Start with a Zanpakuto and build the strongest Mist Village

Danzo's face flushed red and then paled, before he finally managed to suppress his anger and growled, "Hiruzen, are you really going to surrender?! You should know that if we surrender, not only will everything we said before happen, but you yourself will probably also..."

surrender……

Since the founding of the village by the First Hokage, Konoha has always been the most powerful and prosperous ninja village in the entire ninja world.

Other ninja villages coveted Konoha's prosperity and constantly launched wars against it, but they never gained any advantage from Konoha. The First Shinobi World War, the Second Shinobi World War...

Now, once the decision to surrender is made, the Third Hokage will become the first Hokage to surrender since the founding of Konoha. Regardless of the premise, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, will be completely nailed to the pillar of shame!

"I know, but we have no choice."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. He understood Danzo's meaning, of course, but what could he do?

The pressure at the front lines is increasing, and the daimyo is putting even more pressure on him, with the money and supplies they are providing constantly decreasing!

If this war cannot be ended soon, and the Daimyo gets really desperate and stops providing money and food, Konoha's meager resources will be insufficient to even afford food, let alone fight a war!

Also, be careful of Minazuki Yoru, that elusive humanoid natural disaster...

The pressure on him was too great, so great that his body, past its prime and gradually decaying with age, could no longer bear it.

The Third Hokage's gaze fell upon the window, where the rising sun shone on the three stone statues of the Hokage.

He could become the worst Hokage, be criticized by countless people, or even be nailed to the pillar of shame.

However, he could not allow Konoha to be destroyed in his hands!

"Go, Minato, Shisui, I'll have to trouble you with this mission."

"We must resolve the issue of Kirigakure as soon as possible so that we can focus all our attention on Iwagakure."

"in addition……"

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag on his pipe, exhaling thick smoke that obscured his face: "Since Kirigakure has already chosen Mizuki Yoru... then Konoha should also put the Fourth Hokage on the agenda."

"Wha, what?!"

Danzo Shimura was shocked again. He had thought that Hiruzen Sarutobi's repeated attacks, even taking away his command of Root, were for his own centralization of power. Now it seemed that his old friend was being attacked one after another and was preparing to quit!

This is not possible!

Based on his misjudgment of Mizuki Yoru's combat strength on the battlefield of Kirigakure, which led to heavy losses for Konoha, the Fourth Hokage could not have been involved.

He might not even be allowed to offer a suggestion, let alone make any plans or arrangements for the future.

Therefore, the Fourth Hokage and the like can only come out after this war ends and after the aftermath of this war has subsided. It is absolutely not possible now!

Without the slightest hesitation, Danzo spoke coldly: "Hiruzen, don't joke around. You should know very well what time this is. The war isn't even over yet, and you're already changing generals. What are you going to do about the morale of the troops on the front lines!"

"Besides, how old are you?"

Danzo spoke frankly: "It is true that the position should be passed down, but it doesn't mean that just because other ninja villages pass it down, we have to follow suit."

"That Onoki guy is a whole generation older than us, and he's still in power. What's your rush? You're only in your forties, you're in your prime, the golden age for a ninja!"

"Yes, Third Hokage, Danzo is right."

Uchiha Shisui quickly added, "You are still young and in your prime; you are perfectly capable of continuing to lead Konoha!"

Because of the Mangekyou Sharingan and Wood Release, the Konoha leadership is currently extremely sensitive about the Uchiha clan.

If, at this moment, the Third Hokage makes the decision to replace the Hokage, causing those in the clan who have coveted the Hokage position for decades to jump out like madmen, thus triggering the sensitive lines of the Konoha leadership...

Shisui didn't even dare to think about it anymore!

No, the Fourth Hokage absolutely cannot appear at this stage. We must delay, we absolutely must delay!

The two men's repeated refusals caused a slight change in Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression. He took a puff of his pipe and finally shook his head: "Forget it, let's deal with everything after we've dealt with the current situation. The most urgent thing is to settle things with Kirigakure first."

"Yes, Third Generation-sama!"

Minato Namikaze and Shisui exchanged a glance before quickly leaving the Hokage's office.

Danzo looked at the Third Hokage and breathed a sigh of relief.

In any case, as long as it can be dragged out, it will be in his favor.

"Hiruzen, you're under too much pressure," Danzo said in a low voice. "Relax, don't think too much, everything will be alright. For Konoha and for you."

