Naruto's civilian cannon fodder starts with the three-body technique

Chapter 321: Naruto Half Sleeves (Riwan)
"My God! The Grand Elder of the Mitomon clan has personally come out to make accusations?!"

"Even their own people can't stand it anymore!"

"It turns out it was all a lie all along. All that talk about poor discipline and sacrificing family for the greater good, it was all a bunch of snakes and rats. I was the mastermind!"

"To escape punishment, he even killed his own son to take the blame. He's worse than an animal. Even tigers don't eat their cubs!"

"Severely punish Mitokado Yoshimi, cut him into a thousand pieces!"

The villagers of Konoha were completely enraged. The anger that had been temporarily suppressed by Koharu Utatane and Hiruzen Sarutobi erupted like a volcano. Curses, roars, and demands for severe punishment for Homura Mitokado instantly overwhelmed the entire Konoha gates.

The crowd was furious and almost out of control!

Mitomon Homura was being held by the Anbu, watching as the clan's Grand Elder knelt on the ground, tearfully accusing him, and hearing the deafening roars of punishment around him. His last shred of hope was completely shattered.

He realized he was finished.

The "sliver of hope" promised by Hiruzen Sarutobi has been completely extinguished.

Given the overwhelming public anger and the defection of his clansmen, Hiruzen Sarutobi would definitely not be able to protect him. In fact, in order to quell the public anger, he would be the first one to be pushed out to appease the grievances!
Overwhelmed by despair and resentment, he struggled violently, appearing mad, his eyes bloodshot as he stared in the direction of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

How much did he do for Hiruzen Sarutobi?!

In every dirty and tiring task—purging political enemies, trading intelligence to eliminate dissidents, and suppressing rising stars—Mitomon Homura was always at the forefront, acting as a white glove and a shield.
His only son, Mitomon Takashi, did all the dirty and hard work, but in the end, it was the Sarutobi clan who got the lion's share. In the end, he was beheaded by that butcher Shimura Danzo on the front line, and his body was not even brought back to Konoha for burial!
Now, it's finally my turn.

Why is there such a huge difference in treatment between students of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju?
Just because Tobirama-sensei designated Hiruzen Sarutobi as Hokage before his death, does that mean Homura Mitokado is destined to forever remain a pawn and a scapegoat advisor?!

Why? !

Why should Hiruzen Sarutobi be able to remain high above, glorious and great, while I am destined to be betrayed by everyone and utterly disgraced?!
If Tobirama-sensei had chosen me, Mitokado Homura, to be Hokage back then, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have been the one doing all the dirty work. Now that he's being pushed out to take the blame, shouldn't Hiruzen Sarutobi be the one everyone's pointing fingers at?
He suddenly looked up, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the figure not far away wearing the Hokage robe and wearing a fake "sorrowful" expression on his face.

That bitch Koharu Tsurugi has long since disappeared, completely distancing herself from the situation!

And what about Hiruzen Sarutobi? Not only did he not say a word in his defense, he was the first to jump out and accuse him, and even wanted to lock him up in the Anbu prison. This was clearly an attempt to abandon him, and even to make him bear the enormous blame of murdering the Senju bloodline, a blame that could wipe out the Mitomon clan!

"Hiruzen Sarutobi! It's you! It's all your fault!" Mitokado Homura muttered to himself, then realized what was happening and tried to shout the name and the truth out loud, "It's—"

However, he would never have the chance to say what came next!

Just as he was about to call out "Hiruzen Sarutobi's" name, the ANBU member who was holding him had a cold glint in his eyes.

He used his palm as a sword, unleashing a massive amount of Wind Release chakra from his five fingers. With lightning speed, he pierced Mitokado Homura's back with unparalleled precision!
puff!

The dull thud of the sword striking flesh was unusually clear amidst the noise.

Mitokado Yan's body stiffened abruptly, and all sound ceased.

He stared wide-eyed in disbelief, looking down at his arm covered in his own hot blood. A hissing sound escaped his throat, and the resentment, unwillingness, and final shock in his eyes froze for a moment before quickly fading away.

"I can't hold back any longer! Such a heinous criminal who murdered the bloodline of the First Hokage and wreaked havoc on Konoha deserves to be killed by everyone!" The ANBU member drew his sword and shouted loudly, his voice drowning out the noise of the scene, filled with righteous indignation.

