The Uchiha Clan's Sun

"We have no choice but to retreat?" Minato Namikaze frowned, asking in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Uchiha Jin explained, "A snake leaves a trace. Even if the rumors about Hiruzen Sarutobi were eventually suppressed, they wouldn't completely disappear. They would just be buried in the soil, waiting for the day they would sprout again!"

"The situation in the village is turbulent right now, and too many people want to target him! If he continues to sit in that position, these rumors might be reignited at any time, completely ruining his reputation!"

"So if he wants to land safely, the only way is to step back at this moment, protect himself, and avoid the eye of the storm!"

"But before the Fourth Hokage officially took office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still the top leader of the village!"

"I have to say, Hiruzen Sarutobi's move was very clever; he avoided a lot of risks by using the title of Hokage!"

Upon hearing this, Minato Namikaze suddenly realized, and then smiled wryly, "It seems that my thinking has not been fully adjusted yet, and I am still a bit slow on these matters."

Since he gradually began to understand those political tactics, Minato Namikaze felt that his brain was not working properly, and he even began to doubt whether he was suitable to be a qualified Hokage.

In other aspects, Minato Namikaze was indeed a genius among geniuses, but in these areas, he was somewhat naive, like the First Hokage.

Seeing this, Uchiha Jin said, "Minato, you don't need to belittle yourself! The reason why Hiruzen Sarutobi uses these methods only shows that his strength is not strong enough and his prestige is not high enough. He can only use these methods to maintain his rule."

"But you're different. You have talent on par with the First Generation. As long as your strength increases, you have nothing to fear!"

"In the face of absolute power, all schemes and tricks are just paper tigers!"

This world is, after all, a world of high martial arts, and it is different from ordinary worlds.

In the ordinary world, individual strength is secondary; mentality and methods are primary. However, in the world of high-level martial arts, as long as an individual's strength reaches a certain level, they can turn the tables and dominate the game!

Just like Orochimaru in Otogakure and Pain in Amegakure in the story, because their power surpassed the boundaries of Otogakure and Amegakure, they were like gods to those villages, able to decide everything with a single word!

The same applies to Konoha Village. As long as Minato Namikaze or King Uchiha's strength exceeds Konoha's limits, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others are nothing more than clowns!

Minato Namikaze nodded and said, "Don't worry, I won't slack off in my training!"

"It's good that you understand!" Uchiha Jin smiled, then added, "However, the fact that Hiruzen Sarutobi is confirmed to step down is good news. I've prepared a surprise for you, and I'm just waiting for the day you become the Fourth Hokage!"

"surprise?"

Namikaze Minato was a little confused.

Uchiha Jin smiled meaningfully and said, "I guarantee this surprise will absolutely delight you!"

Chapter 116 The Third Generation Steps Down!

Around 2 PM, inside the Hokage Building's main conference room.

All the ninjas from Konoha Village came here to attend the Jonin Conference in accordance with the Hokage's decree.

Before long, more than a hundred people were scattered around the large conference room, which could accommodate three hundred people.

The so-called Jonin Conference does not mean that all Jonin in Konoha Village will be gathered together. Instead, it means that the Jonin, Special Jonin and clan leaders with real power in various departments of Konoha Village will be gathered together.

These are the core decision-makers of Konoha!

As for the unemployed Jonin without specific positions, the Jonin squad leader would select a few of the strongest among them to participate in the meeting.

However, because the war had just ended and a large number of ninjas were still on the front lines and had not yet returned, the meeting room was not full.

As it approached three o'clock, Uchiha Jin followed Uchiha Fugaku into the conference room. The once bustling conference room fell silent, and all the ninjas in the conference room cast strange glances at the two of them.

The Uchiha incident has been making headlines in the village recently. Most of the villagers know a little about the inside story, so they look at the Uchiha with a strange emotion in their eyes.

There was dissatisfaction, indifference, regret, sympathy, and curiosity...

Most of the curiosity was directed at Uchiha Jin, who was following behind Uchiha Fugaku.

As the head of the Uchiha clan and the head of the Konoha Police Department, Fugaku Uchiha was naturally qualified to attend this Jonin meeting.

Previously, Fugaku Uchiha had always attended the meetings as the head of the Konoha Police Department, while the second elder, Ya Uchiha, accompanied Fugaku to represent the Uchiha clan.

This time, however, Uchiha Jin replaced Uchiha Ya at the meeting.

This marked the first time that Uchiha Jin, who had earned a formidable reputation on the battlefield, officially appeared in the sight of various powerful figures in Konoha.

Uchiha Jin and Uchiha Fugaku ignored the strange looks from the others and walked to the first two seats on the right side of the conference room and sat down.

