Konoha held a high-level meeting the day after the Uchiha and Neiki Rebellion. Along with discussions on rebuilding the village and preparing for war, there were two seemingly minor but significant decisions regarding internal organizational adjustments and high-ranking appointments:
- Root was disbanded, and its members were reassigned to various Konoha departments, such as the Anbu, Interrogation Unit, and Education Department.
- The abolition of Danzo’s position as Hokage’s advisor.
The reasons were not explicitly stated, but those in the know had already guessed. Last night’s last and most severe explosion in Konoha was likely not solely due to Neiki’s treachery but rather the result of a “brilliant idea” from some high-ranking officials within Konoha.
For the sake of unity, certain individuals tacitly agreed to blame the explosion entirely on the exceedingly arrogant Neiki.
Ordinary villagers didn’t need to know the truth; they just needed to know whom to hate.
The details of the incidents, including the Uchiha rebellion in the afternoon and Neiki’s rebellion in the evening, had been thoroughly sorted out. Specific events such as the second Nine-Tails incident, the massacre of the Uchiha clan, the destruction of the Hyuga clan, the burning of a secret room in the outskirts, the destruction of underground laboratories, and a series of continuous explosions in Konoha, all fell under the broader categories of the two rebellion incidents.
Unfortunately, due to Konoha’s complacent mindset over the years and numerous other issues, they had failed to prevent either rebellion.
Particularly with the Uchiha rebellion, despite having early intelligence, Konoha’s underestimation of the Uchiha’s resolve and their leader Fugaku’s capabilities led to the capture of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the release of the Nine-Tails.
If not for the precautions left by the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi might have died.
Following that, Uchiha Shana led the surviving Uchiha members to escape, their whereabouts unknown.
After triggering the last batch of explosive tags, Neiki also vanished with Hanabi.
They left behind a devastated Konoha.
Bounties for the Uchiha and Neiki will be gradually issued the following month. Although the bounties for individual Uchiha members were generally higher, Neiki’s bounty was unparalleled, reaching a staggering 60 million Ryo.
This reflected Konoha’s assessment of the value of the Byakugan from the Hyuga main family, the Scroll of Seals that Neiki possessed, and his individual threat level.
Considering that ordinary Jinchuriki bounties were around 50 million, the 60 million bounties on Neiki’s head indicated the extent of Konoha’s hatred towards him.
“Konoha’s suffering is my failure as Hokage, and I deeply apologize to all of you,” Sarutobi bowed to everyone present.
“But the crisis is not over. With Konoha’s sudden turmoil, other ninja villages are likely to strike at us. This is not about clinging to power. After consulting with the village’s advisors, we’ve decided that in the upcoming war, the one who contributes the most will be chosen as the next Hokage.”
As soon as Sarutobi finished speaking, the atmosphere in the meeting room became tense. Clan leaders and Elite Jonin exchanged glances and whispers. Even Inuzuka Tsume, who had been reluctant to attend and wore a sullen expression, furrowed her brow.
Sarutobi sipped his tea, calm and composed.
Choosing the Hokage based on merit was always an unspoken rule. The Hokage needed to be nominated by the high-ranking officials, voted on by the jonin, and approved by the Daimyo. However, these criteria invariably require the candidate’s outstanding abilities and achievements.
High-ranking officials wouldn’t nominate an incompetent person like Hokage, interests couldn’t easily sway Jonin’s votes, and Daimyo’s approval demanded genuine prestige and fame.
Minato Namikaze, a commoner, became the Fourth Hokage because of his remarkable contributions during the Third Shinobi World War. His bravery on the battlefield won many hearts, and his actions were nothing short of heroic.
However, before the Third Shinobi World War, Sarutobi never explicitly stated that “the one who contributes the most will be chosen.”
Back then, Konoha wasn’t in such dire straits.
While merit was an unspoken rule, it wasn’t always the case.
Even Orochimaru, with his significant contributions, didn’t become Hokage.
Why was it Minato? Merit can be vague, and Hokage’s choice involves more than merit.
Now that Sarutobi had made “the one who contributes the most will be Hokage” an explicit rule, it became official. His influence over the next Hokage’s selection was no greater than anyone else’s.
Merit would be unambiguous as the only standard for becoming Hokage.
Nominations, join votes, and the Daimyo’s approval would no longer hold more weight than “merit.”
Many present were eager, especially the clan leaders, who deeply understood the significance of the Hokage position for their clans.
While some were pleased, others lowered their heads in contemplation.
Sarutobi’s willingness to loosen his grip was good for these clans. Still, it also showed that he and the other high-ranking officials were quite pessimistic about the upcoming situation.
They felt compelled to relinquish the decision-making power for the next Hokage to gain the full support of other ninja clans and factions.
Should they take the gamble…
The expanded meeting ended in thoughtful silence.
Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke, watching the attendees leave one by one until only Danzo remained.
“They will collaborate to support a candidate who represents their interests and then create opportunities for him on the battlefield,” Danzo said coldly.
Danzo had been perpetually bitter since losing his position as Hokage’s advisor.
“We don’t need to consider what the future holds,” Sarutobi said, “We only need to consider surviving.”
Winter is coming.
Mobilizing the clans to compete is better than letting them harbor ill intentions.
After Neiki’s manipulations, how many would choose to stand together in a crisis without substantial rewards?
“I don’t believe things will get that bad,” Danzo replied.
“The biggest lesson from the Uchiha and Neiki rebellions is that we must always prepare for the worst, right?” Sarutobi said.
After silence, Danzo changed the subject: “When will Tsunade and Jiraiya return?”
He knew Sarutobi considered either of them the best candidates for the next Hokage.
Though the decision opened the door for other clans, Danzo saw it as merely working for these two.
Sarutobi understood Danzo’s implication and shook his head:
“As long as they return before the war, it’s fine. The Hokage position isn’t necessarily reserved for them. As I said, it will be based on merit.”
“Even you, Danzo.”
“If you achieve enough merit, you can become Hokage.”
Danzo didn’t respond. He just smirked coldly as he left.
He might have believed it if Sarutobi hadn’t dismantled Root before saying this.
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