This scene was so sudden; no one expected that the Anbu would suddenly make a move, and that their strength was so great that they pierced through Mitomon Homura's heart with a single blow.

Mitokado Homura was, after all, a disciple of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and possessed near-Kage-level combat power. Although he had served as an advisor and elder for many years and his strength had declined considerably, he was still quite powerful. Yet, he was assassinated so easily, which shows that this ANBU member was no ordinary person.

"Stop!" Uchiha Kakunu roared immediately.

His crimson Sharingan instantly activated, the three tomoe spinning wildly, his figure transforming into a blood-red shadow, rushing straight towards the ANBU member who had made the move and Mitomon Homura at an astonishing speed.

He could see clearly that this was not "righteous indignation," but a blatant murder to silence witnesses!
"This must be a murder to cover it up! Leave me alive; there must be a mastermind behind this!"

Uchiha Fire Core's speed was extremely fast, and he rushed to the front of the ANBU in an instant. His fist, which was flashing with chakra light, slammed hard into the ANBU's palm and arm, which were still filled with chakra, in an attempt to stop him from further damaging Mitokado Homura's corpse or making any other moves.

The expressions of the representatives from the various ninja clans changed drastically. The veins around the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan leader bulged, the eyes of the Kurama clan leader were sharp as knives, and the gaze behind the sunglasses of the Aburame clan leader was icy cold. Everyone could see that this was simply a case of murder to silence witnesses.

Anbu ninjas are the elite of the elite. Ninjas are an extremely rational group of people. How could they possibly act impulsively and kill out of excessive anger?!
The operative's next reaction surprised everyone once again.

Faced with Uchiha Kakuno's lightning-fast punch, he not only did not dodge or block, but instead turned his face to meet it. At the same time, there seemed to be a swallowing motion in his throat.

boom!
Uchiha Hikaru's fist slammed solidly into the side of the ANBU member's face.

"puff--"

The ANBU member suddenly spat out a mouthful of foul blood mixed with red and green foam, his body crashing heavily to the ground. His eyes were fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi's direction, with a strange sense of "loyalty" and "mission accomplished" relief, before his pupils rapidly dilated.

"Suicide by poison?!" Uchiha Hikaru's expression changed, and he immediately realized something was wrong. He stepped forward and tore off the mask of the ANBU member.

Beneath the mask was an unfamiliar middle-aged face with a full beard, resembling Vice Principal Sarutobi. At this moment, strange red and green foam was still flowing from the corner of this ANBU member's mouth, and he was already lifeless.

"A Sarutobi clan assassin?! Committed suicide by poison! What a ruthless method!"

Uchiha Kakuzu suddenly looked up, his crimson Sharingan fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi, and demanded, "Hiruzen Sarutobi! Is this your so-called 'thorough investigation'? Is this your explanation to Senju Nawaki? Murder to silence witnesses, leaving no evidence, what exactly are you trying to cover up?!"

Whoosh!Whoosh!whoosh...

The surrounding Anbu members instantly swarmed in, their kunai and ninja swords aimed directly at Uchiha's core, exuding murderous intent!
Vice Principal Sarutobi shouted sternly, "Uchiha Higanbana! How dare you! You openly attack and kill a member of the Hokage's direct ANBU! And you even dare to slander the Hokage! Are you trying to rebel?!"

The situation suddenly became tense.

The hearts of the representatives from the various ninja clans sank completely.

Looking at the unseeing corpse of Mitokado Homura on the ground, at the Sarutobi assassin who committed suicide by poison, and recalling the words Mitokado Homura wanted to say before he died, the truth was already self-evident.

A knowing look and deep apprehension flashed in the eyes of the Hyuga clan chief. The Aburame clan chief pushed up his sunglasses and remained silent, while the Kurama clan chief shook his head slightly, his gaze toward Hiruzen Sarutobi filled with scrutiny.

The glorious image of the "Strongest Hokage," the "Professor of Ninjutsu," and the "Hero of Konoha" in their hearts is now riddled with cracks and has even collapsed in large part. This is no Hokage at all; he is clearly a ruthless political tyrant who manipulates power!

Faced with Uchiha Kakuzu's stern questioning and the silent scrutiny of the representatives of various ninja clans, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a surge of killing intent that almost overwhelmed his reason.

