Chapter 191: Changing The Hokage—who Would Be The Best Choice?
“Are you planning to leave Akatsuki and join Konoha?” Looking at Juzo Biwa in front of him, Uchiha Ikeizumi asked.
“To be precise… join your faction, Uchiha Ikeizumi.” Juzo Biwa corrected him,
paused for a moment, then continued, “After all, it’s obviously impossible for me to pledge loyalty to Konoha Hokage. But if the object of loyalty is you, Uchiha Ikeizumi, that’s not out of the question.”
“Good.” Uchiha Ikeizumi’s brief reply left Juzo Biwa stunned in place.
“Ah? Not…”
Juzo Biwa couldn’t help but blurt out the astonishment in his heart: “Aren’t you curious why I refuse to pledge loyalty to Konoha Third Hokage and only wish to pledge loyalty to you, Uchiha Ikeizumi?”
“Don’t care.” Uchiha Ikeizumi said indifferently.
Juzo Biwa: “…”
Juzo Biwa believed that if he were to defect to Konoha Third Hokage, the other party would definitely investigate all his motives in detail and absolutely distrust him in the early stages.
Yet this guy in front of him didn’t suspect his motives at all.
Wasn’t he afraid of being turned by Akatsuki? With the purpose of coming over as a spy for Konoha Military Police Force?
Uchiha Ikeizumi seemed to read his inner thoughts.
He calmly said, “If I see sin on you, the moment you step through this gate, you would already be dead.”
Juzo Biwa broke out in a cold sweat.
He didn’t doubt whether Uchiha Ikeizumi could instantly kill him.
Because he had witnessed how terrifying the lava monster in front of him was!
From Akatsuki’s “facing a formidable enemy” desire to hunt and assassinate him, it further proved the value of Uchiha Ikeizumi’s strength!
At this time.
Juzo Biwa suddenly heard Uchiha Ikeizumi add, “Just right, I can use you as a springboard to enter Land of Water. Purge all the evil in Land of Water completely, leaving none behind.”
Juzo Biwa was stunned.
The serious expression on his face finally showed a hint of shock as he said in astonishment, “You’re getting involved in Land of Water? Wait, isn’t this starting a war between countries? This would lead to the fourth Ninja World War, right?”
Uchiha Ikeizumi slowly asked, “So do you have a simpler, more straightforward, and very effective method to completely end Hidden Mist Village’s Bloody Mist Policy and restore Hidden Mist Village?”
Juzo Biwa opened his mouth.
But couldn’t say a word.
If he really had such a method, he wouldn’t have defected from Hidden Mist Village.
He could just implement his plan directly in the village, right?
Moreover, Juzo Biwa realized that he seemed unable to persuade the man in front of him.
When the other party decided to do something.
No one could persuade him otherwise.
At the same time, Juzo Biwa gained a deeper understanding of Uchiha Ikeizumi’s 「absolute justice」—the other’s justice was not limited to Konoha or Land of Fire. Uchiha Ikeizumi truly wanted to spread his 「absolute justice」 throughout the entire Ninja World.
No…
Wrong.
「Absolute justice」 might just be a tool in Uchiha Ikeizumi’s hands. What he truly wanted to do was use 「absolute justice」 as a tool and means to purge all the sin in the entire Ninja World!
To straighten out this twisted and deformed Ninja World! That was this man’s 「ninja way」!
Many people only saw the surface of Uchiha Ikeizumi’s absolute justice.
They didn’t see the deepest factor behind 「absolute justice」!
Taking a deep breath to calm his inner thoughts and mentally preparing himself, Juzo Biwa asked, “Then what method will you use to purge the sin in Land of Water and end the Bloody Mist Policy?”
“Kill.” This time, Uchiha Ikeizumi gave only a one-word reply.
It made Juzo Biwa’s hair stand on end all over his body.
He seemed to envision a sea of corpses and blood.
Uchiha Ikeizumi had already killed so madly in Land of Fire.
In a foreign land, wouldn’t he have even less psychological burden?
Juzo Biwa suddenly felt a bit worried.
……
When Homura Mitokado returned home, he felt restless.
He could clearly sense that both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Koharu Utatane had been cornered by Uchiha Ikeizumi, with no way to retreat further.
These two could either directly step down and do nothing, handing over their authority to capable young people.
Or stop retreating and push forward against the increasingly pressing Uchiha Ikeizumi.
As for joining the same faction as Uchiha Ikeizumi? Surrender directly?
That wasn’t even an option!
Differences in ideology led to differences in stance. These two factions could never stand together.
