“I understand!”
Despite losing the initiative, Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained control, showing no anger at Uchiha Jin’s confrontational words.
The use of the Second Hokage’s decree was indeed irritating. After all, Hiruzen had become Hokage due to Tobirama Senju’s last wishes, and denying his teacher was out of the question.
Otherwise, what kind of Hokage would he be?
This tactic, while annoying, was ultimately limited.
The world isn’t just black and white; there’s a long stretch between victory and defeat.
Even if the Uchiha clan gained a slight advantage today, it was a minor inconvenience for Hiruzen and didn’t threaten his control over Konoha.
After all,
I am the Hokage!
Hiruzen ignored Jin’s accusations against Danzo and turned to the ANBU.
“The ANBU will take over from here. I promise to give the Uchiha a fair judgment afterward!”
Immediately, several ANBU operatives, dressed identically to the fallen Root members, moved forward under a squad leader’s command to secure the scene.
Whizz! Whizz! Whizz!
Three kunai flew through the air, embedding themselves in the ground in a triangular formation. Their handles vibrated, warning the ANBU to stay back.
“Uchiha, are you trying to obstruct the ANBU’s mission?”
The ANBU squad leader narrowed his eyes, shouting at Jin.
Jin ignored the minor character, pressing Danzo’s head underfoot while calmly watching Hiruzen.
“These spies infiltrated Konoha by impersonating ANBU. Whatever the reason, they must be thoroughly investigated, and only the ANBU is equipped to handle such matters.”
With a simple statement, Hiruzen labelled the fallen Root members as spies, emphasising the ANBU’s role in handling external threats.
It was necessary to maintain the illusion that these bodies had no official ties to the village unless he wanted an outright confrontation with the Uchiha.
The real question, whether these were foreign spies or Danzo’s vendetta, didn’t matter to Hiruzen. It was about controlling the narrative and bearing the necessary… cost!
Without needing Hiruzen’s orders, Koharu Utatane stepped forward, scolding Jin like an enraged fishwife.
“How could your police force not leave a single survivor!”
Hmph!
Jin understood it was a bargaining tactic but was still infuriated.
Sharingan: Suppression!
Koharu clutched her head, staggering back a few steps before collapsing into Homura Mitokado’s arms.
“Uchiha Jin, are you rebelling?”
Hiruzen’s heart leapt with joy, thinking Jin was just a hot-headed youngster as he unleashed his “strongest Hokage” aura.
Jin knew better than to fall for this trap, turning to Inoichi Yamanaka instead.
“No need for the ANBU to investigate. If you doubt our police force, let the Yamanaka Clan examine the bodies. I trust they can provide a fair answer!”
“This…”
Inoichi was caught off guard and looked to Shikaku Nara for guidance, only to see him shake his head slightly. Inoichi then turned back to Hiruzen.
“What… is the Yamanaka Clan also untrustworthy?”
Enjoying the anticipated awkwardness, Jin knew today might not yield results, but unsettling his opponents was worth it.
“No, Sarutobi…”
Hearing that the Yamanaka Clan might intervene, Danzo, lying quietly, began struggling frantically.
Even though the Root members were dead and their secrets hard to uncover, Danzo couldn’t risk exposure.
Knowing even a sliver of information could ruin his Hokage aspirations, he struggled, hoping Hiruzen would intervene.
But cut off from his chakra and mental link by Jin’s Sharingan, Danzo’s convulsions were merely a desperate attempt.
“Damn it!”
Seeing Jin hit the sore spot, Hiruzen momentarily ignored Danzo. With everyone witnessing Danzo’s disgrace, he would have to suffer for a while.
The critical issue was Jin’s challenge—was he ready for a showdown?
Considering Jin’s proclaimed “break everything” approach, Hiruzen was unsure. But years as Hokage had taught him what to do.
I am the Hokage!
Hiruzen’s commanding shout and formidable aura shattered his outer robe, revealing a black combat suit underneath.
Believing in compromise, Hiruzen was confident that a worthy opponent like Jin wouldn’t break this rule.
‘I am the Hokage’ wasn’t just a tool for Danzo; it was a powerful reminder to all Konoha’s ninjas.
Indeed, as Hiruzen’s gaze swept over the gathered clan leaders and ninjas, they instinctively bowed their heads.
“Sarutobi, you will…”
Danzo, lying in the dirt, shivered. The phrase echoed in his mind before another crushing blow silenced him.
“Finally, it’s time!”
Hearing Hiruzen’s declaration, Jin knew his moment had arrived.
These insects…
Having made their choice today, they wouldn’t be spared in the future!
Marking most of them for death in his mind, Jin stood tall, unleashing his aura to counter Hiruzen’s.
“No, you’re just the Acting Hokage!”
…
Suddenly, Danzo seems quite pitiable…
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