Uchiha! It was you who orchestrated all of this, trying to use Mitokado Homura to frame me. You are truly an inherently evil clan, the most unstable factor in Konoha, and the biggest cancer in Konoha!
Despite his intense resentment, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face instantly adopted a sorrowful, helpless, and even somewhat "understanding" expression.

"Fire Core Clan Chief!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice carried a deliberately suppressed "weariness" and "magnanimity."

He raised his hand to stop the ANBU who wanted to step forward to capture Uchiha Kaku. "Everyone, calm down! Kaku clan leader, I understand your anger. I can empathize with the sacrifices of Midori and Nawaki, and Tsunade's pain! Mitokado Homura's crimes are even more heinous! This ANBU... sigh!"

He sighed heavily, his gaze sweeping over the two corpses on the ground, his tone filled with "regret" and "understanding": "This ANBU was also too enraged. Perhaps he had experienced too many brutal battlefields, and his psychological endurance had reached its limit. Seeing someone as heinous as Mitokado Homura reminded him of the cruelty of the battlefield, and he couldn't contain his anger, which led him to take such an extreme action. In the end, he accidentally triggered the poison sac in his teeth because of your intervention..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his gaze to the angry yet somewhat agreeable villagers around him, raising his voice slightly as he spurred them on: "Everyone! Ask yourselves, when you saw Mitokado Homura's many evil deeds exposed, when you heard the accusations that he murdered the orphan of a hero, and even possibly the bloodline of the First Hokage, weren't you filled with anger? Didn't you also want to personally tear this sinner who has brought disaster to Konoha to pieces?!"

Some villagers, caught up in their emotions, nodded subconsciously and whispered in agreement: "Yes, it was really awful. I wanted to kill that guy right then and there!"

"Damn it!"

"If I were closer, I might not have been able to resist either..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately seized upon this public sentiment, his voice becoming resolute: "Look! This is the will of the people! This is hatred for evil! This ANBU member couldn't suppress his impulse to rid the people of evil, used the wrong methods, and paid the price with his life! As for the Uchiha clan head..."

He looked at Uchiha Hikko, his eyes even showing a hint of "forgiveness": "He was eager to save lives, and his concern clouded his judgment. In his anger, he acted too violently, causing this ANBU to accidentally touch the poison sac in his teeth and die. Although there are extenuating circumstances, it has still caused serious consequences. Considering that he acted out of anger over the Senju Nawaki incident, I, the Hokage, will not pursue his offense! However, the Uchiha clan must compensate the family of this fallen ANBU with a sum of money as a gesture of appeasement."

As expected of Hiruzen Sarutobi, with just a few words, he characterized a blatant political murder to silence witnesses and leave no one to testify as a "tragedy born of righteous indignation" and an "accident caused by concern."

With Mitokado Homura's death, all the charges against him were confirmed, making him the perfect scapegoat.

Sarutobi's suicide was considered a "mistaken killing in a fit of rage" and a martyr in the line of duty.

The revelation of the Uchiha Fire Core resulted in an accidental injury caused by "emotional outburst".

The representatives of the various ninja clans felt an even greater chill as they watched Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions of distorting the truth and calling a deer a horse.

Nara, Aburame, Kurama, and other strategists exchanged glances, each seeing the seriousness and a hint of barely perceptible disdain in the other's eyes.

They knew the truth perfectly well, but Mitokado Homura was dead, leaving no one to testify, and Sarutobi's assassins were also dead, completely cutting off the trail.

For the sake of their clan's interests and to avoid immediately clashing with the Hokage, they had no choice but to remain silent. Mito Uzumaki had already passed away, and the Senju clan existed in name only. It was clearly not worthwhile to confront Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was at the pinnacle of power, for the sake of a declining clan.

Sasuke Unno stood in the crowd, calmly watching everything unfold. He felt a slight disappointment. Mito Kadota's defection was indeed deadly enough, but Hiruzen Sarutobi's ruthlessness, decisiveness, and political maneuvering that turned black into white still exceeded his expectations. He was able to kill the entire village so cleanly and efficiently in front of everyone and still forcefully reverse public opinion!
This "perseverance and heroism" is truly well-deserved.

The fact that the elite Jonin-level Sarutobi assassin was abandoned so easily demonstrates the Sarutobi clan's formidable strength.

However, he wasn't too disappointed, since the main objective had already been achieved.

