A new election
The crowd's gazes darted back and forth between Fugaku, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura, a tense atmosphere filling the air.
Fugaku continued his impassioned speech, "Over the years, they have made no real contribution whatsoever. All they do is point fingers and interfere in village affairs based on their so-called seniority and connections. But where are they when it's truly time to make decisions and take responsibility?"
"You... you!" Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura's faces turned extremely ugly. They glared at each other, but for a moment they couldn't find the words to refute them.
Fugaku showed no sign of backing down. He looked around and continued, "What Konoha needs are advisors who can truly develop the village and improve the lives of its people, not these two empty-headed people who accomplish nothing. What makes them worthy of sitting in these advisory positions? Is it merely because of past relationships? How can such people lead Konoha to prosperity?"
At this moment, the conference room fell silent. Everyone was pondering Fugaku's words, while Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were filled with shame and indignation, yet unable to refute this sharp accusation.
The Uchiha Yashiro stared intently at his clan leader, who was now on a killing spree, his eyes sparkling with admiration. His gaze was pure and unadulterated, filled only with reverence and adoration.
A burning flame seemed to be raging within him, surging with boundless admiration. "So the clan leader is this handsome!"
Just as people were whispering among themselves, a crisp and firm "I agree" came along with the creaking sound of the door being pushed open.
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to a graceful figure who pushed open the door and entered.
The figure seemed to bring a gentle breeze as she gracefully entered the room. Her figure was elegant and her steps were unhurried, each step carrying a unique charm. Her long, flowing hair swayed slightly, and a few strands brushed against her fair face, adding to her allure.
"Lady Tsunade?!"
When did Lady Tsunade return?
As she entered, the entire room seemed to be enveloped by her aura, and the original noise instantly disappeared, leaving only the slightly surprised gazes of everyone focused on her.
Tsunade walked straight to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting on the platform. Her eyes were filled with worry as she looked at her teacher's graying white hair and face marked by the passage of time. Tsunade couldn't help but sigh at the ruthlessness of time.
She sighed softly, and said firmly, "Old man, you're getting old too. You can't stay so confused anymore."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked intently at his disciple, his eyes filled with complex emotions—gratification, helplessness, and an indescribable sense of vicissitude. He nodded slowly but did not respond immediately.
Tsunade turned to face everyone, her posture upright, exuding confidence and authority, her voice clear and resonant. "Everyone, I propose the same suggestion as Fugaku: to abolish the functions of the Konoha Advisory Council."
These words caused an uproar in the audience.
The Tsunade of the various clans exchanged glances, secretly speculating about Tsunade's intentions.
They held Tsunade in awe, not only because she was the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and possessed a powerful bloodline, but also because of her heroic performance and selfless dedication during the Second Shinobi World War.
Her strength and prestige were not to be underestimated, so everyone carefully considered her proposal.
Hyuga Hiashi, the head of the Hyuga Clan, frowned deeply, as if his Byakugan could see into the future through walls. He was filled with worry and found the problem extremely difficult to handle. If the advisory group were to be dismissed, the existing balance of power would be broken, which could trigger a series of unpredictable consequences. Any small change could cause a chain reaction, and such reactions were often difficult to control.
Shikaku Nara, the head of the Nara Clan, gently stroked his chin, his gaze shifting between Tsunade and the others as he weighed the pros and cons in his mind. This decision was not only about his personal interests, but also about the future development of the entire Konoha.
The head of the Yamanaka Clan, Inoichi Yamanaka serious expression, as he was undergoing a fierce internal struggle.
Akimichi Chōza, the head of the Akimichi Clan, wore a simple and honest smile, but he was actually pondering the question in his heart. However, he had not yet fully grasped the key to it, so he could only remain silent.
The head of the Aburame Clan was wearing a trench coat and sunglasses that obscured his eyes, making it impossible to see his expression. He sat there quietly, without saying a word, as if he had entered a deep sleep. But in reality, his mind was racing, analyzing various possibilities.
The atmosphere in the meeting room became lively, and people began to express their opinions.
Some people agree with Fugaku's view that the advisory group should indeed be abolished; while others worry that doing so would lead to the Hokage having too much power, which would be detrimental to the management of the village.
For a moment, everyone was talking over their own opinions, and the meeting room became quite lively.
Mitokado Homura sat high on his chair, his eyes like cold blades, staring down at the crowd arguing fiercely.
His face was extremely grim, his teeth clenched so tightly they seemed about to break. Unable to bear the chaotic scene any longer, he suddenly stood up, his voice booming like thunder throughout the space. "Since joining Lord Tobirama, I have served Konoha with unwavering loyalty for decades. I never imagined I would end up like this!"
His anger went unnoticed by the others, who remained engrossed in their own opinions and arguments, and no one paid him any attention.
Just then, Fugaku spoke with a smile, a smile that seemed to conceal some deeper meaning, "Isn't Lord Danzo just like you?"
Upon hearing this, Mitokado Homura's eyes widened behind his glasses, his gaze sharp as a knife, piercing straight at Fugaku.
He naturally understood the unspoken meaning behind Fugaku's words. Danzo and he were Second Hokage disciples, and both had been deeply rooted in the upper echelons of Konoha for decades.
However, Danzo secretly plotted against the village, harming the village's ninjas and doing many things detrimental to the village.
Fugaku's words were undoubtedly a reminder to Mitokado Homura that although they had served the village for many years, they had not necessarily taken every step with integrity.
Mitokado Homura's eyes widened. He raised a trembling finger, pointed at Fugaku, and said in a voice filled with boundless rage, "You... you dare to say such a thing!"
Fugaku, however, seemed completely unconcerned. He shrugged lightly, as if he had already anticipated Mitokado Homura's reaction.
Mitokado Homura's eyes swept over the surrounding crowd. When he saw those indifferent and apathetic faces, a deep sense of disappointment and sorrow welled up in his heart. He slowly sat back down in his seat, as if all his strength had been drained away.
The debate in the meeting hall continued unabated, with everyone expressing their opinions and arguing endlessly.
At this moment, Mitokado Homura felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, shrouded in boundless darkness. He felt helpless and lonely, as if the whole world had abandoned him.
Shikaku Nara frowned, looking at Tsunade with concern, and said, "Lady Tsunade, the advisory group does have some problems, but it also plays a certain role in checking and balancing things. If the advisory group is abolished, the Hokage's power will be too concentrated, and if a decision is wrong, the consequences will be unimaginable. At that time, who will be able to step forward and correct the mistakes in time?"
"That's right. Without the constraints of the advisory board, the Hokage's power is unchecked. How can fairness and impartiality be guaranteed?" someone else countered.
Tsunade sneered, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, and said, "The oversight of power shouldn't rely solely on an advisory board; we can establish a more comprehensive system."
"What does this mean?" Her words caused a stir, and everyone began to whisper among themselves, making the atmosphere in the conference room increasingly tense.
Just then, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been silent all along, slowly spoke up, "Tsunade, I will seriously consider your suggestion, but this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration."
Tsunade stared sharply at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting in the center, and inwardly sneered. She knew perfectly well that her teacher's intention was simply to use delaying tactics to put this thorny advisory group issue on hold for the time being, and to find a solution later.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku clenched his fists and frowned. He understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts very well, but he had had enough of this endless delay and perfunctory attitude. He decided to stop tolerating it and fight for a clear result, and not let this matter be delayed indefinitely again.
Just as Fugaku was about to speak and argue his case, Tsunade suddenly preemptively took back the floor.
She said loudly, "How about this: the advisory positions will be retained, but each of the major families will nominate one person, and then the positions will be elected through a public vote."