In the center of the conference room were four seats, which were for the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and three Konoha elders and Hokage advisors.

On either side of the main conference room, the left side is where the powerful ninjas from various departments within Konoha Village are located, while the right side is where the various clans within Konoha Village are located.

Although the Uchiha clan is not popular in Konoha, their status as the most prestigious clan in Konoha is unquestionable, and they should naturally sit in the first seat on the right.

"It's been a long time since I've seen Chief Hiashi. Has Hizashi not returned yet?"

After Uchiha Jin sat down, he smiled and greeted Hyuga Hiashi, who was sitting alone next to him.

Logically speaking, Hyuga Hiashi's younger brother, Hyuga Hizashi, as the head of the Hyuga branch family and the leader of the Konoha reconnaissance team, should also be qualified to participate in the Jonin meeting.

The fact that Hyuga Hiashi came to the meeting alone this time was obviously because Hyuga Hizashi was still on the front lines and had not returned to the village.

As comrades-in-arms on the battlefield of Kirigakure, Uchiha Jin, Hyuga Hizashi, and even Hyuga Hiashi had a very good relationship.

"According to the evacuation batches, Richa and the others should not be able to return to the village until the day after tomorrow."

Hiashi Hyuga was sparing with his words and showed no intention of having a deep conversation with King Uchiha.

Uchiha Jin could understand Hyuga Hiashi's actions, smiled, and said nothing more.

Although the two have a good relationship in private, at this moment, Hiashi Hyuga represents the entire Hyuga clan. If he gets too close to the Uchiha in this situation, it could easily be misinterpreted as them sending a signal.

Hiashi Hyuga, with his rigid personality, would never do something so easily misunderstood.

Before long, around three o'clock, almost everyone who was supposed to be there in Konoha Village had arrived. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, appeared at the meeting room door with three Hokage advisors and Minato Namikaze, along with three others.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other members of the Konoha F4 took their seats in the main positions, while Minato Namikaze, at Hiruzen Sarutobi's suggestion, sat in the first seat on the left.

Many people in the conference room looked surprised upon seeing this.

This spot was originally supposed to be where Nara Shikaku, the Jonin team leader, was!

Although Nara Shikaku is still commanding the overall situation on the battlefield in the Land of Rain, Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision to make Namikaze Minato sit in this position is undoubtedly sending a signal to everyone!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept across the faces of all the ninjas in the meeting room, lingering for a moment on Uchiha Jin, a look of surprise on his face.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say much, but looked at the second empty seat on the left and frowned, "Where's Orochimaru? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, the head of the Anbu (Anbu unit) sitting third from the left, immediately stood up, bowed respectfully, and said, "Lord Hokage, Lord Orochimaru says he is unwell and will not be attending this meeting!"

"Feeling unwell? Humph!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face turned ashen, and he let out a soft snort.

Orochimaru's excuse is far too clumsy!

However, since Orochimaru was his disciple after all, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say much and planned to settle accounts with Orochimaru later.

"Alright, everyone's almost here, let's begin the meeting!" Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, composed himself, and looked at the crowd below, saying, "I've invited everyone here today mainly to announce something."

Upon hearing this, all the ninjas in the conference room held their breath and stared intently at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Although everyone had heard some rumors before the meeting, nothing was set in stone until they heard Hiruzen Sarutobi announce the result with their own ears!

Hiruzen Sarutobi was feeling quite conflicted at that moment. Although he had already made up his mind, he couldn't help but feel a little emotional as the time came.

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and said in a deep voice, "A few years ago, we signed a ceasefire agreement with Sunagakure. A dozen days ago, we signed a ceasefire agreement with Kumogakure. Yesterday, we also signed a ceasefire agreement with Iwagakure!"

"Although Kirigakure has been implementing a policy of isolationism in recent years and has no intention of negotiating with us, they have been frightened by our defeat and have completely withdrawn from the Land of Fire."

"So, at this point, this war can be said to have come to an end!"

After a pause, a hint of dejection flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, and his tone was somewhat forlorn as he said, "And since I took office, I have been in the position of Hokage for nearly twenty years."

"From my youthful vigor to my current old age, I have devoted most of my life to the village."

"But human strength has its limits. In recent years, I have often felt powerless in handling government affairs, and as a result, I have made many wrong decisions."

"Therefore, now that the situation has been settled, I hereby announce that I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, will resign from the position of Hokage effective immediately!"

Chapter 117 I chose Danzo, and he said he would lead us to the moon!

With a 'whoosh,' as Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, the ninjas in the meeting room immediately erupted into a commotion.

"Third Hokage, you flatter me. You are still young!"

