Admit Your Mistakes, Stand Straight for the Beating

"During the Second Hokage's time, this system continued. But when it came to you, the Third Hokage, it changed. No Uchiha were good people, so the Uchiha's suggestions didn't matter, and they weren't allowed to speak freely.

"The Hyuga Clan was too powerful and refused to cooperate with the village on various reforms, so they had no right to speak either."

"Other clans and individuals could always be silenced for one reason or another."

"Now, the right to make suggestions among the higher-ups is entirely controlled by the Hokage Faction, yet Lord Hokage says the high-level meetings have become gatherings of silent higher-ups. Isn't that ridiculous?"

Fine. I didn't hear anything.

Shikaku Nara immediately put on an expression of agony, rubbed his face hard, lowered his head, and stared at the teacup before him.

Mitokado Homura's mouth twitched, and he decisively lowered his head as well.

Utatane Koharu looked like she wanted to speak, but seemed to remember something just as she was about to open her mouth, so she decisively kept quiet.

Looking at the Third Hokage, whose old face had completely darkened, Jingyi continued, "Besides the right to make suggestions, those seated among the higher-ups also have decision-making power and certain special privileges within the village. I'm curious, where did all those rights go?"

"That wasn't this old man's intention..."

The Third Hokage tried to defend himself.

He had indeed done these things, but he couldn't take the blame for them. It would damage his reputation too much.

"Shimura Danzō did it?"

Jingyi smiled again.

The Third Hokage fell completely silent.

He had gotten so used to using that excuse, hadn't he?

The smile faded from Jingyi's face. He looked at the Third Hokage and said meaningfully:

"Everyone has selfish desires. If it were me, I'd also want