"So, it was Lord Sakumo's son who saved us all?"

"if not!"

"This family is truly full of ninjas, and each one is extraordinary!"

The two were talking in a voice that wasn't loud, but it wasn't quiet either, which naturally attracted the curious glances of many villagers.

Having survived the ordeal and seeing that the danger was over, the two showed off their knowledge and even sent their savior, Akira Hatake, soaring into the sky.

More and more people naturally joined in, and the name "Akira Hatake" was frequently mentioned in conversations.

This scene quickly spread, and both the rescued villagers and the ninjas left behind in Konoha praised Akira Hatake without reservation.

"With Hatake Akira by their side, the Hatake clan can be guaranteed a glorious future for 50 years!"

“That’s right. I remember my son and Akira Hatake were classmates, but looking at it now, it won’t be long before I’m the one calling him Lord Akira…”

“You can call him that now. The title of Lord Ming is well-deserved, even though he is only 9 years old!”

"I'm so envious of Lord Ming's strength... He didn't even give us a chance to show it off."

"You think the titles 'Konoha Twins' and 'Konoha Silver Flash' were given for nothing?!"

"At only 9 years old, he already had two renowned titles that resonated throughout the ninja world, surpassing even the legendary Sannin of Konoha."

"Lord Ming is the future of Konoha... I really want to become his subordinate!"

"I want, too."

"Who wouldn't want that?!"

Everyone wants that!!!

Huff... huff... huff!

Because the rescue operation was not in combat mode, the passive ability of the Holy Grail materialized by Akira Hatake could not be triggered. After the rescue operation lasted for nearly 15 minutes, Akira Hatake's chakra was severely depleted.

Moreover, the frequent use of the Flying Thunder God Technique almost caused Akira Hatake, who had an extremely high tolerance for space, to collapse.

He was bent over with his hands on his knees, panting heavily.

"Lord Ming...please have some water and rest. Leave the rest of the mess to us."

At this moment, a Konoha ninja who was left behind mustered up his courage and stepped forward, handing Akira Hatake a water bottle.

Akira Hatake didn't stand on ceremony. He reached out, took the bottle, unscrewed the cap, and took a big gulp.

"Thank you." Akira wiped his mouth. "Judging from your clothes, you must be a Jonin. I'm only a Chunin, so I don't deserve to be called 'sir'."

“Lord Ming, my position is only that of a special Jonin, and the title cannot fully reflect your strength. Your performance today deserves our title.”

"This……"

When Akira Hatake first stopped the Iwagakure Earthquake Core Team and rescued the Konoha villagers, he didn't think so much about it. But when he had some free time, he suddenly realized that this incident had endless benefits for him.

As long as Akira Hatake doesn't commit any major crimes or get deliberately smeared by others, the fact that he saved the lives of everyone in Konoha is enough to make him walk down the street and buy groceries without spending any money!

These are just minor, superficial benefits. The real advantage is the public reputation that you might not care about when you don't need it, but can turn the tide in crucial moments!

Immediately afterwards, as wave after wave of ninjas and villagers came to express their gratitude, Akira Hatake became the center of Konoha Village!

"No, no, no, you don't have to do this..."

"I'm not hungry now. Keep the food for yourselves. There's still a tough rebuilding period ahead..."

"Thank you for the kettle... but I've already drunk from two kettles!"

"Hey lady, don't pull my clothes..."

Akira Hatake was experiencing both pain and pleasure at this moment, enjoying the adoration of thousands of people, but also having to endure various forms of "harassment" time and time again.

Although they were all Konoha ninjas or villagers acting out of good intentions, Akira Hatake, who had never experienced such a scene before, still felt somewhat awkward.

"Everyone, be quiet!"

Akira cleared his throat, thinking he would have to shout several times to quiet the scene, but unexpectedly, a shout that wasn't loud suddenly brought the noisy scene to a standstill.

quiet!

You can hear the needle drop!

The only sounds at the scene were everyone's panting and Akira Hatake scratching his head.

Is this considered a different form of strict enforcement of orders?

But isn't this going a bit too far... Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, who served as Hokage for many years, probably didn't have this level of public prestige.

Moreover, isn't his popularity among the people rising a little too fast?

A series of questions kept assaulting Akira Hatake's mind, and it took him a great deal of effort to shake off the chaotic thoughts in his head.

