Starting as a working person from Naruto

Chapter 204 The Seal of Reconciliation!

"monkey."

"I've always hated your face."

Shimura Danzo raised his eyes slightly, his sharp gaze like a sword blade, wanting to pierce through the other person: "I am the one who spares no effort to protect the village, while you are the one who always compromises with the enemy country at the expense of the village's interests, yet you still speak such high-sounding words..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't care about Danzo Shimura's slander against him, and coldly retorted, "You've never been willing to do anything to protect the village, but only for your own selfish desires and power, even at the cost of harming your comrades in the village!"

"I did it for Konoha!"

Danzo Shimura snorted angrily and spat out bullet-like wisps of air at Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Wind Release: Vacuum Ball!"

As a longtime friend of Shimura Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew Shimura Danzo inside and out. The moment Shimura Danzo pouted, Hiruzen Sarutobi guessed what technique he was going to use and dodged it in advance!

"Danzo!"

"Ask yourself honestly!"

"Are you really doing this for Konoha?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to completely tear off Danzo Shimura's mask: "All along, you've been secretly accumulating power, using the banner of Konoha to force the various ninja clans to provide you with manpower, yet you've been wantonly assassinating those in the village who have opinions against you..."

"Monkey, what makes you any different!"

Danzo Shimura coldly stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi, bluntly exposing Hiruzen's hypocrisy: "For the sake of so-called peace, you're willing to sacrifice your own village's ninjas, forcing them to commit suicide to beg for peace from enemy countries. What difference is there between us?"

Danzo Shimura looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and sneered, "Back then, everyone knew that Kumogakure was fighting for Konoha's bloodline limit, yet they weakly forced the Hyuga clan leader to commit suicide as the so-called price for peace..."

"That's for the peace of the village!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi wondered if Danzo Shimura had forgotten the situation back then!

At that time, Konoha Village was beset by internal and external troubles. Minato Namikaze had just sacrificed himself, and the Uchiha clan was eyeing them covetously. What else could they do but sacrifice the Hyuga clan?

"It's all for peace again!"

Danzo Shimura spread his palms and coldly cursed, "For the peace you speak of, for the so-called reduction of unnecessary sacrifices you claim, how many people of Konoha have actually sacrificed when we fawned over enemy countries? If it weren't for me, how many more people of Konoha would have sacrificed...?"

Danzo Shimura glared at Hiruzen Sarutobi and hurled insults with great satisfaction: "You clearly want to control the power, yet you stubbornly and hypocritically maintain the facade of the Hokage. Once new power emerges in Konoha, you keep it in your own hands, making them sacrifice themselves for the cowardly peace you speak of..."

"Now you see the price of peace!"

Danzo Shimura pointed at the Kirigakure ninja being taken away outside the Red Sun Formation barrier and said coldly, "Back then, I ordered you to hand over the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, to me so I could completely suppress Kirigakure. But you insisted on negotiating with Kirigakure. Now do you see the price of peace?!"

"This is your collusion with Kirigakure..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi still wanted to shift the blame onto Danzo Shimura.

However, Shimura Danzo refused to take the blame and directly exposed the truth, ignoring Hiruzen Sarutobi's verbal pressure: "Do you think I'm colluding with Kirigakure? Everyone in Kirigakure has long been planning to go to war with Konoha..."

"..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was speechless.

If possible, Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to explain that it was because Akihara Kagura had coerced Kirigakure into capturing the Fourth Mizukage, but this was not the right time.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi understood Danzo Shimura, Danzo Shimura also understood his old friend very well: "Are you trying to say that the crisis of war was brought about by that kid Kagura Akihara capturing the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, and almost breaking through Kirigakure?"

"..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent.

Danzo Shimura shook his head, seemingly somewhat helpless: "You always arrogantly impose your will on them, slowly turning some murderous wolves into a flock of sheep to be slaughtered, and you even think this is the legacy of the First Hokage..."

"Have you forgotten...?"

"Our teacher is the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju!"

Danzo Shimura stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi and coldly reminded him, "Tobirama-sensei would never have considered betraying Konoha's interests to negotiate peace with other ninja villages. You only use the First Hokage's pursuit of peace as a cover for your cowardice..."

Danzo Shimura had long been dissatisfied with Hiruzen Sarutobi's governing policies!

Danzo Shimura has always been a hardline hawk. Whether dealing with foreign or domestic issues, he prefers a hardline approach rather than choosing so-called peace like Hiruzen Sarutobi, which would affect the atmosphere of the entire Hidden Leaf Village.

