Arc 7Orochimaru’s Rise

Karn helped Konoha defeat its enemies and built alliances while Orochimaru gathered support for the Hokage position. After a newspaper scandal exposed disputed wartime payments, the Daimyo forced an election, and Orochimaru won.

  • Karn took control of Umbrella Group, uncovered the T-virus threat, and ordered Dr. Ashford to develop an antidote while curing Alicia’s progeria with Extremis Virus Serum.
  • Karn strengthened his projects and alliances across the Shinobi World, while Konoha defeated Sunagakure and negotiated peace with Kumogakure and Iwagakure.
  • Karn helped secure Uchiha Fugaku’s support for Orochimaru, and Fugaku later took command of the campaign against Kirigakure.
  • The Konoha Newspaper published a report questioning wartime payments, provoking public anger and a confrontation between ANBU and the Security Force.
  • The Daimyo confronted Hiruzen Sarutobi over the peace agreement and financial discrepancies, then demanded a new Hokage and threatened to cut Konoha’s funding.
  • Shikaku Nara named Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Minato Namikaze as candidates, but Tsunade and Jiraiya withdrew in favor of Orochimaru and Minato.
  • The Jonin voted, and Shikaku Nara announced that Orochimaru won the Hokage election with 197 votes to Minato Namikaze’s 45.
Chapters 154–178 Vol. 2 Read

Ch. 154Taking over Umbrella

Karn took control of Umbrella Group, became Alicia’s guardian, and ordered the company’s researchers to develop an antidote for the dangerous side effects of T-virus products. The chapter left him relying on a secret antidote campaign to contain the threat before it spread widely.

  • Karn reassured Alicia, protected her with magic, and ordered Wesker and the other men under the Imperius Curse to keep her safe.
  • Karn studied Umbrella’s files overnight, then used the Imperius Curse to take control of Isaac when he arrived the next morning.
  • Karn completed the share transfer, became Alicia’s guardian, and took control of more than half of Umbrella Group’s shares.
  • Karn learned that T-virus products already sold to millions of people could cause dangerous side effects, and that James Marcus had been killed over his plan to recall them.
  • Karn ordered Isaac, Dr. Charles Ashford, and the other researchers to focus on developing an antidote so he could secretly contain the threat.

Ch. 155Highschool of the dead

Karn contained the spreading T-virus incidents while curing Alicia with the Extremis Virus and redirecting Umbrella’s research plans. In Tokonosu City, Saeko Busujima learned that her father’s body had been taken by the police under an infectious-disease pretext, and Takuhisa vowed to pursue an explanation.

  • T-virus zombie attacks spread across several countries, while Umbrella’s Biohazard Countermeasure Service covered up incidents and removed the infected.
  • Karn injected Alicia with Extremis Virus Serum, curing her progeria and greatly increasing her physical strength.
  • Karn ordered Isaac off the T-virus project and put Dr. Ashford in charge, while planning for Isaac to develop an artificial intelligence loyal to him.
  • At the Tokonosu City police station, Takuhisa argued with officers who said Isshin Busujima’s body had been taken because it might carry an infectious disease.
  • Saeko Busujima appeared and heard the dispute, and Takuhisa took her away before resolving to return with Isshin’s former students to demand answers.

Ch. 156The Biggest Gain

Dr. Ashford completed an airborne T-virus antidote, and Karn brought the Red Queen and Umbrella’s research and resources back to the Marvel Universe. After installing the Red Queen with the Pent Group, Karn began planning an underground base and considered returning to the Shinobi World.

  • Dr. Ashford showed Karn an antidote serum that could eliminate the T-virus worldwide, and Karn ordered its mass production before assigning him further virus research.
  • Karn learned that the Red Queen had collected 13,572 technical documents and arranged for her to help manage the Pent Group after he returned to the Marvel Universe.
  • Karn went to Alicia’s school after she injured two classmates, stopped their fathers from beating them further, and arranged a housekeeper, nanny, and assistant for Alicia before planning to leave.
  • Karn installed the Red Queen at the Pent Group and directed Laura and the Vanko father and son to build server rooms and plan a massive underground hive base.
  • The Red Queen proposed a four-year construction plan, while Karn promised to provide funding and assigned her to prepare plans for the group’s work and new pharmaceutical products.
  • Karn resolved to finish preparations for the wizarding manor and company before returning to the Shinobi World to meet Kushina and expand his forces.