Mitomon En had already been eliminated by him, and Sarutobi Hiruzen had lost his most important right-hand man and most loyal white glove.

Koharu Utatane was already terrified and her gaze towards Hiruzen Sarutobi was filled with estrangement and fear, clearly understanding her place in Hiruzen's heart.

Meanwhile, Danzo Shimura, far away in the Land of Dragons, will inevitably intensify his covetousness for the Hokage position and his actions against Hiruzen Sarutobi after learning about everything that happened in Konoha. He might even enter a state of madness obsessed with becoming Hokage ahead of time.

These weren't the biggest damages to Hiruzen Sarutobi. The most crucial thing was that the way the various Konoha ninja clans looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi had completely changed.

It was no longer admiration, but rather a deep sense of dread, scrutiny, and suspicion.

If Hiruzen Sarutobi could sacrifice Mitokado Homura so ruthlessly, will he sacrifice them in the future?

If he can distort the truth and call a deer a horse today, will he use the same methods on them tomorrow?

Even more fatal is that Hiruzen Sarutobi was able to secure his position as Hokage only because of the dying wish of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and the political legacy of the Senju clan. Now, this political legacy of the Senju clan has left him and may even become his political enemy in the future.

Having lost the natural advantage of the Senju clan's political legacy and the heartfelt trust of the major ninja clans, Hiruzen Sarutobi's seemingly secure position as Hokage has begun to crumble and is riddled with cracks.

Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally sensed this invisible change as well. He suppressed his rage and killing intent, his gaze sweeping over the silent representatives of the various ninja clans before finally settling on the face of Uchiha Kaku, which was filled with cold mockery.

"The evil Uchiha!" Hiruzen Sarutobi roared inwardly. This conspiracy against him was meticulously planned, each step more intricate than the last, from slandering meritorious officials and inciting public anger to dredging up old grievances and causing his own clan to turn against him...

Such a precise and ruthless strategy allows them to manipulate public opinion and people's hearts at will!

Who else could it be but the Uchiha clan, who possesses Sharingan genjutsu and the ability to manipulate minds?!

Uchiha Fire Core, have you finally lost your patience and decided to try and seize the Hokage position?

Good! Very good! I've got it all figured out!
The sinister look in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes was like thick, unyielding ink.

The Finance Minister looked at the cold corpse of Mitokado Homura on the ground and the Sarutobi assassin who had committed suicide by poison, then glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen's hypocritical expression, a sneer curling at the corner of his mouth.

He strode forward, his voice not loud, but clearly penetrating the clamor of the scene: "Tsk tsk tsk, the Third Hokage is truly—swift and decisive, unparalleled in his abilities! Elder Mitokado Homura's execution out of fear of punishment has saved us a lot of trouble."

He deliberately emphasized the words "punished for his crimes," then changed the subject, his tone becoming meaningful: "However, with Mitokado Homura's death, the position of Konoha's advisor elder is now vacant. Konoha is a large and complex place, and relying solely on the Hokage, Danzo, and Elder Koharu to manage it is probably too much for them. It's inevitable that there will be oversights such as 'negligence in discipline' or 'being misled,' which could ultimately lead to disaster."

The Finance Minister's gaze swept over Hiruzen Sarutobi's instantly tense face, and he continued meaningfully, "In my humble opinion, for the sake of Konoha's stability and to avoid the drawbacks caused by the excessive concentration of certain powers, it is time to promote a new advisor elder to share the Hokage's burden. I'm sure the Daimyo would also like to see a more complete structure and clearer division of labor in Konoha's upper echelons."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's alarm bells rang. The Finance Minister's words were like daggers, seemingly concerned for Konoha, but actually implying that his abuse of power and poor personnel management had led to the current predicament. Furthermore, it hinted at the Daimyo's vigilance regarding the imbalance in Konoha's power structure, especially now that his Hokage authority had just suffered a major blow. Refusing would be tantamount to handing over ammunition to his enemies, confirming his suspicion of "clinging to power," and only increasing the Daimyo's distrust. He suppressed his anger, forcing a smile of "agreement," and replied in a loud voice, "The Finance Minister is absolutely right. Konoha's affairs are becoming increasingly burdensome, and we certainly need capable individuals to share the burden. This is precisely my intention. Today, right here, in front of all the villagers and ninja representatives, let us discuss and elect a highly respected and capable person to succeed Mitokado Homura as an advisor and elder of Konoha!"