Under the leadership of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the ninjas of Konoha actually thought that sacrificing the interests of the village, and even sacrificing the ninjas of the village, in exchange for the enemy being willing to negotiate peace was just a matter of course!

The villagers of Konoha actually believe that peace can be achieved through negotiation!

Since ancient times, there has never been any peace that can be achieved through negotiation. Peace can only be achieved through fighting, and peace is won by the bloodshed and sacrifice of Konoha ninja on the front lines!

however…

Many people naively believe that peace can be negotiated, and they don't even consider that peace achieved through humiliation is a disgrace. This is the result of Hiruzen Sarutobi's nearly forty years of rule over Konoha!

Outside the barrier of the Crimson Sun Formation.

Akihara Kagura stood outside, watching the two arguing inside.

"They're arguing really fiercely..."

Standing next to Akihara Kagura, Kakashi Hatake sensed the fighting and arguing between the two old men, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, and subconsciously uttered a comment.

"Let them argue."

Akihara Kagura shook her head, completely unconcerned about the heated argument and fight inside: "Both of them are getting old, how long can they keep arguing?"

"..."

Kakashi Hatake didn't know what to say. He was more curious about another question, and asked with a frown, "Kagura...don't you want to become Hokage?"

Do you think I still have a chance to become Hokage?

A self-deprecating chuckle appeared on Akihara Kagura's lips as she continued, "The Third Hokage told everyone that I wasn't fit to be Hokage..."

To be honest.

Akihara Kagura believed that becoming Hokage would not be very beneficial for her.

What if you become Hokage and not only lose a boss with a fixed position but also other valuable bosses like the First Hokage and the Second Hokage who were brought back from the dead?

"Actually, you are the one who should be the Hokage the most."

Kakashi Hatake gazed at Kagura Akihara. He strongly supported Kagura becoming Hokage because only Kakashi knew that Kagura treated the weak and her own people kindly.

Once Akihara Kagura becomes Hokage, she will definitely protect the villagers who respect and admire the Hokage, even if those villagers only admire the person sitting in the Hokage's position.

"Nobody will approve of me."

Akihara Kagura was well aware of this.

"That's because they don't understand you!"

Kakashi Hatake felt that Kagura Akihara lacked self-awareness.

but…

Kakashi Hatake couldn't say anything more.

If Akihara Kagura cannot become Hokage, then Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, can become Hokage as well. Jiraiya was Akihara Kagura's teacher and must know her well. In the future, he will definitely pass the Hokage position to Akihara Kagura.

"The old folks upstairs are fighting..."

"The little ones are fighting down there..."

Kakashi Hatake glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, who were fiercely battling and shouting at each other on the high platform above, and then at Temari and Shino Aburame, who were fighting like children in the examination hall below: "Today's Chunin Exams are quite lively..."

"..."

Akihara Kagura remained silent.

Because Akihara Kagura knew that today's excitement had only just begun.

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle from the stands. He watched the battle between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura with increasing delight.

It wasn't just him.

The ninjas of Sunagakure were all very happy to see this.

She didn't even care that Temari lost to Shino Aburame.

Temari might have won, as her Wind Release technique is quite effective against Shino Aburame's insects. As long as she is careful, she won't be hurt by Shino Aburame.

however…

Temari seemed a little distracted.

Perhaps drawn in by the battle on the high platform, or perhaps still affected by the fight with Nara Shikamaru, she didn't react in time and revealed an opening when using Wind Release ninjutsu, which was then dealt with by Aburame Shino using insects.

"Shino Aburame."

Genma Shiranui announced Shino Aburame's victory and continued to announce the start of the next exam: "Next match, Naruto Uzumaki versus Karin."

This will be a battle for the Vortex Clan.

Naruto Uzumaki never expected to fight Karin, despite his ambition and belief that he could fight using the Nine-Tails' chakra within him…

but…

Even when Naruto was fighting with all his might, he could only use the chakra of one of his tails, which was still no match for Karin, who was the perfect counter to Jinchuriki.

Moreover…

Naruto Uzumaki didn't have a strong desire to fight Karin.

Naruto Uzumaki resorted to his ultimate technique, summoning hundreds of shadow clones to attack Karin, but Karin easily defeated them.

The battle on the high platform continues.

Danzo Shimura brandished his ninja sword and pressed forward relentlessly!

Hiruzen Sarutobi retreated step by step, instantly forming hand seals and summoning his summoning beast: "Ninja Art: Summoning Technique!"