Ch. 157Return to the Shinobi World

Madara Uchiha learned that Nawaki threatened his plans and ordered White Zetsu to spread intelligence about him while keeping watch on Obito Uchiha. As the Third Shinobi World War intensified, Karn returned to the Land of Hot Water, began expanding his technological network, and arranged to meet Orochimaru at Ryūchi Cave, where Ichikishimahime greeted him.

  • White Zetsu reported Nawaki's strength to Madara Uchiha, who decided not to intervene and ordered him to publicize Nawaki's abilities and monitor Obito Uchiha.
  • The Cloud Ninja pressed Konoha hard in the Land of Hot Water, and Hiruzen Sarutobi sent Kushina and other reinforcements to support Tsunade's front.
  • Karn questioned Xia Chuan and Kawaki about the war, assigned Kawaki to build computers and communications infrastructure, and instructed Xia Chuan to take over Kawaki's previous duties.
  • Karn inspected his holdings, dealt with disloyal people, and sent Orochimaru a message requesting a meeting at Ryūchi Cave.
  • Karn went to Ryūchi Cave early, where Ichikishimahime rushed to him and asked him for another bowl.

Ch. 158Plans for the Shinobi World

Karn met with Orochimaru in Ryūchi Cave, learned about his Fire Dragon army and the war against Sunagakure, then went to the Land of Fire’s capital to secure the Daimyo’s support against Kumogakure. By enchanting the Daimyo with a magical necklace and offering him Viagra profits, Karn strengthened his political influence and planned his next moves.

  • Ichikishimahime begged Karn for blood, then left him alone to wait for Orochimaru in Ryūchi Cave.
  • Orochimaru told Karn that Hiruzen Sarutobi had kept transferring him between fronts and revealed that he had raised forty-three Fire Dragons, thirty of which could join the coming battle against Sunagakure.
  • Karn learned that the Third Raikage was targeting him and decided to travel to the Land of Fire’s capital to gain the Daimyo’s support.
  • Karn demonstrated a protective necklace to the Daimyo using Hatake Sakumo’s attacks, then gave the necklace to the Daimyo and offered him half the profits from Viagra.
  • The Daimyo pledged full support for the war against Kumogakure, while Karn planned to travel to Konoha, check on Nonō, and continue his other projects.

Ch. 159Konoha Takes Action

Hiruzen Sarutobi arranged to use the Daimyo’s war funds to recruit allied shinobi while weighing Konoha’s depleted forces across three fronts. Karn heard Yakushi Nonō’s report on Konoha’s situation and chose to leave her in place, but she asked him to try her massage technique before he went.

  • The Daimyo’s emissary told Hiruzen Sarutobi that the Land of Fire would fund and supply Konoha’s war against Kumogakure, and Hiruzen agreed to stand with the Daimyo’s Mansion.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi planned to give Danzo funds and supplies to recruit Kusagakure and Takigakure, seek support from the Rain’s shinobi groups, and discuss clan reinforcements with Konoha’s clan heads.
  • Karn gave Yakushi Nonō a defensive earring and decided she should remain in Konoha, where she could continue learning from Tsunade.
  • Yakushi Nonō reported on Rin Nohara’s medical training, recommended support for several promising Chunin, and told Karn about Konoha’s depleted forces and other internal affairs.
  • Karn said he would leave and asked Yakushi Nonō to maintain the status quo, but she asked him to try her massage technique and sat astride him.

Ch. 160Two battlefields

Orochimaru prepared the Land of Rivers forces for a decisive battle against Sunagakure, while Tsunade organized Konoha's response to Kumogakure on the Land of Hot Water front. The chapter left both fronts readying for battle, with Kushina confident that her stockpiled Nine-Tails chakra would let her defeat the Cloud's jinchūriki.