"As a Konoha ninja, protecting the village and its people is my duty and my mission. I was just doing what I was supposed to do. Please don't get too excited or blindly worship individualism!"

"Also, the current situation is the same as what the Third Hokage said before. We are not out of danger yet, and many of our comrades are still trapped in the rubble."

"Everyone, please take a break. And please, senior ninjas, put in your best effort and organize the able-bodied villagers to join the rescue efforts later!"

"Now, everyone, please return to your seats and sit quietly. Do not make any noise. If you are injured, please step forward as soon as possible and go to Konoha Hospital for treatment."

Akira Hatake waved his arms to maintain order at the scene; it could be said that he had now taken over some of Hiruzen Sarutobi's functions.

Neither the ninjas nor the villagers present felt anything was wrong.

"Yes! Master Ming!!!"

"Yes! Our hero!!!"

"Yes! Our hero, Lord Ming!!!"

The thunderous shouts from all sides startled Akira Hatake; the cult of personality in the Naruto world was truly too crazy and too common...

However, shortly afterward, Akira Hatake's lips curled into a slight smile.

This feeling was really good. He also understood why so many people wanted to be Hokage, and why Hiruzen Sarutobi clung to the position of Hokage and didn't want to step down.

The feeling of power, prestige, being trusted, and being admired is the most potent and addictive poison for men!

For a moment, Akira Hatake wanted to completely immerse himself in it, to unleash the ambition deep within his heart...

Chapter 168: Something Only Someone Suffering from a Ten-Year Cerebral Hemorrhage Could Do. (Bonus Chapter for 400 Monthly Tickets.)

Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was chasing after the Root ninja, suddenly turned around and looked towards Konoha.

The roar of the mountains and the roar of the sea still reached Hiruzen Sarutobi's ears, leaving him with mixed feelings.

First, there were expectations for Konoha's future; second, there was admiration for Akira Hatake; and third, there were concerns about his own political career.

A new generation replaces the old; this is an unchanging truth from ancient times to the present.

Even the strongest lion will grow old one day, but when that day truly arrives, resentment and struggle will naturally unfold.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was in this state at that moment. Once upon a time, he had also received heartfelt praise and cheers from the villagers and ninjas of Konoha.

But now...

With his eyes closed and then open again, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath to calm himself down, and then couldn't help but quicken his pace.

"Hiashi, how far are we from that group of ninjas?"

"500 meters ahead!"

"Alright, everyone, speed things up a bit!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was convinced that the fleeing ninja group ahead belonged to Iwagakure. His face was filled with murderous intent, and he was determined to make them pay the price.

Konoha isn't a place you can come and go as you please!

After chasing for a few more minutes, the fleeing ninja group suddenly stopped. Before Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others could attack, the Root ninjas knelt down on one knee and bowed.

"Lord Hokage!"

"This……"

Not only was Hiruzen Sarutobi stunned, but every single Konoha ninja following him had the same expression on their face.

How could it be a Root ninja?

Why did they run?

"Everyone, get up."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face visibly turned extremely ugly, and the shrewd and calculating man immediately understood the key to the matter.

"Did Danzo send you?"

"Yes."

"Didn't Danzo instruct you on anything else?"

"This...no!" The Root leader gritted his teeth, stuck out his neck, and bit down to kill.

"Hmph, very well!" Hiruzen Sarutobi sneered. "Shimura Danzo really has a clever plan!"

With a sharp flick of his sleeve, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned and left.

And before leaving, he didn't forget to leave a message: "Go back and tell Shimura Danzo that I thank him on behalf of the entire Hidden Leaf Village!"

"Hiashi, let's go!"

Hiashi Hyuga hurriedly followed Hiruzen Sarutobi, but before leaving, just like Hiruzen Sarutobi, he turned back and took one last deep look at the Root ninja who was still kneeling on one knee.

Shaking his head and sighing, Hiashi Hyuga felt uneasy.

At this critical juncture, Shimura Danzo and his Root organization still managed to stab him in the back...

Clearly, Hiashi Hyuga had also figured out the general idea.

If Hiashi Hyuga couldn't see this unspoken understanding, he wouldn't be worthy of being the head of the Hyuga clan.

"Hiashi, what's your take on today's events?"

On the way back to Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly asked a question.

"I think……"

"Think carefully before you answer." Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Hiashi Hyuga a deep look.

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