Chương 664: Public Opinion Rising
In just a few days, the situation in Konoha Village had become severe. Almost everyone discussed the Third Hokage, and rumours spread like wildfire.
If only one or two ordinary people were talking about this, it wouldn't have made a significant impact, as most people would choose to believe in the Third Hokage, who had always presented an image of light and greatness.
However, when everyone was talking about it, the matter became problematic.
The more the rumours spread, the more people believed them. Even though some explanations began to surface, doubts about the Third Hokage's actions grew. Consequently, the public trust in Konoha's high-ranking officials was severely declining.
Many prominent families in Konoha, such as the Hyuga and Uchiha clans, began holding family meetings.
At this time, they had to choose sides. People knew that if they wanted to support the Third Hokage, they needed to do so firmly now. If he continued to be Hokage, they would benefit from their support.
If they didn't support him and he remained Hokage, the consequences would be severe.
It wasn't about supporting a particular candidate for the next Hokage; it was about deciding whether to continue supporting the Third Hokage.
If he remained Hokage, those families that didn't support him would not be favoured in the new era.
Every family was having similar discussions, being very cautious and not publicly revealing their positions immediately.
This situation lasted for about three days.
Then, something unexpected happened.
Orochimaru, one of the Third Hokage's disciples, stepped forward and appeared atop the Hokage Rock, standing on the Third Hokage's head.
A large crowd had gathered below.
These people had been informed beforehand that Orochimaru had an important announcement to make.
Even the ninja of Konoha ninja arrived at the scene.
This event was secretly arranged without informing the Third Hokage. He only noticed the commotion from the rooftop of the Hokage office when it happened. His face turned grim, and he stared at Orochimaru with clenched fists, unsure of what Orochimaru intended to do.
Orochimaru had always been his favourite disciple, yet also the one he could never fully understand.
He had never been able to grasp Orochimaru's thoughts.
Seeing Orochimaru standing on the Hokage Rock now, he was even more uncertain whether it was right or wrong to have refused Orochimaru the position of Hokage.
Should he have given the Hokage position to Orochimaru to settle this matter? But.
Now, he wasn't given any chance to negotiate.
Is this matter not important anymore? Questions filled the Third Hokage's mind. If Orochimaru still wanted to become Hokage, shouldn't he have negotiated again before this event?
Indeed, the earlier meeting wasn't enough to decide on a course for the future.
It couldn't be that simple, right?
The Third Hokage's emotions were complex. During these calm days, he had considered the future, considering who should succeed him if he could no longer be Hokage.
Deep down, he didn't want to hand over the Hokage position to Orochimaru.
He genuinely believed Orochimaru was unsuitable for the position of hokage. If Orochimaru had become Hokage, the village might have become more chaotic.
For this reason, he didn't discuss the matter with Orochimaru after rejecting him.
The Third Hokage was now only trying to retain the Hokage position. If he couldn't, he preferred Minato Namikaze as his successor.
The reasons were simple.
Firstly, he had watched Minato grow up, knowing he was kind-hearted and suitable for the Hokage role, not leading Konoha astray.
Secondly, Minato was relatively easy to control. The Third Hokage could surround Minato with many of his confidants, influencing decisions even if he wasn't the Hokage maintaining actual power.
These were things Orochimaru and Danzo couldn't provide.
He knew that if Orochimaru became Hokage, he would lose all influence, as Orochimaru wouldn't quickly heed others' advice.
Similarly, if Danzo became Hokage, he might become a background figure, akin to Danzo's role in Root, without substantial power and unable to return to prominence.
In essence, if either Orochimaru or Danzo became king, the Third king would have no chance of returning to power. But if Minato became king, he might someday make a comeback.
Given the current situation, the Third Hokage had to consider the future. He realised his abilities alone might be needed to retain the Hokage position.
Perhaps it was fate.
It was time for a change of leadership.
Despite hearing the rumours outside, he hadn't paid much attention, believing he could clear his name. He thought he could blame everything on Danzo.
What worried him most was what Orochimaru might say. The crowd was massive, with everyone in Konoha present, their curious eyes fixed on Orochimaru, waiting for him to speak.
On the Hokage Rock.
