Chapter 105: The New Era
The atmosphere in Konoha's conference room was thick with unspoken tension. Present were not just the village's elder council (the F4), but also the heads of all major ninja clans. The mood was peculiar; none had anticipated that Akatsurugi's rise would be so absolute, bypassing the traditional, deliberative process of selecting a Hokage entirely.
In the past, becoming Hokage was no simple matter. The recommendation of the preceding Hokage was crucial, but so was the consensus of the clans. Konoha was not a single entity but a union of many.
The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, had been the popular choice, voted in by the clans. His rival, Uchiha Madara, had left Konoha in bitterness after failing to secure that support, a decision that led to their fateful battle at the Valley of the End. The Second Hokage's appointment, while lacking a competitor, still involved the formal assent of the major families. The Third's ascension during wartime had been a special case, but the principle remained.
Now, for the Fourth, Akatsurugi had seized power directly on the battlefield. The key was that the Third Hokage had raised no objection, and without his lead, no clan head was foolish enough to make trouble.
Akatsurugi sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over the assembled leaders. "This meeting has three points," he began, his tone leaving no room for preamble. "First. With the support of the Third Hokage, I, Akatsurugi, will succeed him as the Fourth Hokage. In two days, I will travel to the Daimyo's palace to formalize the appointment."
Silence greeted his words. He had already been proclaimed the Fourth Hokage by the army. What was there to debate? Furthermore, a Hokage of such immense strength was not against their interests. At the very least, it would make the other villages think twice before acting provocatively.
Seeing no dissent, Akatsurugi continued. "Second. Envoys from Kumogakure and Iwagakure will arrive within two days. I want a comprehensive plan for war reparations drafted immediately."
Nara Shikaku, the head of the Nara clan, spoke up. "Hokage-sama, what standard should we use for these reparations?" He had already made his choice by routing information to Akatsurugi earlier, and there was no hesitation in using the new title.
"Make them pay a heavy price," Akatsurugi stated flatly. "That is the standard."
Nara Shikaku fell silent. There was nothing more to say. It was a demand for exorbitant terms, and the final amount would still be haggled over. But the message was clear: Konoha was in a position of absolute strength.
As the room quieted again, Akatsurugi delivered his third point. "Third. Senior Danzō has served Konoha with great distinction. However, having been gravely wounded in the battle against Kumogakure, he has resigned from his post as Hokage Advisor to focus on his recuperation."
A ripple of shock passed through the room. No one had expected the consolidation of power to be so swift and direct. All eyes turned to Danzō, whose face was an unreadable mask, as if he had anticipated this outcome. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, remained silent. A new ruler required his own ministers; this was an inevitable transition. Yet, the suddenness of it was stunning. Danzō was the foundation of Konoha's "darkness," a necessary component in a world where every village had its secrets. His immediate removal sent a clear and unsettling message. The attendees began to whisper, speculating on Akatsurugi's deeper intentions and, more pressingly, who would fill the void.
Listening to the quiet murmurs, Akatsurugi paid them no mind. "As for the new Hokage Advisor," he announced, "Orochimaru will assume the role, effective immediately."
"What?" The exclamation was nearly universal. They couldn't have heard correctly. Orochimaru?
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Akatsurugi in surprise. Orochimaru was his student, but he had known nothing of this.
On cue, the door slid open, and Orochimaru entered. "My greetings to the Hokage, and to everyone," he said, his voice a smooth, sibilant whisper. He took a seat to the side, a faint, knowing smile on his lips.
In truth, upon returning to the village, Akatsurugi's first act had been to seek out Orochimaru and secure his agreement. Orochimaru had accepted without hesitation. The position of Hokage Advisor held significant power. Furthermore, with that authority, he could finally pursue his... personal research without the usual constraints of funding and oversight. He was well aware of what this meant: from this day forward, he was Akatsurugi's right-hand man.
"Everyone," Akatsurugi explained, "Orochimaru, alongside Tsunade and Jiraiya, performed with exceptional distinction on the battlefield. They are disciples of the Third Hokage and possess the requisite strength. We must provide opportunities for the next generation. It is how Konoha will continue to thrive."
Hearing this, the other clan heads exchanged looks. The decision was made. Who would dare oppose Akatsurugi now?
"The Hokage's decision is wise," Uchiha Fū stated immediately. "The Uchiha clan gives its full support."
A few eyes rolled internally. Weren't the Uchiha famously aloof? Now they were the first to pledge allegiance? But with the most powerful clan in Konoha falling in line, the others had little choice but to murmur their agreement.
Satisfied, Akatsurugi offered a slight smile. "Senior Danzō, you will coordinate the handover of all duties and records with Orochimaru. This includes all assets and personnel under the command of Root."
Danzō's fists clenched under the table. To be stripped of his advisory role was one thing, but to lose Root entirely? That was his life's work, his power base.
Just as Danzō drew a breath to speak, Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand shot out, gripping his old friend's arm. He gave a sharp, almost imperceptible shake of his head. Their time was over. To defy Akatsurugi now would be the height of folly. If they wished to retain any dignity, they had to accept this gracefully. Pushing back would only force Akatsurugi to publicly dismantle them, and every ninja in Konoha would stand behind him. After all, they were the ones who had led the village to the brink of destruction against a coalition of four nations. If Akatsurugi chose to investigate that failure, the consequences would be far worse.
Danzō took a deep, shuddering breath, the fight draining out of him. "Understood," he bit out.
Akatsurugi nodded. Good. He knows better than to test me. Danzō's failure on the Cloud front was a serious military blunder. That Akatsurugi wasn't pursuing it was a mercy in itself.
Orochimaru offered a thin, reptilian smile in Danzō's direction. Danzō met the gaze, his own expression one of pure, unadulterated bitterness. The torch—and the shadows it cast—had been passed.
🔥 Read Ahead on Patreon 🔥
• Current Patreon Chapter:📘Chapter 204: The Legacy of the Blade
• Read 100+ chapters in advance:👉 Patreon.com/EchoPen
• Powerstones help the story grow!💎📈