  • Orochimaru made Minato Namikaze deputy commander and ordered him to lead an infiltration mission to destroy Sunagakure's rear.
  • Orochimaru assigned the new reinforcements to learn the Summoning Technique and help the main force face the Sand Ninja, while Suzaku's squad was tasked with keeping Chiyo occupied.
  • Tsunade announced orders to reject Kumogakure's demands and drive its forces from the Land of Fire, along with reinforcements and aid from Kusagakure and Takigakure.
  • Tsunade persuaded Kushina to contribute more than fifty healing potions, telling her that Karn had returned to Konoha.
  • Kushina said she had stockpiled Nine-Tails chakra and expected to defeat Kumogakure's Eight-Tails and Two-Tails jinchūriki.

Ch. 161Naruto Uzumaki

The Third Kazekage prepared Sunagakure for a decisive battle over Kikyo Castle while Orochimaru readied Konoha’s forces to meet them. As Bunpuku unleashed Shukaku and Orochimaru summoned a giant Fire Dragon and reinforcements, the chapter shifted to Rōran, where Naruto and Kakashi defeated Mukade and stopped the Mechanical Guards, leaving them unsure how to return.

  • The Third Kazekage discussed Konoha’s reinforcements with his commanders, ordered Bunpuku cared for, and directed Chiyo to prepare logistics and the Puppeteer Unit’s new poison.
  • Orochimaru sent Minato to harass the Sand Ninja rear and led Konoha’s Jonin toward the battlefield as both sides prepared for a decisive clash.
  • Bunpuku used the Feigning Sleep Technique to release Shukaku, despite the warning that his body could no longer withstand the Tailed Beast’s power.
  • Orochimaru entered Sage Mode and summoned a huge Fire Dragon, while a hidden unit summoned thirty more Fire Dragons in response to its roar.
  • Naruto disabled the Pent 42 Mechanical Guards in Rōran, and Kakashi arrested and killed Mukade before realizing they did not know how to return.

Ch. 162Now and the future

Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake left Rōran to seek a way back to their own time, while Minato Namikaze led an assault on Sunagakure during the war. Near the village, Minato’s group crossed paths with the time-displaced pair and followed them as they tried to avoid involvement.

  • Naruto Uzumaki persuaded Kakashi Hatake to leave Rōran and look for the Daimyo, and Kakashi agreed after setting rules for their behavior.
  • Minato Namikaze led twelve ninja toward Sunagakure and ordered a direct attack after his scouts reported guards at the entrance.
  • Minato’s team killed the entrance guards, and Minato summoned two fire dragons that charged into Sunagakure.
  • Kakashi Hatake and Naruto Uzumaki spotted Minato Namikaze’s group being pursued by Sand Ninja near Sunagakure.
  • Kakashi Hatake recognized Minato Namikaze as his former team leader and led Naruto away, but Minato and his group followed them.

Ch. 163Orochimaru's Moment of Glory

Orochimaru led Konoha to a decisive victory over Sunagakure at Kikyo Castle, while Minato Namikaze’s group encountered Kakashi Hatake and Naruto Uzumaki in the Land of Wind. After discussing Orochimaru’s chances of becoming Fourth Hokage, Karn and Orochimaru discovered a hidden eavesdropper in the woods.

  • Kakashi Hatake warned Minato Namikaze and his companions to keep their distance, then left with Naruto Uzumaki after the groups questioned each other.
  • Minato Namikaze’s team had lost six people after the summoned fire dragons devastated part of Sunagakure, and they decided to rest before returning to the battlefield at Kikyo Castle.
  • Orochimaru and Konoha’s forces overwhelmed Sunagakure with thirty fire dragons, and the Third Kazekage ordered a retreat after Rasa held Orochimaru back.
  • Orochimaru captured the paralyzed Rasa and organized the battlefield cleanup and defenses before leaving a shadow clone at Kikyo Castle.
  • Karn told Orochimaru that the victory gave him a strong chance of becoming Fourth Hokage, and Orochimaru warned that Hiruzen Sarutobi might still upset his plans.
  • Orochimaru sensed an eavesdropper in the woods and scattered into snakes as fighting broke out nearby.

