Chapter 307: Hari: For the Leaf Village, I Can Only Bear the Pain Myself!
Chapter 307: Hari: For the Leaf Village, I Can Only Bear the Pain Myself!
In the Hokage's office, F4, Orochimaru, Nara Shikaku, and others were present.
"Wood Release?"
Hari, his body wrapped in bandages and resembling Danzo's style, almost stood up in surprise as he listened to the report from the ANBU in front of him.
Beside him was Danzo, who was even more astonished.
Who could blame him for constantly experimenting with Kohona Cells, dreaming of mastering Wood Release, and even achieving some results (Tsuchikage Yamato)?
So, when he heard the words "Wood Release," his reaction was even more pronounced.
Fortunately, Hari's attention was entirely focused on the ANBU in front of him, and he didn't notice Danzo's unusual reaction.
Only Orochimaru, who had rushed back from the front lines, immediately looked at Danzo, suspecting that he might have done something behind his back.
Although he despised the rigid researchers of the Root Division, he had to admit that they were crazy enough to possibly create something.
But seeing Danzo's shocked expression, Orochimaru instantly concluded that it wasn't their doing.
Of course, Danzo also glanced at Orochimaru first, and they both had the same thought.
Could Orochimaru have created Wood Release?
However, these speculations couldn't be discussed here, so they had to continue listening.
"Yes, Hokage-sama, there was indeed evidence of Wood Release at the scene!"
The ANBU presented a special piece of wood.
Wood Release doesn't disappear after use, and these wooden fragments carrying plant scents were the best evidence.
The significance of Wood Release to the Leaf Village didn't need further explanation.
That's why their reactions were so strong.
"You've worked hard!"
Hari signaled for the ANBU to withdraw.
After everyone left, the office became eerily silent.
None of them had expected that Wood Release would be involved in this incident.
The Sharingan was already troublesome enough, and now with the addition of Wood Release, the situation had become a hot potato.
"What do you think? Who could possess Wood Release?"
Hari looked at the group.
"Could it be someone from the Senju Clan?"
Kurenai Yuhi was the first to voice her suspicion.
After all, when it came to Wood Release, everyone would think of that clan.
"Impossible. There's only Tsunade left in the Senju Clan, and she hasn't awakened Wood Release!"
Hari immediately dismissed the idea.
With Tsunade's personality, if she had mastered Wood Release, she wouldn't have kept it hidden.
As for those with Senju blood, it was even more impossible. Their bloodline had become so diluted that it was unimaginable for them to possess Wood Release.
Yes, anyone with Senju blood would have their records kept by the village.
Tsk tsk!
It had to be said that if the Second Hokage knew that not long after his death, the Senju Clan would be exterminated, and even those with Senju blood would be monitored, he might have climbed out of his grave to strangle a few of his disciples.
Such filial piety!
"Teacher, I need this for some experiments. Maybe I can find some clues."
Orochimaru requested the Wood Release remnants.
Although he had been cultivating Wood Release using Kohona Cells, he hadn't seen the actual thing. Now, with the Wood Release remnants in hand, it would undoubtedly be a significant help to his experiments.
"Sure!"
Hari nodded directly.
If anyone else had asked, he wouldn't have agreed, but it was different when it came to his disciple.
Danzo's heart also rejoiced.
Orochimaru obtaining the Wood Release was as good as him getting it. Thinking of the future control over Wood Release, he almost laughed out loud, so he struggled to maintain his composure to avoid exposing his excitement.
"Now, do we need to re-elect the Hokage?"
Hari asked.
With the Leaf Village having lost its Hokage, a new one needed to be chosen.
"No, the village must immediately organize a response to the threats from other ninja villages. There's no time to elect a Hokage. Hari, you should take up the position of Hokage again!"
Kurenai Yuhi made the suggestion.
Hmm, it seemed like she was acting for the public good, but only she knew if there were any hidden motives.
