Impeaching the Third Hokage
The Hokage Building, this majestic structure representing the authoritative decision-making center of Konoha, appears especially solemn and dignified today.
Inside the conference room, the long-scheduled meeting officially began.
After the Third Shinobi World War, the ninjas returned to their homeland one after another. The once quiet meeting room was now bustling with activity, regaining its former liveliness and vitality.
"Masaya, you've finally returned!" A ninja's eyes gleamed with joy as he excitedly stepped forward to embrace his old friend tightly.
"Naoya, you're back too? The battle with Kumogakure seems to have made you even stronger!" another ninja said with a smile, giving Naoya a heavy pat on the shoulder.
"Takuya, how did you get those scars on your face? Did someone from Sunagakure do something to you?"
A concerned question rang out, and instantly, everyone's eyes were drawn to the shocking scar on Takuya's face.
Before the meeting, everyone chatted enthusiastically with their long-lost comrades, sharing the joy of the war's end.
Laughter and cheers filled the conference room, and the shadow of war seemed to dissipate temporarily. Everyone was immersed in the joy of reunion and the beautiful vision for the future.
However, amidst the laughter and chatter, Hiashi entered the meeting room with a livid face.
His face was ashen, and everyone's smiles vanished instantly.
The injustices and grievances suffered by the Hyuga Clan during the war had already spread widely among the upper echelons of Konoha, and most people had heard about them.
The arrival of Hiashi was like a cold front, instantly making the atmosphere in the conference room heavy. Everyone could feel the oppressive aura emanating from him, as if even the air itself had frozen.
Before Fugaku had returned, Yashiro entered the meeting room, bringing with him a chill.
His face was cold and stern, making it difficult to look him in the eye. His arrival made the atmosphere in the conference room even more oppressive.
Fortunately, this oppressive atmosphere didn't last long. After Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya also entered the meeting room.
Jiraiya's carefree smile and relaxed demeanor eased the tense atmosphere.
Everyone took their seats in turn, Hiruzen Sarutobi his throat. "The meeting shall now begin!"
The meeting proceeded as planned.
Hiruzen Sarutobi first fully acknowledged Jiraiya's outstanding contributions during the war.
"In this battle, Jiraiya not only demonstrated unparalleled strength, but more importantly, his wisdom and courage inspired every ninja. He penetrated deep behind enemy lines as if they were empty, providing us with crucial intelligence and supporting our strategic decisions. His existence is the glory of Konoha and a model for all ninjas!"
Immediately afterwards, Hiruzen Sarutobi expressed his heartfelt praise to the ninjas who had returned victorious from the front lines.
"Thanks to the bloody battles fought by all the ninjas, the war has finally come to an end. We have successfully driven away the carnage and are about to embrace a brighter tomorrow. Now, please join me in building a glorious future for Konoha." Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze slowly swept over every ninja present.
Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to adjourn the meeting, Hiashi, who was in the front row, suddenly stepped forward.
A cold glint flashed in Hiashi's eyes, but Hiruzen Sarutobi, the veteran Hokage who had fought countless battles, still wore a warm smile, as if nothing had happened, and asked softly, "Hiashi, is there anything important you need to say?"
"Of course!" Hiashi responded firmly, each word ringing with conviction, "In the honor of the Hyuga Clan, I formally impeach the Third Hokage..."
Before Hiashi could finish speaking, the entire stadium erupted in uproar, with everyone staring at him in astonishment.
He has always been a composed person, so such drastic behavior is truly rare.
Jiraiya hearing this, Jiraiya was immediately filled with righteous indignation. He stood up angrily and loudly rebuked Hiashi: "Hiashi, have you ever given your actions any thought?"
Hiashi showed no fear, confronting Jiraiya head-on, his eyes gleaming with unwavering conviction.
He said solemnly, "Jiraiya, the Third Hokage is getting old, his judgment is declining, and he frequently makes mistakes, causing great harm to Konoha."