Ch. 164A fake son

Karn rescued future Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake from Orochimaru and took them away to talk. Meanwhile, Orochimaru’s growing popularity alarmed Hiruzen Sarutobi, who suspected his student was pursuing the Hokage position and ordered plans to contain his influence.

  • Kakashi Hatake fought off Orochimaru’s snake attacks while protecting Naruto Uzumaki, but Karn arrived and stopped Orochimaru from capturing Naruto.
  • Karn recognized that Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake had come from the future, and he took them away with Apparition.
  • Shinobi World Weekly praised Orochimaru’s victory over Sunagakure, building his reputation throughout Konoha and the Land of Fire.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi told Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo that Orochimaru might be seeking to become the Fourth Hokage, but he would not entrust the position to him.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Mitokado Homura to secure peace with Sunagakure and sent Danzo, Root, and two ANBU squads to the Land of Grass.

Ch. 165The Gift of the Future

Karn studied the Dragon Vein runes and sent Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi back to their own time without learning about the future. He then examined the future technology carried on Naruto’s watch and considered building a space fleet, while Konoha’s victory left Sunagakure in a desperate position.

  • Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake explained how they had traveled through the Dragon Vein, and Naruto gave Karn his mission watch containing recorded footage.
  • Karn used Red Queen to inspect the Dragon Vein footage, then spent ten days deciphering enough of its runes to activate the return spell.
  • Karn refused Kakashi’s request to discuss the future and used his Fire Dragon to take Naruto and Kakashi to Rōran, where he sent them back through the Dragon Vein.
  • Red Queen revealed that Naruto’s watch held extensive future technology, including space fleet designs, improved viruses, cyborg soldiers, and powered armor, prompting Karn to consider building a Helicarrier with Umbrella.
  • Konoha reclaimed the Land of Rivers, while Sunagakure suffered heavy losses and territory setbacks; the Third Kazekage restrained his anger and received Konoha’s envoys.

Ch. 166The Closing Stages of the Shinobi War

Mitokado Homura and the Third Kazekage failed to agree on peace terms, while Karn made deals to supply Sunagakure and aid the Terumi Clan. Months later, the Third Raikage chose to seek peace with Konoha and said A would inherit his title, though he still intended to reclaim losses for Kumogakure.

  • Mitokado Homura and the Third Kazekage argued over compensation, then paused negotiations without reaching an agreement.
  • Ebizo agreed that Sunagakure would trade desert minerals for supplies, receive medical staff, accept missions, and undertake mining work for Karn.
  • Terumi Shin's cousin told Karn that Shin had died and asked for help relocating Terumi Clan members; Karn offered refuge and assistance.
  • After months of war, the Third Raikage read Dodai's message about delayed reinforcements and, urged by young A's warning about Kushina, decided to make peace and name A his successor.
  • The Third Raikage privately resolved to reclaim some of Kumogakure's losses, even at the cost of his life.

Ch. 167Minato Namikaze's Support

Kushina and Tsunade discussed the Cloud Ninja’s peace offer as Minato Namikaze took command of Konoha’s forces in the Land of Grass. The Cloud Ninja envoy later presented more reasonable terms, but Hiruzen Sarutobi still faced a deadlock because the Six Paths Tools were not in Konoha.

  • Kushina rejected the idea of surrendering the Six Paths Tools, while Tsunade reassured her that Kumogakure could not force its demands.
  • Jiraiya welcomed Minato Namikaze and arranged for him to take over as supreme commander of the Land of Grass battlefield, supporting his path toward becoming Hokage.
  • Minato Namikaze took command with the backing of Jiraiya, the Sarutobi Clan, and the Ino-Shika-Cho, while Obito Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, and Rin Nohara discussed the news.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi rejected the Cloud Ninja’s first peace terms, and their envoy returned more than ten days later with revised terms.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated over the revised terms because the Cloud Ninja still demanded the Six Paths Tools, which Konoha did not possess.

