Chapter 63: Hiruzen Sarutobi Had Just Calmed His Mind When Kakashi Broke His Last Defense!

The next day, early morning.

With a clear mind and refreshed spirit, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat once more on his Hokage throne.

But…

Seeing the ever-deteriorating reputation of the Anbu and the still-negligent reports from the Police Force, he couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.

It’s truly—difficult!

Yet for the trust of Master Tobirama, he must keep going; he must shoulder the burden of Konoha.

Though Uchiha Jin is troublesome, he believes that with his own abilities, he will eventually resolve the Uchiha threat!

For now, let’s wait and respond calmly.

Temporarily stabilize the Uchiha, and wait for Jiraiya and Tsunade’s return.

Then…

That will be the time for him to truly unleash his grand vision!

Perhaps Tsunade and Jiraiya each have their flaws and never listen to their Master’s orders, but the truth is, they both love the village—and that’s precisely the leverage he can use to bind them.

“Sigh… just endure.”

“Let the Uchiha run rampant for a while longer. Only the one who laughs last is the true king!”

“Take it slow.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a low, weary tone.

After speaking,

he skillfully lit a match and picked up his thirteenth new tobacco pipe.

There’s nothing to be done!

Lately, he’s gotten angry too often—smashed a whole pile of pipes.

Now, looking back? It was completely unnecessary.

So, don’t get angry.

If Itachi fall ill from rage, no one will take your place!

As a person, Itachi must remain calm.

As he thought of this, a faint smile appeared on his face.

The police force's inaction, the Anbu's ruined reputation, and Danzo's failed uprising…

Just smile faintly—he was the Ninja Hero!

Creak.

At that moment, Shikamaru Nara entered: “Hokage-sama!”

“What bad news now?” Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly.

And yet,

Shikamaru Nara was taken aback—had the Hokage gone mad? Had he lost his mind?

But…

Though he couldn’t help mentally grumbling, he still said aloud: “The Uchiha delivered Kakashi’s resignation letter.”

“What?” Hiruzen Sarutobi froze.

He recognized each of these words—why did they feel alien when strung together?

Kakashi—resigning?

And the Uchiha delivered the letter?

Almost instantly,

he felt a terrible premonition, snatched the letter from Shikamaru Nara’s hands, and his face turned instantly ashen.

After a long silence,

he spoke coldly: “I understand.”

“Understood,” Shikamaru Nara said at once: “Then I’ll take my leave.”

After speaking,

sensing Hiruzen Sarutobi’s unstable mood, he said nothing more and left the Hokage’s office immediately.

Yes!

Lately, because of Uchiha Jin, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s emotions had been wildly unstable; unless there was an urgent matter, Shikamaru Nara truly didn’t want to come here at all!

Now that the matter was settled, he had no desire to linger.

And yet,

Hiruzen Sarutobi made no move to stop him.

After Shikamaru Nara left, he furiously slammed the new tobacco pipe onto his desk.

Crash!

The new tobacco pipe—dead.

“Anbu!”

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke coldly.

Immediately,

an Anbu member wearing a mask knelt respectfully on one knee.

“Hokage-sama!”

“What exactly happened last night? Why did Kakashi suddenly submit his resignation? And why did the Uchiha deliver it?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasted no words.

He immediately voiced his confusion—he truly couldn’t fathom why Kakashi had allied with the Uchiha.

Was it really just because of yesterday’s rumors?

And yet,

the kneeling Anbu member replied respectfully: “Last night, Kakashi failed to assassinate Elder Danzo. Just as he was about to be killed by Elder Danzo, Might Guy intervened and saved Kakashi’s life. Afterward, the two of them fled directly to the Uchiha that same night.”

Hiss!

At the Anbu’s words, Hiruzen Sarutobi shuddered violently.

How could this be?

At this moment, he truly couldn’t understand.

Kakashi was no longer the boy he once was; he’d spent years in the Anbu and should have long since uncovered the truth behind his father’s suicide. His silence all these years, in Hiruzen’s view, proved Kakashi had truly let go of his hatred.

This was his greatest personal achievement.

It proved the success of his Will of Fire—this was why, even after Minato Namikaze’s death, he still trusted Kakashi as a confidant.

In short—it was a symbol.

As long as Kakashi stood by his side, everyone would know just how successful Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Will of Fire truly was.

Why?

Because of that absurd rumor, had it reignited his thirst for revenge?

Kakashi and Might Guy!

They were among the village’s rarest elite—now, they’d simply handed themselves over to the Uchiha for nothing?

Puff!

At this thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi spat out a mouthful of blood.

“Hokage-sama!”

“I’ll take Itachi to the hospital at once!”

The kneeling Anbu member panicked.

He scrambled to his feet, face filled with terror.

Damn it!

If Hiruzen Sarutobi truly collapsed from rage, he’d never be able to explain it away.

If others believed he’d murdered the Hokage, he’d be dead for sure!

And yet,

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand lightly.

“Don’t worry—I’m fine.”

“No need for the hospital. My body isn’t that fragile.”

“Immediately send out orders: find Jiraiya and Tsunade—bring them back as soon as possible!”

Yes.

He could not collapse.

If word of this got out, who knew how much chaos would engulf the village?

So,

even if he was furious, he had to hold on.

“Yes!”

The Anbu bowed and accepted the order.

Immediately,

he left the Hokage’s office without a word—and decided he must transfer positions as soon as possible. He’d rather fight to the death on the border against enemy villages than stay near Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Fuck, that’s terrifying!

Just barely missed it!

If Hiruzen Sarutobi really faints from rage, his fate will be utterly horrific.

“Damn—Uchiha!”

“And Itachi, Kakashi, Might Guy—I was completely wrong about Itachi both.”

“Has the Will of Fire been fed to dogs?”

“How could Itachi assassinate Elder Danzo? Even if he truly did wrong in the past, Itachi should have shown mercy and forgiven Danzo!”

“Who in life hasn’t made a few mistakes?”

“As long as one corrects them in time, we’re all working for the village—what can’t be settled with a calm talk?”

“Even if Itachi’ve committed wrongs, Itachi should have come to me, the Hokage, and let me handle them for Itachi!”

“How could Itachi...”

“How could Itachi defect to the Uchiha?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered to himself.

His face was terrifyingly pale, and deadly killing intent coiled around him.

Clearly.

At this moment, he was truly enraged!