radicalducati Chapter 212 Hiruzen Sarutobi has no chance of winning.
Chapter 212 Hiruzen Sarutobi has no chance of winning.
Chapter 212 Hiruzen Sarutobi has no chance of winning.
Just as Jiraiya was drowning his sorrows in alcohol, speechless and at a loss with the two Toad Masters, Fukasaku and Shima, *thud*.
A soft thud was heard as the object landed.
A small, bright green messenger clam nimbly leaped into the slightly noisy tavern from who-knows-where. Ignoring the diners around it, it used its hind legs to propel itself, and with a light leap, landed precisely on Jiraiya's table covered with bottles of liquor.
"Croak! Croak croak!"
It croaked a series of rapid croaks at the immortals Fukasaku and Shima.
Jiraiya immediately noticed that a hint of undisguised surprise flashed across the wrinkled, old faces of Fukasaku and Shima.
After the little toad finished conveying its message and jumped away again, disappearing into the shadows, the expressions on the two immortals' faces became even more complicated.
This made Jiraiya's drowsy mind clear up considerably.
He exhaled a breath of stale air reeking of alcohol, and couldn't help but lean closer, lowering his voice urgently to ask, "Has any new information come from Mount Myōboku? Could it be new instructions from the Great Toad Sage?"
Fukasaku coughed lightly, as if gathering his thoughts, then nodded: "Yes, it's a messenger sent by the master."
Jiraiya's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked, "What order did the Great Toad Sage give? Is it—is it a new arrangement regarding the Child of Prophecy?"
"This—" A hint of hesitation appeared on Fukasaku's face, as if he didn't know how to start.
The sage Shima sighed, his expression complex, and took over the conversation. His voice was much lower than usual: "The Lord has ordered us to suspend all contact with the Child of Prophecy for the foreseeable future."
"Furthermore, try to avoid direct conflict with Uchiha Ikezumi and Sage."
Jiraiya was stunned for a moment, somewhat taken aback: "This...this is all the Great Toad Sage's instructions?"
"That's not all."
Shima the Sage shook his head and continued, "The Lord also sent a messenger to tell us the reason for his decision. He said he wanted to wait and see what kind of changes 'Absolute Justice' would bring to the ninja world."
Jiraiya completely hated it.
The hermit, Fukasaku, explained, "This is most likely a strategic compromise made by the Grand Master after he personally negotiated with the hermit. The Grand Master probably doesn't want to have a direct conflict with Shikkotsu Forest, which is also one of the three great holy lands, at this critical juncture. That would not benefit either side and would only make Mount Myōboku an enemy for no reason, and a very powerful one at that."
It sighed and continued, "But the Lord didn't explicitly tell us that if 'Absolute Justice' ultimately brings positive changes to the ninja world, then what should our next step be?"
Upon hearing this, Shima shook his head resolutely and said, "How can 'justice' maintained through extreme killing possibly bring about genuine positive change to the ninja world? I think it will only lead to countless more killings, plunging the ninja world into endless infighting and constantly depleting its own resources!"
"Even we have to admit that the evil lurking in the ninja world can never be eradicated! As long as the dark side of human nature, such as greed, selfishness, and desire, will continue to breed new villains."
"I simply cannot imagine how many people would need to be killed to 'wipe out' all the villains? By then, how many people would be left alive in the ninja world?"
"Even if Uchiha Ikezumi truly has the ability to kill all existing villains and forcibly curb all evil, is this kind of order maintained through terror and violence really the kind of change people want?"
"That's true," Fukasaku nodded in agreement, giving an example: "Take Konoha Village for instance. Uchiha Izumi has probably dealt with over a thousand people in the village, both openly and secretly, right?"
"And this is far from eradicating Konoha's 'sins'—if we were to eradicate the sins of the entire ninja world, what a terrifying number that would be! That wouldn't be a change; that would be a massacre!"
Jiraiya hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but interject in defense, "Ikezumi—he wouldn't be that extreme, would he? From what I've observed, he doesn't seem to directly kill for minor offenses."
"Just like the Hyuga main family members, they were only imprisoned in Konoha Prison. This shows that his 'absolute justice' is still aimed at those who commit heinous crimes, and these people are probably still a minority in proportion."
Master Shima frowned, looked at Jiraiya earnestly, and said, "Little Jiraiya, you're being too naive. People with extreme personalities often go further and further down that path; they won't stay the same."
