Naruto: I, who fooled the ninja world, was hailed as a savior.

Chapter 314 Danzo: Hahaha, Hiruzen, you've finally met your match! (1300013000)

"Damn it."

Danzo Shimura's face darkened, and his knuckles turned white as he gripped his cane tightly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's move completely disrupted his strategy.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the Hokage, has already taken responsibility. How can he, the leader of the "Root" faction who was directly named, still cry foul and claim that he bears no responsibility?

This is like planning to drag him down with him before he dies.

No, that's not right.

A more sinister glint flashed in Danzo's eyes.

Even if Hiruzen steps down, he can step back as a Hokage advisor, just like Minato Namikaze did when he took over, and still maintain control of the Anbu through his former subordinates in the short term.

The reason they are so eager to disband "Root" and put it under the full control of the Dark Side is probably more than just a matter of weakening me...

This is to pave the way for the next Hokage!
This is an opportunity to completely eliminate me, the most threatening and unstable factor to the Hokage position, and create a "clean" power environment for his chosen successor!

Thinking of this, Shimura Danzo suddenly recalled Hiruzen's questioning of the Hyuga clan earlier, and his heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that Hiruzen has already realized that I have obtained the "Caged Bird" curse seal?
Wouldn't that be...

"Third Hokage." Nara Shikaku opened his mouth, subconsciously wanting to say something, seemingly wanting to persuade him to stay as is customary, but Sarutobi Hiruzen directly raised his hand to interrupt him.

"Let's skip those polite formalities of declining three times."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said calmly, "As everyone knows, I was reinstated to this position because the Fourth Hokage suddenly died in the line of duty. I was forced to take on this responsibility in a time of crisis."

"Now, Konoha has suffered a severe blow and faces unprecedented challenges both internally and externally. It urgently needs a leader with more courage and the ability to lead the village to cope with the complex situation in the future."

“I’m getting old, and my energy can’t keep up anymore. It’s time to hand over this heavy responsibility to someone more capable.”

At this point, he couldn't help but sigh: "This is not an impulsive decision, but the most responsible choice I have made after careful consideration."

"Now, please begin the nominations."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave no one time to hesitate or persuade him to take the lead. Without any hesitation, he said, word by word, "I recommend Jiraiya."

The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the entire conference room froze instantly, becoming incredibly subtle.

Not Hinata Kumokawa?

It wasn't Hinata Kumokawa?

Many people, including Nara Shikaku, frowned and glanced at the newly appointed head of the Hyuga clan.

Hinata Kumokawa sat there calmly, seemingly unsurprised by the nomination results, making it impossible to guess his true thoughts.

why?
To avoid being remotely cursed to death by the "Caged Bird Seal" after his defection, Hyuga Neji has killed all the main family members who possess the "Caged Bird Seal".

Even the forbidden library that housed the "Caged Bird Seal" had been burned to the ground.

Even if Hyuga Neji takes the "Caged Bird Seal" with him, it doesn't matter, because activating the "Caged Bird Seal" requires the same lineage to be effective.

For example, Hyuga Tetsu belongs to the lineage of Hyuga Ryouto, so Hyuga Higo cannot activate the curse seal on him.

Only members of the main branch of the Hyuga family, namely Hiashi Hyuga and Ryoto Hyuga, can activate the curse seal on Hyuga Tetsuya.

The reason why Hyuga Himon led his men into Hyuga Takashi's hospital room, followed by two members of the main family, was precisely for this reason.

Hyuga Taka and Hyuga Iroha are not from the same lineage, so it takes two members of the main family to subdue them.

Neji Hyuga and Kumokawa Hyuga are not from the same lineage, so even if they mastered the Caged Bird Seal, it would be meaningless.

This is no secret.

Therefore, in their view, the last hidden danger has been eliminated, and Hyuga Kumokawa is now truly "free".

With immense strength and at the peak of his prestige, he was practically the ideal candidate for the Fifth Hokage.

Why did Hiruzen Sarutobi abandon the most suitable person who could stabilize the situation and instead recommend Jiraiya, who was away from home for many years and had an unconventional personality?

Could it be that they still have reservations about the Hyuga clan, or even about Hyuga Kumokawa personally? Are they worried about the clan's power growing too large?

But in this time of crisis, stability and strength are the primary considerations, and this concern does not seem to be a valid reason.

or……

Was it actually out of selfish motives?
They worried that once Hyuga Kumokawa, who appeared mild-mannered but was actually quite powerful, took over, he would completely sideline them, these "former officials," and affect their influence over the village.
Various speculations flashed through everyone's minds, and their gazes involuntarily turned to Jiraiya, who had been nominated, and Tsunade, who stood expressionless beside him.

"I second that I recommend Zilai."

"Agreed, Jiraiya is the right person."