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured into a boiling oil pan; the expressions of the representatives from the various Konoha ninja clans changed instantly.

The previous repression, scrutiny, and apprehension were instantly replaced by a glimmer of "ambition" and "opportunity".

The position of advisor elder is one of the highest decision-making levels in Konoha. Although their actual power is far less than that of the Hokage, or even less than that of the heads of certain powerful departments, such as the medical department and Root, their status is lofty. They participate in core decision-making and can greatly enhance their family's voice and influence in Konoha.

Uchiha Kaku was the fastest to react. His crimson Sharingan flashed with a sharp light. He took a step forward, his voice carrying the arrogance and unquestionable aura unique to the Uchiha clan: "Hmph! In terms of seniority, strength, and contributions to Konoha, who else but me, Uchiha, deserves this position?! Everyone, I, Uchiha Kaku, am willing to share Konoha's burdens!"

He surveyed his surroundings, his Sharingan's oppressive aura undisguised, as if declaring that this position was already Uchiha's for the taking.

The Hyuga clan leader frowned slightly. The Uchiha clan rising to power? This was something he absolutely did not want to see.

He immediately stepped forward, his demeanor composed yet carrying undeniable weight: "Clan Chief Firecore is mistaken. The position of advisory elder requires, first and foremost, impartiality, composure, and both virtue and talent. It necessitates a broad perspective and the ability to coordinate all parties. Therefore, we must select a person of high moral standing and rich experience to fill this role!"

The representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio quickly exchanged glances and expressed their opinions, their meaning being very clear: they opposed Uchiha Hikaru's appointment as an advisor elder.

For a time, undercurrents surged at the gates of Konoha, the various ninja clans were restless, scrutinizing each other, and the air was filled with an invisible competition and vying for their favor.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer watched the suddenly heated "election" atmosphere with a cold eye, his sarcasm deepening.

He cleared his throat, his voice carrying a deliberate air of "fairness" and "admiration": "What you all say makes sense. However, I am reminded of the history of the founding of Konoha. Back then, when the chaos ended, the Senju and Uchiha clans joined hands to establish Konoha. The Uchiha clan made outstanding contributions and became famous throughout the ninja world!"

Even today, the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan still strikes fear into the hearts of ninjas from all over the world. If the Uchiha clan head were to serve as an advisor elder, it would not only demonstrate Konoha's respect for the elder clans, but also greatly enhance Konoha's deterrent power in the ninja world.

This will likely attract more commissioned missions for Your Majesty, increasing Konoha's revenue—a win-win situation!

boom!
The Finance Minister's seemingly "objective analysis," which was actually a blatant bias towards the Uchiha clan, instantly caused an even bigger sensation!

Hiruzen Sarutobi was deeply shocked, becoming even more certain of his suspicions: the Uchiha clan must have engaged in a deep political deal with the Daimyo's household. Otherwise, why would the Daimyo's household, which had always disliked the Uchiha, suddenly change its ways and speak up for the Uchiha at every turn?!

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Kakuno's eyes flashed with wild joy. He puffed out his chest even higher, his face filled with arrogance, as if to say: "See? Even the daimyo's envoy acknowledges the strength and status of the Uchiha clan. This position belongs to me!"

However, the reactions of the various ninja clans in Konoha were completely opposite.

"What?! They're making the Uchiha clan an advisory elder?!"

"What a joke, their eyes are scary enough, if you go up to the higher levels, their eyes will probably grow to the top of their heads."

"No! Absolutely not!"

The Hyuga clan head was the first to step forward, his voice resolute and firmer than ever before: "Minister of Finance! This proposal is inappropriate. The advisors and elders must be impartial and selfless, and coordinate all parties! The Uchiha... if I may be frank, their style of doing things is too—unique, and I fear it will be difficult to win over the masses! It is also detrimental to the unity within Konoha!"

He cleverly avoided a direct attack, but the meaning couldn't be clearer.

Uchiha Kaku immediately looked at the Hyuga clan head with a mocking expression: "Hmph! Hyuga clan head, why are you so opposed? Do you think this position should belong to your Hyuga clan? Or do you have a prejudice against my Uchiha clan?"

