Chapter 102: The Authoritarian Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Uchiha

The Hokage Building.

Under the cover of midnight, it was filled with a decaying aura.

Jiraiya trudged in, gazed deeply at the Hokage’s office, hesitated for a long while, then knocked on the door.

After receiving permission, he stepped inside.

The elderly Hiruzen Sarutobi wore the Hokage robe and a hat bearing the Hokage’s insignia; he merely glanced at Jiraiya with indifference and issued his decision without a single question.

“Jiraiya, it seems Itachi failed.”

“Then no more words are needed—prepare to ascend as the Fifth Hokage these next few days.”

“Don’t concern yourself with anything else.”

“Koharu will return tomorrow morning; the Jonin meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon.”

“The Hokage inauguration ceremony will be the day after tomorrow, morning.”

“Rest well tonight—I must return to make arrangements.”

With that said,

Hiruzen Sarutobi rose immediately, too lazy to acknowledge Jiraiya, and left the Hokage Building.

Yes!

There was no need to ask Jiraiya—just from his dejected expression, Hiruzen instantly understood the outcome.

He was truly busy now!

With so little time left, he had no time to comfort Jiraiya; he must place Jiraiya on the Fifth Hokage’s seat before Uchiha continues to press forward.

Only by resolving this matter and stabilizing the village could he free himself to confront Uchiha.

So,

Even though he saw Jiraiya’s inner turmoil, he had no reason to acknowledge him.

What if Jiraiya refused? And fled Konoha in protest?

Hmph, he wasn’t afraid.

Jiraiya was raised under Hiruzen’s watch since childhood—he knew Jiraiya’s character well: a man who fled from problems, and when escape was impossible, he’d surrender passively to others’ commands.

In fact, that’s exactly what happened.

Watching the decisive Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya stood frozen in place.

He tried to speak, but by the time Hiruzen left, he still hadn’t uttered a word.

Refuse?

He couldn’t say those words!

Though he admitted Tsunade’s points had some merit, he still couldn’t believe Uchiha Jin could be a good Hokage.

Perhaps Uchiha Jin’s words were right—prejudice in the human heart is a great mountain, and no matter how hard Itachi try, Itachi cannot move it.

In short…

He simply didn’t trust Uchiha!

Even if Uchiha truly suffered injustice, he was willing to compensate in other ways—but he would never allow Uchiha to ascend to the Hokage’s seat.

So, sigh!

After a helpless sigh, he still left the Hokage Building.

There was no choice.

Facing Hiruzen Sarutobi, he truly couldn’t refuse.

And most importantly, given Konoha’s current state, no one else was fit to become Hokage.

Could he really let Danzo take the position?

That man would gladly do it!

Still,

Merely imagining that possibility made him shudder.

…

The next day, ten a.m.

In Uchiha Jin’s grand reception hall, every clan head and elite was present; Uchiha Jin still sat elevated at the head.

Once all were assembled, Uchiha Jin spoke first.

“All of Itachi here surely know by now.”

“Konohamaru has obtained the Daimyo’s authorization; the Hokage Office has issued the official notice.”

“Hiruzen Sarutobi plans to step down and nominate Jiraiya as the Fifth Hokage, and the Daimyo has approved—today’s afternoon, the Jonin meeting will be held.”

“My opinion: do not attend.”

“Let them play their games—we remain unchanged in our goals.”

“Continue spreading rumors, undermining their governance.”

“Then, on the day Jiraiya becomes Hokage, we enter the Uchiha clan lands at the village’s edge and publicly announce our intent to establish a New Konoha.”

“Rokuichi, Fugaku.”

“Itachi two will go to the Daimyo’s residence—I need official authorization from the Daimyo’s court.”

“How Itachi secure the Daimyo, Rokuichi—I trust Itachi.”

“Fugaku, bring five elite Jonin squads; your duty is to protect Nara Rokuichi’s safety.”

Uchiha Jin’s expression remained calm.

He had no intention of consulting anyone—he issued his decision outright; this meeting was merely a notification.

As he had said before, the real meeting where decisions were made had already concluded two hours ago among the core members.

Now, it was merely a formality—to inform everyone of the decision.

As for the Daimyo?

He certainly disliked the man, but he also knew one must eat a meal one bite at a time—gorging too fast risks choking.

So,

For now, he had no interest in breaking the ninja world’s rules; his sole goal was to fully control Konoha.

Until then, everything remains as usual!

Nara Rokuichi, though resigned, still made a request: “I have no issue, but I request Nara Kurenai accompany me.”

“Agreed. Work it out between yourselves,” Uchiha Jin nodded.

Normally, according to protocol, Kurenai and others should remain hidden behind the scenes.

After all, they had only recently defected—but given the Nara clan’s peculiar customs, Kurenai likely preferred to rest at home.

So, fine.

Since Rokuichi mentioned it, let the two of them sort it out.

As for this,

Nara Kurenai’s face was sour, but he finally sighed lightly.

He dared not object—he was more familiar with the Daimyo, so despite the trouble, he’d make the trip.

Twenty minutes later,

The meeting concluded smoothly, but Tsunade did not leave; she followed Uchiha into the small conference room.

“Hey, Uchiha Jin!”

“What’s the point of this so-called meeting? Isn’t this just outright dictatorship?”

Tsunade gave no quarter, voicing her objection immediately.

Yes!

Though she admitted Uchiha Jin was capable in every way, the Uchiha’s extremism had to be corrected—otherwise, she truly feared Jiraiya’s concerns would become reality.

Since she had joined the Uchiha faction, she must resolve all problems at the outset.

To be honest,

When she first arrived at the meeting, she was curious how Uchiha conducted their gatherings—but after attending this one, her spirit was utterly numb.

Good heavens!

Was that even a meeting?

It was simply Uchiha Jin declaring orders—no one was asked for input at all!

She utterly rejected this.

Konoha was the legacy of her two grandfathers; now that she had joined the Uchiha faction, she would never allow Uchiha Jin to act recklessly.

As for this,

Uchiha Jin’s expression remained calm; he calmly poured Tsunade a cup of tea before speaking in an even tone.

“Tsunade, Itachi’re overthinking.”

“The real meeting where actions were decided took place two hours ago in the small gathering.”

“This large meeting is only to inform everyone of the decision—to ensure everyone knows what to do next.”

“And haven’t Itachi noticed?”

“None of the clans here have any doubt about this decision?”

“Everyone already reached consensus in the small meeting two hours ago.”

“Itachi simply aren’t qualified yet to attend the small meeting.”