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　"I thought you weren't coming!"

　Tsunade whispered

　"Let's listen in and see what they're discussing at the meeting."

　Ye Chen replied

　"Anyway, it's pretty boring."

　Tsunade said, utterly bored.

　"By the way, any news about Shikkotsu Forest?"

　Ye Chen asked

　"I haven't found it. I don't even know if Grandpa ever...entered the Wet Bone Forest back then."

　If all else fails, the only option is to use the slugs to summon people into the Wet Bone Forest Sanctuary.

　Tsunade said

　What are the chances of success?

　Ye Chen asked

　"60%"

　(2/3)

　Tsunade answered somewhat uncertainly, "Actually, none of the six cities have been built, since we haven't tried them."

　"Sixty percent is enough."

　Ye Chen thought for a moment and said seriously.

　""

　纲手

　Danzo's face darkened as he watched Yoru and Tsunade conversing as if no one else was around; he was extremely displeased! He had initially thought Tsunade was a decent junior, but now he was judging her with prejudice.

Chapter 306 Hokage's Half-Sleeve, White Fang's Glory

　This content is being published for the first time (first update).

　In the Second Shinobi World War, the Land of Fire emerged victorious.

　The resources they gained, though unnoticed, were the envy of the entire ninja world. The two great nations of Kaze and Tochi secretly gritted their teeth, swallowing their anger despite the immense losses in resources, manpower, and finances they had suffered.

　However, they also harbored a deep-seated fear of Konoha's power; the strength of the strongest ninja village among the five great nations was no joke.

　Furthermore, due to their fear of Ye Chen, the Leaf Village Demon, and the significant losses suffered by the three great nations of Fengtu, after negotiating peace and paying a heavy price, they all began a period of recuperation.

　However, it wasn't without its gains; at least the Land of Wind and Earth acquired some land from the Land of Rain, albeit through a lease.

　However, despite his current dazzling record, in the eyes of Konoha's higher-ups, he still cannot compare to the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. There is still a long way to go before he can catch up.

　Many people even believe that Ye Chen will never surpass Hashirama Senju in his lifetime. Although Ye Chen's current strength at his age is terrifying, those ninjas who have witnessed Hashirama Senju's power know what a truly godlike existence is! Ye Chen himself neither agrees nor disagrees with these assessments.

　He doesn't care about these things, or rather, he doesn't care what others think of him; he just firmly walks his own path.

　The Second Shinobi World War had come to an end, and Ye Chen felt a pang of melancholy, as the events in the Land of Rain were still vivid in his mind.

　However, an end is also a beginning.

　Ye Chen knew clearly that even with his presence, the two great ninja villages of the two countries had suffered such a great loss, and they would absolutely not remain silent forever, nor would they be willing to be suppressed by Konoha forever.

　Furthermore, there's the future Madara Uchiha manipulating Kirigakure in the shadows, and troublemakers like Danzo who'd love to start the Third Shinobi World War.

　This is truly just the beginning! Now that everyone attending the Konoha meeting has arrived, the meeting will naturally be initiated by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

　The Third Hokage looked at everyone present and slowly began to speak: "The main purpose of this meeting is to summarize the events of the Rain Country battlefield, to commend outstanding ninjas, and to outline Konoha's future plans and policies."

　"In this battle between the four nations, our Konoha Village, adhering to the principles of peace, achieved final victory, which is naturally something to celebrate and be happy about."

　But we must remember the sacrifices of the ninjas who died in the war; without them, there would be no peace today.

　Konoha plans to build a monument to the fallen Konoha ninja, burying them there for future generations to pay their respects, so that everyone will know the Will of Fire and pass it down from generation to generation.

　Many ninjas nodded, their faces filled with emotion. Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement.

　The ninjas' sacrifices must not be in vain; they are heroes who guarded the ninja village and must be remembered. Their spirit should be passed on to the next generation.

　"Now, let's honor the ninjas who contributed to this war!"

　"Sakumo Hatake, the overall commander of this battle, won so quickly that it was also the lowest casualty record in Konoha's history."

