Chapter 114: Fugaku: Enough, Jiraiya! I am the Hokage!

Resurrection! 

Unlike the Edo Tensei technique once used by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, which controlled the dead, this was a true revival—bringing someone back to life, body and soul. 

This power to grant someone a second life sent chills down the spines of all the small nation representatives who had come to witness the event. 

At that moment, they deeply realized how reckless it was for the great nations to provoke a conflict with the Sun God Kingdom. They also started to understand the meaning behind Hyuga Hitoshi's earlier declaration.

He planned to attend the inauguration of the Fifth Hokage, and he expected the great nations that dared to make a move to come forward and admit their mistakes. This wasn't arrogance—it was clearly giving them a chance!

What terrified them most was that after witnessing the revival of the Hyuga clansman, they couldn't detect any sign that the technique had affected Hyuga Hitoshi in the slightest. He calmly accepted the kneeling of his clansmen, as relaxed as if it were nothing. Only someone who truly controlled life and death could display such composure.

At that moment, whether it was Hyuga Hitoshi's direct subordinates or the citizens of the Sun God Kingdom, they all looked at him with awe and reverence. Many fanatics even shouted loudly, just hoping to catch his attention for a brief moment.

Only Konan remained standing there, looking confused.

He controls life and death.

And he did it with ease.

Both she and Nagato had underestimated the Sun God Kingdom. This man had never even considered the possibility of losing to the great nations. From start to finish, he was brimming with confidence.

She had to admit, he was someone who could stand on the same level as the Akatsuki, as Tendō, as a god—a partner she could truly work with.

When the strong work with the weak, it's out of pity. 

But when the strong work with the strong, they become true allies.

Especially since his ideals had already gained the approval of both her and Nagato.

Perhaps the relationship between the Sun God Kingdom and the Akatsuki could go further, and they could form a deeper partnership.

Konan looked at Hyuga Hitoshi again, her emotions shifting continuously. When the man seemed to sense her gaze and looked back at her, the curiosity and expectation in her eyes vanished, replaced by something else entirely.

Her heart began to race, and her face grew hot. 

No. 

I am White Tiger of the Akatsuki. I am an angel. I can't let these girlish feelings affect me!

After trying to fool herself for a while, Konan finally looked back at Hyuga Hitoshi with a flushed face. Unfortunately, the man had already shifted his attention and was now reviving the second clan member under the expectant gazes of his people. 

Hyuga Hitoshi had to admit that Hiashi's earlier suggestion to first secure control over the Land of Demons was a good move. At least after the Golden Wheel Tenseigan absorbed Moryo, it began to continuously draw in the negative emotions from the entire ninja world. Then, through the Tenseigan's purification, it returned the purest eye power to Hyuga Hitoshi. 

This constant flow of energy made Hyuga Hitoshi's Tenseigan much stronger. Now, reviving clan members still cost him some energy, but it was far less draining than before. 

Starting expansion from the Land of Demons was a brilliant move. And now, using the power of the Tenseigan to revive his people in front of the small nation representatives—wasn't this also his way of giving those undecided nations one last chance? He might as well be openly telling them: The Sun God Kingdom is the greatest in the ninja world. You can even come back to life after dying. Follow me, and you'll be fine. 

As for why he had to do this? 

That was easy to understand. 

The future Sun God Kingdom would inevitably expand across the entire ninja world, then spread to the entire ninja continent, and even seek out enemies like the Otsutsuki clan, taking resources from other planets under their control. They would need more and more people. 

Hiashi's suggestion had already proven how important it was to leave professional tasks to professionals. So, in the future, the Sun God Kingdom would need even more talent in this area. 

Where would this talent come from? And how could they win people's loyalty to prevent betrayal? 

The answer was simple. 

First, Hyuga Hitoshi, as the symbol of their faith, couldn't have any major failures or fall. He couldn't guarantee he would always be right, but he could at least ensure stability for the next few centuries or even a millennium. 

Second, clear rewards and punishments were essential. This was the most important part. 

Hyuga Hitoshi had never been harsh toward those who made significant contributions. 

He gave Mabui a glance. She nodded, picked up the chakra-powered microphone developed by Minister Orochimaru, took a deep breath, and looked down. 

"The Sun God proclaims: The Sun God Kingdom will not follow the traditional one nation, one village system. Instead, civil and military roles will be divided, and corresponding departments will be established. However, the highest authority over both civil and military matters will rest solely with the Sun God himself." 

By strengthening central authority and giving the Sun God the final say in both civil and military affairs, it might seem like he was monopolizing power. But in reality, tasks would still be handled by subordinates, and minor matters only needed approval from the secretariat, greatly improving efficiency and laying the groundwork for future hands-off management. 

