"What is it? Do you have something to say?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen suppressed the anger in his heart as he spoke.
Since ascending to the position of Hokage, this was the first time anyone had ever dared speak to him in such a manner.
Beside him, Uchiha Fugaku frowned and was about to step forward to stop Ning Feng, but Ning Feng calmly spoke first:
"As a member of Konoha's upper ranks, you can only provide advisory opinions to the Hokage. The final decision should always rest with the Hokage himself."
"If the Fire Daimyō were to learn that so many matters require Sarutobi Hiruzen's approval, and that the Hokage is nothing more than a dispensable puppet… I imagine the Fire Daimyō's expression would be quite spectacular. Don't you think?"
By the time Ning Feng finished speaking, a clear hint of threat had already entered his gaze.
The previously disdainful Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately looked at Ning Feng in surprise. He hadn't expected this brat to actually dare threaten him—
And to do so in the name of the Fire Daimyō, no less!
One had to understand that although Konoha was the ninja village of the Land of Fire and its most important military base, much of Konoha's resources depended on the Daimyō for funding and allocation.
In essence, the Daimyō was like an emperor, while the Hokage was akin to a general commanding the military.
If the Daimyō wished to restrain a ninja village, it would be exceedingly easy.
Back after the Third Great Ninja War, it was precisely because Namikaze Minato had performed so outstandingly that the Daimyō appointed him as Hokage, entrusting him with control over Konoha.
If the Daimyō were to realize that Sarutobi Hiruzen was clinging tightly to power and refusing to let go, the Fire Daimyō would certainly take measures against him—and that would be disastrous.
At once, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression softened considerably.
"You must be that genius of the Uchiha clan—Uchiha Peak, right? Truly a young hero, blessed with extraordinary talent."
"Actually, I was just joking earlier. I fully approve of the Uchiha clan's relocation, as well as Uchiha Fugaku's appointment."
As he said this, even though Sarutobi Hiruzen hated Ning Feng so much his teeth itched, he could only swallow his anger.
He then shot a cold glance at Hyūga Hiashi, Akimichi Chōza, and the others.
"In the future, don't bring such trivial matters to me anymore. Take everything to the Hokage, Namikaze Minato, instead!"
With those words, Sarutobi Hiruzen left in a huff, his eyes filled with anger that had nowhere to be vented.
He, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had dominated the ninja world for decades—yet today, he had been forced back by a mere youngster. If word of this got out, people would laugh themselves to death.
Uchiha Fugaku, watching Sarutobi Hiruzen leave just like that, was completely stunned. He hadn't expected his son to be so sharp-minded—bold enough to even provoke Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Quick, what are you all standing around for!? Hurry up and move next to the Hokage's residence!"
With that, Uchiha Fugaku led the Uchiha clansmen as they quickly resumed moving.
Not far away, Namikaze Minato, who had just arrived on the scene, felt a faint glimmer of tears well up at the corners of his eyes.
Only heaven knew how stifling it had been for Minato—bearing the title of Hokage yet lacking the true authority of one, being restrained at every turn by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
All he had done was attempt to improve relations with the Uchiha clan, and he had already met such fierce resistance.
What Ning Feng did today had truly helped him vent years of pent-up frustration.
From now on, Sarutobi Hiruzen would surely no longer dare to so brazenly manipulate him. And with the Uchiha clan backing him, many of Minato's future policies would be far easier to implement.
"Even though I'm your teacher, I really have to thank you—my student."
Minato couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
As for the Hyūga clan, Akimichi clan, and the others, seeing that Sarutobi Hiruzen had withdrawn, they didn't dare say anything more. After giving Ning Feng a deep look, they flicked their sleeves and left.
Just like that, a major conflict was completely resolved through Ning Feng's uncompromising stance.
By the time Ning Feng arrived at the Hokage's residence, Namikaze Minato had already returned and was sitting quietly, waiting for him.
Although Minato wanted to thank Ning Feng, for a moment he didn't even know where to begin.
At that moment, Ning Feng suddenly spoke:
"Teacher Minato, on my way back to Konoha, I incidentally killed one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. This is the intelligence I obtained, but I can't seem to decipher it, so I don't know what it contains."
If anyone else were present, they would be furious upon hearing this.
Incidentally killed one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!?
That was one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—a legendary existence that roamed the ninja world!
"Oh?"
Minato's eyes lit up as he quickly accepted the Kirigakure intelligence scroll Ning Feng handed over.
It was obvious that Minato wasn't particularly shocked by Ning Feng casually killing a Seven Ninja Swordsman—as if such a feat was only to be expected from him.
Sure enough, the scroll was filled with extremely complex cipher symbols. Even someone as experienced as Minato couldn't decipher it immediately.
"Although I can't tell what's written inside, this intelligence must be extremely important. Peak, you've worked hard."
"I'll hand this over to Konoha's ANBU intelligence division and have them decode it as quickly as possible."
After saying that, Minato hesitated slightly. Making sure no one else was around, he added quietly:
"For today's matter… thank you."
"Teacher Minato has taught me so much. Standing up for you is only my duty."
Ning Feng grinned.
"You little brat."
Minato instinctively reached out to ruffle Ning Feng's hair—only to realize that Ning Feng was now just as tall as he was. Helplessly, he withdrew his hand.
"Alright. Since I'm free right now, I'll teach you the true essence of the Rasengan tonight."
"I wonder whether you studied the Rasengan scroll diligently last night?"
As he spoke, a rapidly spinning Rasengan formed instantly in Minato's palm. Just from its momentum alone, one could tell its power was anything but ordinary.
Just as Minato was about to leave, already planning how to teach Ning Feng the secrets of the Rasengan—
Ning Feng smiled faintly.
In his own palm, wild winds gathered as a massive Rasengan took shape.
"R-Rasengan?!"
"The Rasengan is notoriously difficult to master… y-you learned it already?"
Minato froze on the spot in utter shock.
Back when he developed the Rasengan, it had taken him a full four years.
Even a genius like Kakashi had never truly mastered the technique.
And now this kid—
Ning Feng—
Had mastered it in a single night!?
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