After saying that, Danzo, leaning on his cane, left the Hokage's office.

After Danzo left, Hiruzen Sarutobi also turned his gaze away from the Hokage Rock.

The rising sun shone through the window, gently illuminating his face.

Suddenly, he sighed.

“Minazuki Yoru… If Sumomo were still here, things probably wouldn’t have turned out this way…”

He was certainly aware of Danzo and Shisui's thoughts, but he really couldn't hold on any longer.

Shinnosuke's death in battle, the successive deaths of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio of the Hokage lineage, the huge losses on the Kirigakure battlefield, the fierce battle on the Iwagakure battlefield, and the Damocles' sword hanging over Minazuki Yoru's head...

It wasn't that he wanted to give up his rights, but all of this was simply too much for him to handle.

He needs a fourth generation to help him share the burden.

Danzo?

Although he was trustworthy, in his eyes, the dark corners were where this old partner's territory was, and he was not suited to be a towering tree in the sunlight.

Take the wind, the flame, and the early spring?

Loyalty is plentiful, but ability is lacking.

Tsunade?

He was an excellent candidate in terms of background, ability, and combat strength, but he has now left Konoha due to hemophobia.

As for Jiraiya...

Thinking of his disciple who most resembled him, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply.

Jiraiya was undoubtedly a choice no less than Tsunade, it's just a pity...

"Is Orochimaru all that's left?"

Orochimaru is indeed a very suitable choice. He has the strength, skill, and personal charisma to his fullest. Moreover, he has been the one who has been holding the line in the battlefield of Iwagakure. His achievements and reputation in the village are also quite good.

only……

Orochimaru and Danzo are getting a little too close.

During this time, as he separated the root from Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi discovered many things he had never discovered before.

He was completely unaware of the progress of human research, especially research on Wood Release, and he even discovered a successful research subject!

Most importantly, Orochimaru's presence was evident in all of these studies, yet his teacher was completely unaware of it.

This gap may not matter at times, but at times like now, it will be magnified infinitely!

"Besides them, who else..."

Suddenly, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up, and a perfect candidate immediately came to mind!

A top genius of Konoha with high awareness, strong potential, and young age, a rising star!

Most importantly, that kid was someone who had inherited his will... no, the will of fire, and he respected and trusted him enough.

In this way, even if he gives up his position, everything will still be under his control!

"Namikaze Minato..."

"You won't let me down, will you..."

……

Before Minato Namikaze could deliver Hiruzen Sarutobi's decision to surrender and negotiate to Kirigakure, a prominent figure had already heard the commotion and rushed to Kirigakure.

Almost the day after the Third Mizukage delivered all the information, including the changes that had occurred in Kirigakure, his resignation, and Mizuki Yoru's petition to become the Fourth Mizukage, to the Daimyo of the Land of Water, the ruler of the country rushed to Kirigakure without stopping.

Unfortunately, the system of mutual governance and cooperation between daimyo and shamans is different from that of other countries.

The Blood Mist policy and the unique geographical environment have made the Land of Water and the Hidden Mist more closely intertwined than imagined. More than 30% of the Land of Water's national economy comes from the employment of Hidden Mist ninjas!

“I know you are shocked, but everything is as I have reported.”

The Third Mizukage recounted the background and consequences of Kirigakure's history, without shirking any responsibility.

Amidst the incredulous gaze of the Daimyo of the Land of Water, the Third Mizukage let out a soft sigh: "As a sinner of Kirigakure, I am no longer qualified to continue serving as the 'Kage,' and besides, Yoru's strength has completely surpassed mine. Therefore, I hope you can complete the certification of Yoru as the Fourth Mizukage."

"It's such an unacceptable fact. If you hadn't told me yourself, I would have thought this was a play, or even a comedy..."

Controlling an entire village for decades—could there be anything more outrageous in the world?!

"I've seen Ye's strength in the battle reports. I'm very pleased that the Land of Water has such an outstanding genius... However, his age is a concern... Of course, I'm not saying that it's bad to have a younger leader manage Kirigakure, but you all know the current situation in Kirigakure. Young people are hot-tempered, and if they act impulsively..."

The already dilapidated Mist Shadow, having shed the blood mist that had shrouded it, will inevitably need a long period of stable development.

