Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"How dare they! How did this matter get out?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was like an enraged lion. After reading the news in Ninja Weekly, he slammed his palm on the table in anger.

The news published on this page had an extremely negative impact on him, even threatening his position as Hokage. 

Hokage? Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't dwell on how the other party obtained the information for now. Instead, he focused on their motive. 

Besides the Hokage position, what else could they be targeting? Could it be Orochimaru? Or Kain?

The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Apart from the information accidentally leaked by Mitokado Homura, it was also possible that the other party had obtained details from Sand Shinobi Village.

As for the agreement Mitokado Homura had signed with Sand Shinobi, promising not to divulge secrets, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the current situation and wished he could storm the battlefield and kill the Third Kazekage directly.

"After I left Sand Shinobi Village, the agreement was worthless. The leak must have come from Sand Shinobi Village. But that's not the important issue anymore. Hiruzen, you need to focus on how to handle this situation," Mitokado Homura said with a sigh, shaking his head.

Not only was Sarutobi Hiruzen's name mentioned in the report, but Mitokado Homura's as well. It wasn't just Hiruzen facing public backlash—Homura knew his name was being cursed too.

 However, Homura found some solace in the fact that he rarely appeared in public. Many civilians and lower-ranking ninjas didn't even recognize him, and some didn't know there were high-ranking Konoha officials beyond the Hokage.

"Electing the next Hokage... it seems like this is Orochimaru's scheme," Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered, his face grim. 

The best course of action now, other than stepping down and admitting his mistake, was to deny the allegations outright.

But if the opposition had managed to publish photos of the agreement, who knew what other evidence they might have? 

If he persisted in denying it and the opposition released more damning information, it wouldn't just cost him the Hokage seat—it could also tarnish the Sarutobi clan.

"Hokage-sama, the vice-captain of the police force, Uchiha Yatsushiro, requests an audience," an Anbu member announced after knocking and being permitted to enter.

The police force. Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, thinking back to the Ninja Weekly report. Uchiha Yatsushiro was likely connected to this matter, so he instructed the Anbu, "Let Uchiha Yatsushiro in."

"Yes, Hokage-Sama."

The Anbu left, and shortly after, Uchiha Yatsushiro entered, holding a copy of Ninja Weekly in his hand. 

This action darkened Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression, and he couldn't help but think bitterly: 'Tobirama-sensei, you were right. The Uchiha truly are an inherently troublesome clan. Is this an intentional insult?'

"Lord Hokage," Yatsushiro began, "due to the news in this magazine, there were thirty-seven fights in Konoha just this morning, involving hundreds of people. The detention rooms in the guard's headquarters are already at capacity."

Despite the gravity of the report, Sarutobi Hiruzen caught on to one thing—some people were supporting him. Not everyone in the village was condemning him.

After Yatsushiro finished his report, Sarutobi Hiruzen responded slowly, "I am aware of the situation. For now, focus on issuing admonishments. As for those detained, have them sign guarantees and release them. Yatsushiro-kun, I will resolve this matter as soon as possible."

"In that case... I understand, Hokage-sama," Yatsushiro replied before leaving.

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen's firm attitude, Uchiha Yatsushiro agreed immediately. Although he was reluctant to let those who had caused trouble off so easily, the Hokage's order would resolve the problem of overcrowded detention rooms and free the security team from further responsibility.

After Uchiha Yatsushiro left, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to the three people in the room and said, "Danzo, have the Root monitor Orochimaru, Kain, and any ninjas associated with them. Also, monitor the Uchiha clan!"

Although many members of the Uchiha clan had been taken away over time, the remaining power they held was not to be underestimated. 

According to Sarutobi Hiruzen's estimates, there were at least 400 ninjas in the Uchiha clan. This number was conservative, considering the clan's population. 

During the Third Ninja World War, the Uchiha had not mobilized on a large scale. The Water Country battlefield was the first time the Uchiha clan had led a major military operation.

"I understand," Danzo replied, "but the Root doesn't have the resources to monitor so many people right now, especially considering how troublesome these three targets are."

Danzo used the opportunity to make a request. While his chances of becoming the Fourth Hokage had long passed, he was unwilling to relinquish the power he still held. 

As long as he controlled the Root, his ambitions remained within reach.

"I'll allocate half of the necessary resources and funding to you," Sarutobi Hiruzen said firmly, "but this must be handled as soon as possible."

After addressing Danzo, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned his gaze to Mitokado Homura, whose expression faltered under the Hokage's scrutiny. Homura seemed to guess what Hiruzen was thinking.

Mitokado Homura sighed inwardly. He knew he couldn't avoid responsibility in this matter. With a heavy heart, he said, "I understand. When the time comes, I will step down as an elder."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed as well. "I'm sorry, Homura."

"It's fine," Homura replied, adjusting his glasses. "This is my responsibility. But right now, the priority is calming the situation down."

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