　In recognition of his achievements, I, the Third Hokage of Konoha, have decided to award Sakumo Hatake the title of Hokage with a half-sleeve honor!

　"What!"

　"Hokage Half Sleeve!"

　Many people in the conference room had a drastic change in expression. The Hokage's short-sleeved shirt—that represented the Hokage's rank below him.

　A symbol of supreme honor! As everyone knows, the symbol of the Hokage is the Imperial Robe, and the Hokage Half-Sleeve is a hem of that robe! Don't underestimate it just because it's a scrap of fabric; its significance is extraordinary! The ninja who obtains the Hokage Half-Sleeve is basically destined to become the next Hokage of Konoha! Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions clearly have...

　(1/2)

　The intention is to make Sakumo Hatake the next Hokage! Of course, with Sakumo Hatake's reputation and strength, plus the title of Hokage's half-sleeve, the position of Hokage is absolutely secure.

　Representatives from many clans congratulated Hatake Sakumo! Hatake Sakumo was also very surprised; he knew he might win an award, but he never expected the prize to be a Hokage half-sleeve.

　At that moment, an ANBU ninja carrying a plate covered with a red cloth walked up to Sakumo Hatake.

　Sakumo Hatake removed the red cloth, revealing a short-sleeved robe made of sacred materials resting quietly on a wooden tray.

　It was only a small section, but the fiery red pattern on the cuff was so dazzling and vibrant! Hatake Sakumo picked up the Hokage half-sleeve, held it on his right arm, and solemnly said, "Hatake Sakumo will always remember this honor, and will dedicate himself to the future of Konoha, inheriting the Will of Fire and passing it down from generation to generation, and will not let you down!"

　The Third Hokage turned his head slightly, his face showing satisfaction! Hatake Sakumo was the successor he had chosen—young, powerful, with a pure background, and also had a special relationship with Ye Chen.

　Congratulations, Shuo Mao!

　Koharu Utatane, Mitokado En said

　Upon hearing this, Hatake Sakumo nodded slightly to the two of them. This honor was truly immense; he understood what it meant and what challenges he would face next, but he was not afraid! "Tsk tsk, as expected of the captain!"

　Jiraiya said in a low voice

　Orochimaru and Tsunade felt the same way! Although they envied him, it was truly what Hatake Sakumo deserved! Especially Orochimaru, who looked at this… his former superior, the captain of the Anbu.

　His gaze was filled with envy, jealousy, and complex emotions! At this stage, Orochimaru desperately desired the Hokage position! He still held deep ties with Konoha! However, Sakumo Hatake was superior to him in every way, and it was impossible for the Hokage position to be given to him at this time.

　In fact, Orochimaru was, to some extent, the one whom Hiruzen Sarutobi had chosen as his successor to the Hokage.

　Tsunade and Jiraiya both have some personality flaws, making them unsuitable for the position of Hokage.

　Orochimaru is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and he has a clear and unwavering belief in his goals, a quality that Jiraiya and Tsunade do not possess.

　At this moment, Orochimaru could only suppress his desire to become Hokage, knowing that one day he would take that position.

　However, if, as in the original story, Sakumo Hatake commits suicide before the Third Shinobi World War, giving Orochimaru the opportunity to succeed as Hokage...

　However, Minato Namikaze suddenly rose to prominence, his Flying Thunder God Technique dominating the battlefield, achieving unparalleled victories and accumulating remarkable feats.

　The Third Hokage harbored a bad impression of Orochimaru due to some of Orochimaru's research, which led to Minato Namikaze becoming Hokage.

　At that time, Orochimaru will truly be disheartened, completely abandon the position of Hokage, and even defect from Konoha! Even now, Orochimaru's heart still belongs to Konoha! "Damn it, Hiruzen, do you think I don't exist?! Hokage Hansei!!!"

　Danzo, standing to the side, looked even darker.

Chapter 307 Danzo: For the sake of becoming Hokage, year after year

　This content was first published here (second update).