Aoba, disguised as Orochimaru using his Paper Person of God Technique, stood atop the Third Hokage's head. Even in plain sight, his disguise was flawless.
The only flaw in his disguise was that encountering the natural person would be problematic.
That's why Aoba only impersonated characters confirmed to be dead.
This prevented any awkward encounters and ensured his efforts weren't wasted.
Since Orochimaru was dead, using his identity posed no risk and was highly beneficial.
"It's about time."
Aoba murmured in Orochimaru's tone. Though his voice was soft, it reached everyone's ears as if amplified, drawing the crowd's full attention.
The crowd fell silent, their thoughts tense, eyes fixed on Orochimaru, waiting for his following words.
The people of Konoha were eager for some excitement after the ninja war, seeking to vent their pent-up emotions.
Recent events had made them active and lively, eagerly awaiting new developments. They gathered at restaurants to discuss and listen to others, even chatting with neighbours about the unfolding drama.
This public discourse had lifted Konoha's previously gloomy mood, bringing the community together and revitalising the village's atmosphere.
They didn't know what Orochimaru would say, but they sensed it would be significant.
Given that the current rumours involved Danzo and the Third Hokage and knowing Orochimaru was the Third's disciple, they expected his revelations to be related to the Third Hokage.
Whether Orochimaru would defend or expose the Third Hokage was enough to heighten everyone's curiosity to an unprecedented level.
"I've gathered you all here today to say a few things."
Orochimaru's voice slowly echoed, each word capturing the audience's attention. Even the Third Hokage, standing on the rooftop of the Hokage office, felt his emotions tighten, hoping Orochimaru might help dispel the rumours.
"Not long ago, the missing persons case in Konoha was my doing."
His words, clear and distinct, reached everyone's ears.
It was a bombshell revelation!
A statement that shocked everyone!
"What!"
The crowd immediately erupted into whispers, everyone discussing the revelation, their eyes wide with surprise.
They had thought Danzo was responsible, as the previous rumours had suggested.
Now, Orochimaru was claiming responsibility. What was his purpose? Everyone had their theories.
Was Orochimaru taking the blame under some directive?
What was going on?
The crowd's minds were filled with questions, their eyes fixed on Orochimaru, eager for more clarity.
"Hah…"
The Third Hokage took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself.
His anxiety eased slightly.
Orochimaru wasn't betraying him.
This may be a gesture of loyalty.
Everyone considered their stance on whether to support the Third Hokage or not.
"The case was primarily to research whether ordinary people could be implanted with Hashirama Senju's cells to become Wood Release users."
Orochimaru's voice echoed again, silencing the crowd. They already knew this from the rumours.
Now, they were more curious about Orochimaru's motive. Why was he saying this? What was his plan? Despite their doubts, they continued to focus on Orochimaru.
"This matter was jointly planned by me, the Third Hokage, and Lord Danzo. Now, external rumors blame only them, which is unfair. I was mainly responsible for capturing people and conducting experiments. Lord Danzo merely checked on the progress, and the Third Hokage only helped cover it up. I should bear the main responsibility for the missing persons case in Konoha!"
Orochimaru's words left everyone stunned, including the Third Hokage. They couldn't discern if Orochimaru intended to help or harm the Third Hokage.
His words seemed neutral, presenting the facts impartially.
"I'm not here to defend or accuse anyone but to reveal the truth!"
Aoba smiled slightly, starting with the missing person case because it was genuine, not fabricated. No one could dispute it.
The more truthful the matter, the more people would believe it.
This was Aoba's strategy.
By presenting the truth initially, when he later introduced contentious issues, people would trust him, believing he was revealing the truth.
That was the real purpose of this speech.
"That Orochimaru!"
The Third Hokage watched from the rooftop, glaring coldly at Orochimaru, unsure what to think.
Mixed emotions surged within him.
What was this?
Was Orochimaru defending him? Why did it feel like the more Orochimaru explained, the worse it got? It felt like Orochimaru's words solidified the rumours as truth.
This way…
Even self-exoneration seemed difficult.
"Damn it."
The Third Hokage glared at Orochimaru, wishing he could pull him down but knowing he couldn't interrupt. Doing so would only confirm everything.
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