Qingshan Liuyun didn't waste any words; he sat down and got straight to the point.
"Shikaku, Inoichi, Choza! Do the three of you want to become elders of Konoha?"
"Ha?"
Even someone as intelligent as Nara Shikaku was somewhat dumbfounded at this moment.
Not to mention Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza—they were completely taken aback.
Tsunade, standing to the side, looked at Aoyama Ryuun in astonishment.
"Lord Liuyun! This…"
Shikaku hesitated; after all, becoming an elder seemed like a huge responsibility.
Qingshan Liuyun waved his hand dismissively and said with certainty,
"The current Konoha elders, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, are utterly useless!"
"Well!"
Anyone daring to speak of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, two long-standing Konoha elders, in this way…
I'd estimate there would be no one but Green Hills and Flowing Clouds to do so.
Yet no one objected.
After all, in their eyes, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu were indeed ineffective.
Aside from using their status to interfere in Konoha affairs, they offered absolutely no benefit.
"But even so, they…"
After all, I've been an elder for so many years; I can't just retire like that.
"You don't need to worry about anything else. Once you become elders, your role will be exactly what elders are supposed to have!"
The greatest power, of course, resides with the Hokage.
The role of the elders is simply to assist the Hokage.
"We understand that!"
Lu Jiu nodded knowingly, naturally understanding that Qingshan Liuyun wouldn't grant them any extraordinary power.
After all, the current council of elders could meddle in Konoha's affairs because they wielded too much authority.
The elders can handle any matter—but in this case, power is clearly limited.
"So, do any of you intend to become elders in Konoha?"
Konoha cannot be without its elders. After all, there is only one Hokage, and many matters require the elders' assistance.
But Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado are two practically worthless individuals.
Keeping them is a disaster.
Therefore, after Tsunade becomes the next Hokage, Aoyama Ryuun needs to select capable new elders!
"Thi…this…"
This time, Shikaku didn't refuse outright.
Not only Nara Shikaku, but also Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza, who were nearby, took notice.
That's an elder's position in Konoha!
The combined influence of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio gives them a respectable standing in Konoha.
But it lacks true authority, so it's modest in effect.
Once someone has the status of a Konoha elder, at the very least, their standing within the village improves.
It surpasses even the influence of their own clans.
Thinking of this, Nara Shikaku couldn't help but glance at Inoichi and Choza beside him.
This is too big a matter; Shikaku alone cannot make a decision for the other two clans.
However, after seeing Shikaku's gaze,
Inoichi and Choza both smiled in unison.
"It's alright! You make the decision, Shikaku!"
"Okay! We'll follow your lead!"
Although not explicitly stated, Shikaku still sensed their desire.
Clearly, both Inoichi and Choza aspired to become elders of Konoha.
So, after adjusting his breathing slightly, Lu Jiu looked at Qingshan Liuyun again and nodded solemnly.
"Lord Liuyun! What would you have us do for you?"
…
Chapter 153
Qingshan Liuyun smiled slightly; clearly, he had succeeded.
Nara Shikaku understood that Aoyama Ryuun wouldn't simply make them elders without expecting something in return.
Even if they could assist the future Hokage, Tsunade Senju,
At this point, some sacrifices were inevitable.
"Don't you think Hiruzen Sarutobi, the current Hokage, is… a bit of an eyesore?"
Although not explicitly stated, the implication was clear.
Even Choza Akimichi could understand.
Shikaku suddenly realized something.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi's abdication was already a foregone conclusion,
If he wished to stall for time…
Even if this dragged on a year or two, there would be no issue.
It seems Lord Ryuun wants Hiruzen Sarutobi to abdicate immediately.
If it were just the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, they wouldn't have the power to force Hiruzen Sarutobi to step down.
But if all the ninja clans unite under their lead, even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't be able to resist.
"I see!"
Nara Shikaku nodded knowingly.
There were many things Qingshan Liuyun hadn't said.
But with Shikaku's intelligence, he could piece it together.
This plan was intended to have the Ino-Shika-Cho trio lead the way in compelling Hiruzen Sarutobi's abdication.
"We will contact the other ninja clans. Please be patient, Lord Ryuun and Lady Tsunade!"
"Okay! Go ahead!"
"Yes!"
Qingshan Liuyun smiled with satisfaction.
After responding, Nara Shikaku didn't hesitate; he turned and left with Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza.
Only then did Tsunade look at Aoyama Ryuun in surprise.
He doesn't say anything… just watches.
This made Qingshan Liuyun slightly uncomfortable.
What are you looking at me for?
"You're incredible!"
"…"
Tsunade sighed in admiration. His strength was there, and his scheming was sophisticated.
But compared to Aoyama Ryuun, she was still far behind.
At least she had never considered using the power of the ninja clans to force Hiruzen Sarutobi to abdicate.
"You already knew whether I'm capable, didn't you?"
Aoyama Ryuun laughed, raising an eyebrow at Tsunade as he spoke.
"Go!"
Rolling her eyes in annoyance, Tsunade knew perfectly well that he was mocking her.
After sitting for a while longer, Tsunade and Aoyama Ryuun left.
Throughout the journey, Tsunade was constantly amazed by Aoyama Ryuun's schemes.
That adoring look in his eyes greatly satisfied Qingshan Liuyun's pride.
What could be more gratifying than having your woman admire you?
But as soon as they returned home, Tsunade's expression darkened.
Yugito, who lived next door, was standing at the gate of Qingshan Liuyun's house.
Upon seeing the green hills and flowing clouds, Yugito's eyes lit up, completely ignoring Tsunade standing to the side.
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