thefictionvixens Chapter 114 Hokage's Abdication
Chapter 114 Hokage's Abdication
Chapter 114 Hokage's Abdication (Seventh Update!)
No matter how furiously Hiruzen Sarutobi cursed, what had already happened was destined to be irreversible.
The rift between him and Tsunade was long-standing and didn't develop overnight.
Now he only has two choices: either bring Tsunade back and let her represent Konoha again, then all the rumors will naturally fall apart.
However, the Anbu have just replied: Tsunade has not yet returned to the village.
Moreover, judging from Orochimaru's previous post-battle reports, even if Tsunade returned, it would be highly unlikely that she would go back to the battlefield.
So there's only one option left—
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back wearily in his chair, his voice suddenly becoming hollow.
"I will take all the blame for the recent events upon myself, and then announce my resignation as Hokage to respond to all the accusations."
Then the Jonin team will propose candidates for the next Hokage.
"Danzo isn't here, Koharu, I'll trouble you to go and personally inform the Daimyo."
After giving these final words, Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to have aged ten years in an instant.
Although the final result was the same—to relinquish power—Hiruzen Sarutobi's fate at this moment was undoubtedly several times worse than in the original work!
In the original story, he managed to hold out until Minato Namikaze won the Battle of Kannabi Bridge.
This allowed him to retain some credit for nurturing and promoting the new generation, which meant that when he retired, the major ninja clans in the village were still willing to give him face.
That also became an important basis for Minato Namikaze's later rise to power after his death.
It can be said that in the original work, Hiruzen Sarutobi's reputation in Konoha was at least balanced between his merits and demerits, and after his death in battle, he was regarded as a hero by the entire village.
But now, Hiruzen Sarutobi could foresee that his reputation after stepping down would probably not be very good.
First, Danzo suffered a crushing defeat in a small country, and then Tsunade stirred up a storm of public opinion...
This time, no one can take the blame for Hiruzen Sarutobi anymore; he has to bear the consequences himself.
For this reason, he even gave up the right to nominate the next Hokage.
The two advisors had clearly noticed this as well, and Koharu Utatane quickly asked, "Hiruzen, haven't you finalized the selection for the Fourth Hokage yet? What if I'm asked about it when I go to inform the daimyo?"
Sarutobi Hikaru sighed, "He will be notified when the Fourth Hokage takes office, so you don't need to reply to him this time."
Given his current infamous state, directly appointing Minato Namikaze as the next Hokage might not be a good thing for that kid.
Whether he genuinely admired Minato or was compromised for his own future, at least at this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi's care for Minato Namikaze was absolutely heartfelt.
He genuinely hoped that the other party could take over Konoha from him cleanly and honestly.
Therefore, he plans to step down first, and then let the Jonin nominate the next Hokage.
He believed that even if the Jonin voted and chose on their own, Minato Namikaze would still be the best candidate for the Fourth Hokage.
If there were no outsiders interfering, this understanding wouldn't have been a problem in the first place.
Minato Namikaze's personality and strength are impeccable, he is also very popular, and Nara Shikaku had taken the initiative to help him consolidate his reputation at Hiruzen Sarutobi's behest.
It can be said that the right timing, the right location, and the right people all contributed to the success.
But all of this ultimately hinges on the premise that there are no outsiders interfering!
But will it really not exist?
The night will eventually pass.
The next morning, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood humiliated on the rooftop of the Hokage Building, facing the entire village, and announced his impending abdication.
"From this day forward, I will resign from my position as the Third Hokage!"
One stone caused a thousand waves!
However, this timely brought a dramatic end to the public opinion storm, preventing the tension in the village from escalating further.
Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi had made many mistakes, he had already stepped down, so what else could be said?
The public opinion surrounding Konoha has thus been brought to an early end.
Meanwhile, Koharu Utatane also set off to meet the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, while the captain of the Dark Army set off to deliver a message to Minato Namikaze.
By evening, news kept coming back, leaving Hiruzen Sarutobi with mixed feelings of joy and worry.
To his delight, the daimyo didn't react much to his self-reported "dereliction of duty." Instead, he wrote a letter to comfort him, saying that this would not diminish his trust and support for Konoha.
This undoubtedly brought a huge sigh of relief to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But what worried him was the reply from the other side: a reply from Minato Namikaze.
Minato Namikaze, who was at the front lines, expressed his unwillingness to rush back to the village at this time!
Rather than rushing back and obtaining the Hokage Hat through a near-lucky escape, the proud Minato Namikaze preferred to claim his glory through a victory!
In his letter, he explained that he had discovered the logistical pressure that Iwagakure was under during the offensive and planned to launch a surprise attack on Iwagakure's supply lines within a few months!
If all goes well, he will return in a few months and take over the Hokage position in a triumphant manner, without any controversy!
Minato Namikaze spoke with great confidence in his letter, and even comforted Hiruzen Sarutobi, advising him that his difficulties were only temporary and that if he persevered, everything would be alright.
This letter is indeed very much in line with Minato Namikaze's consistent style: warm, confident, and grand!
Minato was unwilling to accept the shortcut that Hiruzen Sarutobi had paved for him through underhanded tactics.
Even if the teacher's teacher meant well, Minato Namikaze had his own pride.
Upon seeing the reply, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt both gratified and worried.
I am delighted that another exceptionally outstanding ninja has emerged from the next generation of Konoha!
But at the same time, there are concerns: will things really not change in a few months?
Minato Namikaze is currently on the front lines, which are very close to that wretched Land of Rain!
For some reason, Hiruzen Sarutobi always felt a vague unease in his heart, like insects gnawing at his soul.
Unfortunately, he could only turn his attention to other fronts, simply to distract himself.
"How's the situation on Orochimaru's side? Has Sunagakure made any moves since he was injured?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked the Anbu behind him, looking at the ninja world map.
Although Orochimaru was his personal disciple, at this moment, he had already lost out to the successor he truly recognized in terms of his concern.
The secret service dared not comment on this, and answered truthfully.
"Lord Orochimaru's injuries have healed, and nothing major has happened in the past few days."
On the other hand, news has come from Sunagakure that their own village has recently fallen into chaos.
"Oh? What happened?" Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't heard any good news in the past few days, so he couldn't help but ask.
He originally thought that Konoha's western front would face great pressure after Orochimaru was injured.
Unexpectedly, the Anbu reported, "The news reports that Pakura, who used the Scorching Release technique, has returned to Sunagakure and has caused quite a commotion."
The promised seven updates have been completed!
It really took me from morning till night to write, it was so hard...
I'm asking for subscriptions, monthly tickets, and donations—anything is welcome!
The people of the city are deeply grateful!
(End of this chapter)