The Hyuga clan head's face darkened, and he immediately denied it, saying, "Clan Head Fire Core, don't make false accusations. Our Hyuga clan is only concerned with the greater good of Konoha. As for achievements and prestige—"

His gaze swept over the calm-looking Umino Sasuke in the crowd beside him, and a thought struck him. He said loudly, "I think Jonin Umino is very suitable. Although he is young and lacks experience, his battle achievements are outstanding, and he is renowned throughout the ninja world. He turned the tide on the front lines of the Land of Wind and even captured a Jinchuriki from the Sand Village! His wisdom, strength, and prestige are all sufficient for the job, and he can better represent the vibrant spirit of the new generation of Konoha!"

The Hyuga clan leader's words, seemingly recommending Umino Sasuke, actually contained a hidden meaning. He deliberately pointed out "young" and "inexperienced" to remind everyone that Umino Sasuke was not the best choice, and that he himself was.

As soon as these words were spoken, many representatives of the ninja clans who were originally extremely wary of the Uchiha clan lit up and echoed, "That's right! Lord Iron Wall has a distinguished record of military exploits!"

"A demigod of Konoha! He truly deserves the title!"

"Support Umino-sama!"

The ordinary villagers erupted in enthusiastic cheers: "Support Lord Iron Wall as advisor elder!"

Sasuke Umino took in the fleeting apprehension in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, the astonishment and scrutiny of Uchiha Kakuzu, the Hyuga clan leader's scheming, and the complex expressions of the representatives of the various ninja clans.

He sneered inwardly: The position of advisor elder, though seemingly high and powerful, was in reality nothing more than a nominal post. He was subject to the Hokage in every way, and it was far less practical than having real military power. The puppet army, the air force, and the two thousand ninja troops in the Land of Rivers war zone were the foundation of his security!
Tsunade's transcendent status in the medical department is the path he wants to take. Why is Shimura Danzo so arrogant? Besides Hiruzen Sarutobi's secret support, isn't it because he controls Root?
Real military power is the only way to achieve true victory!

Sasuke Umino wore a humble and gentle smile, and under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he bowed slightly to everyone, his voice clear and sincere.

"Clan Chief Hyuga is too kind. I am not worthy of such praise. I am young and inexperienced, and my ability to handle the daily affairs of the village is far inferior to that of the senior clan chiefs and advisors present here. The positions of clan chief and advisor are of great importance and concern the rise and fall of Konoha. How could a greenhorn like me be competent to take on such a responsibility?"

He paused, his gaze sincerely sweeping over the Uchiha clan leader, the Hyuga clan leader, and finally settling on the direction represented by the Ino-Shika-Cho trio: "In my humble opinion, the Uchiha clan leader's strength is unparalleled in Konoha, and his reputation is widespread; the Hyuga clan leader is highly respected and fair in his dealings; and Lord Akimichi Torifu is the Second Hokage's personal disciple, with profound experience, maturity, and prudent conduct, having made great contributions to the development of Konoha! Any one of these three is more suitable than me to shoulder this important responsibility! I am willing to remain an ordinary ninja of Konoha and continue to serve the village on the front lines!"

These words, compared to the previous power struggles, were like a clear spring, instantly extinguishing the clamor surrounding him.

Uchiha Kaku was stunned. For the first time, his crimson Sharingan revealed surprise and a hint of barely perceptible appreciation for Umino Sasuke. This kid actually gave up the high position that was within his grasp and even praised my Uchiha so much. It seems that I misjudged him before. This kid does have some vision!
The Hyuga clan leader felt relieved and a sense of goodwill welled up within him. Umino Sasuke was not only humble but also specifically mentioned his "high moral character and prestige," giving him ample face. He was an ally worth making friends with!
The representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho triads were overjoyed, their eyes filled with gratitude and admiration as they looked at Umino Sasuke. The Nara representative secretly praised him: "What a brilliant move of retreating to advance! He not only avoided the center of the vortex but also did a huge favor for the Ino-Shika-Cho triad. This kid's future is limitless!"

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes flashed with a hint of doubt. Could it be that Sasuke Umino had really misunderstood him when he reorganized the frontline troops? Was it not for military power, but for the genuine reform of the ninja system? Otherwise, why would he be so humble and declining the position of elder so close to him?