A powerful ape appeared on the battlefield, looking at its enemies with a moment of disbelief: "Is it Danzo again? You haven't fought in almost forty years, have you? Are you two, almost seventy years old, starting some childish ninja sparring again?"

This is Hiruzen Sarutobi's summon beast, Enma, the king of the monkey clan. It is a powerful ally for Hiruzen Sarutobi in battle and also a good friend of his!

"Ape Demon!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand and said in a deep voice, "Danzo is a rogue ninja from the village. I need you to kill him for me!"

"Is that so..."

The ape demon seemed to realize something.

However, Enma reacted quickly, leaping into Hiruzen Sarutobi's palm and transforming into a golden cudgel, blocking Danzo Shimura's ninja sword and even shattering the sharp blade!

"Wind Release: Vacuum Blade!"

Danzo Shimura opened his mouth and unleashed a Wind Release ninjutsu, adding another layer of Wind Release blades to the broken ninja sword, and charged towards Hiruzen Sarutobi once again!

But this time…

Danzo Shimura could no longer gain the advantage of the ninja sword!

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his golden cudgel and sent Danzo Shimura flying. He then leaped high into the air and swung the cudgel down on Danzo's head!

"Wind Release: Vacuum Wave!"

Shimura Danzo unleashed a wind release technique as sharp as a blade, forcing back Hiruzen Sarutobi high in the sky. He then casually clasped his hands together again to summon his own summoning technique!

"Ninja Art: Summoning Technique!"

He summoned a gigantic dream beast, and the moment it appeared, it immediately used Wind Release to try to devour Hiruzen Sarutobi's body!

Hiruzen Sarutobi forcefully slammed his golden cudgel straight into the ground, his arms tightly gripping the cudgel to support his body and prevent him from being swallowed by the Baku's wind release!

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately clasped his hands together in a hand seal and opened his mouth to spew out a continuous stream of flames!

No one in the world is better at dealing with Shimura Danzo than Hiruzen Sarutobi. They played together almost before they even entered school, grew up together, and grew old together. The number of times the two of them have fought is countless.

however…

Danzo Shimura was always the loser.

In order to win the battle against Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura would use almost every trump card he obtained, except for powers that were not convenient to reveal, in his battle against Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the summoning beast Baku was no exception.

This time…

Hiruzen Sarutobi won again.

The flames burned along the direction the Dream Eater was absorbing and devouring, and the fire even used the wind to set the Dream Eater's body ablaze. The severely injured summoned beast instantly turned into smoke and dissipated!

Hiruzen Sarutobi, panting heavily, pulled out the golden cudgel that was the incarnation of the Monkey King.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was already quite old, and although he knew he would definitely win the battle against Danzo Shimura, he still found the fight somewhat strenuous.

"Danzo, you've lost..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, wielding his golden cudgel, approached Danzo Shimura.

"..."

Danzo Shimura, panting heavily, looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi. The battle had taken a heavy toll on him, and his body was already quite old. In addition, without the transplant of Hashirama's cells, it was truly remarkable that he was able to endure a battle.

but…

Danzo Shimura had one more trump card up his sleeve.

As Shimura Danzo watched Sarutobi Hiruzen approach, he was unsure whether he should use his killing move. At that moment, he even had an impulse to perish together with Sarutobi Hiruzen!

Shimura Danzo, however, remembered their plan and looked at Akihara Kagura through the Red Sun Formation barrier, hoping that Akihara Kagura would quickly think of a way to save him!

"..."

Akihara Kagura quietly made a hand gesture.

"..."

Danzo Shimura's eyes narrowed slightly.

That bastard!

They actually made him save himself!

However, Danzo Shimura knew that this gesture could indeed save him!

"For the sake of Konoha, I must kill you!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his golden cudgel, ready to smash it down and kill his friend of nearly seventy years, Danzo Shimura, on the spot!

"monkey!"

Shimura Danzo clasped his hands together and quickly formed a hand seal, which was the reconciliation seal that Konoha ninjas would use when they finished sparring with each other!

All Konoha ninjas learn this hand seal when they enter the Ninja Academy. After a sparring match, they form a reconciliation seal to signify that the hatred they felt during the battle will be forgotten.

"..."

As Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the incredibly familiar Seal of Reconciliation, memories of his life growing up alongside Danzo Shimura flooded his mind, and his hands slowly came to a stop.

Third update!

First wave over!

The second wave begins tomorrow, featuring the appearance of Lord Orochimaru and the return of Lord Danzo!

(End of this chapter)