Chapter 117: Chapter 117: Danzo’s Downfall, Kazuki’s Ascent
"Kazuki, what did you say? You will be in charge of the Root in the future?" Yashiro was stunned, his mind in complete chaos. He muttered to himself: "Let me process it…"
Yashiro still remembered that he came here to take the blame for Kazuki.
In Konoha, even the ANBU under the direct command of the Hokage felt a certain fear towards the Root. Those lunatics always had Danzo backing them up, as if they were a pack of rabid dogs, ready to bite anyone who crossed their path.
However, Kazuki had attacked a Root team leader. To Yashiro, there was no doubt that that old dog Danzo, who was always against the Uchiha clan, would not let this matter go easily.
"Kazuki, did Danzo resign because of what you did?" Yashiro's mind seemed to be burning. After blurting out that meaningless question, he quickly shook his head and, with a tense tone, lowered his voice: "Don't tell me you used a genjutsu to control Danzo and the Third Hokage…"
"Don't be mistaken! They're both powerful ninjas, and Konoha has many perception techniques. The genjutsu can't be hidden for long!"
No matter how hard he tried, Yashiro couldn't understand how Kazuki had managed to become the leader of the Root.
Beat someone up and get promoted afterwards? If things were that easy, the Uchiha clan would have already occupied the Hokage position a long time ago.
"What are you talking about, Yashiro?"
Kazuki sighed, resigned, as he handed him a document with the Hokage's special seal.
"Konoha shinobi act according to the Will of Fire, even I, as the future leader of the Root..."
"Controlling the Hokage with a genjutsu?" He added with a wry smile. "Something so absurd would never happen in Konoha."
The Yamanaka clan, the Hyuga clan, the Uchiha clan, the Kurama clan...
There were too many shinobi in Konoha who have strong perception abilities.
Yashiro took the appointment order with both hands shaking. His eyes kept scanning the document over and over as he exhaled deeply.
This was too shocking!
Although Yashiro did not understand how Kazuki had accomplished such a feat, he now understood what it meant to handle things boldly and without scruples.
It was amazing!
"Yashiro, this is a direct order from the Hokage. Shimura Danzo has been dismissed and is being investigated for conspiring with shinobi from other villages to frame Hatake Sakumo. I will now lead the Root, and Tsunade-sensei will take over as the Hokage's advisor."
Kazuki patted Uchiha Yashiro on the shoulder and said with emotion: "New times have come, and everything that does not conform to the Will of Fire will be eliminated."
"Exactly, exactly!" Yashiro nodded quickly, showing a nervous smile. "You are the one who most embodies the Will of Fire, Kazuki!"
Deep down, however, Yashiro was clear about what was really going on.
Did this have anything to do with the Will of Fire?
Of course not!
It was clearly a power struggle in the highest echelons of Konoha. Danzo was falling from grace, Tsunade was rising, and Kazuki was getting stronger. It all fit together perfectly.
Combined with the situation where Kazuki carried the coffin at Uzumaki Mito's funeral, and the angry expression of Shimura Dan in the crowd, Uchiha Yashiro came to a conclusion...
Sarutobi Hiruzen was paving the way for Kazuki to become the next Hokage.
"I didn't expect it, I didn't expect it..." Uchiha Yashiro was extremely excited and sighed. "Sarutobi Hiruzen can be so decisive? I thought he would hesitate for a while!"
"This kind of swift and decisive tactics is really surprising, it's a bit like that bastard Senju Tobirama!"
Senju Tobirama frowned, how can this evil Uchiha speak?
Kazuki chuckled in his mind.
"Yashiro, be careful with your words, call the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama-sama..." Kazuki cleared his throat, correcting Yashiro's mistake.
Uchiha Yashiro smiled and nodded. "Yes, yes, Tobirama-sama..."
Senju Tobirama snorted coldly.
"Yashiro, are there any clan members in the Police Force who are available?" Kazuki asked in a calm voice.
"I plan to purge some of the old members of the Root. If there are any reliable and capable members of the clan, I would like to integrate them into the organization..." He added, letting his words hang in the air. And then, with a more serious tone, he continued: "I want to form a special squad of Uchiha within the Root, and I want you to be its leader. Are you interested?"
Yashiro's eyes sparkled with excitement as he rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Of course I'm interested, Kazuki! I'd be honored!"
"What's the point of working in the police force?" He complained. "Always dealing with trivial village problems! We Uchiha have gone so long without any important missions outside the village that I'm already desperate for action. I'm sure many in the clan will think the same as me!"
