radicalducati Chapter 242 The Art of Politics, Hiashi and Neji
Chapter 242 The Art of Politics, Hiashi and Neji
"Jiraiya? When did you get back? Why didn't you come to our aid in time, which led to the Third Hokage's death!" Danzo's eyes flashed, and he tapped his cane heavily to change the subject.
Indeed, back then, they stood on Sarutobi's side, using the Second Hokage's dying wish as an excuse to withstand the pressure from various clans and support Sarutobi's ascension to the position of Third Hokage.
However, that was due to special reasons during wartime and a choice made for their own interests!
But now, the dragon slayer has become the dragon himself.
Putting aside Danzo's selfish desire to become Hokage, the fact that Kakashi's rise to power would inevitably divide their power and family interests is something they cannot ignore!
"I was over there when a three-headed serpent appeared in the east of the village, didn't you know? But speaking of which, why didn't Elder Danzo and the two advisors come out to fight earlier? Now that the battle is over, you can't wait to run out! If you were here, this old man wouldn't have..." Jiraiya retorted without any politeness, showing no respect to the three of them.
This is a crucial time for deciding the Fifth Hokage, and for the future of Konoha, he must stand up for Kakashi.
If we let these three old guys run rampant, Konoha might really have no future!
The old man must have been well aware of this, which is why he publicly appointed Kakashi as the Fifth Hokage.
"Hmph, my roots were also resisting the intruders with all their might just now, don't try to confuse the issue! Jiraiya." Danzo snorted coldly, and Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado next to him nodded in agreement, making up an excuse to get away with it.
Jiraiya, Shikaku, and the others exchanged knowing glances, remaining noncommittal.
"Elder Danzo, it seems that your position in Root and your own position have been revoked by the Third Hokage. In other words, you don't seem to have the right to speak on this matter now." Just as everyone was in a brief pause, Kakashi took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Although he has not yet adapted to the change in his identity, and is even more unsure whether he can do a good job as the Fifth Hokage to protect the village.
However, with the dying wishes of the three generations of ancestors and Jiraiya's support, how could he gain the respect of the people if he didn't come forward to express his opinion? And how could he get the Jonin to recognize and support his leadership position?
He had experienced Danzo's treacherous and dark nature firsthand in his youth. At this moment, he couldn't afford to be indecisive or back down; he had to take a firm stance and clearly state his position.
He, Kakashi Hatake, is not the Fifth Hokage who can be easily manipulated...
"Hmph, the Third Hokage changed the order before the Chunin Exams. My position in Root and my duties were not revoked. Both of the Hokage's advisors know this." Danzo glared at Kakashi, his eyes darting around as he stubbornly denied it.
Anyway, with three generations sacrificed and now there's no way to verify it, as long as the two advisors don't contradict us, this is the truth!
If we back down now, not only will our chances of becoming Hokage be nonexistent, but our current power will also vanish...
“That’s right, we know about this.” Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged a glance and nodded in tacit agreement, assuring each other.
"However, Kakashi, we're not actually against you becoming the Fifth Hokage. Although it's an appointment by the Third Hokage, it still needs to go through the normal nomination process. And for this Fifth Hokage candidate, I propose that it be just you and Jiraiya." Before Kakashi could say anything, Koharu Utatane spoke again, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.
The art of politics is compromise.
They can help Danzo maintain control of Root only because they need a force to suppress the Hokage, not because they want to help Danzo become the Hokage!
They knew their old friend's ambitions better than anyone else.
If Danzo were to become the Fifth Hokage, his first target would be those two. Therefore, the best outcome is to maintain the current situation.
The reason he came out with Danzo was actually just to test Kakashi's attitude and, incidentally, to undermine the prestige of this soon-to-be Hokage!
Well, nominating Jiraiya is just a formality; everyone knows that Kakashi will definitely be elected as the Fifth Hokage in the end.
Everyone knew that Jiraiya would definitely abstain.
"Xiaochun, you guys..." Tuan Cang was furious at the two people who stabbed him in the back, but he couldn't express his anger.
Upon hearing the report from Root, he rushed over, intending to suppress Kakashi and become the Fifth Hokage, but now he was caught in a dilemma, looking like a clown.
Without the support of two Hokage advisors, he was not qualified to compete for the Fifth Hokage position.
Moreover, his current real power relies on the two men's deception. If he disagrees with the plan now and they go back on their word, he will truly suffer a complete loss, losing both his wife and his army...
Damnヽ(｀⌒′メ)ノ
"Haha, since the two Hokage advisors are testifying, then Elder Danzo's Root organization will remain as before." Seeing Danzo looking as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly, Jiraiya seized the opportunity to make the final decision.
Although I know there's something wrong here, this isn't the time to worry about that.
Jiraiya nodded to Kakashi, then turned his gaze to Shikaku with a solemn expression. "Shikaku, you now arrange for all the teams to clean up the mess and prepare for the Jonin meeting tonight to elect the Fifth Hokage and report to the Daimyo."
"After the war, the village will still have to face negotiations with Sunagakure and prevent other countries from taking advantage of the situation. We must confirm the Fifth Hokage as soon as possible!"
"Yes, Jiraiya-sama." Shikaku immediately nodded in agreement, then turned and left with Inoichi to gather intelligence, assign tasks, and announce the start of a meeting.
On the other side, in the Hyuga clan's territory.
"Neji, thank you so much this time! If it weren't for you, Hinata might have..." Hiashi looked at his genius nephew's sincere gratitude, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings.
Years ago, Hizashi died in place of his brother to protect him, but today it is Neji who is saving Hinata.
Damn Cloud Village ninjas, my Hyuga clan will never share the same sky with you!
"If there's nothing else, then I'll take my leave, Lord Hiashi," Neji said expressionlessly, though inwardly he felt a pang of regret.
He originally planned to come back and take advantage of the chaos to kill that clan elder, but he didn't expect the Sound Ninja and Sand Village to be so weak, and they were defeated and forced to retreat in such a short time.
They dare to invade Konoha with this? Are you guys kidding me??
"Wait, I have something to give you." Seeing Neji's indifferent expression, Hiashi sighed inwardly, thinking of his younger brother Hizashi, and took out a scroll from his robes.
"What's this?" Neji looked at him curiously, but didn't reach out to take it.
Seeing this, Hiashi hesitated for a moment before finally gritting his teeth and kneeling down, presenting the document with both hands. "These are your father's last words. Whether you believe it or not, I was prepared to die back then! I don't know how to erase the hatred in your heart, but if killing me can make you become the innocent Neji you once were, then take it!!"
"Neji, my life was given to me by your father, Hizashi. I am already very content to have survived for so many years."
"Father." Neji's pupils contracted, and he froze on the spot, his expression uncertain, as he looked at the head of the main family kneeling before him, the branch family's patriarch...