Chapter 136. Underlying Currents
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The next day.
Jiraiya quietly left.
The ninja world was still waiting for his disciple to save it, and since he hadn't found that disciple yet, how could he stay in the village any longer?
Besides, he had almost exhausted the village's "materials," so it was ti to leave—without inspiration, nothing could be written.
anwhile, in the village—
News spread that the Third Hokage was preparing to step down to clear his na. In a few days, he would head to the Daimyo's residence to discuss the succession of the next Hokage.
For a mont—
Orochimaru's prestige soared.
After all, Tsunade-sama had run away, Jiraiya-sama had also slipped away, and the number of viable candidates for the Hokage position was limited. Among them... Orochimaru had the highest chance.
As for the rumors about the Third Hokage embezzling public funds... everyone scoffed at them. How could such a kind and loving person possibly do such a thing?
Absolutely impossible!
So, at this mont... everyone's attention was focused on who the next Hokage would be.
Even Danzo was no exception.
What was his lifelong dream?
To beco Hokage!
And then—
To prove to his teacher that he was stronger, more capable, and more suitable for the Hokage position than Hiruzen.
By all logic, everything was in his favor, all within his plan.
But unexpectedly...
A little incident had occurred.
His personal wealth was skyrocketing, yet his business... was tanking! So, it seed that for now, becoming Hokage was out of reach.
According to the projections he made with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, the plan should have taken only about a month to condition people into a new habit.
Not to ntion, he had gritted his teeth, borrowed money, diverted public funds, and sustained losses for two whole months—how could it have failed?
Sa flavors, sa decor, sa prices—where did it all go wrong?
Could it really be that Yuto's Milk Tea had been around longer, making it more deeply ingrained in custors' minds and thus harder to replace?
"That makes no sense!"
Danzo was deeply troubled.
Two consecutive failures, such massive losses—he was starting to doubt whether he had any business sense at all.
"With my wisdom and Hiruzen's reputation, it's absolutely impossible for this to happen. So... what's the real problem?"
Suddenly—
Danzo recalled that young Uchiha who had once wanted to join Root. His expression darkened with uncertainty.
"Could it be that Hiruzen is actually being outdone by a re...?"
Are the people in the ninja world so curious now?
No... No! That's absolutely... impossible!
Just as Danzo was caught in his thoughts—
"Danzo-sama."
A Root ninja rushed in and respectfully reported, "Orochimaru-sama is here!"
Upon hearing this—
Danzo snapped out of his thoughts, tapped his fingers on the armrest, and nodded indifferently.
"Let him in."
"Yes!"
Once the Root ninja withdrew—
Danzo's lips curled into a slight smirk, a gleam flashing in his eyes.
He muttered under his breath, "Since Hiruzen won't do it, I'll take it myself."
He would prove to Hiruzen—that he does not fail!
...
"Achoo!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed his nose, his brows furrowing. Was he catching a cold from all the stress lately?
Otherwise, why would he suddenly sneeze out of nowhere?
But after a mont—
He shook off the thought and resud contemplating the next Hokage candidate.
Ever since his failed business venture with Danzo, he had gained a much clearer perspective on things.
He was a Hokage—what was he doing ssing around with all that nonsense?
Not good at business?
Who cares?
No problem at all!
Indeed—
He had trusted Danzo too much, leading to an 80-million-ryo loss... 80 million!
Do you know how much that is?!
Now, he didn't even dare to tell Biwako about it—she might actually believe he had embezzled or misused public funds!
And he was the Hokage, for crying out loud!
"Forget it! Over the past few years, I've indeed been feeling a bit powerless. After stepping down, I can still go dancing and spend ti with Biwako. I heard that when she dances, she holds other handso n. I feel a little scared inside!"
That handso guy seems to have "Sui" in his na?
[TL/N: Have 'Sui' in his na? Bro... He is no longer sacrificing, but is playing with the Will of Fire!]
I don't even know which bastard he is!
Recently, whenever she has free ti, Biwako dresses up extravagantly and goes out dancing. Even though she's already at a certain age, she still puts on so light disguises, but I can still sense the danger.
Moreover...
I myself...
Haven't spent much ti with Biwako in a long while.
Thinking back to a few days ago—
A visibly angry Biwako had even complained that I spent more ti with Danzo than with her.
Seriously.
It's not like I had a choice—I had to keep an eye on Danzo!
After all, I can't trust him!
"Then finally... let's choose an outstanding successor to the Will of Fire!" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and shook his head.
Originally, Jiraiya was the most suitable choice.
Unfortunately...
He had already run away.
He probably understood that staying here wouldn't be ideal for him.
As for Orochimaru... I originally had high hopes for him. He was an excellent ninja, brilliant from a young age, and, compared to Jiraiya, he was much more thoughtful.
But.
I've heard that recently, he's been getting too close to Danzo!
Danzo... As his close friend, I know exactly what he's thinking. Since he failed to get money from , he's definitely plotting to support Orochimaru as Hokage so he can do whatever he wants afterward!
So, as his teacher, I absolutely cannot watch Orochimaru follow the sa wrong path I once did!
That road of no return!
If my best friend weren't worth 1 billion, I would have already dealt with him for scamming out of 80 million.
Now, he can only hope my best friend realizes his mistake and stops before it's too late.
As expected.
For soone like Yuto to amass such wealth in just a few years, it wasn't pure luck.
We were simply too overconfident.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, reflecting deeply on his mistakes.
At the sa ti, he concluded that if Orochimaru beca Hokage and those two joined forces, it would surely be a disaster for Konoha!
So.
In his heart—
The next Hokage must have the Will of Fire, must not be close to Danzo, and most importantly, must not be able to borrow money from him.
Otherwise, it would be too dangerous.
"But who?" Sarutobi Hiruzen flipped through the records.
Uchiha Obito...
Seriously!
Why are they recomnding all sorts of people? Even if the Uchiha clan had the ability to be Hokage, this guy was absolutely impossible.
After all, Konoha still needs to maintain its reputation!
Suddenly—
His previously troubled face froze for a mont as if sothing had just co to mind. Taking a drag from his smoking pipe, he muttered, "Perhaps... he's the right one?"
...
Ti passed in the blink of an eye.
Soon—
The day of the Fourth Hokage Confirmation eting arrived.
Today.
The weather was still sunny and clear!
Konoha's representatives had already arrived at the capital of the Land of Fire to attend the eting and await the confirmation of the next Hokage.
anwhile—
The entire ninja world began to stir, and undercurrents started to flow.
After all—
Konoha's Billion had left the village!
...
Land of Fire.
In a milk tea shop in a certain city—
A man carrying a giant sword and a familiar figure ordering two cups of milk tea locked eyes with each other.
Finally.
After who knows how long—
The two exchanged knowing smiles.
"Cooperate?"
"Alright!"
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Read upto [Chapter 157] in advance! - /kurato6180
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