The current situation left Sarutobi Hiruzen at a loss, not to mention Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Sora with a solemn look.
Now Sora was no longer under their control. The fully-empowered Sora had broken free from their influence. His doubts and accusations could no longer be ignored.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Danzo beside him.
Danzo also caught the look in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.
Danzo's hands clenched tightly into fists, and his expression gradually turned resentful.
The meaning in Sarutobi Hiruzen's look was obvious.
Solve the problem you created.
But now, to calm the situation, they would have to agree to Sora's conditions.
Disbanding Root was impossible, and as for the Hokage's advisor position...
Just because he wanted to discredit Sora, he would have to give up his position as the Hokage's advisor? Wasn't that too great a loss?
However, the title of Hokage's advisor wasn't everything. His real power came from Root. Even if he lost the title, he could still exercise the authority of the Hokage's advisor.
And with Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura around, the position of Hokage's advisor could be returned to him at any time.
Still, Danzo was unwilling to accept this. Why should he bear this burden alone?
But in this situation, he had no choice but to comply.
After taking a deep breath, Danzo announced: "Regarding Sora, I only had suspicions and no substantial evidence.
"I was not being rigorous today.
"As for my position as the Hokage's advisor...
"I have held this position long enough.
"It just happens that I've been considering stepping down.
"Today I announce my resignation as the Hokage's advisor, and will hand over this position to a talented younger shinobi."
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately followed up: "Since Danzo has chosen to voluntarily step down from his position as the Hokage's advisor and is willing to give up this position to a talented young person, that is for the best.
"This matter has been resolved, so let's return to the purpose of this meeting—discussing the next successor to the position of Hokage!"
Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura sat down.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't sit immediately but looked at Sora, who was still standing.
Sora smiled and said: "Since the Third Hokage has resolved this matter, I naturally have nothing more to say. After all, I am just an ordinary shinobi in Konoha who speaks little."
Sora sat back in his seat.
Sarutobi Hiruzen gave Sora a long, measuring look before sitting back down.
The clan leaders present all breathed a sigh of relief.
With Sora's intense aura just now, they had almost thought he would attack.
Hearing Sora claim to be a man of few words, everyone inwardly scoffed.
Wasn't that a bit too humble?
He had directly confronted Konoha's top leadership and even forced Danzo, the Hokage's advisor, to compromise and voluntarily resign from his position.
Everyone present knew the real reason Sora dared to be so bold was because of his strength.
The law of the jungle was the law of survival in the shinobi world.
If Sora had only reputation but no strength, how would he dare speak to these senior officials this way? Would Danzo have compromised so easily?
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Nara Shikaku.
Nara Shikaku immediately understood and moved to start the next topic.
Nara Shikaku suggested: "It's better to leave the position to a shinobi from the generation after Minato."
Nara Shikaku had actually considered Sora initially.
After all, the most suitable candidate to become Hokage right now was Sora.
But after what had just happened, it would be impossible to choose Sora, and Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others would never select him to become the Fifth Hokage.
Likewise, Orochimaru was out of the question.
And... Nara Shikaku also saw through Sarutobi Hiruzen's true intention in calling this meeting.
The shinobi from the generation after Namikaze Minato were those of Kakashi's age group. No one in this generation was qualified to become the Fifth Hokage.
Because they were still too young and lacked sufficient experience.
Nara Shikaku's guess was correct. Utatane Koharu immediately said: "Although there are excellent Jōnin among them, it's undeniable that their experience isn't enough to lead the village."
Nara Shikaku immediately asked: "Then, who else could it be?"
Danzo's eyes flashed—wasn't this a great opportunity?
He had just stepped down as the Hokage's advisor and could now take over as Hokage.
The justification would be that he was familiar with all of the Hokage's responsibilities and could begin immediately.
But Danzo was a little worried. It would be very troublesome if Sora used the recent events to pressure him.
Danzo hadn't known in advance what kind of meeting Sarutobi Hiruzen was convening, so when he first heard that they were selecting the Fifth Hokage, he immediately challenged Sora.
Because Danzo also knew that Sora was the most qualified candidate for Fifth Hokage, with sufficient credentials and formidable strength.
Now even Orochimaru couldn't compare to Sora.
If he had known that Nara Shikaku would make such a proposal, Danzo wouldn't have challenged Sora.
Now Danzo felt like he had shot himself in the foot.
But his worries were about to be resolved.
Sarutobi Hiruzen once again stood up and offered himself: "We have no choice. This is an extraordinary period. I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, am willing to take on this important responsibility."
Mitokado Homura immediately responded enthusiastically: "You are willing to step forward."
Utatane Koharu also chimed in: "Since you are willing to agree..."
Danzo looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen in disbelief. He finally understood. Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura had been plotting together—without him!
This meeting was just a formality for Sarutobi Hiruzen to reclaim the position of Hokage.
So what was the point of him holding Sora accountable to prevent him from becoming the Fifth Hokage?
Was he just a fool?
He was left out every time—why?!
Danzo suppressed his anger and interrupted Utatane Koharu, questioning Sarutobi Hiruzen: "You once gave up the position of Hokage—are you really capable of reclaiming it?"
Danzo looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with sharp eyes and continued: "In fact, even though you rushed to the scene during the Nine-Tails attack, you were blocked by the barrier and didn't play any significant role!"
Mitokado Homura objected: "Danzo, you've gone too far! At that time, Hiruzen had no choice."
Utatane Koharu also questioned: "At that time, Danzo, where were you..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen called out softly: "Koharu!"
They had just managed to avoid discussing this matter, and now Utatane Koharu was bringing it up again. Wasn't she causing more trouble?
He should have briefed Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura about the Uchiha clan situation before they arrived.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced covertly at Sora and found him wearing a mocking smile, watching them as if they were clowns putting on a show.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's dissatisfaction with Sora grew deeper.
Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed heartily and said: "This old man is overestimating his abilities. Until the next Hokage grows up, just consider me a transitional leader. That should be acceptable."
Danzo glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen resentfully, grinding his teeth.
He had failed to eliminate Sora as a rival, and had lost his position as the Hokage's advisor for nothing.
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