"Are you really able to guarantee that Uchiha Ikezumi will maintain this so-called 'restraint' and not carry his extremism to the extreme?"
Jiraiya was speechless for a moment. His understanding of Uchiha Ikezumi was indeed not in-depth, and was mostly based on observation and rumors.
Human hearts are fickle, especially those with great power and extreme beliefs. Who can truly guarantee where they will go in the future?
He fell silent.
"But," Jiraiya said after a few seconds, raising his head with a hint of helplessness, "the Great Toad Sage has also ordered us to temporarily cease all contact with the Child of Prophecy. Under these circumstances, it seems there's nothing we can do?"
Fukasaku Sennin: "...——"
Shima Sennin: "
"..."
This time, it was their turn to be speechless.
No matter how much they disagree with "absolute justice" or how worried they are about future risks, they cannot disobey the supreme decision made by the Great Toad Immortal.
"etc!"
Suddenly, Jiraiya slammed his hand on the table and stood up like a spring.
This sudden movement made the wine bottles on the table rattle, and it also startled the two immortals, Fukasaku and Shima.
Jiraiya's face lit up with a look of sudden, excited enlightenment: "I've suddenly thought of a perfect solution! It won't disobey the Great Toad Sage's orders, it won't anger Tsunade, and it won't directly provoke Uchiha Ikezumi!"
Shima and Fukasaku were both taken aback, and asked in unison, "What method?"
Jiraiya's eyes gleamed as he said, enunciating each word clearly, "Ninja Academy!"
Meanwhile, in the streets and alleys of Konoha Village, the villagers were all talking about a major event that would take place in a few days, concerning the future of the village—the election of the Fifth Hokage!
There are two candidates: one is Tsunade, one of the legendary "Legendary Sannin of Konoha", and the other is the current Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the "Hero of Konoha".
To many ordinary villagers, these two were prominent figures.
They didn't have a clear preference in mind when it came to choosing someone.
As a result, most people couldn't help but turn their attention to the ninja masters in the village.
I wanted to glean some insights into the prevailing trend from the attitudes and statements of these ninjas.
Then, they heard a fairly common bias from many Konoha ninjas.
"You're asking me who the Fifth Hokage would choose?" A seemingly ordinary Konoha Chunin was surrounded by several curious villagers. He first looked around mysteriously to make sure there were no Anbu or other spies nearby before lowering his voice and saying, "If I had to choose, I definitely wouldn't choose the Third Hokage again."
He explained, "After all—the Third Hokage is getting old, and his energy is probably not what it used to be. And, most importantly, he has absolutely no authority in the police force! He can't command those Uchiha ninjas at all."
He then changed the subject: "On the contrary—Lady Tsunade is different. Although she has been semi-retired for the past few years, she has an excellent reputation within the police force, and it is said that she has a good personal relationship with Captain-Commander Uchiha Ikezumi. If she becomes Hokage, she can mobilize and control the power of the police force."
He concluded, his tone conveying a sincere "I'm doing this for the good of the village" attitude: "In other words, the Third Hokage could no longer control the powerful Uchiha clan, and only Lady Tsunade could unite the village's forces."
"In this situation, for the sake of the village's stability, I will definitely choose someone who can make the situation more stable to become Hokage."
He looked at the villagers who seemed to understand, and added one last sentence: "As for who will be the Hokage and make our lives more peaceful and stable, I think—I don't need to say more, right? You all know the answer in your hearts."
After saying these seemingly heartfelt words, the Chunin waved his hand, pushed through the crowd, and quickly left.
However, not long after, he deliberately went to another crowded street and brought up the topic of the Hokage election.
He slightly modified his remarks when addressing a new audience.
Then repeat it again.
After another group of villagers showed expressions of "sudden realization," he once again nimbly disappeared into the crowd.
Clearly, this Chunin was no ordinary chatterbox; he came from a ninja clan that had already placed its bets on supporting Tsunade.
Now that you've chosen a side, you need to spare no effort in shaping public opinion and winning over the people for the one you support.
Meanwhile, outside a training ground somewhere in Konoha.
Sweating profusely, Kakashi Hatake stared at Tsunade, who was blocking his path, with his signature deadpan expression.
"Kakashi, have you made up your mind?"
