Chapter 525

In the middle of the night, a faint candlelight lit up in the secret room of the Sarutobi clan grounds. Several figures with weary expressions sat around, whispering to each other, guessing why the alliance meeting had to be held in the middle of the night.

Sarutobi Sasuke, sitting in the center, had two large dark circles under his eyes; it could be seen that his mental state was not very good.

That pair of gray, defeated pupils was covered with dense red bloodshot eyes. He raised his head and looked around, confirming that all the members of the Ninja Clan Alliance had arrived, and then he spoke slowly.

"Be quiet, everyone. What I am about to say will determine the future of our Ninja Clan Alliance."

"Sasuke, who is it this time? Forget it, no matter who it is, I will definitely not get involved. The Shimura family really has no money left."

Just as Sarutobi Sasuke finished speaking, Shimura Kenichi, with a dark face, stood up to leave.

At the last meeting, he paid twenty billion, but in the end, he got nothing. This time, he would never be fooled again.

What connections, what back doors—it was all TM a lie!

"Kenichi, don't be in a hurry. The source of this news is very reliable. It won't be too late for you to leave after you hear me out."

Raising his hand to stop Shimura Kenichi, who wanted to leave, Sarutobi Sasuke recounted the ins and outs of Uchiha Gin's visit in detail.

When they heard that Uchiha Gin was also involved, everyone present showed very complex expressions. If the news came from the curly-haired one, the credibility would be much higher.

"Really? Is the Uchiha clan willing to give up the Hokage position?"

Yamanaka Minako frowned slightly.

Hokage clearance sale?

It wouldn't be some kind of telemarketing scam to cheat old people out of their pensions again, would it?

"If someone else told me this, I would definitely beat them out with sticks at the first opportunity, but the person who came is Gin-san. I believe he won't lie to me."

That he could have a grandson now was all thanks to Uchiha Gin's righteous action back then, which cured Hiruzen, who had been diagnosed as impotent by the physician. The deep friendship between the two was established from that time.

Since then, Uchiha Gin had been regarded as an honored guest by Sarutobi Sasuke, and no matter when he visited, he was received with the highest etiquette.

"Then..."

No matter what the matter was, as long as it involved Uchiha Gin, it would inevitably be linked to money. The members of the Ninja Clan Alliance, who were already used to this kind of operation, asked curiously.

"How much is it this time?"

This is called reputation!

"One hundred billion."

Time was tight, and Sarutobi Sasuke didn't sell it short.

"Hiss..."

Everyone gasped upon hearing this. One hundred billion was not a small amount, and their Ninja Clan Alliance was not a great family. Being able to squeeze out ten billion in funds to move connections before was already the limit.

"Isn't this too expensive?!"

"Do you think the Hokage position is not worth one hundred billion?"

"But..."

Squinting at the member of the Ninja Clan Alliance who raised an objection, Sarutobi Sasuke's red eyes gradually overflowed with the madness unique to a gambler.

Let's go all out; don't worry too much!

"I'll ask you one thing now: are you getting on the bus or not!"

"Ah?"

Everyone was shocked upon hearing this. Sarutobi Sasuke was known for his caution in the past; why was he so impulsive this time?

"Family members, there is only one chance. If we can't raise one hundred billion before dawn, when the noble representatives enter the village for the meeting, Uchiha Izuna's succession will be irreversible."

Is one hundred billion a lot?

If you say it's a lot, it can buy several cities; if you change it into paper money and stack it up, you can build several houses.

But if you use it to exchange for the Hokage position, then it is really too cost-effective; calling it a cabbage price is not an exaggeration.

"I'm in!"

The first person to raise his hand was actually the pineapple-head of the Nara clan. As the person with the highest IQ and the longest vision among those present, he knew that he must not miss this once-in-a-century opportunity.

Even if they were really cheated, at most they would lose some money, but once the transaction was successful, what awaited their Ninja Clan Alliance would be a class leap that was hard to encounter in a hundred years.

Whether the Ninja Clan Alliance, composed of second-rate families, could develop into a great clan like the Senju and Uchiha depended on the result of this big gamble.

"Our Nara clan is willing to sponsor ten billion!"

In recent years, there have been frequent wars in foreign countries, and the Nara clan, holding medicinal resources, can be said to have made a fortune. Even if they threw billions at Senju Hijiri like following the trend before, they still had food in storage.

"Very good! When my son succeeds to the throne, the position of Jonin Commander will belong to the Nara clan."

Seeing someone respond so quickly, Sarutobi Sasuke's face softened a bit. For such a supportive Nara representative, he immediately chose to return the favor.

"Our Yamanaka clan is also willing to sponsor eight billion."

"Akimichi clan sponsors..."

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio had always been a community of destiny. Since the Nara representative, who was the brain trust, had already made a choice, the other two clans naturally gritted their teeth and followed.

"Tsuru clan also..."

"Mitokado clan..."

"Inuzuka clan..."

"."

"Very good. After the matter is accomplished, our Sarutobi clan will definitely not treat everyone badly."