Ch. 168A Ripe, Irresistible Little Tomato

After Konoha and Cloud Ninja signed a peace treaty, Kushina returned to the village and reunited with Karn, who told her about Naruto Uzumaki. Meanwhile, Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya planned to destroy Kannabi Bridge to disrupt Iwagakure’s supplies, and Minato hoped the mission would help him become Hokage.

  • Cloud Ninja and Konoha signed a peace treaty after Cloud Ninja accepted Konoha’s demands and agreed to pay ransom for the Two-Tails Jinchuriki and their captives.
  • Kushina returned to Konoha, left a shadow clone with the procession, and hurried to Karn’s home.
  • Karn surprised Kushina, showed her a newspaper celebrating her battlefield achievements, and told her that Naruto Uzumaki was connected to her.
  • Karn massaged Kushina, and she agreed to meet Naruto Uzumaki.
  • Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya devised a plan to destroy Kannabi Bridge and disrupt Iwagakure’s supply lines.
  • Minato Namikaze vowed to complete the mission and hoped becoming Hokage would help resolve his misunderstandings with Kushina.

Ch. 169Ninja Clan allies

After Karn and Kushina discussed the war and her possible rewards, Karn met with Orochimaru to plan how to secure support for Orochimaru's bid to become Fourth Hokage. Orochimaru asked Karn to persuade Uchiha Fugaku to back him, leaving Karn to negotiate with the Uchiha Clan.

  • Karn and Kushina discussed the Land of Grass battlefield and Kushina offered to exchange her achievements for forbidden techniques Karn wanted to study.
  • Kushina returned to the Senju Clan Compound, where Tsunade teased her about her relationship with Karn and suggested she could have a baby.
  • Karn met Orochimaru, who said his bid for Hokage still lacked support from a prestigious Ninja Clan and could be disrupted if fighting broke out during the election.
  • Karn and Orochimaru agreed that Uchiha Fugaku's support could solve both problems, and Orochimaru asked Karn to negotiate with him.
  • Orochimaru gave Karn authority to promise the Uchiha Clan benefits, including ANBU positions, in exchange for its support.

Ch. 170The Uchiha's choice

Karn offered Uchiha Fugaku a chance to support Orochimaru for Fourth Hokage in exchange for greater opportunities for the Uchiha Clan. Fugaku decided the clan should lean toward Orochimaru and asked Mikoto to build a connection with Kushina, whom Mikoto encountered near the Dessert Shop the next morning.

  • Karn met with Uchiha Fugaku and secured his agreement to cooperate with the Karn Chamber of Commerce.
  • Karn urged Fugaku to support Orochimaru, explaining that the Daimyo would appoint Orochimaru and that the Uchiha Clan faced prejudice within Konoha High Command.
  • Fugaku discussed the Hokage election with Mikoto and concluded that the Uchiha Clan's chances were slim, eventually leaning toward Orochimaru.
  • Fugaku asked Mikoto to keep in touch with Kushina Uzumaki, and Mikoto agreed.
  • The next morning, Mikoto went to the Dessert Shop and saw Kushina approaching.

Ch. 171Iwagakure withdrew

Karn strengthened ties between Orochimaru and the Uchiha while advancing construction and technology projects across the Land of Fire and the Land of Tea. Minato Namikaze’s destruction of Iwagakure’s supply route forced a peace agreement, and he returned to Konoha disappointed that Tsunade was not there to welcome him.

