After the annular solar eclipse ended, Rengoku did not wait for Hiruko to declare war on the shinobi world.
At least before the next annular eclipse, the clan's elites wouldn't be targeted.
But the Third's side should be making a move soon.
So Rengoku kept all the other clansmen within the compound.
On the other side, Senku had already followed Ishishu and the others to Konoha.
Just as Rengoku was waiting for the Third Hokage to make his move, someone quietly arrived at the Uchiha compound.
———
[Conference Room]
"Sit," Rengoku casually pointed to the seat beside him.
Standing next to him, however, was Hyuga Sota.
Sota didn't sit down. He had come here to tell Rengoku something important, "Elder Rengoku, lately near Naruto's house, many Anbu have been appearing."
"We've been monitoring Naruto's family, and there have also been many Anbu in the area."
Rengoku's lips curled, 'This Sarutobi Hiruzen, he finally can't hold back anymore.'
"I see. You worked hard coming here, Sota."
"But fledglings must grow. You don't have to keep too tight an eye on them," Rengoku spoke with meaning.
Sota's heart gave a jolt.
Looking at Rengoku's meaningful gaze—
'Could it be?'
Rengoku shifted the topic, "I'm preparing to open the Chunin Exams soon, to broaden the horizons of the elite class."
"At that time, Naruto and the others will participate, and your Hyuga clansmen can also take a break."
'Take a break?'
Sota looked at Rengoku with a strange expression.
Rengoku smiled slightly, "Mm, that's what I said."
Every year Konoha would hold Chunin Exams, usually twice, though they might be adjusted in times of war, that was all decided by the Hokage.
But after the authority over the education system was stripped from the Hokage, it was up to Rengoku to decide.
Rengoku felt holding them twice a year was a waste of time and effort, so he simply held them once a year instead.
In the past two years, Rengoku had held two Chunin Exams.
Usually, it was written test plus elimination battles in the Forest of Death.
This year too, the timing was up to Rengoku.
Sota's mind spun with thoughts, then he put on a look of realization, "Don't worry, Elder Rengoku, I know what to do."
Rengoku patted Sota's shoulder, "The Uchiha and Hyuga have always been as close as family."
"Yes, Elder Rengoku. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Sota quickly excused himself.
With repeated gestures of goodwill, to some extent he had gained Rengoku's trust.
For a branch family elder like him, pushed out by the Hyuga main house as cannon fodder, Sota's days were certainly not easy.
So making early ties with the Uchiha was obvious in its intent.
But since Rengoku hadn't yet taken the Hokage's seat, it wasn't his place to meddle in Hyuga affairs.
First he had to deal with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Rengoku sneered, "This bait, let's see if you take it, Sarutobi Hiruzen."
———
[Hokage's Office]
The Third Hokage held in his hand the official notice sent by Uchiha Rengoku, reading it over.
The contents were simple: Rengoku had decided to open the yearly Chunin Exams.
The exam format was the same as before, written test plus real combat.
For the combat portion, they needed the Forest of Death.
The meaning of this notice was just to inform him, not to ask for his permission.
Graduates from the Academy became genin, but whether genin could participate in the promotion exam to chunin depended on whether their team leader recommended them.
Now, all the team leaders were Uchiha, so naturally this authority belonged to Rengoku.
But in previous years, many of the instructors weren't Uchiha.
And just as Rengoku had predicted, the Third Hokage wouldn't pass up such a good chance to act.
But this time, the Third Hokage too was prepared to burn his boats, because Rengoku had already been contacting all the ninja clans frequently.
If he didn't act now, it would be too late.
The Third Hokage needed enough cards in hand to protect his own people.
As he pondered, a figure slipped in through the window.
It was none other than Jiraiya, who had been staying in Konoha.
"Old man, how's it going?"
Though he didn't want to stay in Konoha, Jiraiya knew well that at this time, the Third Hokage had few people to rely on.
He still didn't want Konoha and the Uchiha to really fight.
The Third Hokage spoke anxiously, "Uchiha Rengoku's disguise these past two years has been too successful. Even Tsunade no longer wishes to contend for the Hokage's seat."
"Judging by his recent moves contacting the clans, he'll be making his move soon."
"I don't mind abdicating, but Rengoku may not let me go."
"If my Sarutobi clan is forced to resist, Konoha will plunge into chaos, and we'll be gravely weakened."
"If Konoha falls, I'll have let down my teacher and the First Hokage."
Jiraiya, as the village's greatest guardian, heard the Third Hokage say this, and he spoke in a deep voice, "I'll persuade Tsunade. Old man, on your side, follow through with the plan: switch the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki to one of ours."
"Then even if Uchiha Rengoku wants to strike, he'll have to think twice."
The Third Hokage patted Jiraiya's shoulder, "If this action fails, I'll take full responsibility."
"Don't hate the Uchiha. Don't seek revenge against the Uchiha."
"Because that will only put Konoha in even greater danger."
Seeing the Third Hokage so pessimistic, Jiraiya couldn't help but comfort him, "Old man, don't worry. With me here, nothing will happen to you."
The Third Hokage laughed freely, "At my age, what is there I can't accept?"
"Konoha's future depends on you."
———
[Land of Fire Border]
Yomi waited patiently. He had already told Zetsu that Moryo's strength had recovered.
Until both Obito and Zetsu appeared.
"Moryo has recovered?", Obito asked right away.
Moryo was extremely powerful, but until now had been in a weakened state.
Yomi's expression shifted, and then turned into a deep male voice.
"Correct. This one has already recovered."
"Next, once my body is reclaimed, I will be fully restored."
Obito asked doubtfully, "Wasn't your body sealed by the priestess?"
"Where would we find the priestess now?"
Moryo answered naturally, "Do not worry about that. I have already sensed it, the priestess is in Konoha."
"The current priestess is young. We only need to seize her, unseal my body, and then devour her right after."
Obito looked startled, 'The priestess, in Konoha? Since when?'
'Could it be that the priestess of the Land of Demons, from more than two years ago, has a descendant brought to Konoha?'
But actually, that worked out perfectly. This time Hiruko was already planning to stir up trouble in Konoha.
Obito thought for a moment and said, "There are others in the organization going to Konoha. You can go together."
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.