And this…
Also caused Konoha Village, which was already under immense pressure and full of contradictions, to seem on the verge of completely exploding this conflict.
Koharu Utatane was averse to Uchiha Ikeizumi, believing his existence posed a huge threat to Konoha. This idea was exactly the same as that of the already killed Uchiha Itachi.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, on the other hand, harbored hatred mixed with helplessness toward Uchiha Ikeizumi.
Homura Mitokado firmly believed that Hiruzen could never let go of the hatred for the death of his son.
Because back then, when Hiruzen led Anbu to the Capital of the Land of Fire, he had already prepared to stop Uchiha Ikeizumi’s actions while avenging his two sons.
But unexpectedly, the Daimyo’s Son surrendered first…
Leaving Hiruzen awkwardly in place, forced to abandon the original plan.
Had Hiruzen let go of the hatred afterward?
Impossible!
“Under the pressure of Uchiha Ikeizumi’s relentless pursuit to the limit, with his authority being eroded step by step, and realizing that Konoha cannot be replaced by absolute justice. The hatred suppressed in Hiruzen’s heart was released a little.”
“Hiruzen is Hokage, but he is also human. He is not a saint, not a holy mother. Nor is he a purely political creature.”
After analyzing, Homura Mitokado found himself somewhat powerless.
If he were to support Koharu Utatane and Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He was actually a bit cowardly.
Whether success or failure, the impact during the process would definitely affect the Mitokado Clan, even himself.
Among the three Konoha higher-ups, the Mitokado Clan, where he Homura Mitokado belonged, was the weakest in strength.
Small family, small business.
Can’t afford to be tossed around.
But the problem was, as a Konoha Advisor, could he really stay out of it?
Absolutely impossible!
“Koharu Utatane told Hiruzen to relay this matter to me, perhaps also asking how I should take a side. In this incident, there is clearly no neutral faction.” Homura Mitokado, in the Mitokado Clan Residence, glanced at his clan members and then.
He gritted his teeth and finally decided, at this age, to force himself and bet the Mitokado Clan’s most important stake.
Homura Mitokado used Transformation Technique to disguise himself.
Then headed toward Uchiha Clan.
……
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn’t know what Homura Mitokado was thinking.
Because an extremely tricky problem suddenly appeared in front of him.
—Lady Tsunade had lured away a dozen students from Ninja Academy!
It was only after several teachers from Ninja Academy came to “complain” together that Sarutobi Hiruzen learned Lady Tsunade had caused such a big mess.
Helplessly, Sarutobi Hiruzen could only send an Anbu Ninja to find Lady Tsunade and question what she was up to.
“Orochimaru”‘s PTSD made Sarutobi Hiruzen feel an inexplicable worry, even though he thought Lady Tsunade wouldn’t imitate Orochimaru.
“Yes.” As this Anbu Ninja responded, Sarutobi Hiruzen’s brows involuntarily furrowed.
Because the Anbu Ninja didn’t add “Hokage” after “Yes.”
This showed that Anbu’s internal opinion of him as Hokage was already quite significant.
Even some Anbu Ninjas who had once been very loyal to him Sarutobi Hiruzen now had a more perfunctory attitude toward him.
Though still loyal, not as respectful as before.
Not long after.
The Anbu Ninja he sent out returned and informed Sarutobi Hiruzen of Lady Tsunade’s purpose.
“Hokage, Lady Tsunade plans to select children suitable to become Medical Ninjas from Ninja Academy, then train them as potential seeds for Police Force’s Medical Team.”
Sarutobi Hiruzen: “…”
This immediately reminded Sarutobi Hiruzen of the argument with Lady Tsunade not long ago.
When he rejected Lady Tsunade’s proposal back then, she had thrown quite a few “harsh words” at him, but he didn’t expect her to actually go ahead and create a Medical Team herself.
And even extended her reach into Ninja Academy!
If it were anyone else doing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen would definitely use all means to stop them. After all, Ninja Academy was Konoha’s future, and he absolutely couldn’t let others meddle.
But…
The one doing this was Lady Tsunade, granddaughter of First Hokage.
This was a bit troublesome.
“Lady Tsunade… which children did she pick?” After a long silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen asked another question.
The Anbu Ninja listed a dozen names.
Each name made Sarutobi Hiruzen’s eyelids twitch, because most of these names sounded familiar. Familiar meant he had paid attention to these children before; they were all the future elite ninjas of Konoha he had envisioned.
And all had been poached by Lady Tsunade!
……
Meanwhile.
Land of Rain.
Nagato, sitting in a wheelchair, said to Konan beside him, “You represent our Akatsuki to meet someone. The other party contacted an Akatsuki peripheral member through special means and frankly revealed their intentions. They want to cooperate with Akatsuki.”