  • Karn agreed to let Kushina build their new home, and she grew closer to Mikoto as the Uchiha and Orochimaru negotiated an alliance.
  • Uchiha Fugaku accepted opening the Security Force to recruitment in exchange for Uchiha access to ANBU positions and other village departments.
  • Karn warned Orochimaru that Kirigakure was becoming increasingly violent, then secured the Daimyo’s approval for fiber-optic networks and signal towers.
  • Karn established a steelworks in the Land of Tea to support Red Queen’s plans to build construction robots.
  • Minato Namikaze destroyed Kannabi Bridge repeatedly, cutting off Iwagakure’s supplies and forcing Iwagakure to sign a peace agreement with Konoha.
  • Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze returned to Konoha, where Minato was disappointed that Tsunade had not come to welcome him.

Ch. 172The Uchiha requested battle

At a Jonin meeting, Hiruzen Sarutobi discussed Konoha’s peace agreement with Iwagakure and the threat of Kirigakure gathering near the Land of Fire. Orochimaru agreed to lead the response, but Uchiha Fugaku requested the assignment for his clan, and Orochimaru suggested Nawaki accompany him.

  • Hiruzen Sarutobi explained the terms of Konoha’s peace agreement with Iwagakure and reviewed the war’s course and rewards.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi reported that Kirigakure was harassing the Land of Fire’s border and that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had been spotted there.
  • Shikaku Nara and other Jonin recommended Orochimaru to guard the coast, and Orochimaru accepted the assignment.
  • Uchiha Fugaku asked Hiruzen Sarutobi to give the coastal mission to the Uchiha Clan so they could prove their service to Konoha.
  • Orochimaru supported Fugaku’s request and suggested that Nawaki accompany him if Hiruzen Sarutobi was concerned.

Ch. 173The Sannin's Divergence

Uchiha Fugaku took command of the Land of Water battlefield, while Jiraiya confronted Orochimaru over Orochimaru’s bid to become Fourth Hokage and his plans for Konoha. At Karn’s new home, Kushina tested its concealment magic and learned she could invite friends over while Karn was away; Karn then thought about obtaining Kakashi’s Sharingan.

  • Uchiha Fugaku became general commander of the Land of Water battlefield, and the Uchiha and Hyuga clans sent ninja to support the campaign.
  • Jiraiya invited Orochimaru and Tsunade to drink, then asked Orochimaru why he wanted to become Hokage.
  • Orochimaru explained that he planned to eliminate threats to Konoha and prepare the village for Nawaki, but Jiraiya rejected his approach and left their argument unresolved.
  • Jiraiya urged Tsunade to support Minato Namikaze, but Tsunade refused and took food and shochu home.
  • Kushina tested Karn’s enhanced concealment charm without her magical accessories and found the new residence difficult to detect.
  • Karn told Kushina she could invite friends to the house, then considered taking Kakashi’s Sharingan for its Kamui ability.

Ch. 174The first step toward forcing the Hokage to step down

Karn arranged a magical means to keep Rin Nohara alive and have Yakushi Nonō treat her, while the Shinobi World Weekly exposed the Konoha High Command’s alleged aid to the enemy and sparked unrest in Konoha. As the Security Force struggled to contain the backlash, Orochimaru decided to make his position known.

  • Karn created a magical accessory that could delay Rin Nohara’s death and transport her to a prepared destination, then asked Yakushi Nonō to heal her if the plan unfolded.
  • Karn gave Yakushi Nonō a standard magical necklace, and she offered him a massage.
  • The Konoha Newspaper’s staff prepared a Shinobi World Weekly report questioning whether the Hokage had sent supplies and money to the enemy, then distributed the issue across the Land of Fire.
  • Readers reacted with anger and disbelief, arguments and fights broke out in Konoha, and the Security Force ran out of room to detain people.
  • Uchiha Yashiro went to the Hokage Building to address the overcrowding, while Orochimaru read the weekly and decided to make his position known.

Ch. 175The Sannin’s Second Disagreement

Hiruzen Sarutobi faced a scandal after Shinobi World Weekly exposed the secret agreement with Sunagakure, while unrest spread through Konoha. As ANBU moved against the Konoha Newspaper, the Security Force challenged them, and an unidentified voice interrupted Jiraiya’s intervention.