Jiraiya, upon hearing this, was dumbfounded and retorted, "That's absolutely impossible!"
He believed that Hiashi's remarks were too biased.
Hiashi smiled dismissively, offering no response. Instead, he turned his gaze back to Hiruzen Sarutobi and questioned, "Lord Hokage, are you not to blame for Danzo's human experiments and Orochimaru's defection? Are you guilty of dereliction of duty?"
Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could answer, someone beside him preemptively defended him. "The word 'cover-up' is too strong; however, inadequate supervision is a fact."
Hiashi didn't delve into the matter further; his eyes blazed with anger and resentment as he continued his accusations, "Now that the war has been won, why must we compromise with unreasonable demands? Your weakness and incompetence have forced the Hyuga clan Hyuga bear the consequences, and have nailed us to the pillar of shame."
Thinking of his deceased younger brother, Hiashi felt a surge of grief and pain that made his eyes almost blaze with fire.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, his expression grave, slowly replied, "This was not my intention."
"Ha—" Hiashi sneered repeatedly, his voice filled with sarcasm and disappointment. "Still refusing to admit it, how utterly hypocritical."
He dismissed Hiruzen Sarutobi's explanation, believing that the Hyuga Clan's suffering was a consequence of Hiruzen Sarutobi's ineffective leadership, and he was deeply troubled by his brother's sacrifice.
Someone scoffed, "Hyuga Hiashi, watch your words."
"Hyuga Hiashi, the Lord Hokage's honor must not be desecrated!" The ninjas who supported Hiruzen Sarutobi rallied in support.
Hiashi remained expressionless, his tone icy. "Hizashi has already sacrificed himself!"
Upon hearing this, everyone pondered for a moment and agreed that it was absolutely true.
Hiashi didn't dwell on Hizashi's matter, instead asking, "Leaving aside the injustice suffered by the Hyuga Clan, why were the ninjas on the northeastern border recalled ahead of schedule, while the Uchiha Clan Head is delayed in returning?"
This arrangement is truly unfair.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and admitted, "This was a mistake on my part..."
"A command blunder... how ridiculous!" The Hiashi didn't stop questioning, their gaze sharp as knives, "What exactly is your true purpose?"
This time, the Yashiro didn't let Hiashi perform a one- Hiashi show. He slowly rose, a faint sneer on his lips, and spoke in a cold tone, "What are you after? Isn't it obvious? It's nothing more than an attempt to boost Jiraiya's morale, undermine the authority of our clan leader, and secretly plot to covet the Hokage Position."
When the Yashiro uttered these words, it was as if a bomb had been dropped into the conference room, instantly creating a huge uproar and a cacophony of voices.
"Indeed, thinking about it that way..." someone whispered, pondering along this line of thought, their eyes revealing a look of surprise and uncertainty.
"The situation has long been stable, yet they still haven't recalled Fugaku. Alas..." An elder frowned and sighed deeply.
"Could it be that the Third Hokage have truly become incompetent?"
"A grand welcome Jiraiya; the meaning is obvious." Another voice joined in, its tone sarcastic.
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened to the clamor in the meeting room, knowing full well that as the war ended, he would inevitably have to step down as Hokage, a necessary step for the changing times and the development of the village.
Therefore, his decision not to recall Fugaku this time is actually a delay in his retirement, allowing him to make more preparations and more thorough plans for the future.
He hoped to make proper arrangements before leaving his job, but unexpectedly, the Hyuga Clan stepped forward at this time to pave the way for the Uchiha Clan.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply, slowly rose, and explained, "Withdrawing Jiraiya was to demonstrate our sincerity in peace talks..."
Just as everyone was about to ponder this, Hiashi laughed and said, "So, Konoha's way of expressing sincerity is to show weakness!"
The Yashiro Hokage went even further, saying, "Weakness is a sin, how could the Lord Hokage not know that?"
In the ninja world, strength is the cornerstone of survival and development.