Amidst this silent suspicion, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, almost immediately following Hiruzen Sarutobi, spoke up one after another.

Three votes.

Moreover, these were three highly significant votes from the Third Hokage and two Hokage advisors.

This is no longer a simple nomination, but a signal of political consensus.

Everyone now clearly realized that the situation was far more complicated than it appeared on the surface.

The time to choose sides may have truly come.

"really……"

A cold glint flashed in Shimura Danzo's narrowed single eye.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's swift statements made him even more certain that Hiruzen Sarutobi definitely already knew that he had secretly obtained the "Caged Bird Seal".

Furthermore, it is highly likely that he used this to control Hyuga Kumokawa.

Otherwise, it's impossible to explain why Hyuga Kumokawa was excluded, and why Jiraiya, who was not suitable to become Hokage, was instead supported.

In fact, Danzo Shimura did obtain the scroll of the Caged Bird Seal, so he knew more than others.

To others, the Caged Bird Seal requires blood ties, but in reality, the seal is activated through the Byakugan, specifically by those of the same lineage, not through blood ties as others assume.

And in his hands were several pairs of Byakugan from the main family members, including those from the Hyuga Kumokawa lineage.

"However, given Hiruzen's cautious to the point of being conservative."

Danzo pondered, "He probably wouldn't tell Koharu and En, those two opportunists, the top-secret information that Hyuga Kumokawa might be controlled by me, which would cause panic."

"In his view, if those two knew that I might hold the hilt of Hyuga Kumokawa's blade, there was no guarantee they wouldn't turn around and support me for their own benefit..."

Danzo Shimura was indeed very familiar with Hiruzen Sarutobi and his two other old friends.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado did not have the same strong opposition to him succeeding as Hokage as Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Just like in the original story, after Pain attacked Konoha, Tsunade fell into a coma and it was unknown when she would wake up. Danzo volunteered to the Daimyo, and the two of them did not stop him.

Regardless of who comes to power, they will both be advisors.

But if Hyuga Kumokawa were to take over, things might be different.

This is probably why the two of them cooperated with Hiruzen Sarutobi and opposed making Hyuga Kumokawa Hokage.

"Damn it," Danzo cursed inwardly, his eyes flashing rapidly.

Now the situation is turning against us.

His original plan was to remain behind the scenes, and ideally, Hiruzen Sarutobi would recommend the strongest, Hyuga Kumokawa, out of "public interest."

He then feigned reluctance and agreement, thus reaping the rewards while avoiding premature exposure.

But now, Hiruzen Sarutobi has completely blocked that path, instead pushing Jiraiya to the forefront. Needless to say, the head of the Anbu will definitely recommend Jiraiya, and Shikaku Nara will most likely also change his mind based on the prevailing winds…

Just as Shimura Danzo was hesitating about whether to recommend Hyuga Kumokawa himself...

Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared calm, but he was actually waiting silently, his peripheral vision constantly fixed on Danzo.

He did not inform Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado about Danzo's potential control over Hyuga Kumokawa, both because he was well aware of their wavering nature and out of consideration for secrecy.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi also knew that excluding Hyuga Kumokawa without any reason might cause controversy.

Therefore, by joining forces with his two advisors to support Jiraiya, he was putting pressure on Danzo and forcing Danzo to personally recommend Hyuga Kumokawa.

He was certain that Danzo, driven by his desire for the Hokage position, would not easily give up Hyuga Kumokawa, his trump card.

If Danzo, who has a bad reputation among the higher-ups, were to openly support Hyuga Kumokawa, it would inevitably arouse the vigilance and resentment of others.

What would Nara Shikaku and other moderates think?
What would the leaders of other ninja clans think?
They would definitely suspect that Hyuga Kumokawa had some unknown connection with Danzo, and would question whether his stance was pure.

In this way, not only will Danzo's plan fail, but Hyuga Kumokawa's nomination will also be hindered by his connection with Danzo, thus clearing the way for Jiraiya's rise to power.

This is a clever psychological battle and a political game.

Compared to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was cunning and shrewd and ruled Konoha for decades, Danzo's schemes and tricks did seem rather "petty".

The air in the conference room seemed to freeze, and everyone's gaze shifted between Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and Hyuga Kumagawa.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio exchanged quick glances, and Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza simultaneously gave Nara Shikaku an anxious look.

How to do?
Whose side are we on?
Use your brilliant brain to think about it.

"..." Sensing the gazes of the two, Nara Shikaku frowned, opened his mouth, and was about to say something.

However, at that moment, a calm female voice broke the eerie silence.

"I recommend Hinata Kumokawa."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his head sharply, his face filled with unprecedented astonishment and disbelief, staring intently at Tsunade, who remained indifferent.

The person who spoke just now was Tsunade.