But this wasn't the key point. 

After all, when people reached a point where they could no longer rise in rank, they might be tempted to take shortcuts or lose sight of their original goals, offering no real proposals to improve the Sun God Kingdom. 

This problem could be solved! 

"Starting today, the normal promotion system remains unchanged, but the reward system for outstanding contributions will be updated." 

Swallowing nervously, Mabui, who was being watched by everyone for the first time, felt a little tense. 

"Anyone who makes a significant contribution to the Sun God Kingdom and gains the personal recognition of the Sun God will receive a reward in the form of extended lifespan! This reward can be transferred to family or friends, or used for oneself!" 

"The specific grading system for lifespan rewards will be announced later, and all of this will be personally verified by the Sun God himself, ensuring absolute authenticity!" 

Mabui finished in one breath, her body trembling slightly. 

Rejoice, mortals! 

"Eternal kingdom, immortal Sun God!" 

"Let's work together!" 

As soon as she finished speaking, Mabui raised her head and looked down. 

The cheers and shock she had expected didn't come, which made her a little nervous. 

But when she saw the expressions on the people's faces, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. 

Of course. 

When she first saw this reward and punishment system, she couldn't speak for a while either. 

Now, it was perfectly normal for the crowd in the square to fall completely silent. 

Quiet! 

The strange silence, as if a silver needle had just fallen to the ground, filled the air. 

When someone finally couldn't hold it in any longer and exhaled a deep breath, the atmosphere in the entire plaza exploded! 

"May the Divine Kingdom be eternal, may the Sun God be immortal!" 

What was once just a slogan of faith had now become a reality. Countless people knelt on the ground, shouting crazily. 

They knew that once this reward system was introduced, the entire ninja world would face an unprecedented impact. Everyone would fight to the death for a chance to earn the Sun God's favor and would start thinking hard about how to improve the Sun God Kingdom. 

Who in this world could resist immortality? 

At the very least, having one more day to live before their time ran out was already a gain! 

They could not resist this temptation! 

Even the small country representatives who had come to observe were now filled with excitement, wanting to force their Daimyo to join the Sun God alliance immediately, so they could start making their own moves! 

After all, the Sun God Kingdom had only just been established, and opportunities were plentiful during this period. 

Even Konan, who was present, was somewhat affected by the atmosphere. It took her a while to calm down. 

She wasn't sure if the ability to grant others life was real, but she had clearly seen that Hyuga Hitoshi had already gained control over life and death. 

The Sun God Kingdom—perhaps they could truly accomplish what the Akatsuki had failed to do and were already on the path to success. 

Konan raised her head, watching the man's back as he left. 

At this moment, Konan wasn't just seeing Hyuga Hitoshi; she was seeing the dream she had failed to complete. 

If Nagato were here, she imagined he would have the same expression as her. 

Ninja World. 

Land of Fire. 

Konohagakure. 

Just as the Sun God Kingdom's state-building efforts required time, Konohagakure's reconstruction was also nearing completion. The money taken from the Daimyo's office was no small amount, and with the deaths of two advisors, both the speed and the quality of the reconstruction were far superior to the rebuilding after the Nine-Tails Incident. 

Hmm, I wonder if Hitoshi would regret killing those people too early if he knew about this. 

The reconstruction was reaching its final stages, meaning the day when the Fifth Hokage would officially take office was getting closer. So today, Fugaku had called a high-level meeting to discuss the preparations for the succession ceremony. 

Inside the Hokage office, the soon-to-be Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Fugaku, stood leisurely with his hands behind his back, looking out the window of the Hokage building at Konohagakure below. 

Honestly, he could have taken off the "acting" title and officially become Hokage a long time ago. 

But Fugaku was someone who valued ceremony. Unlike the smooth return of the Third Hokage, Fugaku wanted this moment to be grand and beautiful, so everyone would celebrate his ascension to Hokage. That was the proper way to rise to power. 

However, 

He narrowed his eyes, as if remembering something. 

After the meeting had ended, Minister Shinku had given him a report. 

Recently, the old village chief and Danzo had been acting strangely. No matter how he tried to push them, they seemed too quiet. Even when he made subtle jabs at them, they just suppressed their anger, giving him no chance to apply more pressure. 

There was nothing he could do. Since they didn't resist, Fugaku couldn't openly force them, which made him uncomfortable. So he had asked Minister Yuuhi Shinku to investigate. 

However, since not much time had passed, all Shinku could report was that the two of them had been staying out of the public eye and acting mysteriously. 

