Chapter 43: The Filthy, Noxious Konoha: Nara Shikamaru Notices Something

Other clans were much the same.

Everyone’s thoughts were similar to those of the Ino-Shika-Cho: though deeply displeased with Hiruzen Sarutobi, they held no particular fondness for the Uchiha either.

Therefore.

They remained silent on the clash between both sides.

In contrast, the beneficiary, Danzō, moved swiftly—right after returning, he launched his operation immediately.

In manipulating public opinion, Danzō was already a seasoned hand!

Thus, with one move.

A flood of chaotic rumors instantly diluted the dark secrets of Konoha’s high command.

{Shocking: Why does the Inuzuka clan’s dog barking occur so frequently at midnight?}

{Shocking: The story the Ino-Shika-Cho can’t avoid telling.}

{Terrifying: The Hyūga clan…}

{…}

Countless clan secrets and high-command scandals flooded Konoha, instantly capturing the villagers’ attention.

Within just three or five days, the Uchiha’s public opinion offensive was largely neutralized.

Of course.

Among these chaotic rumors, some slanders against Hiruzen Sarutobi had to be inserted.

For example, that he used the Telescope Technique to spy on bathhouses, or that as Hokage, he never once set foot on the front lines.

Beyond that, it was self-praise!

All that nonsense about how he, the Dark Shadow of the Shinobi World, had sacrificed so much for Konoha.

And as for this.

Konoha’s various clans sneered, thinking to themselves that even the Uchiha were no match.

They had been so easily neutralized by Konoha’s high command—this realization naturally deepened their wariness toward Konoha’s leadership, and they continued their old strategy toward the Uchiha.

No contact. No alliance. Total disregard!

This was normal.

Previously, some might have thought Uchiha Jin’s rise might shift the Uchiha’s situation slightly, but now it was clear no such hope was warranted—the Uchiha were no match for Konoha’s high command.

Of course.

The slanders against Hiruzen Sarutobi? Danzō’s self-praise?

Hmph, just ignore it!

Only—the Ino-Shika-Cho!

More precisely, Nara Shikamaru.

As the only one among them who had actually interacted with Uchiha Jin, he understood better than anyone how difficult Jin was to deal with, so he didn’t believe Uchiha Jin could be easily defeated.

He had even vaguely suspected he might have overlooked something.

Danzō, for his part, wore nothing but disdain on his face.

The Uchiha dared challenge him? The proof was clear—they were nothing but clowns!

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled in relief.

No wonder he was my black glove—Danzō actually pulled it off!

…

Uchiha compound.

Several elders approached Uchiha Jin again, their faces now marked with concern.

Fugaku had come too!

Clearly.

After seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi’s true nature, he had fully pledged himself to Uchiha Jin’s command.

“Jin, the situation is dire!”

“We need to think of a way—village leadership is too cunning. Who would’ve thought they’d resolve the crisis with such a tactic!”

“…”

Those present murmured among themselves.

And yet.

Uchiha Jin’s expression remained unchanged.

Without hesitation, he spoke directly: “Release another rumor—claim Hiruzen Sarutobi’s position as Hokage is illegitimate.”

“They were members of Tobirama Senju’s Shadow Guard. When danger struck outside the village, they abandoned their Hokage. Who knows if Tobirama Senju ever truly appointed him as Hokage.”

“Perhaps, heh!”

“Hiruzen Sarutobi and others conspired with the Cloud Village to kill Tobirama Senju, then forged his orders to seize the Hokage position.”

“After all, what is a Shadow Guard for? Isn’t it to take the blade for the Hokage?”

Hiss!

Hearing Uchiha Jin’s words, everyone felt their scalp tighten.

Damn!

Itachi know what? It actually makes sense!

Fugaku couldn’t help speaking up: “Jin, is this true?”

“Of course it’s false!” Uchiha Jin rolled his eyes. “Who was Tobirama Senju?”

“He was a true old fox. Without Tobirama Senju’s consent, could a worthless like Hiruzen Sarutobi have killed him?”

The others nodded.

Indeed!

Even though they harbored many grievances against Tobirama Senju, they could not deny in their hearts that Tobirama Senju’s cunning and ruthlessness were formidable—Hiruzen Sarutobi was no match for him.

Immediately after.

Uchiha Tada was dispatched to spread the rumor.

Then.

Konoha erupted instantly.

There was no choice!

If this rumor were true, then Hiruzen Sarutobi’s ascension to Hokage had zero legal legitimacy!

Almost instantly.

All of Danzō’s fabricated rumors, along with Uchiha Jin’s previous ones, vanished completely—everyone now focused solely on the legitimacy of Hiruzen Sarutobi’s rise.

…

One day later.

Hokage’s Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smashed his desk and roared at everyone.

“Slander! This is slander!”

“How could I possibly conspire with the Cloud Village to kill my own teacher?”

“Uchiha, bastards!”

“How dare they?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s voice was hoarse; he was on the edge of rage.

And yet.

Tsunade and Water Country’s Katsuyu were seething with hatred.

But.

They had no solution—only turned to Danzō beside them.

Danzō waved his hand: “Don’t panic. Watch me handle it!”

Immediately after.

He ordered the Root to strike again—new gossip flooded the village.

Kakashi loved reading manga, the Legendary Sannin Jiraiya was a peeper, Tsunade was addicted to gambling, and so on.

Beyond that, they slipped in hidden agendas!

Quietly spreading rumors that the Legendary Sannin, as Hiruzen Sarutobi’s disciples, had been corrupted by him.

One day later.

The Uchiha struck back.

They released new rumors: the Jonin Council had long been hollow in name only!

At village founding, it was promised that Uchiha Madara would be Hokage; after the Uchiha and Senju alliance, it was Hashirama Senju who rose to power, then the position was privately passed to Tobirama Senju. When Hiruzen Sarutobi ascended, the Jonin Council was never consulted—he was directly appointed by Tobirama Senju.

The Hokage’s authority in Konoha had been monopolized entirely by the Hokage faction!

Danzō’s side didn’t back down—they began attacking the Uchiha for the damage they had inflicted on Konoha.

…

Almost instantly.

Konoha descended into chaos—rumors flew everywhere, the entire village was in utter disarray.

The clash between the Uchiha and Danzō had thrown Konoha into utter filth—but everyone had forgotten one thing: what had originally sparked this whole affair.

In the Nara family’s tea room.

Akimichi Dingzuo’s face remained calm; even in the tea room, he hadn’t stopped eating, but Yamato Kaito couldn’t help speaking up.

“Kakashi, what’s wrong?”

“Why did Itachi rush us here so urgently? Has something major happened?”

And yet, regarding this.

Hearing these words, Akimichi Dingzuo set down his snack, his gaze turning serious as he looked at Nara Kakuju.

Nara Kakuju gave a bitter nod.

“Yes, something major has happened!”

“I’ve felt something was off for a while—I kept thinking I’d missed something.”

“Now I finally understand: it’s Uchiha Jin’s goal!”

“The Leaf’s high command was manipulated. Uchiha Jin launched a public opinion campaign—not to eliminate the Leaf’s leadership, but merely to divert attention.”

“Have Itachi noticed?”

“We all overlooked the Police Department—that’s where the conflict truly began.”

“It started because the Police Department did nothing, forcing the Leaf’s high command to confront Uchiha. But now, no one seems to care about the Police Department anymore.”

“What is the Police Department doing now?”