Hiruzen Sarutobi's doubts lessened slightly, but his heart tightened again as he scanned the scene. Both the Uchiha Fire Core and the Hyuga Clan Chief were eager to try after being praised by Sasuke Umino. The Hyuga Clan Chief, in particular, was now the most popular candidate, thanks to his earlier recommendation and his own prestige. Many neutral ninja clan representatives began to lean towards the Hyuga.

"We absolutely cannot let the Hyuga or Uchiha enter the core!" Hiruzen Sarutobi made his decision instantly. The Hyuga clan is cunning and shrewd. If they enter the upper echelons, they will become a huge threat with their ability to win people's hearts. The Uchiha are an even greater threat!
He immediately stepped forward, his voice booming and carrying an undeniable decisiveness that drowned out the murmurs around him: "Jonin Umino is humble and polite, and considerate of the overall situation. He is truly a pillar of Konoha. However, as he said, the position of advisor elder must be filled by someone with deep seniority, rich experience, and a steady and reliable demeanor!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze casually swept past the Hyuga clan head before focusing directly on the Ino-Shika-Cho representative: "Akimichi Torifu, as the Second Hokage's personal disciple, has devoted himself to Konoha for decades, making outstanding contributions in both frontline battles and rear-area development! He is kind-hearted and fair in his dealings, deeply trusted by all the major ninja clans. Having him succeed as the advisor elder would not only continue the Second Hokage's legacy but also unite all forces and promote Konoha's unity and development! In my opinion, Akimichi Torifu is truly the only suitable candidate!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's personal nomination was a bombshell!

Those representatives of the smaller ninja clans who were originally observing or even leaning towards the Hyuga clan instantly switched sides. The Hokage's will was the weathervane, not to mention that Hiruzen Sarutobi pointed out Akimichi Torifu's identity as the "second-generation disciple" and his advantage of "uniting all parties," which was exactly what they valued most.

"Hokage-sama is wise!"

"Support Elder Qu Feng!"

"Lord Qu Feng is highly respected and truly deserving of the title!"

The voices supporting Akimichi Torifu instantly drowned out the other opinions, and the representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho tribal were overjoyed, loudly echoing the sentiments.

The Hyuga clan leader's expression turned extremely ugly the moment Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke. He maintained his composure and even forced a smile of "approval," nodding slightly to Hiruzen Sarutobi as if acknowledging the Hokage's wise decision.

However, beneath his wide sleeves, his fists were clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his palms, and deep in his eyes was an uncontrollable, icy rage!

Hiruzen Sarutobi! Good! Very good indeed!
You'd rather promote a fat guy who's not even here than let the Hyuga clan join the core, just because I recommended Umino Sasuke? Or have you been wary of the Hyuga clan from the very beginning?!

I, Hinata, will remember this great kindness!

Seeing the Hyuga clan leader's forced smile and defeated expression, and then looking at the smug Hiruzen Sarutobi, Uchiha Kakuzo was also furious. However, the situation was already decided, and he could only rage helplessly with his three-tomoe Sharingan.

Akimichi Torifu, a veteran powerhouse far away on the border of the Land of Wind, was thus forced into the position of Konoha's advisor elder in his absence.

As Akimichi Torifu was "unanimously" appointed to the position of advisor elder, the representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio beamed with barely suppressed joy.

The Nara clan representative reacted the fastest, understanding the principle of reciprocity, and immediately stepped forward, bowing towards Hiruzen Sarutobi and Sasuke Umino, saying:

"His Hokage is wise! Elder Tōkaze is virtuous and talented, and will surely live up to everyone's expectations. However, the great event that Konoha has achieved today owes much to Jonin Umino. He turned the tide on the front lines of the Land of Wind, captured the Jinchūriki, and made an unparalleled contribution. Such a great achievement deserves to be rewarded. I humbly request His Hokage to reward Jonin Umino handsomely to recognize his merit and encourage future generations!"

Representatives from both the Ino and Cho clans echoed in unison, "We earnestly request the Hokage to generously reward Jonin Unno!"

"Yes! Reward Lord Iron Wall handsomely!"

"Lord Iron Wall is a hero of Konoha and should be richly rewarded!"

The villagers of Konoha were once again agitated, and their calls for rewarding Umino Sasuke were deafening.

Public opinion was overwhelming, and representatives of various ninja clans nodded in agreement. Whether it was out of genuine approval or simply following the crowd, supporting and rewarding Umino Sasuke was the most correct political stance at this moment.