Konan glanced at Nagato and asked doubtfully, “Who? From where?”
Someone who could catch Nagato’s attention probably wasn’t simple.
Nagato replied, “Koharu Utatane, from Konoha Root Organization.”
As soon as he said it, Konan suddenly fell silent.
“Konoha’s Root…”
Because she remembered Shimura Danzo, who once controlled Konoha Root.
Yahiko’s death back then was inextricably linked to Shimura Danzo.
Konan frowned slightly: “It won’t be another trap, will it?”
Nagato shook his head: “Akatsuki now is completely different from the past Akatsuki; the other party won’t be so foolish. Moreover, I’ll send two Six Paths to guard you. Even if it’s a trap, your safety will be guaranteed.”
“Besides, since the other party is actively seeking a meeting, they’re coming to our side, our home turf. On our home turf, they won’t be so stupid.”
Pausing, Nagato added, “If they want to hire us for something, you can ask for a high price. After all, she’s from Konoha, and Konoha is rich and powerful.”
Konan nodded: “Good.”
……
Konoha Village.
Police Force Headquarters.
“Ikeizumi, this old man is not taking sides. This old man just doesn’t want to see Mitokado Clan fall into danger, nor let the young people in the clan be dragged into the swamp of death. This old man also hopes you won’t tell others that I met you today.”
The disguised Homura Mitokado selectively informed Uchiha Ikeizumi of some of the information he knew.
After saying everything, Homura Mitokado felt a sense of shame for betraying Sarutobi Hiruzen and Koharu Utatane.
But this shame quickly dissipated.
He had no choice.
He had to do this.
Of course…
The main point was that Homura Mitokado believed there was no deep hatred between him and Uchiha Ikeizumi. Although a few clan members in Mitokado Clan had been captured by Uchiha Ikeizumi, that was because those clan members had done wrong and committed sins.
“What you say ‘not taking sides’ is just comforting yourself.” Uchiha Ikeizumi said indifferently, “The moment you stood in front of me, you chose your stance. You actually know very well that there’s no turning back for you.”
“I’m a bit curious, what is your motive? Just for Mitokado Clan? The excuse is too absurd. Such an excuse isn’t enough to make you stand against Hokage.”
The verbal interrogation from Uchiha Ikeizumi made Homura Mitokado open his mouth, his heart extremely conflicted.
After a long silence, he finally said, “Hiruzen is indeed somewhat indecisive; he is old, no longer the young and vigorous Third Hokage, no longer the famous ninja hero of the Ninja World.”
“If he had taken a tough stance against you from the beginning, this old man would firmly stand by his side. But he kept retreating at first, and now suddenly wants to be tough.”
“That doesn’t show he changed from indecisiveness to a tough hand; it only shows he has lost his judgment of the situation.”
Homura Mitokado sighed: “Hiruzen is actually no longer suitable to sit in that position. Him continuing to sit there has already caused Konoha to show signs of gradual decline.”
“This…”
“Sigh, this is what I don’t want to see.”
Uchiha Ikeizumi seriously looked at Homura Mitokado in front of him, peering through his glasses at his eyes.
Uchiha Ikeizumi slowly said, “Whether Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen or Root leader Koharu Utatane, they both attribute Konoha’s decline to 「absolute justice」’s interference with the village. Only you think it’s Third Hokage’s problem. I always thought you three shared the same ideology.”
Homura Mitokado felt uneasy being stared at and averted his gaze, saying, “Although we are all Konoha higher-ups, it’s impossible for us three to hold the exact same mindset.”
“Hiruzen leans toward balance and defense; Koharu leans toward radicalism; I lean toward rationality. These different mindsets cause some disagreements when discussing certain political matters.”
“Of course… these disagreements cannot be known to outsiders.”
“You think we three share the same ideology perhaps because we argue over a matter until we reach a conclusion, then have that conclusion executed.”
“But you, Ikeizumi, judge us three based on ‘that matter,’ ignoring the prior arguments and debates.”
Uchiha Ikeizumi nodded slightly and frankly admitted, “Indeed, that’s the case.”
Homura Mitokado said, “I’ve handed over the information to you, so I should go. Please don’t involve this old man when you do things, at least don’t let Hiruzen and Koharu know that this old man contacted you secretly.”
Just as Homura Mitokado turned to leave.
Uchiha Ikeizumi suddenly mused, “If… I want to replace Hokage, who do you think would be better?”
Homura Mitokado’s heart jolted in shock.
His footsteps suddenly froze.
……
……