"Sigh, I really miss the days when Hitoshi was in the village." 

Fugaku pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and spoke lazily. 

The whole village politics had become boring. With Sarutobi and Danzo not resisting him, it felt like having strength but nowhere to use it. 

How lonely it was to be invincible. 

Bang! 

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted. 

Used to thinking about the future, Fugaku frowned and looked back, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face. 

"Fugaku, regarding—" 

"Go out!" 

"?"

The person arriving was, of course, Jiraiya.

The ever-carefree hero had never learned to knock before entering the Hokage's office. Even when his teacher was in charge, he was used to entering through the window.

What does "go out" mean?

The hero didn't understand, but he quickly figured it out.

"Go out and knock before coming in again."

Fugaku, in the role of the acting Hokage, adjusted his Hokage cloak and pointed to the door of the office.

"No rules, no order. As Hokage, I'm doing this for the development of the village. As the Hokage advisor, you'll go out and knock before coming in, won't you?"

Yes.

Since Fugaku became the acting Hokage and started exercising Hokage authority, there had been huge changes in the village. Yuuhi Shinku, who had close ties with Hitoshi and was actually related to him as a son-in-law, was promoted from deputy minister to minister. The status of the Uchiha Guard within the village had also risen sharply.

Meanwhile, the old village leaders, seeing their chances of becoming Hokage fading, joined Danzo in supporting Jiraiya for the position once held by their late colleague, seemingly trying to use this position to counter Fugaku.

But the old village leaders had clearly misunderstood him.

Counter? 

That wasn't going to happen.

Ever since Jiraiya became the Hokage advisor, planning to help Konohagakure with strategies and providing Fugaku with direction, he had been receiving constant frustration. Every time he suggested something, this man would present a theory for the good of the village, but they had never actually adopted it.

Over time, Jiraiya had nearly given up. Recently, he couldn't hold it in anymore and had gone to a brothel to relax.

Looking at the situation now, if it had been before, he would've turned around and walked away.

Knock?

Forget it!

He'd had enough of this village.

In fact, despite the determined expression he had shown back when he first joined the village, habits are hard to change. Just the inability to visit brothels whenever he wanted was enough to drive him crazy, not to mention Fugaku adding to his stress.

But this time, he had to bear it.

Now he had to learn to be patient, just like his teacher!

Taking a deep breath, Jiraiya calmed himself and then left the Hokage's office to close the door.

Moments later, the expected knocking sound came.

But...

"Speak louder, I can't hear you."

Fugaku, who was busy with his affairs, said calmly.

Jiraiya, clearly willing to endure, gradually increased his knocking force.

Five minutes later...

Just when Jiraiya could no longer hold himself back and was about to break the door down, he finally received the signal from Fugaku to enter.

"The Fifth Hokage really is busy managing the village, huh? I'm so dizzy and my ears aren't working anymore."

For the first time, Jiraiya, the ever-carefree hero, retorted sarcastically.

But Fugaku's expression didn't change at all:

"You said it yourself, it's for the village. Being busy isn't a problem. I only realized after taking this position that not everyone can handle it."

You're almost implying that my teacher is a failure and doesn't deserve the position!

Jiraiya's mouth twitched, but he forced himself to suppress his anger again.

Alright, he admitted that when it came to sarcasm, he was no match for this man.

The important matter was at hand!

After calming himself again, Jiraiya's face showed an urgent expression:

"The Daimyo's messenger has arrived. The message is that the Daimyo can overlook your previous misappropriation of the Daimyo's funds, but the condition is that Konohagakure must take a stand on the Sun God Kingdom issue! Especially since the Sun God Kingdom is very likely..."

The Sun God is Hyuga!

This secret couldn't be kept anymore, especially with that violent method and arrogant tone, which were identical to that man.

"Now, the Daimyo seems to have a plan. He's looking to take advantage of the opportunity when he attends the succession ceremony in Konohagakure to act against the Sun God Kingdom."

"This is also our opportunity!"

The chance for revenge! 

Jiraiya's expression was serious, but there was excitement in his eyes. To him, the Sun God Kingdom, which had destroyed Konohagakure, was like a monstrous threat. He instinctively viewed the Sun God Kingdom as the enemy. 

Especially with the chance to mend things with the Daimyo's office, it seemed perfect! 

But... 

"You're wrong, Jiraiya." 

Fugaku calmly spoke, not letting Jiraiya finish before denying everything. 

"First of all, this Hokage has never misused the Daimyo's funds. The money used to build the village was earned through business deals, and has nothing to do with the Daimyo." 

