NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Dismissal of the Hokage
Today was a day unlike any other for the people of Konohagakure.
The figure who once existed only on the Hokage Rock had returned.
The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, had come back.
"Did you hear? Second-sama is alive again!"
A Konoha shinobi spoke animatedly, surrounded by his peers.
"That's right! I was about to get hit by a Sunagakure ninja when Lord Second saved me in an instant with his Flying Thunder God Technique!"
Another ninja nodded in agreement, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Now that Second-sama is back... and with the Third Hokage getting on in years, could it be that—"
"Shh! That's not for us to speculate on!"
In the conference room of the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was tense.
Present were the village's elite—Jōnin, clan leaders, the Hokage, and his advisors—all gathered for a pivotal meeting.
At the head of the room sat a white-haired figure, while the Hokage and others were relegated to lesser positions.
"Sensei, I can't believe you're really back."
The three Hokage advisors had dismissed the initial reports of Senju Tobirama's return as a misunderstanding. It wasn't until they saw him with their own eyes that they accepted the truth.
Danzo Shimura, in particular, struggled to mask his unease. His bandaged eye seemed to widen in shock, his face betraying a rare flicker of panic.
"Koharu... you've grown so old. You're a Hokage advisor now?"
Tobirama's gaze settled on the elderly woman, his tone carrying a mixture of recognition and surprise.
Around the table were Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, Torifu Akimichi, Danzo Shimura, and, of course, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
(T/N: Torifu Akimich along with his teammates, Kagami Uchiha and Danzō Shimura, he was a direct subordinate of the Second Hokage. If anyone didn't know.)
These five had once been Tobirama's disciples and trusted guards.
Yet one figure was absent—Uchiha Kagami, Tobirama's sole Uchiha student.
As someone who understood this world's events, Tobirama already knew the reason. Kagami had been eliminated by Danzo. And beneath those bandages on Danzo's face? A Sharingan belonging to Kagami's descendant, Uchiha Shisui, harvested for its Mangekyō powers.
"Sensei," Danzo broke the silence, his voice ringing with conviction, "Hiruzen Sarutobi, whom you entrusted with the position of Hokage in a time of crisis, has failed us. He allowed Orochimaru to conduct human experiments, and when the time came to stop him, he showed mercy, letting Orochimaru escape. This leniency led to the disaster that has now befallen Konohagakure. I propose that Hiruzen Sarutobi step down as Hokage!"
The room was stunned. Danzo's words hung heavy in the air.
"Danzo..."
Hiruzen's gaze was cold, but he remained silent, as if searching for the right response.
Even Koharu and Homura were taken aback by Danzo's boldness. Yet, the three had always been allies. After exchanging a glance, they voiced their agreement.
The clan leaders, unsure of Tobirama's stance, hesitated to speak. They chose to remain silent, cautious and unreadable.
As for the Jōnin with no clan affiliations, they simply pretended not to notice, unwilling to involve themselves in high-level politics.
Tobirama, however, wasn't swayed. He turned his sharp gaze toward Danzo.
"Danzo, where were your forces when this village was under attack?"
"Sensei, my Root exists to preserve the village's strength. I couldn't afford unnecessary sacrifices. Our resources are limited, and I had to ensure Konoha could defend itself from other nations after the battle."
Danzo's tone was firm and righteous, painting himself as a visionary who prioritized the village's long-term survival.
But the truth?
Danzo had been waiting, hoping Orochimaru would kill Hiruzen. Even if Orochimaru failed, he could still use the situation to accuse Hiruzen of incompetence, paving his way to the position of Fifth Hokage.
What Danzo hadn't foreseen was the resurrection of Senju Tobirama.
"Damn Orochimaru and his reckless use of forbidden jutsu!" Danzo cursed internally, grinding his teeth. "He couldn't even control Tobirama-sensei!"
A quiet voice muttered in the crowd, "What a shameless old fox."
Though the words were barely audible, Tobirama's sharp ears caught them. He gave a small nod, seemingly in agreement.
Tobirama then spoke, his tone firm and commanding.
"My student, Hiruzen, failed in teaching his disciples well. The damage to Konoha cannot be overlooked. Therefore, I declare that Hiruzen Sarutobi is to be relieved of his position as Hokage."
His words were decisive, leaving no room for argument.
"Who approves? Who opposes?"
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