At this point, it would be quite good to let the repentant third generation continue to rule. But if we let Ye, this little brat who is only fourteen years old, take over... everyone would have some reservations.

"I understand what you mean."

The Third Mizukage glanced at Yoru beside him: "But Yoru's wisdom and strategic vision are absolutely among the best I've ever met. Besides, even if he did something impulsive... I think, with Yoru's current strength, he has the resources and confidence to do so."

"You may not know this, but decades ago, when I accompanied the First Lord to the Land of Iron for that conference, the person I saw... was someone who single-handedly quelled everything, and now, I feel that same feeling again in Yoru!"

"In that case, there's nothing more to say."

Da Ming nodded, having said all he could, he had no further reservations.

"Prepare for the succession ceremony of the Fourth Hokage, everyone!"

Chapter 92 The Hidden Mist Village Population Revitalization Plan: A Preliminary Attempt at a Soul Experiment

With the daimyo's approval, Yoru's ascension to the Fourth Mizukage was practically a done deal. Ministers from the Land of Water began spreading the name of the Fourth Mizukage and started selecting an auspicious day to prepare for Yoru's succession celebration.

Of course, these things had nothing to do with Ye; he had more important things to do now.

For example, rebuilding Kirigakure, formulating new policies, planning various aspects of the village, understanding the secrets of the past Mizukage, and Kirigakure's various top-secret policies and plans, etc...

This is undoubtedly a massive undertaking, something that Ye needs to do and execute step by step.

"This contains our Hidden Mist Village's rare collection of books, forbidden techniques, insights into forbidden techniques, and so on, as well as the top-secret plans and strategies of the Mizukage throughout history, some secrets of the various ninja clans, and intelligence and spies from the outside world..."

The Third Mizukage led Yoru to the secret information database located in the basement of the Mizukage Building, picked up a scroll and said, "Of course, calling it top secret is a bit of a joke. After all, even I was controlled, and everything in here has probably already been read by others."

"However, it is still very helpful for you to understand and control the overall situation of Mist Village."

"Indeed, history serves as a mirror to understand the rise and fall of dynasties, and these things are a treasure trove for me."

"Water Body Technique!"

Night nodded, formed hand seals, summoned several water clones, and began to look through the scrolls.

Seeing Yoru's impolite manner, the Third Mizukage smiled and shook his head: "Using water clones to remember things is good, but absorbing too much information at once can put too much pressure on your mind... Never mind, with your strength, what I'm saying seems meaningless."

"There are still some human experiments and bloodline research in the village. You already knew about these things when you were working in the Dark Division. The specific information is all there, but you need to use a more advanced hand seal technique to view it."

"Okay, no problem."

The water clones diligently began studying in the secret information database, while the Third Mizukage led Yoru away to other places: "...To be honest, I'm very curious, Yoru, what will be your first step?"

"To announce the emergence of a new Kirigakure to the ninja world? Or to seek greater gains on the still chaotic and unresolved battlefield?"

"neither."

Ye shook his head: "Seeking profits is something I'll definitely do, but for the development of the village, there's only one thing I need to do next, and that's... increase the population!"

"I don't care what methods I use, nor do I care about the feelings, loves, and hates of the men and women in the village. As long as I can increase the population to the maximum extent, that's what I'm going to do!"

"Population..."

The Third Mizukage murmured, a look of shame and self-reproach appearing in his eyes; it was clearly his responsibility.

“I recently checked the actual number of registered ninjas still alive in our Hidden Mist Village, including those at the upper, middle, and lower ranks. There are only a little over five hundred ninjas left in the entire village. And among these five hundred ninjas, they are mostly combat ninjas. As for intelligence ninjas, strategist ninjas, and medical ninjas, they are extremely rare, you can count them on one hand!”

"Moreover, not only are the number of ninjas pitifully small, but even the number of civilians living in the village is now only a little over ten thousand... To be honest, this is terrifying. Not to mention the small ninja villages in the ninja world, even a moderately prosperous town probably has more than that number!"

The night tells a heartbreaking story, data that would make the Third Mizukage feel utterly ashamed.

"Population is the foundation of all future development. If we want to develop, we must increase our population. Only when we have enough people can we talk about anything else!"

"Has the village... really fallen into such a state of decay?"

The Third Mizukage murmured, bowing deeply to Yoru: "I'm sorry, Fourth Hokage, for causing you so much trouble!"