"Yes, yes, if it weren't for the Third Hokage's wisdom and prowess, Konoha wouldn't have developed to where it is today."

"The appearance of the Third Hokage is truly a great blessing for Konoha!"

......

The ninjas in the conference room all spoke up, praising Hiruzen Sarutobi's achievements and offering words of comfort.

But if you listen carefully, you'll find that although everyone is trying to comfort them, not many people are saying anything to persuade them to stay. In fact, many people have started calling him the Third Hokage instead of the Hokage he used to call him!

Even though Shimura Danzo, who was standing next to Sarutobi Hiruzen, had a taut face, he couldn't suppress the involuntary upward curve of his lips.

Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed inwardly and raised his hand, saying, "Alright, quiet!"

Upon hearing this, the ninjas in the conference room gradually quieted down and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice, "This matter is decided. I will go to the Daimyo's residence in three days to submit my resignation."

"At the same time, a country cannot be without a leader for a day. Before the Fourth Hokage is chosen, I will temporarily assume the authority of Hokage and take charge of the overall situation in the village!"

The expressions of the people in the conference room varied upon hearing this. Some remained calm, believing it was only natural, while others seemed thoughtful, as if they had realized something.

Just then, Uchiha Jin coughed and said, "Third Hokage, when will the selection of the Fourth Hokage begin, and what will the procedures be?"

Upon hearing this, the entire conference room fell silent, and a look of surprise appeared on Uchiha Jin's face.

That kid's really brave! To ask such a question at a time like this, no wonder he's an Uchiha!

A glint flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes as he looked at Uchiha Jin and said, "You're Uchiha Jin, right? You seem rather impatient. What, you want to come out and choose too?"

Uchiha Jin smiled and said, "No, with the three elders and seniors here, the position of Hokage is not my turn. I have that much self-awareness."

"I'm just curious about the process of electing the Hokage, and I want to cast my vote to share in the good fortune."

“Oh,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said noncommittally, then asked, “So, who do you want to vote for?”

“We don’t have a specific target yet,” Uchiha Jin shook his head and said seriously, “but I heard that Elder Shimura once said that he would lead Konoha to the moon, so if Elder Shimura were to run for election, I would definitely vote for him!”

Hiruzen Sarutobi and everyone in the conference room were taken aback by what he said, and looked at Danzo Shimura with some surprise.

Shimura Danzo himself was taken aback. Had he said that?

However, everyone immediately shook their heads in secret.

It's well-known that Danzo Shimura and the Uchiha clan were at odds. Uchiha Jin was clearly joking about Danzo Shimura, so this shouldn't be taken seriously!

However, it must be said that Uchiha Jin was truly brave to retaliate so openly in this situation. He truly lived up to his Uchiha reputation!

Shimura Danzo glared at Uchiha Jin and angrily demanded, "What do you think you're doing, you brat?"

Uchiha Jin said aggrievedly, "I really just wanted to vote for Elder Shimura, I didn't mean anything by it. If Elder Shimura doesn't want to be Hokage, then just pretend I didn't say anything, there's no need to look at me like that."

"you......"

Danzo Shimura was furious upon hearing this, but he had no words to express his anger.

Does he want to be Hokage? Of course he does, he's practically going crazy with desire for it! But he can't say it out loud!

How many of the ninjas present didn't know what Shimura Dan was like?

If he were to directly state that he wants to become Hokage, these people would probably oppose him simultaneously and crush his hopes!

But if he says he doesn't want to... what if he actually becomes Hokage in the future? Wouldn't that be going back on his word?

What will the villagers think of him then?

Danzo Shimura was immediately caught in a dilemma!

"Ahem," just then, Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed twice to help Danzo Shimura out of the predicament, saying, "Alright, the Hokage election is not a trivial matter. We should wait until most of the village's ninjas are present before we can discuss it."

"In about ten days, the ninjas on the front lines will be able to return to their villages. Then we can discuss the specifics of electing the Fourth Hokage!"

"At the same time, everyone can go back and think about whether there are any suitable candidates in mind. We will select a few candidates first, and then all the Jonin will vote to elect them."

The ninjas in the meeting room all nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

As Hiruzen Sarutobi said, the election of Hokage should indeed wait until most of the village's ninjas have returned. Otherwise, a hastily chosen candidate would likely be difficult to convince the villagers.

“Let’s leave this matter at that for now,” Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then continued, “Next, we’ll discuss the compensation for the ninjas who died in this war, the subsidies for those who were wounded, and the reward system for ninjas who made contributions on each battlefield.”

Upon hearing this, everyone in the meeting room paused slightly and all looked at Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Jin, who were sitting on the right.