Danzo's actions were indeed difficult to deal with. If he hadn't stepped forward himself, some people might still have voiced their opinions, but most would have remained silent, and the few dissenters wouldn't have caused such an uproar.
Now that the situation had reached this point, as long as no one opposed Summer Li, most would go with the flow and express their support.
The key was that Summer Li couldn't blame them yet—they were all backing him to become Hokage!
"Ah…"
Summer Li let out a sigh. If his strength had been up to standard, even at a younger age, he would have already taken the position. But what was his current level?
He could probably secure a promotion to Jonin, but how high could he go?
In any case, he definitely hadn't reached Chō'ei's level yet, so Summer Li knew he still had a long way to go in improving his strength.
As for the Hokage position, there would be countless responsibilities awaiting him, which would consume most of his training time.
So for now, Summer Li didn't want the role. The best time to consider it would be after his training pace had slowed.
Moreover, even when that day came, Summer Li still had his own thoughts about the Hokage position…
After a long while, Summer Li finally reached the Third Hokage. He might have already figured out a way to deal with Danzo, but he still needed the Third Hokage's cooperation.
…
"Tch, why do we even have to come to Konoha?" Kankuro muttered, looking at the streets of Konoha. As a shinobi of Sunagakure, he had spent more time in Konoha than in his own village.
"Who would've thought Konoha would suddenly hold a celebration for the joint military victory? The thing is, if we don't go, the event can't happen. Those invitations came directly from them…" Temari sighed, recalling everything about the village.
"Alright, stop complaining. This celebration can help narrow the gap between Sunagakure and Konoha," Gaara said suddenly.
"!"
Upon hearing Gaara's words, Kankuro and Temari widened their eyes and exchanged a glance.
Finally, seeing Gaara standing there, they couldn't help but smile.
Although Sunagakure had recently suffered through many harsh events, at least one good thing had occurred: their younger brother Gaara was recovering.
Though Gaara's fondness for Konoha was a bit strong, it was better than before.
Of course, this wasn't an ordinary celebration. It was Summer Li who had requested the Third Hokage to arrange the event.
It might have sounded absurd—why would Sunagakure come to Konoha to celebrate?
But the Third Hokage agreed, because Summer Li was confident he wouldn't punish Danzo severely, and the Third Hokage would feel he owed him a favor.
Since Summer Li proposed a way to deal with Danzo's actions, the Third Hokage agreed.
The situation mirrored Summer Li's own circumstances. That's why the Third Hokage consented to this somewhat ridiculous celebration. As long as Summer Li could bring the Sunagakure shinobi over, it wouldn't be difficult.
To ensure most ordinary villagers could participate, Summer Li even asked the Anbu leaders to help promote the event.
And what was being promoted? That under the cooperation of Konoha and Sunagakure, Orochimaru's base in Otogakure had been completely destroyed, with minimal casualties, and Orochimaru had fled early!
Thanks to this publicity, the Sunagakure shinobi felt elated. They needed such recognition, so they readily agreed and sent Gaara and the others to represent Sunagakure.
The ceremony was lively, and the Third Hokage, recently discharged from the hospital, attended.
After praising Gaara and the others, the Third Hokage began recounting Summer Li's deeds.
He detailed Summer Li's achievements from his time as a Konoha shinobi to becoming a special Jonin, as well as the recent joint battle with Sunagakure.
For a while, the villagers listened in awe. Even now, it was the first time they had learned so many details, and the truth was no worse than the rumors…
Calls for Summer Li to become the Fifth Hokage grew louder. They felt something significant was about to happen.
If it weren't for Summer Li, why would the Third Hokage make such a clear account of his contributions?
Danzo watched coldly, a faint sneer on his lips. He had long known the Fifth Hokage position was beyond his reach.
Yet if he still didn't understand, it didn't matter. Whoever became Fifth Hokage—Tsunade or Summer Li—he would remain disdainful.
If Tsunade became Hokage, Danzo didn't believe she would ignore the public's voice.
If Summer Li became the Fifth Hokage heir, and Tsunade was really chosen by Jiraiya, it would be even more interesting.
"So, Hiruzen, let's hand the Hokage position to this brat. Let's see if he's truly worthy!"
"Hey, could he really become Fifth Hokage today?" Kankuro whispered amid the cheers.
"Possibly," Temari replied, not knowing much about such matters.
Gaara looked around at the crowd's reaction. People had cheered for him before, even though they weren't from his village.
Gaara realized that being praised and cheered like this felt… quite good. If Summer Li received the same recognition as Hokage…
If he became the Fifth Kazekage, would he receive such cheers from Sunagakure's shinobi?
It should be possible, even if the path might be harder.
A glimmer of longing flashed in Gaara's eyes.
After the Third Hokage finished recounting Summer Li's deeds, he glanced around at the excited crowd and noted Summer Li's popularity.