Since Fuyuki Namikaze's rise to power, although he respected the Elder Council, his authority had been rapidly diminishing, and the flattering and flattering figures had become less and less.
Compared to the past, it was natural for people to find this sudden change unacceptable, which was why Kurenai Yuhi made this suggestion.
As for her words about not having time to choose the Hokage, everyone just listened.
Ninja were not politicians; the Hokage could be elected within a few days, and there had even been instances of temporary appointments. How could there not be enough time?
However, none of the people in the office would point this out.
Even Orochimaru merely felt a flash of disdain and did not voice it.
"That's right, Hari, you taking on the role of Hokage again is the best choice!"
Mito Ginkaku also cast his vote.
In his opinion, at such a crucial moment, only an old friend could 'turn the tide'.
Of course, it had nothing to do with him regaining his former glory as a consultant elder once the other party rose to power.
"Hari, if we were to elect a Hokage now, who do you think would be suitable?"
Danzo asked a critical question.
Indeed, if they were to re-elect a Hokage now, among those qualified to succeed, Jiraiya was the most suitable, but he would definitely not want to take on the role. As for the remaining candidates...
Orochimaru, Yuzuki Dongping, Uchiha Tomoyuki, and others.
The only one affiliated with the Fireline Faction was Orochimaru.
But as they say, Orochimaru lacked the Fire Will.
If he were to be given power, the Fire Will would be 'defiled'.
Therefore, Hari hesitated.
Seeing his expression, Nara Shikaku's eyes flickered with complexity, but he finally spoke up.
"Third Hokage, I think it's better for you to 'temporarily' take on the role of Hokage. After this period, we can re-elect the Fifth Hokage."
His suggestion was a win-win solution.
It satisfied the proposals of the consultant elders and also took into account Hari's reluctance to take on the role of Hokage again.
Just as Hari was about to refuse, he thought of the power vacuum during this period, so he swallowed his refusal and lightly nodded, indicating that he could only endure for the sake of the Leaf Village.
As for how long the temporary appointment would last and when a new Hokage would be elected, no one brought it up for some reason.
Thus, Hari's temporary appointment as Hokage was decided.
Now it was clear who held the power in the Leaf Village.
Although it was said that the Hokage was elected by all the villagers, it was more about 'participation', as long as the real decision-makers were not involved.
The Fireline Faction!
They were the true masters of the Leaf Village.
If others did not join this faction, they would not even have the qualifications to become the Hokage.
After Hari's reinstatement, the first thing he did was to strengthen the border defenses.
The Nine-Tails Disturbance had not only caused heavy losses to the Leaf Village but, more importantly, resulted in the loss of the Fourth Hokage and his wife. To prevent other ninja villages from taking advantage of the situation, it was natural to strengthen the border defenses.
As for the original plan to annex the Skyguard Tower?
It was temporarily put on hold.
The village was already struggling to attract the 'Purifying Flame', so how could they continue targeting him?
Although the Skyguard Tower was tempting, it was not as important as the safety of the village.
If the other party had the same faith in the Fire Will as Fangfang or Uchiha Tomoyuki, it was not impossible to forcibly reclaim it.
The problem was that they were rebellious and unyielding, which made the village elders extremely cautious.
If they dared to forcibly reclaim the Skyguard Tower, they would cause trouble.
The village had dared to do so before because it was stronger, and the Fourth Hokage and his wife were still there, so even if they used force, it wasn't entirely unreasonable.
But now?
If they dared to use force, while dealing with internal issues, the other major ninja villages would take advantage and directly wipe out the Leaf Village.
Thus, the annexation of the Skyguard Tower was treated as if it had never happened.
Furthermore, Hari wrote a letter stating that he had only wanted them to return to the village, and since they were unwilling, he would not force them. They would always be considered 'Leaf Villagers', and any requests for help could be made to the village.
The underlying message was: Treat the annexation as if it never happened, and we can provide some compensation.
This way, they could focus on external threats.
(End of Chapter)
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