In the blink of an eye, the funds were more than halfway to the goal. Sarutobi Sasuke's heart felt warm, and his eyes looking at everyone were full of hot tears.

Shimura Kenichi lowered his head, his mind replaying the bits and pieces of his life with Sarutobi Sasuke from childhood to adulthood like a revolving lantern. After experiencing several seconds of ideological struggle, deep friendship defeated his already low IQ.

"Sasuke! I'll believe you one more time. The Shimura clan sponsors thirty billion!"

"Kenichi, you..."

Sarutobi Sasuke's tears instantly burst out of his eyes.

"This money is what I saved from raising pigs over the past few years; don't let anyone cheat it away again."

Shimura Kenichi's heart was filled with mixed feelings. This wave had turned out his own coffin money.

If he lost everything, he might really have to quit his favorite pork and switch to thin porridge and pickles.

"I, Sarutobi Sasuke, swear here that I will never let everyone down."

Soon, the funds promised by each clan arrived. Looking at the storage scrolls piled up like a mountain before him, Sarutobi Sasuke wiped away the moved tears from the corners of his eyes and promised with torch-like eyes.

Uchiha Izuna's residence,

Izuna, who was dead drunk at the family gathering, was already unconscious. As his wife, Mieko, could only helplessly help him tidy up and send him to bed to rest.

"Mieko, I finally have time to take you to plant lemons..."

Uchiha Izuna, in a half-dreaming and half-waking state, suddenly grabbed his wife's small hand, and low murmurs came from his mouth.

"Really, you're already at this age, and you're still so worrying."

Stroking her husband's handsome face, which was slightly weathered, the corners of Mieko's eyes were full of doting. She loved this clumsy man more than anything.

"Mother, I'll take my leave first."

Uchiha Uchiha Fuyou, who couldn't stand his parents showing affection, immediately wanted to turn around and run away, escaping from this room that made him feel uncomfortable.

"Uchiha Fuyou, go accompany Fugaku to sleep tonight; I'll take care of your father here."

"Mother, good luck. Fugaku has always said he wanted a younger sister."

"Get out!"

Uchiha Uchiha Fuyou, who was kicked out of the room, rolled his eyes, found his younger brother's room according to his memory, and lifted up Fugaku, who was already fast asleep.

"Ugh... who is it!?"

"I'm your brother."

Fugaku, with sleepy eyes, was directly awakened. After a brief moment of confusion, he opened those small eyes that were naturally fierce and asked suspiciously.

"Ah? Brother Uchiha Fuyou, what are you doing?"

"Not doing anything, just notifying you; now you can continue to sleep."

Uchiha Uchiha Fuyou shook his head expressionlessly, then threw Fugaku, who was still confused, back onto the bed.

I, as the older brother, am so tired; how can I let you kid sleep soundly?

Just as this family was communicating intimately, a sneaky figure quietly approached the back door of Uchiha Izuna's mansion.

"It should be here, that's right."

Sarutobi Sasuke, carrying the spark of hope for the Ninja Clan Alliance, walked out from the darkness of the street corner. Looking at the imposing mansion before him, he knocked on the back door three times with a nervous mood.

Bang, bang, bang—

Creak~

After a brief silence, the long-sealed back door slowly opened, and a handsome face that was slightly weathered poked out. Through the bright moonlight, Sarutobi Sasuke recognized the person before him at a glance.

"Lord Shadow Assistant, long time no see."

"Clan Leader Sarutobi, knocking on the door so late, what for?"

The expressionless "Uchiha Izuna" frowned slightly, as if he didn't know Sarutobi Sasuke's intention.

"Gin-san introduced me."

Sarutobi Sasuke felt anxious in his heart and directly brought out his introducer.

"Eldest cousin? Phew, really worrying blindly. Isn't it just that little loss? After I become Hokage, it won't take long to fill it."

"Uchiha Izuna" pretended to be angry. Sarutobi Sasuke immediately stepped forward upon hearing this and deliberately lowered his voice.

"Lord Shadow Assistant, I want to progress too much."

As he spoke, he took out a storage scroll that was heavy as a thousand jin from his bosom and stuffed it into "Uchiha Izuna's" hand.

"Clan Leader Sarutobi, what do you mean by this?"

The moment he touched the scroll, "Uchiha Izuna" scanned everything stored inside, and a flash of success in his scheme passed through his eyes, but he pretended to refuse and pushed the tightly gripped scroll back.

No, if you really don't want it, let go!

Looking at the storage scroll that remained motionless no matter how hard he tried, Sarutobi Sasuke felt settled in his heart, and the tone of his speech became more confident.

"Lord Shadow Assistant, time is running out. Let's not speak in riddles; just accept it. This is a win-win transaction."

"Aren't you forcing an old cadre to make a mistake?"

At this point, "Uchiha Izuna" didn't continue to be reserved, backhanded the heavy storage scroll into his bosom, and a look of deep emotion appeared on his face.

"Thank you, Lord Shadow Assistant, for your fulfillment!"