Tsunade crossed her arms below her chest, a gesture that made her appear very imposing.
She looked directly into Kakashi's eyes without flinching, awaiting his reply.
Kakashi scratched his silver hair with a slight headache and said helplessly, "Lady Tsunade, my personal opinion and choice shouldn't be that important, right? After all, I'm just one person, without clan or faction, and I can't influence too many people, can I?"
Tsunade remained unmoved and went straight to the point: "Kakashi, you underestimate your influence. You are a highly respected and renowned elite Jonin of Konoha among the younger generation."
"You think you can't influence others, but in reality, many eyes are watching you, especially those centrists who haven't made a decision yet."
She leaned forward slightly, her tone authoritative: "Whatever choice you make, those who are watching you may very well follow suit. So, I must ask you clearly today, what exactly are you thinking?"
Kakashi: ".."
He felt like a mouse trapped in a bellows, caught in a dilemma.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had shown him great kindness and had always trusted and relied on him.
On the other hand, Tsunade is not only a powerful member of the Sannin, but more importantly, she is on the same side as Uchiha Ikezumi.
Thinking of Uchiha Izumi, Kakashi became even more conflicted.
He did indeed owe the other party several favors, but had not found a suitable opportunity to repay them.
Moreover, and more importantly, Naruto Uzumaki, the child left behind by Minato, is now clearly getting very close to Izumi Uchiha and the others.
This is truly a case of being stubborn and getting stuck on both ends!
"Um—Lady Tsunade," Kakashi tried to struggle, asking weakly, "Can I—remain neutral?"
Tsunade calmly but undeniably shattered his illusions: "Even if you politely decline me today, the old man will come looking for you soon. Then you'll still have to make a choice. Running away won't solve anything."
Kakashi: ".—"
He took a slow, deep breath, as if making a decision, and said, "I need some time to think about it."
Tsunade stared at him for a few seconds and said, "Time is running out; the election is in a few days."
"Tonight," Kakashi stated a specific timeframe, "I will give you a clear answer tonight."
Watching Kakashi turn and leave, Shizune, standing behind Tsunade, couldn't help but weakly ask, "Lady Tsunade, will Kakashi really support us?"
"He seems to be the type who doesn't want to offend anyone, and the Third Hokage has been quite good to him."
Tsunade's lips curled into a confident smile as she analyzed, "Shizune, with the current Hokage still an old man, Kakashi didn't refuse me outright right away; he merely used 'I need to consider it' as a delaying tactic."
"This in itself shows that his inner scales of loyalty have begun to waver, and he is no longer 100% firmly in support of the old man."
She gazed in the direction Kakashi had disappeared and said confidently, "When he said 'I need time to think,' he actually..."
He already knew the answer in his heart.
Shizune was taken aback: "What answer?"
Tsunade said softly, "In the end, he will still choose to stand on our side. Or more accurately, on the side of absolute justice represented by Ikezumi."
Night fell as scheduled.
Kakashi found Shizune, who was processing documents, as promised.
Under Shizune's questioning gaze, Kakashi's tone carried a complex weariness as he whispered, "Please tell Lady Tsunade that I will support the candidate I believe can make Konoha better. I hope Lady Tsunade will not disappoint you."
Mute: "!!!"
She was instantly dumbfounded, watching Kakashi turn around and leave decisively again, disappearing into the night.
"Lady Tsunade was absolutely right!"
Shizune murmured in shock, "Even someone like Kakashi Hatake has chosen to stand on Lady Tsunade's side—"
This time, it seems the Third Hokage is truly powerless to reverse the situation.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, night had fallen.
Under the dim moonlight and shrouded in a thin mist.
The outline of the massive village gate of Kirigakure, shrouded in a misty haze, was faintly visible.
Several figures stepped into the night and openly entered the territory of Kirigakure. Two of them were dressed in Konoha clothing, and a fat ninja cat was perched on the girl's shoulder. The other one was Kirigakure's rogue ninja, one of the former Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist!
Two of them are Mei Terumi and Ao.
The appearance of such a strange combination instantly touched the most sensitive nerve of Kirigakure!
Almost the instant they stepped onto the village's perimeter cordon, *whoosh! whoosh! whoosh!*
In the shadows from all directions, on the eaves, in the pool, behind the rocks —
Countless cold gazes instantly locked onto them.
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