Chapter Eighty: When Misfortune Strikes

“Everyone, please calm down. This matter is absolutely not as you imagine!” As Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, he released his chakra, hoping to use its presence to quiet the crowd.

Feeling the Third Hokage’s overwhelming aura, the assembly finally fell silent, their eyes fixed on him, waiting for an explanation. Yet, although his presence had subdued their voices, doubt lingered in most of their eyes. It wasn’t that they were unwilling to trust the Third Hokage—rather, such incidents were not unprecedented. This was the second time in just a year; how could anyone accept that?

Hiruzen gazed at the scene, a deep sigh echoing in his heart. In the past, he hadn’t even needed to speak; his mere presence inspired confidence. But now, even his explanations might not earn full trust.

Catching a glimpse of Uchiha Li out of the corner of his eye, Hiruzen took a deep breath and spoke solemnly: “It is my fault that such a thing occurred in the Anbu. Both I and the village will conduct a thorough investigation!”

“But I hope you all understand one thing: the village would never commit such absurd acts, nor would it ever secretly harm any innocent person.”

Before the others could reply, Uchiha Li directly retorted, “Our Acting Hokage, are you suggesting that once again there is a traitor within the Anbu?”

Hearing Li’s words, the crowd shook their heads, their eyes full of skepticism. Such incidents could be explained once, but a second occurrence stretched credibility to its breaking point.

Hiruzen’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Li’s attempt to undermine him. After a moment, he responded, “Li, please believe me—this is absolutely not the village’s doing, and the Anbu would never act in such a manner.”

“Then who is responsible? There must be someone. Root was supposed to have been disbanded by you, wasn’t it?” Uchiha Li pressed further, refusing to let the matter go. Today, he was determined not to let this incident be brushed aside so easily; the Third Hokage and Danzo must pay the price.

A flash of anger crossed Hiruzen’s eyes, but he was powerless. By now, he understood exactly what Li was aiming for.

Hiruzen’s gaze sharpened as he spoke, “Root has indeed been disbanded, but it always operated independently from the Anbu. Therefore, this matter can only be the work of the former Root leader, Danzo…”

“I’ve already ordered the Anbu to bring him here. He will give you and the Uchiha clan a satisfactory explanation.”

As he spoke, Hiruzen felt a pang of apology in his heart. If there was any other option, he would never resort to this.

But with the evidence irrefutable, he could no longer defend Danzo. All he could do was offer an explanation now, and figure out how to protect Danzo afterward.

On Li’s side, he wasn’t surprised in the least by Hiruzen’s final decision to sever the tail to save the body. In his view, the Third Hokage had created Root exactly for deflecting conflicts—last time, it was the corpse theft, and now, again. But this time, things wouldn’t be so easily glossed over!

“So it’s all Danzo’s fault.” Li’s tone shifted, “But Acting Hokage, that’s not enough.”

At these words, Hiruzen replied coldly, “Then what do you want? What kind of explanation from the village would satisfy you?”

As he spoke, his new pipe creaked under pressure, clearly straining against forces it was never meant to bear. This detail was not lost on several sharp-eyed observers.

Li, however, was unmoved by the Third’s gaze. He responded coolly, “Under your leadership, the Anbu has had problems twice already. That hardly inspires confidence.”

He paused briefly, then declared righteously, “I believe it is time for a Hokage who can truly lead the village to handle these issues.”

Li turned, pointing to Minato, who had remained silent throughout. “Minato is, after all, the Fourth Hokage of the village. It’s only fitting that this matter be entrusted to him.”

Turning back to Hiruzen, Li continued, “Acting Hokage, as I’ve said before, you are already elderly and no longer suited to lead the village.”

“An old man should rest peacefully at home, not cling to power indefinitely.”

“Retire early, keep a little dignity for yourself—it’ll be better for everyone, won’t it?”

Even though they had anticipated Li’s challenge, such words left everyone present utterly stunned. Unlike his previous veiled sarcasm, this time Li’s remarks showed no mercy whatsoever. Such cutting words nearly amounted to accusing the Third Hokage of incompetence outright.

“Is Uchiha Li really so fearless?” That thought echoed in the minds of all present. They couldn’t understand it. Even if the Third Hokage eventually stepped down as Acting Hokage, he would remain the Third, with vast prestige and supporters in the village. He was, in effect, the uncrowned king of Konoha. And besides, he hadn’t even retired yet!

For Li to be so blunt now—who knows what he’d do once the Third stepped down?

A few clan leaders involuntarily swallowed, and quiet discussions began to ripple through the crowd.

“Clan Head Hizashi, what do you think?” Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Choza exchanged glances, then addressed Hyuga Hizashi.

They wanted to know Hyuga’s current position, especially since Hyuga and Uchiha had formed an alliance.

Hizashi’s expression didn’t change as he replied, “What can I say? But, esteemed clan heads, what is your stance?”

At this, Nara and the others fell silent. One was a former Hokage, revered for his virtue; the other, a current Hokage, legitimate in title. At a time like this, it was difficult for them, the Hokage’s arms, to choose sides.

Back in the main hall, Hiruzen’s expression had sunk completely. Li’s words were far too disrespectful; in all his years leading Konoha, no one had ever dared speak to him like this. Yet now, Li dared.

At this moment, he couldn’t do anything to Li, for if he appeared to be suppressing the Uchiha, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Truthfully, he didn’t feel he was clinging to the position of Hokage out of greed, but rather believed the village needed his support during these troubled times. Although Minato was his chosen successor, he was still somewhat young.

Hiruzen took a deep breath, composed his response, and prepared to argue back.

But just then, an Anbu member hurried over, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

Hiruzen’s brow furrowed, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. He quickly asked, “What’s happened?”

The Anbu knelt, reporting urgently, “Third Hokage, Danzo has refused your summons. He has left the village forcibly, taking personnel and supplies with him—he is suspected of betraying the village!”

The crowd was instantly plunged into silence, then all eyes turned to the Third Hokage.

Hiruzen’s vision went dark, his body swaying, nearly fainting where he stood.

“Danzo, you’ve ruined me…”