Chapter 117 : Four Island!

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu hesitated for a prolonged moment, but it was Utatane Koharu who eventually shook her head.

"It's best to update Hiruzen later. He's just awoken, and we're uncertain about his recovery progress, so let's not trouble him just yet."

Mitokado Homura nodded, reluctant to disclose the situation to the Third Hokage at this point.

After all, the plan had been executed with their consent and Danzo's, and Sarutobi Hiruzen would discern the outcome just by contemplating it.

Considering the significant disturbance in Konoha, it would have been impossible without their agreement.

They aimed to caution Sarutobi Hiruzen, emphasizing that he was now the Hokage of Konoha, not just the head of the Sarutobi clan, and Konoha's interests must take precedence.

However, facing their old friend, especially when he had just awakened after an injury, proved too challenging. Thus, they decided to inform him directly later.

Mitokado Homura turned to glance at the brooding Danzo, snorting internally, and joined Utatane Koharu.

"This Danzo has had some unexpected thoughts in the past couple of days. I heard he wants to act as an interim Hokage. Judging by his appearance, Hiruzen will likely be disappointed upon waking up."

Utatane Koharu also nodded, whispering, "We all understand Danzo's desire to be Hokage. If he couldn't distinguish right from wrong, we wouldn't have allowed him to grow so influential in Konoha."

"The crucial thing is many matters in Konoha currently require someone like Danzo to handle. Without him, many things would be troublesome."

Mitokado Homura agreed, acknowledging that Danzo's role was pivotal for handling certain Konoha affairs.

While they harbored no doubts about Danzo's loyalty, his ideas sometimes veered into radicalism, in contrast to Hiruzen's occasional indecisiveness. A balance needed to be struck.

Homura believed the conversation concluded, but Utatane Koharu gazed at Danzo and added, "I've pondered on this for the past two days. If Hiruzen remains unconscious, Konoha will need an interim Hokage."

"At such a time, I realized Danzo might be the most suitable candidate."

This revelation shocked Mitokado Homura, who turned to see Utatane Koharu's expressionless face.

After a moment, he sighed, "Yes, if something happens to Hiruzen, Danzo is presently the most suitable candidate for Konoha, despite our reservations about his aggression."

"But if Danzo pursues the position of Hokage, given his radical nature, Konoha might descend into turmoil once again..."

Utatane Koharu nodded, glancing at Sarutobi Hiruzen engaged in conversation with Kazuhiko.

"We must ensure Hiruzen's absolute safety until a qualified new Hokage is chosen!"

Acknowledging Danzo's suitability, they also recognized the potential chaos his leadership might bring.

Having reached an agreement, they fell into a thoughtful silence. The lesson learned served as a wakeup call - should something happen to Hiruzen, Konoha might fall into the hands of the radical Danzo.

The two elders resolved to raise the issue at an opportune moment, involving the other elders in the decision-making process.

Observing those present, Kazuhiko gestured to the third elder, conveying a message. The elder, understanding the signal, spoke to the gathered elders, retrieved a treaty from his pocket - the island transfer treaty they had prepared earlier.

The Third Elder feigned embarrassment as he approached. Kazuhiko and the Third Hokage were engaged in a cheerful conversation.

"Clan Head, I apologize for the interruption..."

Kazuhiko deliberately feigned ignorance, furrowing his brow and turning unhappily toward the Third Elder.

"What's the matter? Can't you see I'm happily chatting with the Third Hokage? Why interrupt now?"

Seizing the moment, the Third Elder extended the treaty he held. "This is the agreement for the transfer of the islands after the previously agreed-upon test between you and the Third Hokage."

"Lord Hokage was in a coma before, so we refrained from mentioning it. Now that he's awake, is the procedure to be completed?"

"We've already drafted the treaty for these four islands; we're just waiting for Lord Hokage to sign it."

As the Third Elder spoke, he handed the treaty to Kazuhiko. Kazuhiko glanced at it casually, turned, and handed it to the Third Hokage, who reluctantly accepted it.

"Why the rush? Are you doubting Third Hokage's ability to honor his commitments? Even if you don't trust him, can you doubt Konoha?"

"What Konoha's highest authority declares publicly and signs in a contract, would Konoha deny it? You're underestimating Konoha!"

Kazuhiko scolded the Third Elder with an angered expression, and the Third Elder bowed repeatedly, acknowledging his mistake.

Upon hearing Kazuhiko's accusations, the attention of everyone present shifted. Whether they were other Konoha elders, visiting clan members, or some Jōnin, they all observed Kazuhiko berating the elder accompanying him, while the Third Hokage held the treaty.

After Kazuhiko finished reprimanding the Third Elder, aware of the gathered eyes, he turned to the Third Hokage.

"I must say, I'm genuinely concerned. It's quite absurd that a prominent village like Konoha fails to fulfill its obligations, wouldn't you agree, Third Hokage?"

Third Hokage, realizing the spectacle being created by Kazuhiko and the elder, maintained a gentle smile, momentarily oblivious to the fact that others perceived it differently.

"Certainly, we of Konoha always uphold our promises. However, these are merely four islands on the outskirts of the Land of Fire."

Third Hokage also noticed the watchful eyes on them, particularly the representatives of some Konoha clan families. He sighed, realizing he was compelled to sign the document today, even if he disagreed.

Having reviewed the treaty, Third Hokage handed it to Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, standing beside him.

As Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura inspected the treaty, Uzumaki clan elders prepared pens and ink pads.

The realization struck Third Hokage – they were well-prepared and waiting for him.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura nodded to Third Hokage, signaling that the contract was in order.

Thus, Third Hokage took the proffered pen, signed his name, and pressed the ink pad. Kazuhiko followed suit, signing his name and pressing the pad.

Thus, the treaty officially took effect. Copies were made for Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools, and the four islands now belonged to the Land of Whirlpools.

Third Hokage looked at the Uzumaki elders who held the treaty, surprised, and at Kazuhiko, who was smiling at him.

Beneath the Hokage hat, Third Hokage's face remained hidden, but underneath, he wore a gloomy expression as he stared at them.

"Take care of this contract, and don't lose it because you'll return it to me sooner or later!"

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