After all, Summer Li's renown among shinobi had peaked during the Kokuō era, and the plot to destroy Konoha had cemented his fame among ordinary villagers.
Combine that with the joint operation, signaling a decisive victory, and if Summer Li were to announce himself as the Fifth Hokage here, his popularity in Konoha would reach its zenith.
In that case, no one could oppose him; everyone would cheer!
The Third Hokage, influenced by these factors, wanted to announce Summer Li as Hokage, but he knew Summer Li didn't want that.
In this tense atmosphere, with everyone expecting the Third Hokage to declare Summer Li the Fifth Hokage, he smiled wryly and followed the plan:
Summer Li was promoted from Special Jonin to Jonin, but not Hokage.
Suddenly, the once-peaking excitement froze. Everyone stared at the Third Hokage in disbelief…
The stage was set perfectly. If his reputation had been lower, the crowd might have started arguing among themselves.
Then Summer Li finally stood and performed.
He stepped onto the central platform, looked around, listened to the crowd still shouting for him to become Hokage, and spoke.
First, he thanked the Third Hokage for his promotion and told his supporters that his current decision not to become Hokage was personal.
The reason: he was only thirteen years old, and Konoha didn't need a thirteen-year-old boy to shoulder all the responsibilities.
He then introduced two suitable candidates for the Fifth Hokage: unsurprisingly, they were two of the Sannin—Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Summer Li emphasized their strength and medical skills, mentioning Tsunade's granddaughter, the granddaughter of the First Hokage. He explained that whoever became Hokage would greatly benefit Konoha's medical system, making them the best choice.
He also clarified that if the Sixth Hokage ever had to choose a successor, and he still had supporters, he would become Sixth Hokage.
Finally, Summer Li expressed his gratitude and apologies to all supporters. He had no current plans and wasn't suitable for the role.
Hearing this, people realized Summer Li was only thirteen…
A twelve-year-old Special Jonin and a thirteen-year-old Jonin—the potential here was astonishing.
Previously, no one had questioned his age or suitability for Hokage, but now, with his statement, people had to consider whether to entrust a thirteen-year-old with a village's burden.
As long as reason remained, the answer was clear: Konoha had enough talent to allow a thirteen-year-old to become Hokage!
And didn't Summer Li say he could be Sixth Hokage in the future? Becoming Hokage wasn't impossible.
As for his "if supporters remain" remark, people ignored it—they felt, if not him, who else? Even the Sannin wouldn't rival him then!
Moreover, most knew who Tsunade was. Though she hadn't appeared in Konoha for a long time, her achievements were well known.
So having her as Fifth Hokage seemed excellent.
The Fifth Hokage Tsunade, the Sixth Summer Li, and eventually a suitable Seventh… people had considered this arrangement and thought it reasonable.
Not everyone agreed, like the Root members present, but their voices were minor.
Moreover, when they planned mischief, the Yamanaka clan had already prepared and used Mind Transfer techniques, striking precisely.
The mountain tribe verified their identities. Indeed, all bore the mark on their tongues, descendants of the tribe's founders.
Even those merely grumbling wouldn't cause trouble—they were mentally disturbed, nothing more…
Then they'd be taken to the dark zone under the mountain tribe's control and managed by the waiting Anbu.
Chapter 158: Transformation Issue, Tsunade Severely Injured
Seeing everything below proceeding as planned, Summer Li finally relaxed. A tricky situation had been resolved.
After all, Konoha villagers were generally simple-minded. If he were a modern person in a past life, Summer Li would never have done this…
Now, Summer Li felt it was a good time to relax, absorb natural energy, and change his physical state.
Danzo watched and sneered: "Do you really think this is enough? So childish!"
Even if Tsunade refused to become Hokage now, once she did, as long as she wasn't foolish, she would find a way to deal with Summer Li.
He didn't believe Tsunade would allow someone capable of replacing her to exist forever.
At that time, Danzo would merely reap the benefits.
But if Summer Li knew what Danzo was thinking, he would smile faintly.
People with dark hearts only assume others are the same—they cannot believe in pure intentions.
Yet Summer Li acted as he did because he trusted his judgment of the original Tsunade.
Without the original events, Summer Li wouldn't have acted this way. There were too many uncertainties; a darker-hearted person might have fallen into Danzo's trap.
The three Sunagakure shinobi sighed, naturally already aware of Summer Li's abilities. Each meeting left them incredulous that he was only thirteen…
Now, his actions stunned them further. So many had secretly monitored the Hokage's movements, yet he already had the perfect opportunity to seize power—but he refused.
As for Gaara, he kept thinking about Summer Li's words: Konoha didn't need a thirteen-year-old boy—but what about Sunagakure?
Gaara considered the village's situation. They were nearly wiped out. Sunagakure was in its most dangerous time, and even the survival of the Five Great Shinobi Villages wasn't guaranteed…
Thus, unlike Summer Li, Sunagakure needed someone to step up and support them.
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