Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 231: A Passive Hiruzen, An Ambitious Danzo

After hearing Haneda's explanation, Hiashi couldn't help but agree with some of his views, but more than that, he felt relief.

Haneda's criticisms of the Third Hokage resonated with Hiashi.

Just as Hiashi had thought, the Third had always been weak in external matters.

During the Third Shinobi War, his compromises were understandable—Konoha was in a dire situation, overwhelmed by consecutive conflicts. The Hokage had no choice but to seek peace.

But now, the circumstances were different. Konoha had withdrawn from its war with Iwagakure, and Kumogakure, facing Konoha alone, stood no chance of victory.

Kakashi had even mastered the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique.

And during the war, the Fourth Hokage had repeatedly held off both the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki on his own.

The Third Hokage's weakness in this matter left Hiashi bitter, especially since Hiruzen had hinted at sacrificing his younger brother.

But with Haneda's arrival came hope. Haneda promised to handle Kumogakure's issue.

The cost? Simply following proper procedures—using the alliance between the Uchiha and Hyūga to pressure the Third Hokage to step down during the Jōnin Council meeting.

After all, years ago, after the Third Shinobi War, Hiruzen had resigned under the weight of public opinion. This was just history repeating itself.

And with Haneda's power and influence, whether the Hyūga agreed or not, he would ensure they complied in a "dignified" manner.

Hiashi cast a grateful glance at Haneda.

"Thank you, Haneda-sama. The Hyūga Clan will support you at the Jōnin Council meeting."

Haneda nodded slightly, unsurprised by the outcome.

When he had decapitated Ōnoki in front of tens of thousands of Iwagakure shinobi, he already knew that his ascension to Hokage would be unexpectedly smooth.

No faction within Konoha could resist absolute power. They could only align themselves with the prevailing trend, especially the old-established clans.

"The Jōnin Council meeting will take place tomorrow morning, initiated by the Uchiha clan leader."

"By tonight, you should also send a formal request to the Third Hokage, proposing the meeting. State simply that the Third Hokage is too old and should step down to make way for the younger generation."

With the Hyūga Clan secured, Haneda turned toward the direction of the guest quarters.

Thinking about how Kumogakure had dared to extort Konoha, Haneda sneered inwardly and strode toward the quarters.

---

Hyūga Clan Compound

After Haneda's departure, the elders, who had been frowning and hesitant, gathered at Hiashi's residence.

Hiashi, usually composed, now bore a faint smile, while his brother Hizashi looked visibly relieved.

Hizashi no longer needed to die in his brother's place.

Neji would not lose his father and grow up as an orphan.

Hiashi glanced at the elders, his tone cold.

"Today's issue will be resolved with Haneda-sama's help. The cost is simple: during tomorrow's Jōnin Council meeting, all Hyūga jōnin must publicly request the Third Hokage's resignation."

"???"

The elders looked confused. Why would the Hyūga need to openly oppose the Hokage when no one from the Branch Family needed to be sacrificed?

Hiashi explained,

"Haneda-sama is likely to announce his candidacy for Hokage after the Third steps down. He has made it clear that he intends to run for the position of Fifth Hokage."

"?!!"

Although the elders were baffled by Haneda's sudden ambition, they agreed with Hiashi's decision to align with him.

If Haneda were to run for Hokage, only Kakashi could rival him.

But everyone in Konoha knew that Kakashi and Haneda were close friends.

This meant Haneda would have no real competition.

As for the Third Hokage…

The elders tacitly agreed that he would either resign willingly or be forced to step down gracefully by Haneda.

---

Hokage Office

News of Haneda visiting the Hyūga Clan and taking Naruto with him had already reached the Hokage Office.

Despite this, the Third Hokage continued his daily work, assigning missions to ninja as usual.

In truth, ever since Shisui informed him of Haneda's intention to run for Hokage, Hiruzen had silently approved of Haneda's actions.

The moment Haneda had beheaded Ōnoki in front of Iwagakure's army, the outcome had been decided.

Haneda could have led a coup with the Uchiha Clan.

But instead, he chose to run for Hokage through the proper channels.

Hiruzen didn't resist or cling stubbornly to his position. In a way, he saw himself as merely an interim Hokage, destined to step down eventually.

Clatter.

Footsteps echoed through the hallway.

The door burst open as Danzo stormed in, his face filled with urgency.

"Hiruzen!"

"That naturally evil Uchiha brat has already allied with the Hyūga Clan!"

"He even went to the Kumogakure delegation's quarters, killed the Kumo shinobi there, and left only one alive! He then declared in front of the villagers that Konoha will not sacrifice its people's interests and that if Kumogakure wants war, they can have it!"

"Does he think war between nations is child's play!?"

Danzo stood before the Third Hokage, his left eye glaring fiercely.

Hiruzen remained calm.

"I know. As long as Haneda is in Konoha, Kumogakure won't dare start a war."

"And Haneda isn't evil. He's a good child—I've watched him grow up."

Hearing Hiruzen defend Haneda so blatantly, Danzo realized that Hiruzen had given up on resisting.

Danzo's left eye widened in disbelief as he questioned him,

"Hiruzen, have you forgotten what that naturally evil Uchiha brat said three years ago?"

"Hiruzen, have you forgotten our teacher's will? The Uchiha are inherently evil—"

"Enough, Danzo!" Hiruzen interrupted sharply.

"Even our teacher didn't advocate eradicating the Uchiha Clan entirely!"

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!" Danzo snarled. "I am the Hokage!"

This time, however, Danzo didn't storm out in anger. Instead, he grew eerily calm.

"Are you even still Hokage anymore?"

Hiruzen met Danzo's gaze and spoke firmly,

"As long as I sit in this chair, I am Hokage."

Then, revealing Danzo's hidden intentions, Hiruzen added,

"Do you think I don't know what you're planning, Danzo?

"You're not doing this for Konoha. You're just afraid of dying."

"Haneda will deal with you the day he takes office—I know it, and so do you."

Danzo stared at Hiruzen, stunned.

For years, he had devoted himself to Konoha, sacrificing everything to uphold their teacher's will.

And yet, his lifelong friend had dismissed all of it as fear of death.

Like a wounded animal, Danzo lashed out,

"Everything I've done is for Konoha, Hiruzen!"

But Hiruzen simply handed him a Hokage order and a thick envelope.

"Leave Konoha, Danzo.

"Take this Hokage order.

"The border guards won't stop you.

"This envelope contains my savings as Hokage over the years—meant for my retirement. It's yours now."

"Leave, Danzo."

Danzo looked at Hiruzen with a complicated expression. His old friend hadn't abandoned him. He had prepared everything for his departure.

At that moment, Danzo made up his mind. He would take Shisui's eye and change everything.

Whether for Konoha or for Hiruzen, he could not lose.

He knew that if that naturally evil Uchiha brat took office, neither he nor Hiruzen would survive.

For the sake of his ideals and Konoha, Danzo swore he would win.