章節 672: Onoki’s Speculation
"The Fourth Hokage?!"
The crowd was taken aback. Though they understood the logical progression from Third to Fourth Hokage, they knew there had to be more, given Onoki's significance in the statement.
With everyone's eyes fixed on Onoki, the room fell silent, awaiting further explanation.
The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, let a slight, meaningful smile cross his lips. This was precisely the reaction he anticipated.
"Indeed."
"I'm sure you've realized it."
"What I just said might seem obvious."
"The new Hokage of Konoha will undoubtedly be the Fourth Hokage."
"But the key question isn't just about the title of Fourth Hokage."
"It's about who the Fourth Hokage actually is."
"Have you considered this?"
Onoki scanned the faces of his listeners, observing their reactions. He intended this as a test of their perception and understanding.
The aftermath of the recent Great Ninja War had significantly weakened Iwagakure. The gathered individuals were crucial to the village's future, and their ability to grasp the situation would determine its fate.
Seeing the Third Hokage step down had stirred something within Onoki. He had been in power for a long time and had often thought about his succession. Unlike the Third Hokage, Onoki didn't cling to power out of greed. He had long sought a suitable successor but found none.
Compared to Konoha, Iwagakure lacked strong candidates for the position. This predicament meant that even if Onoki wished to pass on the mantle, he couldn't find a worthy successor. The village faced a looming crisis of leadership.
Onoki predicted a Hokage change from his insights gained during the Great Ninja War. He had seen the rise of a remarkably talented young ninja: Minato Namikaze.
When reports of Minato's feats reached him, Onoki foresaw that Minato might become the new Hokage. Subsequent Konoha events involving Orochimaru and Danzo's confessions validate this prediction.
If such manipulations had a hidden hand, they indicated a significant shift in Konoha's power dynamics, potentially beneficial for the village. Onoki understood that a new leader like Minato could strengthen Konoha.
"Without a doubt," Onoki continued, "the new Hokage will be Minato Namikaze, who shone brilliantly in the Great Ninja War."
This statement sent shockwaves through the room. Faces showed surprise and confusion.
They had initially viewed the Third Hokage's resignation as a significant blow to Konoha. However, Onoki's words reframed their perspective, highlighting the potential rise of a formidable new leader.
The realisation dawned that if Minato were to take over, Konoha's power might not diminish but instead grow stronger.
"Things are never as simple as they seem, especially concerning a village's leader," Onoki emphasised.
"I don't know if the orchestrations in Konoha are by some unseen hand or even if the Third Hokage himself is involved."
"But we cannot view Konoha's situation with a normal lens."
"If my guess is correct..."
"Konoha is poised for a significant leap in strength."
Onoki's analysis hit hard. He sensed that the upheavals in Konoha were far from mere happenstance. The strategic move to replace the Hokage likely concealed deeper intentions.
Onoki speculated that "this move could be a strategic retreat by the Third Hokage. "If the Third Hokage planned his resignation to bolster Minato Namikaze's rise, it's a masterstroke."
"If the Third Hokage intended to retire and ensure a smooth transition, publicly taking the fall could galvanize support for Minato."
"This strategy would not only stabilize Konoha's internal politics but also create an illusion of weakness to mislead other villages."
"And in the future, the Third Hokage could be exonerated, his actions seen as sacrificing his reputation for the village's benefit."
"If this is the case, Konoha's resurgence is all but guaranteed."
Onoki's insights left the room in awe. Though speculative, his analysis shed light on a potential master plan, highlighting the Third Hokage's strategic depth.
"Perhaps the Third Hokage intended to retire all along," Onoki continued. "And his actions, though seemingly self-destructive, were calculated to secure Konoha's future under Minato Namikaze."
"Such a move would mislead the world into thinking Konoha is weakened while setting the stage for its resurgence."
"This level of strategy is extraordinary."
The room was filled with a sense of realisation and dread. Onoki's analysis had profound implications, suggesting that Konoha's future might be brighter and more formidable than they had anticipated.
Meanwhile...
At Kirigakure, a similar meeting was underway, but with unique insights.
The Third Mizukage sat at the head of the table, surrounded by advisors and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Zabuza Momochi sat at the forefront, his face grave.
"You're all mistaken," Zabuza declared, having firsthand knowledge of the deeper intricacies due to his involvement with Danzo.
The room's attention focused on him, anticipating his explanation.
"I had contact with Danzo's men!"
Zabuza's revelation was met with heightened interest, recognising it as crucial insider information.
"Konoha's Third Hokage backed Danzo in an attempt to thwart Minato Namikaze!"
"Because the Third Hokage still coveted his position."
"Minato's rise threatened his tenure."
"Thus, they plotted to eliminate Minato."
"They even approached me with an assassination mission."
"I saw it as an opportunity and agreed."
Zabuza's recounting clarified his earlier actions and decisions.
"Oh?" the Mizukage queried, eyes closed but attentive. This was new information to him, indicating actions taken without his approval.
"You executed this mission?"
"Who gave you this task?"
"Why was I not informed?"
Though calm, Mizukage's voice hinted at underlying fury. The breach of protocol was evident, challenging his authority.
Zabuza felt the weight of the Mizukage's displeasure and understood the need for a thorough explanation.
"The mission came abruptly…"
Zabuza began to understand the importance of transparency in maintaining trust with the Mizukage.
"Reporting it would have jeopardized the operation."
"I made a call to proceed for the village's sake."
"My actions were to protect our interests."
Zabuza detailed the situation, emphasising the urgency and strategic value of the mission to justify his decisions.
"What was the mission exactly?"
The Mizukage's tone remained unreadable, but the tension was palpable. He sought clarity on actions taken independently of his command.
Zabuza took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he recounted the pivotal moments.
"I was on the front lines when I was approached by Konoha's undercover agent, Samari Rentaro."
"Danzo contacted him, proposing an alliance to assassinate Minato Namikaze."
"In exchange, Danzo promised support against Kumogakure."
"I saw it as a strategic advantage and agreed."
Zabuza's explanation aimed to clear any misunderstandings, stressing the importance of the mission and the tactical decisions involved.
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