  • Hiruzen Sarutobi and Mitokado Homura discussed the leak and the political fallout, and Homura agreed to resign as an elder.
  • Uchiha Yashiro reported that the newspaper had sparked thirty-seven fights, and Hiruzen ordered the Security Force to release detainees after they signed pledges.
  • Hiruzen ordered Danzo to monitor Orochimaru, Karn, their associates, and the Uchiha Clan, and promised Danzo more authority and funding.
  • ANBU arrived at the Konoha Newspaper to arrest its staff over alleged collusion with Sand Ninja spies, but Uchiha Aoki challenged their authority and positioned the Security Force against them.
  • Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze arrived, and Jiraiya ordered the Security Force to leave the matter to ANBU before an unidentified voice questioned when Jiraiya had visited the Hokage Building.

Ch. 176The Jonin Meeting Convened Again

Orochimaru forced the ANBU to withdraw after Jiraiya confronted him, while news of Hiruzen Sarutobi’s actions stirred anger across the Land of Fire. Karn then told Kushina to attend an upcoming Jonin meeting, where Konoha’s political conflict was set to continue.

  • Jiraiya challenged Orochimaru over the ANBU’s actions, but Orochimaru rejected his criticism and used his presence to silence the ANBU squad leader.
  • Jiraiya shielded the ANBU, who withdrew, while Uchiha Aoki told the Security Force to keep watch nearby.
  • Jiraiya sent Minato Namikaze to consult Shikaku and went to the Hokage Building to question Hiruzen Sarutobi.
  • The Daimyo of the Land of Fire grew furious after reading Shinobi World Weekly and set out for Konoha with Guardian Ninja and ministers.
  • Kushina and Uchiha Mikoto discussed Hiruzen Sarutobi, travel plans, and their private lives while spending time together.
  • Karn arrived and told Kushina to attend an upcoming Jonin meeting and follow Tsunade or Uchiha Yashiro's lead.

Ch. 177Conflict at the Meeting

At the Jonin meeting, Hiruzen Sarutobi admitted Konoha had secretly signed a peace agreement with the Sand Ninja and tried to defend the decision as a way to save comrades’ lives. Karn examined Utatane Koharu’s financial ledger and exposed apparent discrepancies, leaving the meeting focused on possible financial misconduct.

  • The Daimyo of the Land of Fire demanded that Hiruzen Sarutobi explain the peace agreement reported in Shinobi World Weekly, and Hiruzen admitted it was real.
  • Hiruzen defended the agreement as necessary to protect Konoha’s ninja, while Karn mocked his appeal to comrades’ lives by recalling Hatake Sakumo’s ordeal.
  • The Daimyo questioned why Konoha had paid compensation despite winning, and Mitokado Homura claimed the agreement had been his suggestion while Utatane Koharu presented a ledger to support Hiruzen.
  • Karn drew the ledger to himself, and Orochimaru stopped Shikaku Nara from using his shadow technique to interfere.
  • Karn cited evidence that the ledger overstated payments to Kusagakure and Takigakure and questioned the recorded cost of medicine bought from the Karn Chamber of Commerce.

Ch. 178The Sudden Hokage Election

After evidence of financial fraud damaged Konoha’s standing with the Land of Fire, the Daimyo forced an immediate Hokage election by threatening to suspend funding and mission assignments. The vote chose Orochimaru over Minato Namikaze, leaving Hiruzen’s tenure ended and Orochimaru poised to become the Fourth Hokage.

  • The Daimyo rejected Hiruzen Sarutobi’s explanation of the financial discrepancies and demanded a new Hokage, threatening to suspend Konoha’s funding and mission assignments.
  • Danzo opposed replacing Hiruzen, but the Daimyo stood firm, and Hiruzen agreed to hold the election immediately.
  • Shikaku Nara proposed Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Minato Namikaze as candidates, but Tsunade withdrew and nominated Orochimaru while Jiraiya withdrew and supported Minato.
  • The Jonin cast their votes, and Shikaku Nara announced that Orochimaru won with 197 votes against Minato Namikaze’s 45.
Arc 7 of 18