160: Stop With the Pathetic Act—I've already decided, I'm going to be Hokage!

—

"I didn't expect even Lord Danzo to support him becoming Hokage.

"Looks like Natsuki will really become Hokage this time."

The gathered ANBU were stunned, exchanging shocked looks.

"Advisor Koharu, what do you think?" Danzo turned around, looking at Utatane Koharu.

He had already made his stance clear—let Natsuki take the Hokage's seat and bear the brunt on the front lines. 

Didn't he hate those higher-ups hiding behind the scenes? Then let him lead from the front as an impulsive Fifth Hokage and handle all the dangers himself.

If he managed to solve the problems, great. If not, his heroic sacrifice would conveniently make room for someone else to step in as Hokage.

"I… I…" Utatane Koharu's face flushed purple with frustration.

"What's wrong with you?" Only then did Danzo realize Koharu's expression was off.

'I! @#!%' Koharu tried several times to lash out, only to be interrupted repeatedly, causing a ball of anger to lodge uncomfortably in her chest. 

She nearly passed out from pent-up rage. 

Now that she finally had the chance to speak, she desperately unleashed her frustration:

"I disagree!

"That brat Natsuki has no respect for his elders. If he becomes Hokage, he'll tear Konoha apart!" Koharu spat out bitterly, finally venting all the anger she'd bottled up inside—it felt incredibly satisfying.

"That's right! My brother is definitely not suited to be Hokage. Please find someone else," Yuhi Kurenai quickly nodded in agreement.

No matter how strong her younger brother was, in her eyes, he was still just a simple-minded boy needing protection. 

Dealing with these scheming elders would bring him nothing but trouble.

"Report! Emergency, Advisors! Two surveillance outposts on the northern border of the Land of Fire have lost contact. Investigation showed signs of Kumogakure shinobi activity at the scene.

"Iwagakure shinobi from the Land of Earth are also mobilizing frequently."

At that moment, an ANBU operative rushed over from afar using the Body Flicker Technique, bringing news from the distant borderlands.

Everyone felt their hearts sink at the news, what they feared had finally arrived.

Konoha had suffered repeated tragedies over the last decade. 

First came the Nine-Tails' Rampage, resulting in the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage and his wife, along with heavy losses among the elite shinobi and smaller clans.

Years later, the Uchiha clan staged a rebellion, further reducing the village's strength.

And recently, Orochimaru had launched the Konoha Crush during the Chunin Exams, costing the Third Hokage his life.

With blow after blow, one couldn't help but question if Konoha still retained its position as the strongest shinobi village.

Everyone had anticipated that the other major villages wouldn't miss this perfect opportunity to probe Konoha's weakened defenses.

But no one had expected them to act so swiftly.

While Konoha still struggled to select a new Hokage, enemy forces had already begun breaching the border.

Their spies within the village were probably getting restless, too.

"Ah..." Homura couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.

Konoha truly couldn't afford any more setbacks. 

He recalled his younger days, when he and Hiruzen, hailed as the greatest shinobi, once stood tall and proud, dominating the ninja world.

But now he was old and had no choice but to bow to reality.

Protecting Konoha had to be left to the younger generation.

Even if he personally disliked Natsuki's personality, Homura had to admit the brat's strength was impressive. 

Compared to him, Konoha's other young prodigies fell far behind.

If Iwa and Kumo attacked, only someone like Natsuki could truly deter them, just like Konoha's White Fang and the Yellow Flash had done in the past. 

Their mere presence on the battlefield was enough to make enemies retreat without a fight.

Right now, Konoha desperately needed a powerful, intimidating Kage-level shinobi.

Thinking of Hatake Sakumo and Namikaze Minato, Homura sighed quietly once more, then finally stepped forward, addressing Natsuki:

"You've heard it yourself, Konoha's situation is precarious. Enemies are stirring all around. The longer we remain without a Hokage, the weaker we appear to outsiders.

"Thus, as a former advisor to the previous Hokage, I sincerely ask you to become the Fifth Hokage."

Though earlier he had conspired with Danzo and the others to make Natsuki a puppet Hokage, a strong but naive figurehead, right now, he genuinely hoped someone could stabilize Konoha and intimidate the enemy villages.

After all, his family and roots lay in Konoha. 

If the village collapsed due to internal power struggles, everything would lose meaning. 

He was already one foot in the grave; the only reason he clung to power was to secure greater benefits for his clan.

"Homura! Did you forget the attitude he showed just now—"

Seeing Homura's decision, Koharu's expression darkened, and she instantly began shouting.

"Shut your mouth! Do you even realize what time it is now?" Homura snapped harshly. 

"Iwa and Kumo shinobi are already at our doorstep. Do you think we can depend on old, weak, and sickly people like us instead of the youth?

"In a crisis like this, only the strongest ninja is fit to be Hokage, and no one is more suitable than Natsuki!"

Homura's fierce rebuke left Koharu once again purple-faced with rage.

Behind them, hidden in the shadows, Danzo almost couldn't resist jumping out.

'The strongest in Konoha?' He had plenty to say about that. 

After all, he possessed Wood Release, an arm full of Sharingan, and even Shisui's Kotoamatsukami.

The strongest? Ridiculous.

Danzo refused to believe that brat could defeat him.

But now wasn't the time to reveal himself. 

He'd let the brat handle all obstacles and repel the foreign enemies. Then, when the dust settled, he'd step forward and claim the fruits of victory.

At that time, he'd secure his position as Hokage and fulfill the ambition he'd nurtured for decades.

"You're obviously just sending my brother to the frontlines! I refuse!"

Though seeing a Hokage advisor pleading humbly was a first for Kurenai, she still gritted her teeth and firmly objected for Natsuki's safety.

"We indeed need Natsuki's strength, but don't forget, Konoha is home to us all," Homura replied solemnly. 

"If the Land of Earth and Land of Lightning wage war, every shinobi, including us old folks, will stand alongside Natsuki on the battlefield."

For a moment, Kurenai found herself speechless.

As expected of someone who had served as Hokage's advisor for decades.

Even in the original story, after the Third Hokage's death, he had orchestrated plans, drawn in Jiraiya, and recalled Tsunade. 

During that chaotic time, who knew how many schemes he had deployed to suppress Danzo's ambitions for the Hokage position?

According to the official databooks, Homura possessed wisdom and strength comparable to the Third Hokage himself. 

His role was that of an advisor, calmly assessing situations and guiding the village through turbulent times.

He had been Hiruzen's childhood friend and trusted companion, widely respected by Jonin for his intellect and strength.

This was perhaps why Danzo had remained suppressed in the original timeline, unable to seize power despite the Third Hokage's passing.

Recalling details from his past life about Homura, Natsuki noted some minor differences from reality, but overall, this man's reputation seemed justified.

Yet, fully believing in the righteous image projected by someone who'd skillfully navigated politics for decades would be foolish. 

The elders' current show was probably just another act.

Still, having transmigrated into this world, not trying his hand at being Hokage would be a waste of opportunity.

Meeting everyone's eyes, Natsuki suddenly laughed lightly.

"Enough with your pathetic act. I've already decided, I'm definitely become Hokage!"