Ch. 141Fourth Hokage Arrives
Summary: “Fourth Hokage Arrives”
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- Liuxia is formally inaugurated as Konoha’s Fourth Hokage, receiving the Hokage Hat and Cloak from the Third Hokage, and is celebrated by the village as a hero.
- The Third Kazekage attends the ceremony with a forced smile; Pakura is also present.
- Outside Konoha, Uchiha Fugaku meets with Zetsu. He has fully abandoned his old dream of becoming Hokage and reconciling the Uchiha with the village, and now commits to recruiting people for “Lord Madara’s plan.”
- In the Hokage’s office, Liuxia reveals he sensed Shimura Danzō’s presence near Konoha, and warns that Anbu units should be vigilant.
- Liuxia discusses the One-Tail situation: he gave it to the Sand as part of a plan, with a Wood Clone tracking them, to test whether Uchiha Madara will act.
- Liuxia confirms Uchiha Madara is still alive and admits he is not fully certain Madara will take the bait. He notes that since someone else now holds the Rinnegan and the Nine-Tails, Madara cannot afford to wait forever.
- Liuxia orders Hatake Sakumo to lead a search for Uchiha Madara’s hiding place, with instructions to contact him immediately if danger arises.
2. Character Developments
- Liuxia: Steps into the Hokage role with authority and strategic foresight; shows advanced sensory ability and careful planning, while still maintaining a relaxed rapport with close allies.
- Uchiha Fugaku: Fully descends into darkness. His grief over a woman’s betrayal has turned into hatred for Konoha and Liuxia, driving him to embrace Madara’s destructive plan.
- Third Kazekage: Appears visibly aged and humiliated by Konoha’s dominance.
- Hatake Sakumo: Remains a trusted confidant and operative, tasked with high-risk missions.
3. Significant Themes
- Heroism vs. Resentment: Liuxia is celebrated as a savior, while Fugaku’s bitterness festers in isolation.
- Manipulation and Despair: Zetsu exploits Fugaku’s emotional wounds to serve Madara’s agenda.
- Duty and Vigilance: Even in peacetime, threats like Danzō and Madara require constant surveillance and preparation.
- Contrast of Tone: Serious political/military plot is juxtaposed with the Hokage’s office scene where Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the Nine-Tails play a card game, showing normalcy amid high-stakes tension.
4. Character Interactions
- Hiruzen Sarutobi passes the Hokage title to Liuxia.
- Fugaku and Zetsu exchange sharp dialogue, revealing Fugaku’s hatred and Zetsu’s confusion about human emotions.
- Liuxia and Hatake Sakumo discuss Danzō, the One-Tail plan, and Uchiha Madara.
- The Nine-Tails, Tsunade, and Jiraiya play a card game (Daimyo Fight) in the Hokage’s office, with the Nine-Tails enthusiastic about the renamed “Tailed Beast Bomb” card; Tsunade is competitive, Jiraiya half-hearted, and Liuxia tolerates their antics.