The Daimyo's office was taken over by Hyuga Hitoshi, so what does it have to do with Fugaku of the Uchiha clan? Why should he be blamed for it? 

Even when news of this issue came out, Fugaku stuck to his stance and refused to admit it. Even when people found out that the money had the Daimyo's seal, Fugaku still refused to back down. In the end, even though Konohagakure was struggling with money, they had no choice but to use the funds. 

In this matter, Konohagakure had certainly become a model for managing both sides. 

"Second, Konohagakure isn't the Daimyo's dog. If he tells us to fight, do we have to do it? That would make this Hokage lose face. The Daimyo? His approval doesn't matter at all. Does it change anything for Konohagakure whether or not an ordinary person like him agrees with us? Does repairing a relationship with someone like him make Konohagakure stronger? Why should I care about such a useless person?" 

Fugaku said coldly. He had completely seen through the Daimyo's uselessness. Hitoshi was right; why should ordinary people be able to tell him what to do? 

Now that Konohagakure was on the right track, even the funds from ninja missions were enough to support itself. There was no need for so-called Daimyo support! If things got tough, they could just sell more land. He wasn't worried at all. 

"Lastly..." 

Fugaku stood up, not hiding the sarcasm in his eyes as he looked at Jiraiya. 

 "You, who constantly preach about letting go of hatred and promoting mutual understanding, do you really understand the significance of the Sun God Kingdom for those small nations who have suffered from years of war and pain?" 

"The Sun God Kingdom gave them hope in their despair! Are you planning to snuff out their light? Just because the Sun God Kingdom is backed by the Hyuga clan? Is that why you're going to crush the hopes of dozens of countries?!" 

Fugaku saw the importance of the Sun God Kingdom to the small nations, but did Jiraiya really not? 

But Jiraiya simply refused to admit it. 

"Well, you're used to being a lackey for the big nations. Just like during the Second Ninja World War, when you blindly threw yourself into the conflict, bringing disaster to the Land of Rain." 

"By the way, wasn't your red-haired disciple's parents killed by Konohagakure? The great you stayed behind for years after the war, to teach, as if to atone for your actions?" 

"Ha, don't tell me you're trying to redeem yourself by getting all emotional about it?" 

Anger, shock, shame, and feeling utterly humiliated. 

After Fugaku's words, Jiraiya's expression changed a lot. The series of soul-searching questions made him feel like he was the one acting wrongly. 

Maybe I'm really not fit for this village, nor for being a leader. 

Jiraiya smiled bitterly, but then his resolve hardened. 

Even so, 

Jiraiya still had his own principles! 

"Even if I don't repair things with the Daimyo, and don't want to cooperate with the Daimyo against the Sun God Kingdom, you can't agree to let Hyuga Hitoshi attend the Hokage succession ceremony!" 

Jiraiya emphasized, his eyes full of frustration. 

Alright, I'll put aside the hatred, but I still need to keep my dignity, right?

The succession ceremony was sacred. How could they allow an enemy of Konohagakure to attend? 

Wouldn't that be a joke for everyone to laugh at? And with the statement that the Sun God Kingdom would be coming to Konohagakure soon, the succession ceremony definitely wouldn't be peaceful. What if the Fifth Hokage and Hyuga Hitoshi appeared too close? If the Sun God Kingdom was later held accountable, what would happen if Konohagakure got dragged into it? 

He was really worried that the newly rebuilt Konohagakure might face more trouble, and he, who loved Konohagakure deeply, had already had enough. 

But… 

"That can't happen." 

Fugaku calmly shook his head. 

"Hitoshi coming to Konohagakure is a favor to me." 

"And he's here on official business. When I sold the Land of Fire's land to him, the handover wasn't fully completed yet. After the succession ceremony, I'll need to finalize everything with him." 

"By the way, I'll also have to announce that the Hyuga clan didn't defect. I'll restore their reputation." 

A heavy silence fell in the Hokage office. 

Jiraiya's expression changed wildly! 

Huh? 

Selling land? Official handover? Restoring the Hyuga's reputation? 

What is he talking about? Is he really the Hokage of Konohagakure? 

After a long pause, Jiraiya snapped back to reality. Furious, he glared at Fugaku and shouted: 

"Uchiha Fugaku!" 

Bang! 

Unfortunately, before he could finish his words, Fugaku slammed his palm onto the table, cutting him off, then suddenly his eyes lit up as if a thought had come to him. 

"Enough, Jiraiya, I am the Hokage!" 

? 

Jiraiya froze for a moment. 

Then, frowning, he reflexively turned away, his face dark as he waved his hand: 

"You'll regret this!!" 

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