She crossed her arms, leaned back in her chair, her face expressionless, not even looking at anyone, her gaze fixed straight ahead, as if stating a perfectly natural fact.

What is Tsunade doing?
Didn't we already agree to jointly promote Jiraiya to the position?!

Hiruzen Sarutobi had planned everything meticulously, but he never expected Tsunade to suddenly turn against him at this crucial moment.

This sudden turn of events completely disrupted his rhythm and plans!

What made Hiruzen Sarutobi's blood pressure soar even higher was that almost the next second after Tsunade finished speaking, Jiraiya, on whom he had placed high hopes, also spoke up.

"Ahem, well, since Tsunade has said so..."

He glanced at Tsunade, then turned his gaze to Hyuga Kumokawa, grinning, "To be honest, everyone saw Kumokawa's performance; his strength and courage are undeniable."

“I think young people can bring a fresh perspective, so…”

"I also recommend Hinata Kumokawa."

boom!
This was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a boiling oil pan, and the entire conference room erupted in chaos.

"Jiraiya! You!" Hiruzen Sarutobi could no longer maintain his composure, roaring furiously, his face flushed red with shock and anger.

His carefully planned scheme was thwarted by the combined efforts of his two most trusted disciples!

This feeling of being "stabbed in the back" shocked and angered him.

Koharu and Homura were also stunned, frowning and looking at each other, clearly not expecting things to develop this way.

At this moment, Danzo Shimura's originally gloomy eyes could no longer suppress the astonishment and ecstasy that appeared on them.

What a twist!

What a dramatic turn of events!

Jiraiya and Tsunade have actually betrayed us.

Hahaha, Hiruzen, Hiruzen, you've finally met your match!

Danzo subconsciously glanced at Hyuga Kumokawa, who still wore a smile and showed no emotion whatsoever.

I initially thought this time it would be like when Minato Namikaze rose to power—I could only watch the opportunity slip away. But I never expected…

Indeed, choosing the right "ally" is the most important thing.

Hmph, Hyuga Kumokawa is indeed different from that good-for-nothing Orochimaru.

"Sorry, old man."

Meeting Hiruzen Sarutobi's almost fiery gaze, Jiraiya scratched his head, sighed, and said with a hint of helplessness but firmness, "I'm really not suited to be Hokage."

"In the few days you were away from Konoha, just dealing with those mountains of documents made me feel like I was going crazy. I would rather fight the Fourth Raikage."

He tried to ease the tension with a lighthearted tone, but seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's increasingly dark expression, he quickly said seriously, "Besides, I think you should try to trust Yun Chuan."

"Yes, he is young and has no experience in government affairs, but what's the big deal? Everyone starts from scratch."

"When you were appointed to take over the mess left by the second generation of leaders in a time of crisis, weren't you also forced into it? But that didn't prevent you from managing the village very well later on, did it?"

Jiraiya became more and more convinced of his point and continued, "Besides, even if Yunchuan wasn't very skilled at first, didn't he have you and the two advisors to assist him?"

"With you guys overseeing things, what major problems could possibly arise?"

Upon hearing this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged a glance and raised their eyebrows.

Yes.

Hinata Kumokawa has no experience in handling government affairs, so in the end, won't the two of them still be needed?

Just like when Minato Namikaze became the Fourth Hokage.

It seems that there shouldn't be too much of a problem in letting Hyuga Kumokawa take over?

Hearing Jiraiya's "self-righteous" explanation and noticing the looks in Koharu and Utatane's eyes, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face turned pale and then black, so angry that he almost couldn't breathe.

This idiot!

Do you really think my opposition to Hinata Kumokawa is just because I'm worried about his youth and inexperience?!

I'm afraid that Konoha's future will fall completely into Danzo's or even outsider's control.

Even knowing the chances are slim, we can't take any risks, no matter how small the possibility. After all, it's not like Hyuga Kumokawa is the only one who can become Hokage.

Moreover, based on Hiruzen Sarutobi's understanding of Danzo, judging from Danzo's actions, although he didn't know how Danzo did it, he must have truly obtained the method to control Hyuga Kumokawa using the Caged Bird Seal.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no way to express his suffering.

He couldn't tell Jiraiya the truth, nor could he tell anyone else.

Danzo may have been a bit foolish and wicked, but at least he was genuinely committed to protecting Konoha.

With Hyuga Kumokawa in Danzo's possession, at least he won't pose a threat to Konoha. However, if others learn that the "Caged Bird Seal" still exists and try to obtain it...

Hyuga Kumokawa's sword might just end up cutting into Konoha itself one day!

So, he noticed the strange looks people were giving him, as if they were looking at a rigid, old-fashioned person...

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt like he was about to vomit blood from anger.

(13,000 words, done! Please vote with monthly tickets!)
(End of this chapter)