　Danzo assumed that with Hiruzen Sarutobi's resignation, the Hokage position should be his for the taking. After all, he had connections, resources, and considerable strength! All those years of hard work—for Konoha, and ultimately for the Hokage position! In Danzo's mind, the Hokage position was more important than Konoha itself.

　For the position of Hokage, he was even willing to sacrifice some of the interests of Konoha Village and the lives of some people.

　Hiruzen Sarutobi's position was appointed by the Second Hokage, and Danzo wouldn't object! The Second Hokage was the person he respected most, and Danzo wouldn't betray someone the Second Hokage had chosen. Therefore, he remained hidden in the shadows, waiting for the day when the light would shine through.

　Danzo himself probably never imagined that he would wait from the third to the fifth generation, a period spanning at least thirty years.

　Ultimately, he only served as the Fifth Hokage for a short period before being silenced by Sasuke.

　Now, in front of all the high-ranking officials and core members of all the clans in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi awarded Sakumo Hatake the Hokage half-sleeve. This wasn't like the time he slapped Sakumo in the face and extinguished his dream of becoming Hokage.

　Does he intend to remain a high-ranking advisor to Konoha like Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, retiring in his old age? Danzo is a man with an extremely strong desire for control and power; he cannot accept this decision.

　However, Sakumo Hatake is currently the popular choice, and the title of Hokage is well-deserved! At this moment, Danzo's dislike for Sakumo Hatake even surpassed that for Yoruichi! After all, no matter how powerful Yoruichi is, he is destined not to become the Hokage of Konoha, while Sakumo Hatake can be said to be his greatest enemy and the toughest stumbling block on his path to becoming Hokage.

　Danzo's principles were simple and brutal! Anyone who challenged him for the Hokage position would face his wrath, and he would stop at nothing to destroy them.

　In fact, the events surrounding the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, reveal Danzo's involvement in this series of events.

　The masked man attacked Konoha, and the Nine-Tails went berserk. The entire ordeal was almost entirely fought by Minato Namikaze; the Anbu and Root forces were practically nonexistent. Only the Third Hokage managed to hold off the Nine-Tails for a short time. The other minor Jonin were largely inactive, allowing the Nine-Tails to run rampant. Ultimately, Minato Namikaze died in the line of duty as Hokage, becoming the earliest Hokage to die in history.

　Danzo originally thought that with Minato Namikaze dead, the Hokage position should rightfully be his! But the Third Hokage, to prevent him from becoming Hokage, actually took the initiative and assumed the position again.

　Therefore, the villagers of Konoha had an even stronger and more ardent affection for the Third Hokage! They had finally waited for the Third Hokage to die, and this old man actually named Tsunade as his successor, refusing to let him touch the Hokage position! Fine, Danzo thought he could tolerate it, so he let Tsunade succeed him as the Fifth Hokage. Then, the Akatsuki's Pain attacked, completely annihilating Konoha, leaving nothing but desolation. If it weren't for Nagato's use of the forbidden technique, the Outer Path Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique, to revive the Konoha ninja...

　In that battle, Konoha was practically destroyed in name only, because almost every Konoha ninja who could be named was killed! Tsunade was severely injured and became a vegetable! This included Kakashi, and the Ino-Shika-Cho clan suffered the same fate. Danzo remained silent, and thus eventually became the acting Hokage, since Tsunade hadn't died.

　This shows just how obsessed Danzo was with the Hokage, even to the point of being pathological! He was absolutely a schemer whose thirst for power ran to his very bones! As for his supposed dedication to Konoha, engaging in dark and sordid acts to ensure peace, forget it. Even if Danzo didn't do it, someone else would.

　That old scoundrel can never be cleared of wrongdoing! He's black inside and out.

　Now, Sakumo Hatake, the recipient of the Hokage half-sleeve, is a thorn in his side, a nail in his flesh! It's foreseeable that in the days to come, if Sakumo Hatake does anything wrong, this guy will relentlessly impeach him.