Sarutobi Hiruzen's old face stiffened, but being thick-skinned, he quickly regained his calm composure and maintained his chrysanthemum-like smile.
At the same time, the words of the Third Hokage reached the ears of the Konoha villagers, leaving them confused.
The Uzushigakure? Wasn't that Konoha's ally since ancient times?
Although the villagers understood the general situation of the Ninja World, they were unaware of certain internal secrets.
Especially regarding Konoha's dirty secrets, the Konoha Higher-ups certainly wouldn't let them know. Otherwise, wouldn't Konoha's glorious image be shattered?
Therefore, the Konoha villagers did not know that Konoha had betrayed them, taken advantage of their misfortune, stolen the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Techniques, and even forced members of the Uzumaki Clan to become Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Thus, when the Third Hokage spoke this way, they genuinely believed the Uzushigakure was visiting.
It's just that... wasn't this method of visiting a little too sudden?
Furthermore, what was going on with the Shinobi who were just sent flying backward? If the Uzushigakure was here as a guest, why were the Shinobi trying to evacuate the villagers?
Also, why did all these Shinobi look so grim?
But soon, they would understand why these Konoha Ninja were acting this way.
Rukia scanned the people of Konoha, finally settling her gaze on Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Her gaze was calm, and she said coldly, "The three-day period is up. The Uzushigakure has come to take back the Uzumaki clansmen!"
"Will Konoha obediently hand them over, or will we, the Uzushigakure, take them ourselves?"
"You!"
Homura Mitokado was enraged, greatly annoyed by Rukia's contemptuous tone, and immediately wanted to step forward.
But he was quickly stopped by Utatane Koharu.
Utatane Koharu was also very irritated by Rukia's tone, and a nameless fire surged in her heart.
However, she glanced at the silent Sarutobi Hiruzen, unsure of his decision, and could only temporarily suppress her anger, taking the opportunity to stop Homura Mitokado.
The other Konoha Ninja also glared angrily, their chests heaving, holding back a mouthful of fury!
It had always been them, Konoha, who swaggered in the Ninja World. When had they ever been insulted at home?
During the First Hokage's era, when their Konoha people went out, people from other countries didn't dare to speak loudly when they saw them!
When had they ever suffered such indignity?
But they also knew that the current Konoha was different from before.
Ever since Lord First Hokage passed away, any hidden village could challenge Konoha!
The current Konoha was even more deeply mired in a war with Sunagakure, with insufficient troops.
Therefore, these Konoha Ninja had bloodshot eyes, looking at the dense Shinigami army behind the golden giant gate.
They could still endure a little longer!
But only a little, no more!
At this moment, the Konoha villagers finally realized that something was wrong.
Something was off!
Very off!
Wasn't the Uzushigakure their ally?
Weren't they guests in Konoha?
This looked a bit like they were looking for trouble, didn't it?
Sarutobi Hiruzen was silent for a while, calming the anger in his heart.
As the Third Hokage of Konoha, this was the first time anyone had dared to speak to him like this!
And it was a young girl who looked even younger than Tsunade!
But!
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his angry emotions.
Although in his opinion, Konoha's advantage in high-level power was within Konoha.
However, the mid-to-low level troops were a bit lacking by comparison.
Moreover, they were currently located inside Konoha Village. If a war broke out, it would cause considerable losses to Konoha.
Even many villagers would be affected by the battle.
As the Hokage of Konoha, he had to be responsible for Konoha and its villagers!
For these reasons, he could endure a little longer!
He forced a smile and said, "Regarding Uzumaki Kushina, I think we can still discuss it further."
Uzushigakure, Soul Society Court.
Chihiro opened his eyes slightly, carefully watching the screen displaying Konoha.
Especially Sarutobi Hiruzen's appearance, which truly opened his eyes!
Is this really the Kage of a village?
They're humiliating you in your own home! It's like they've NTR'd you in person, and you can still endure it? You can still continue to humble yourself?!
He truly has no shame!
At least the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure died standing!
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, truly worthy of being a 'Ninja Bear'!"
No wonder so many absurd things happened in the original Konoha.
With such a leader, it's impossible for things not to go awry!
In Konoha, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado also looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen in disbelief.
It seemed they had only just discovered this side of Sarutobi Hiruzen!
Ninja Bear!
This title was not a derogatory term!
From Sarutobi Hiruzen's various performances, he indeed deserved this title.
But today... perhaps it was only for the safety of the Konoha villagers that Sarutobi Hiruzen made such a compromise... Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado comforted themselves this way, but a hint of hesitation lingered in their hearts.
Orochimaru was also surprised for a moment, then fell silent.
Has sensei also grown old?
Lost his former ambition?
He suddenly remembered a phrase Sensei Sarutobi always had on his lips: "Orochimaru, when I get old, the position of Fourth Hokage will be yours."
Now it seems, if the Hokage is like this,
Perhaps this Hokage position isn't so attractive to him after all.
Tsunade's expression remained unchanged.
Perhaps she was the one who saw Sarutobi Hiruzen's changes most clearly.
She felt no disappointment or surprise at Sarutobi Hiruzen's actions.
After all, having seen so many shameless things, she had become numb to it.
She could only often sigh in her heart.
Grandpa Second, look at who you entrusted Konoha to!
However, in Tsunade's opinion, Danzo Shimura, Utatane Koharu, and Homura Mitokado were not good people either.
They were all completely cut from the same cloth!
Her Grandpa Second was brilliant for a lifetime, inventing various Forbidden Jutsu, establishing various policies, and driving new developments throughout the Ninja World.
Yet, his judgment was poor. His good reputation and Konoha were all ruined by a few disciples.
The only one who seemed decent was coincidentally an Uchiha.
Moreover, Uchiha Kagami also sacrificed himself during a mission with Danzo Shimura.
This Konoha, the smell of decay is truly growing stronger and stronger.
Root's base.
A gloomy laugh suddenly echoed from the dark underground.
"Haha, Hiruzen, you are old after all. How could you make such a foolish decision!"
Danzo Shimura openly mocked such a Sarutobi Hiruzen!
"If I were in that position, I would never compromise like Hiruzen! Hmph!"
Although he said so, at this time of crisis for Konoha, Danzo Shimura still had no intention of deploying Root. His single eye flashed with a cold light, and he muttered to himself, "I'm doing all this for Konoha!"
Konoha East Street.
Rukia was also surprised by Sarutobi Hiruzen's shamelessness.
She frowned and said, "You old geezer, are you really the Kage of a village?"
This was the first time she had seen such a leader without dignity, such a shameless strong person!
"Nawaki?!"
Just then, Tsunade suddenly exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention!
Tsunade was originally just idly observing the Shinigami army, but she unexpectedly saw a very familiar face.
That brown short hair, those distinctive red cheeks—who else could it be but Nawaki?
However, the current Nawaki had undergone tremendous changes compared to when he was in Konoha!
Not only had he grown much taller, but he was also wearing a dignified black shinigami uniform, with a sword at his waist, making him look quite the part.
This change made Tsunade subconsciously hesitate to recognize him.
"Huh?"
But as soon as he spoke, he reverted to the familiar foolish appearance Tsunade knew.
This appearance, conversely, made Tsunade let out a breath of relief. This really was her silly little brother!
Senju Nawaki scratched his head. Why did he feel like people kept calling his name recently?
He looked at the woman who had called his name, but clearly, he did not recognize her.
----------------------------------
I've already uploaded over 40 new chapters on Patreon!
If you're enjoying the story and want to read ahead, feel free to check it out.
Your support truly means a lot to me!
patreon.com/Kazenova223
Thank you so much for being here!
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!