Kazuki shook his head slowly. "Yashiro, you are now a ninja of the root, you need to change your mindset."
"The root is the foundation of Konoha. Our purpose is to eradicate darkness to ensure the light of the village. We need loyal, brave, and capable people. I don't want opportunists or clan parasites who come in through mere nepotism. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Furthermore, this matter must be handled discreetly. Shimura Danzo's downfall is big news, but it is also a scandal. In the context of the recent controversy with Hatake Sakumo, talking too much could fan the flames of public opinion. Handling it quietly is the most prudent course of action."
Yashiro's face instantly tensed.
He had planned to proclaim Danzo's downfall to the four winds as soon as he returned to the Uchiha district.
However, Kazuki had already taken a step forward, adopting a higher perspective.
It was clear that this was not just about seeking revenge but acting with the vision of a true leader who watched over the stability of the village.
Uchiha Yashiro nodded seriously. "Kazuki, I understand!"
Senju Tobirama listened to Kazuki's arrangements with great satisfaction.
Kazuki's plans were not merely the actions of a root leader. His vision and focus were at the level of a Hokage. Even when he had the opportunity to take revenge, Kazuki did not get carried away by momentary emotions but planned with the perspective of someone who protected all of Konoha.
Thinking of Sarutobi Hiruzen, who would not even calm down the Hatake Sakumo incident, Senju Tobirama shook his head.
The gap between people is still too big...
"Will the Police Force have a shortage of manpower?" Kazuki said slowly. "The Konoha Police Force is also an important part of Konoha. Will it affect normal operations if some of the clan members are taken to the Root?"
Uchiha Yashiro smiled maliciously. "Leave that to me, Kazuki. If Uchiha Fugaku does not want to cooperate willingly, I will see to it that he does."
"Go and do it, Yashiro..." Kazuki patted him on the shoulder. "I trust you. Don't let me down."
"Yes, Kazuki-sama!" Yashiro exclaimed in a firm voice, immediately running towards the Police Force.
Meanwhile, Kazuki walked leisurely towards Hatake Sakumo's house.
He was very curious: after being saved from a suicide attempt, how would Sakumo have changed?
Would he still want to die?
...
Sakumo looked at Kazuki, who had come to visit. An indescribable emotion flashed in his eyes before he solemnly knelt on the ground.
"I can't thank you enough for saving my life, Kazuki-kun!"
Kazuki quickly helped Sakumo up. "You're exaggerating, Sakumo."
Hatake Sakumo shook his head and looked at Kakashi with emotion: "The moment I plunged the blade into my chest, I had no regrets. But when I felt my life slipping away, I thought of Kakashi… that's when I regretted it. But it was too late."
"In that limbo of confusion, I couldn't help but wonder: after losing his father, how could Kakashi move on?"
Hatake Sakumo gently stroked Kakashi's head. During this time, his son had not left him alone for a moment.
Even when Sakumo mentioned that he needed to go to the bathroom, Kakashi would firmly refuse unless he accompanied him.
Seeing the fear and deep love in Kakashi's eyes, Sakumo increasingly regretted his impulsive decision. That blade, which was meant to be his act of protest against the village's injustice, had also robbed Kakashi of his father.
Luckily, Kazuki had worked a miracle and given him a second chance.
Sakumo was aware of how precise and fatal his stab to the heart had been. And yet, Kazuki had saved him.
"The results of the investigation into the rumors in the village have come out." Kazuki said as he took a sip of the tea Kakashi had quickly prepared for him. "It was Shimura Danzo who did it. He colluded with the shinobi from other villages in advance and wanted to frame you, Sakumo..."
A trace of ferocity flashed in Kakashi's eyes, and his fists clenched unconsciously.
Hatake Sakumo shook his head. "It doesn't matter, Kazuki..."
"Dying once has freed me from a lot of weight. The praise and honors that once made me proud no longer have value to me. Not even the concept of the will of fire or what others think of me affects me anymore."
"After all, I've already proven myself with my life. I don't plan on doing it a second time."
Kazuki looked at Hatake Sakumo.
Although his face was still pale due to the wound to his heart, his eyes had regained their brightness, and his posture was once again upright. However, something in his aura had changed.
Sakumo, who was once like a sharp sword, full of firmness and toughness, now seemed more serene, almost indifferent, as if he had transcended worldly problems.
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