abandoning the Hokage and fleeing had been Tobirama's own decision.

He could ruin Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others' reputations among the villagers, but he had no way to strip Hiruzen of his eligibility to run for Hokage.

These were all matters within the rules.

Smart people made rules, and they used them too.

Toji had laid out so many schemes precisely to prevent Konoha's higher-ups from hearing the Second Hokage's final order, disregarding the rules, and forcibly installing Hiruzen Sarutobi as Hokage.

As long as the victor was decided through a normal election—

Let alone Hiruzen Sarutobi, even if Tobirama rose from the dead, he could not beat him.

Toji's expression was stern as he made the decision with the bearing of a Hokage. "Jōnin Touka has a point. We'll proceed according to this plan."

"Hiruzen Sarutobi will be publicly announced as a candidate for the Third Hokage for a period of fifteen days. During this time, the three former members of the Shadow Guard are forbidden from leaving the village. Any violators will be treated as rogue ninja."

At those words, the three of them clenched their fists instinctively.

This was undoubtedly an insult to them. Even if they were not heroes, they did not deserve to be called "rogue ninja."

"Meeting adjourned!"

Konoha's public trial came to a temporary end.

But anyone with eyes could see that the turmoil was far from over. Hidden undercurrents were gathering wildly at the heart of the storm, destined to unleash a colossal tempest that would overturn Konoha's existing order.

After the meeting.

Toji stood high above with his hands behind his back, overlooking the scenery of Konoha.

Uchiha Chiri slowly walked up