The air in the venue seemed to solidify.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's back disappeared behind the door. The hem of the Hokage royal robe raised slightly when he turned around, and then fell heavily, like the end of an era.
An unprecedented commotion broke out in the conference room.
"Is this... is this true?"
"Lord Third really wants to abdicate?"
"Hokage Position is going to be re-elected?"
The whispers were like the chirping of cicadas before a rainstorm, dense and harsh. Everyone's faces were filled with shock, confusion, and various complex and unspeakable emotions.
Uchiha Fugaku stood in the crowd, his eyes turning quietly, taking in the reactions of everyone around him. His expression was still stern, but his clenched fists revealed the turmoil in his heart.
Various possibilities were racing through his mind. If Uchiha people could be promoted to Hokage Position, even if it just made the elites of the clan become strong competitors, it would greatly enhance the family's status in the village and break those invisible shackles.
This unrealistic idea just passed through his mind and was forgotten. Uchiha Clan Currently, he is the one with the highest position in Konoha, but those senior officials will not let him be Hokage. He is self-aware of this.
Moreover, Uchiha Clan is now in a critical period of transformation. According to the blueprint Senju Chen has planned for himself, if the day really comes, it doesn't matter whether he is Hokage or not.
Hyuga Hiashi narrowed his eyes slightly. He recalled the recent frequent secret meetings of the elders of the clan. Those closely guarded topics finally had answers at this moment.
It turned out that I was waiting for this opportunity.
He took a deep breath and suppressed the shock in his heart. Although Hyuga Clan is powerful, he has never participated in the battle of Hokage. This is the survival rule of the family that continues to this day. But this time...
His eyes inadvertently glanced at Shimura Danzō in the corner, and his eyes sank slightly.
Shikaku Nara's fingers tapped lightly on his chin, making a rhythmic "dong-dong" sound. His brain was like a sophisticated machine, rapidly analyzing this sudden change.
Too fast.
Abnormally fast.
Although judging from the current situation, abdicating is the best choice, and it can still preserve Lord Hokage's final dignity and bottom line.
But Lord Third made this decision too quickly. Although Hokage was considered older among the previous generations, with his character and sense of responsibility for the village, he would never suddenly propose to abdicate at this time. The post-war negotiations had just ended, and the village was in dire straits, so it was time for a strong leader.
According to his analysis, we should wait a while longer.
Shikaku's eyes swept across the conference room. Who is the mastermind behind this time?
Torifu Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka looked at each other and saw solemnity in each other's eyes. Ino-Shika-Cho Clans has followed Hokage for generations. Now that Hokage is changing, their stance must be reconsidered.
"What the hell is going on?"
A young Jonin couldn't help but speak, his tone full of confusion and confusion, "Obviously we just won the war, and obviously Lord Third has won so many benefits for the village, why... why do you want to abdicate at this time?"
This question is like a needle pricking into the hearts of many people.
Yes, why?
Several ninja family members standing at the back of the crowd lowered their heads, their eyes slightly red. They thought of their cries and accusations in front of Memorial Stone a few days ago, and of the vicious rumors about Third Hokage.
"Did we... did we push too hard?"
A female ninja who lost her husband muttered to herself, her voice full of self-blame and guilt, "I'm just too sad. I just want to... want to curse and vent... I really never thought about Lord Third abdicating..."
Another man next to him gritted his teeth, his eyes red. "But those words are not false! Lord White Fang's death, Princess Tsunade's departure, Senju Lord Chen's transfer from the front line... aren't these things true?"
"But can it all be blamed on Lord Hokage?"
"Who can you blame?"
The quarrel sounded again, but this time, the sound was a little more confused and helpless. They suddenly realized that they seemed to have promoted an irreversible thing.
Shimura Danzō stood quietly in the corner, listening to these quarrels, with a vague arc at the corner of his mouth.
Stupid villagers.
I still don't understand that you are just pawns.
But it's okay, the chess piece with a sense of guilt is easier to control. With a little guidance, you can turn public opinion in a direction that is favorable to you.
He had already begun to formulate his next plan in his mind.
First of all, we need to create a positive image of "dedicated to the village, regardless of personal gains and losses" and wash away the negative impression of Root over the years.
Secondly, competitors must be eliminated. Currently, there are two public successors to Hokage.
Minato Namikaze is young and promising, has won the hearts of the people, and is the biggest threat.
Although Orochimaru is a disciple of Third, he has a cold personality and is unpopular, so he is relatively easy to deal with.
Finally, it is necessary to win over the major families and win the support of the top management. As long as it can control most of the voting rights, Hokage Position is the winner.
Danzo's one eye narrowed slightly, and a trace of fanaticism flashed in his eyes.
After waiting for more than 20 years, I finally waited for this day.
Hiruzen, you still lost to me after all.
Back then, when Mr. Tobirama Senju asked, "Who wants to be the bait?" I hesitated for just a moment, and then you took the lead. The difference in thought was a gap of more than twenty years.
But now, times have changed.
He turned around and walked slowly toward the door with a cane.
"Lord Danzo."
A Root ninja appeared behind him and knelt on one knee.
"Immediately summon all the senior executives of Root to gather in the base conference room." Danzo's voice was low and full of oppression, "Also, inform the two consultants Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura that I have something important to discuss."
"Yes!"
Root Ninja's figure disappeared instantly.
Danzo glanced at the still chaotic conference room, with a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes.
This group of people are still shocked and confused by Third's abdication, but they don't know that the real game of power has just begun.
Minato Namikaze stood in the crowd, his short blond hair shining gently under the light. There was not much expression on his face, but his frown revealed his inner uneasiness.
Teacher...
He thought of Jiraiya's angry and painful expression just now, and an unspeakable sadness surged in his heart.
Lord Third devoted his whole life to the village. He should have enjoyed the glory and respect after winning the war, but because of those rumors, he was forced to abdicate.
Is this fair?
Minato doesn't know the answer.
He only knows that the teacher is in pain, the village is in chaos, and as one of the "Hokage candidates" with high hopes, the pressure he will face next will be far beyond imagination.
"Minato."
Shikaku Nara walked to him and lowered his voice. "Follow me."