96. The Third Hokage Wants To Abdicate
Uchiha had begun deploying the family's development goals for the next stage, and although Konoha had addressed its immediate needs, numerous troubles still loomed.
The first issue was the attrition within the village. To resist the pressure from the coalition forces of the major shinobi villages, the Third Hokage chose to concentrate the village's power rather than defending at the borders of the Land of Fire, as had been done during the Third Shinobi World War.
This led to battles occurring mostly around or within the village. Although casualties were not high, the damage to Konoha's infrastructure was significant. Particularly concerning was the attack from Iwagakure, as their forces seemed intent on utterly destroying the village.
Due to the 500 million Ryo compensation paid to the Uchiha clan, the daimyo's unrest, and the elder clans still needing village funds for development, financial strain mounted. As a result, Konoha was on the verge of bankruptcy once again.
In addition, Anbu's rectification had become another pressing matter for the Third Hokage. He had believed the civilian shinobi he brought into the fold were his most loyal subordinates, but the truth proved otherwise—his Will of Fire was not as infallible as he had hoped.
When the Third Hokage reviewed the findings, he was utterly shocked.
Anbu, which reported directly to him, was compromised like a sieve.
The two consultant elders, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura had embedded numerous operatives within its ranks. Even Danzo, despite being deceased, had managed to leave behind a loyal team within Anbu.
This realization left the Third Hokage in a cold sweat. The timing of the Anbu's reorganization was fortunate; otherwise, with Danzo's talent for indoctrination and the village's current disdain for him, there was no telling how these loyalists might act. They might even have taken the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and fled to another village.
In the Hokage's office, Tsunade sat expressionless, lost in thought. Though she had returned to help during this period of turmoil, the more she learned, the more speechless she became.
Jiraiya, scratching his head in frustration, struggled to find the right words to address the Third Hokage's mismanagement.
The series of recent events all pointed to the Third Hokage's negligence. While ignorance of some of Danzo's actions might have been excusable given Danzo's cunning, the near-total compromise of Anbu under his watch could not be justified.
"Hiruzen! Why hasn't the funding to support the ninja clans been approved? And why was the Anbu's reorganization done without informing us in advance?"
"Furthermore, the entire Uchiha clan has left Konoha. Are you just going to let this slide? What does this say about your authority as Hokage?"
The two consultant elders stormed into the office, bombarding the Third Hokage with accusations before even catching their breath.
"I am reorganizing my Anbu. Do I need to inform you in advance?"
The Third Hokage raised his eyes and responded in a calm yet cutting tone. His harsh words left the two consultants stunned and drenched in cold sweat.
Though they held high-ranking positions in Konoha, Anbu was under the sole jurisdiction of the Hokage. No one else had authority over Anbu's operations without the Hokage's direct orders.
The Third Hokage was in the process of reorganizing Anbu, keeping the details tightly under wraps. It was evident that something significant had been discovered. Though the older advisors often aimed to maintain harmony among themselves, the main generation had built a reputation for toughness.
"I won't pursue past matters, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate such things happening again.
The village has suffered extensive damage and needs funding for repairs.
As for Uchiha, they're simply carrying out the tasks assigned by the Daimyō Palace.
There's nothing to worry about.
If the two elders have so much free time, why not focus on calming the villagers?"
The Third Hokage addressed the two elders coldly, his tone devoid of any warmth. Dealing with the aftermath of Danzo's actions was already enough of a headache, and now, these two had added to his burdens.
The elders, who had entered angrily, left in a state of fear. They raised no further complaints, likely realizing the unreasonableness of their stance.
After a moment, the Third Hokage turned to face his two disciples.
"Tsunade, Jiraiya, the village's current situation is dire. I made many mistakes during my tenure as Hokage. Konoha now needs strong new leadership. You..."
"Don't even think about it, old man. There's no way I'm sitting in the Hokage's chair," Jiraiya interrupted, shaking his head vigorously. "I can fight and take on missions, but being Hokage? Count me out!"
"Don't look at me either," Tsunade said flatly. "I'm only here temporarily. I have no intention of staying any longer than necessary."
Her voice carried an edge, her past wounds clearly influencing her stance. Though she cared deeply for Konoha, her pain kept her from wanting to remain, let alone take on the responsibility of Hokage.
The thought of becoming Hokage brought back the memory of loved ones lost—anyone close to the title seemed destined to meet a tragic end.
"But we don't have any other options right now..."
Tsunade and Jiraiya, both in terms of strength and reputation, were the village's most qualified candidates. Other potential options fell far short.
The Third Hokage sighed heavily, once again reflecting on the errors of his leadership.
Konoha needed a new Kage to lead it out of this crisis. For some truths to be revealed—like the issues with the Daimyō's prefecture and the full extent of Danzo's actions—his abdication was the only viable path.
"Old man, you'd better think carefully," Tsunade said sharply. "Konoha has plenty of talent. You don't need us for this. Besides, I have severe hemophobia. That alone disqualifies me."
She sounded almost relieved about her hemophobia now, though it had once been a source of great distress.
"Of course," she added with a hint of sarcasm, "if you really can't find anyone suitable, why not let Uchiha give it a shot? If Uchiha becomes Hokage, all of Konoha's issues will be solved in no time. The only question is whether you can accept it."
Her pointed words made the Third Hokage's mouth twitch.
Despite the jab, he couldn't entirely dismiss the suggestion. The Uchiha clan's focus on economic development had given them considerable wealth, likely enough to rebuild Konoha.
Moreover, with three Mangekyō Sharingan users in their ranks—each at Kage-level—the Uchiha clan's power would make other villages think twice before challenging Konoha.
The Uchiha's good relations with Kirigakure and the Daimyō's prefecture were further advantages. If Uchiha were to take the Hokage position, Konoha could recover quickly and emerge stronger than ever.
But the problem was clear: they were Uchiha.
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