Sarutobi Sasuke was overjoyed in his heart. The other party accepted the money, didn't that mean they agreed to this transaction?

"If it weren't for the sake of my eldest cousin, I wouldn't have opened this back door for you at all."

"Uchiha Izuna" shook his head gently, but his eyes revealed another layer of hint. Sarutobi Sasuke was ecstatic in his heart at this moment, but he wasn't blind, so he immediately took out another scroll from his bosom.

"This is the tea money I prepared for Gin-san; please ask Lord Shadow Assistant to pass it on for me."

After taking the scroll and investigating it, a satisfied smile appeared on "Uchiha Izuna's" face.

"I will personally hand it to my eldest cousin. You go back and wait for news. Remember, don't let a third person know about the meeting tonight."

"I understand the rules; Lord Shadow Assistant, rest early~"

Watching Sarutobi Sasuke, whose steps were bouncy, disappear at the end of the street, "Uchiha Izuna" confirmed that there was no one around, and a signature smirk of someone suddenly appeared on his expressionless face.

"Hehe~ Money is so easy to earn now; another ten billion."

As he spoke, the skin on his face began to surge rapidly, and after a few breaths, it turned into a dead fish eye that was asking for a beating.

Weighing the two scrolls in his hand, Uchiha Gin, who had recovered his original appearance, narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Hey, can't spend it all, absolutely can't spend it all~"

The next day,

Uchiha Izuna, who got up early, had a pale face and tremblingly walked out of the house, holding his sore waist.

"Darling~ come home early!"

Behind him, Uchiha Mieko, with a rosy face, stood at the door with a smiling face, giving instructions in a soft voice.

"I have a lot of things to do today; you sleep by yourself tonight. I'll just find a place to make do."

Feeling the weakness in his body, Uchiha Izuna replied with a cold sweat on his forehead.

"It's okay, I still have the peerless good medicine that Eldest Cousin gave during the New Year; try it when you come back."

Plop! —

Uchiha Izuna almost stumbled upon hearing this. Fortunately, his agility was still okay, so he didn't make a fool of himself at the door. After stabilizing his figure, he immediately fled in a panic.

His first stop was the Naka Shrine in the Uchiha clan grounds. The clansmen who received the meeting notice had been waiting here for a long time. After last night's revelry, everyone's face still carried a touch of fatigue.

"Greetings, Lord Izuna!"

Seeing Uchiha Izuna appear, all the clansmen immediately stood up excitedly to salute; the scene was very hot.

"Calling everyone to a meeting today is just to notify one thing..."

Facing the expectant eyes of the clansmen, Uchiha Izuna decided to cut the Gordian knot and reveal the news that he was prepared to give up the Hokage position.

"Ah!?"

All the clansmen present were caught off guard by this news and opened their calendars one after another to check if today was April 1st. This joke by Lord Izuna was too big.

"Eldest brother is still missing; how can I have the heart to manage the village?"

The reason Uchiha Izuna was unwilling to serve as Hokage, besides not having a white-haired one to order around, was another more important reason: his eldest brother, Uchiha Madara, who had been missing for a long time.

Looking at Uchiha Izuna, who was revealing his true feelings, the noise of the clansmen gradually calmed down, and each of their eyes carried extremely complex emotions.

The position of village leader was precious, but compared to Uchiha Madara, an excellent clan leader, the title of Hokage became unworthy of mention in the eyes of the Uchiha clansmen.

"That's right, that's right; now what is more important than finding Lord Clan Leader?"

"Thank you all for your understanding."

Looking at the clansmen he had persuaded, Uchiha Izuna was deeply moved in his heart. His gaze turned to Uchiha Kagami, who was kneeling respectfully in the first row, and a gratified smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"But don't be disappointed; don't we still have Kagami?"

"That's right, we Uchiha still have Lord Branch Secretary!"

"Kagami! Don't let us down."

The clansmen, who were originally somewhat disappointed, suddenly remembered that they had another excellent representative, and the gloom in their hearts was swept away.

"Uh..."

Kagami, who was placed with high hopes by the clansmen, felt his pressure double, but soon he transformed this pressure into endless motivation, and his handsome face was full of determination.

"Leave it to me!"

Looking at Kagami, who was surrounded by clansmen, Uchiha Izuna left with a smile, leaving the stage to the young man with a promising future.

Uchiha Izuna's second stop was the notary office where the election was held before. Facing the respectful staff, he truthfully informed them of his decision to give up the Hokage position.

"Lord Shadow Assistant, this joke is not funny."

The staff of the notary office widened their eyes in disbelief. This was the Hokage position with overwhelming power; you say you won't do it, so you won't do it?

Uchiha Izuna shook his head and, under the gaze of many staff members, tore the employment agreement he had signed after winning yesterday into pieces.

Watching the white snowflakes slip from his fingers, his eyes carried a bit more inexplicable emotion.

The people who walked together in the past, whether enemies or friends, had all exited in various ways, and now it was his turn.

"I am a remnant of the old era; the new era has no ship that can carry me." (End of chapter)