Seeing the almost one-sided situation, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt even more apprehensive. He absolutely could not allow Sasuke Umino to take advantage of this momentum to advance further, whether it was to join the advisory group or to control a more core department with real power.

He quickly put on his usual "benevolent" smile, raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and said loudly:

"What you all say is absolutely right! Konoha will forever remember Jonin Umino's merit! Such an achievement deserves a great reward! I have decided—"

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the entire hall, and raised his voice, "To Umino Sasuke, a Jonin, and to Hatake Sagumo, the Konoha White Fang who also fought valiantly on the front lines and made outstanding contributions, the honor of 'Hokage Half-Sleeve' is bestowed! This is the highest symbol of honor for Konoha ninjas, representing the recognition and trust of the entire village!"

"Hokage Half Sleeves?!"

"My God! That's the Hokage's half-sleeve shirt that only ninjas who have made unparalleled contributions to the village are entitled to wear?!"

"That's amazing! Lord Ironwall and Lord White Fang truly deserve their titles!"

"Congratulations, Lord Ironwall! Congratulations, Lord White Fang!"

The villagers erupted in cheers; the Hokage's half-sleeved shirt represented supreme glory.

Umino Sasuke's prestige among the people instantly soared. Hatake Sakumo, standing to the side, was surprised but accepted it calmly, giving a slight nod to Sarutobi Hiruzen and Umino Sasuke.

However, in his heart, Umino Sasuke sneered repeatedly. Hiruzen Sarutobi was truly cunning and treacherous. This "Hokage half-sleeve" sounded impressive, but in reality, it was just a completely empty title.

The so-called "Hokage Half-Sleeve" has no real power whatsoever, not even as much as the empty shell of an advisor or elder. Its only use is to give the wearer a dazzling halo while keeping him high up and away from the real core of power.

What's even more ingenious is that Hiruzen Sarutobi deliberately bestowed the title on par with Sakumo Hatake, clearly using the name of Konoha's White Fang to dilute and balance his brilliance, preventing his prestige from becoming too high and threatening the Hokage's position.

Just as everyone was cheering and Hiruzen Sarutobi was secretly pleased with his brilliant "promotion in name only" move, Sasuke Umino stepped forward, his face showing just the right amount of "fear," and said very humbly, "I am truly unworthy of the Hokage's kindness!"

He bowed deeply to Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, his tone utterly sincere, “The title of Hokage is the highest honor in Konoha, and it carries great significance. However, I am young and inexperienced, and have not made any contribution to the affairs of the village. Such an honor should be bestowed upon a highly respected and meritorious senior like the White Fang of Konoha, or to elders like the Uchiha or Hyuga clan leaders who have dedicated their lives to the village. I have made very little contribution and dare not accept such a heavy honor, lest I invite criticism.”

Then, he raised his head, his gaze clear and firm, and said, "All I ask for is to be an ordinary Konoha ninja, to continue serving on the front lines, wherever needed, to faithfully perform my duties for the village and protect the peace of Konoha. That would be enough for me."

This extremely humble speech, which attributed the honor to Hatake Sagumo and the elders, once again won the favor of everyone present. Even Uchiha Hiko's gaze towards Unno Sasuke softened considerably.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to take the opportunity to encourage and win over Sasuke Unno, Sasuke Unno suddenly changed the subject, adding as if casually:
"Moreover, Lord Danzo recently invited me by secret letter, hoping that I could go to the Root Department to serve as the vice minister and assist him in handling Root Department affairs."

The young man felt a great responsibility and was pondering how to reply.

After the founding ceremony of the Umino clan, I plan to go to Root to take up a post, listen to Lord Danzo's teachings, and contribute to the stability of Konoha's foundation.

"What?! Going to the Root Headquarters to be a deputy minister?!"

The moment Hiruzen Sarutobi heard the words "Danzo" and "Vice-Chief of Root," his pupils contracted sharply, alarm bells rang in his mind, and a chilling coldness shot up his spine to the top of his head.

The threat posed by the name Danzo instantly overshadowed Hiruzen Sarutobi's fear of Sasuke Umino, and even his suspicion of the Uchiha clan.

Danzo's covetousness for the Hokage position never ceased, and the Root organization he controlled was independent of the Hokage's direct Anbu.

Although Danzo had considerable power, he lacked a strong ally who enjoyed great prestige and popular support in the open.

(End of this chapter)