https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-547-Kunai-Flash-The-Handsome-One-s-Grand-Entrance/12944347/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-549-Yecheng-You-Want-Me-to-Find-Great-Thunder-Teacher-/12944351/
Chapter 548: Senju Yecheng, Prelude to the Third Great Ninja War!
Chapter 548: Senju Yecheng, Prelude to the Third Great Ninja War!
The late arrival of Yecheng was met with a familiar nonchalance from the Konoha higher-ups and those who knew him well.
Aside from the current clan leader of the Uchiha, Fuyuki Uchiha, who seemed slightly displeased with Yecheng's behavior, the other elders present didn't voice any complaints.
This was because Yecheng had a powerful backer, and while they might have said something if it were a matter of great importance, they didn't want to be overly critical of him for something as minor as being late.
Just hearing the surname 'Senju' was enough to indicate that Yecheng hailed from a particular family in Konoha.
Although the Senju clan had declined in recent times, they were once the foremost clan in Konoha and had even founded the village alongside the Uchiha clan.
Yecheng, a genius from the now-declining Senju clan, was a source of great hope for his family.
Setting aside his other qualities, the mere fact that he was a Senju meant that those present would give him some face.
After all, even the current Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and his two advisors, Shizune and Mito Gate Flame, were disciples of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
The First and Second Hokage had dedicated their lives to Konoha, and the Senju clan had suffered numerous casualties in the previous Great Ninja Wars, leaving only a handful of clan members remaining.
Even if Yecheng wasn't a renowned genius of Konoha, his lineage alone would prevent the clan leaders present from being overly critical of him.
Moreover, Yecheng was not only a member of the Senju clan but also one of the 'Konoha Three Great Ninja' and a disciple of Tsunade.
This meant that as a third-generation disciple of the Third Hokage, Yecheng was a direct descendant of the Hokage lineage.
The Third Elder, holding a pipe in his hand, stood in the center of the crowd, speaking with authority, while the surrounding onlookers nodded in agreement, a testament to his high standing.
Since the death of the Second Hokage in the Land of Lightning and the succession of Sarutobi Hiruzen as the Third Hokage, who led Konoha to victory in the Second Great Ninja War, Hiruzen had solidified his position as Hokage.
The current Konoha Village was at its peak, and Sarutobi Hiruzen was known as the 'Strongest of the Five Kage' among the current five Kage leaders.
As one of the few remaining members of the Senju clan, Yecheng's status was not inferior to the others.
However, due to his youth and the fact that he was a third-generation disciple of the Hokage lineage, like Naruto, he found himself on the outer fringes of the crowd.
While the other clan leaders were busy flattering the Third Hokage, Yecheng and Naruto, as followers of Jiraiya, didn't even have a chance to speak.
"With so many clan leaders gathered here, and even Teacher Jiraiya and Orochimaru-sama being called, this must be an important matter, right?" Naruto asked curiously.
Hearing Naruto's question, Yecheng considered the current timeline and, noticing the worried expression on the Third Hokage's face, spoke uncertainly, "Could this mean the start of the Third Great Ninja War?"
"Don't joke around. Since the end of the Second Great Ninja War, the ninja world has been at peace for a long time.
Moreover, there are no major conflicts among the five great ninja villages, so how could the Third Great Ninja War suddenly break out?"
"Naruto, you're now a Jonin of Konoha, but your ideas are still so naive.
Is there such a thing as peace in the Shinobi World? Human desires are endless, and when life becomes comfortable, desires will naturally inflate.
The conflicts between the Five Great Shinobi Villages have a long history. If they really wanted to start a war, they wouldn't need any trigger; even revisiting old grudges would be enough to ignite a battle."
Night City's opinion of Naruto's thoughts was somewhat dismissive, but it was understandable considering Naruto's youth and inexperience.
After all, the young man had not truly experienced the Shinobi Wars, and being young, he was still unaware of the darkness of the Shinobi World and the methods of the old slybalds.
"Night City, do you have any news about Tsunade, or can you find her?"
As Night City and Naruto whispered to each other, the next moment, the Third Hokage's words drew everyone's attention to Night City.
The words he had just spoken to Naruto were now clearly heard by the Third Hokage and the others.
"Ah, Hokage-sama, and fellow village elders, I was just boasting to Naruto.
Especially Hokage-sama, the 'old slybald' I mentioned definitely doesn't refer to you or Danzo-sama. I hope you won't take it to heart."
The Third Hokage, who hadn't paid much attention to this matter, now felt his face twitch uncontrollably at Night City's attempt to cover up his previous statement.
If it weren't for the presence of outsiders, the Third Hokage vowed that he would make Night City understand the consequences of secretly badmouthing his elders.
However, as his face twitched, the Third Hokage's gaze towards Night City also carried a hint of appreciation.
Despite Night City's many flaws, it was undeniable that his vision, analytical ability, and overall perspective were exceptional.
To become a leader, strength is just one aspect; possessing extraordinary means and a broad perspective is also crucial.
In this regard, among the Hokage lineage, the Third Hokage had only seen two suitable candidates.
One was Orochimaru, whom he had high hopes for, and the other was Night City, Tsunade's disciple.
To become the Hokage, one needs vision, political skill, strength, fame, and status.
Among his three disciples, compared to Jiraiya and Tsunade, Orochimaru was undoubtedly the most suitable to become the Hokage.
Although Tsunade had the advantage of being the granddaughter of the First and Second Hokage, as a woman, she was too emotional and easily influenced by her feelings, making it difficult for her to make the right decisions for the village's greater good.
As for the disciples of the Konoha Three Great Ninja, or his great-grandchildren, as of now, Night City and Naruto were also outstanding.
Naruto was optimistic and positive, and despite his civilian ninja background, he had exceptional talent and high fame among the Konoha ninjas, earning the deep trust of his peers.
As for Night City, his strength and talent were undeniable. Even under Tsunade's absence and her hands-off approach, he continued to grow wildly, reaching his current level of power. Whether it was talent or potential, even the Third Hokage had rarely seen such a unique case.
When it came to pure talent, the Third Hokage even believed that Night City could rival his teacher, the Second Hokage, who had developed numerous ninjutsu and forbidden techniques.
(End of Chapter)
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