---
Huge Conference Room
When Bai Ye stepped forward to speak, the room fell into a stunned silence.
Expressions ranged from shock to apprehension as every eye turned toward him. Nobody had anticipated that Uchiha Bai Ye would make such a bold move—openly calling for action at this high-level meeting.
No intelligence had leaked beforehand.
Yes, this wasn't exactly a coup, but it was certainly a forced political confrontation. Typically, before attempting something so drastic, one would gather a few reliable allies. Yet, Bai Ye had made no such arrangements.
Still, that didn't prevent some from stepping forward in support.
One such person was Hyuga Hiashi. Though initially drowsy, as was common for him in these long-winded meetings, Bai Ye's statement jolted him awake.
Wipe.
If you put it that way, how can I possibly stay sleepy?
He had always believed Bai Ye had more resolve than anyone. How could he not choose to rebel?
Even if this rebellion differed from what he had imagined, it didn't change the fact that he knew which side he stood on.
"Bai Ye-kun makes sense!"
With a firm pat on the table, Hiashi rose, his noble demeanor unwavering.
"Lord Third is already old. We all know that after the Third Great Ninja War, he voluntarily ceded the Hokage position."
"This clearly shows that Hokage-sama is not the kind of person who clings to power."
A carefully crafted compliment.
As the head of the Hyuga clan, someone well-versed in political maneuvering, Hiashi knew the importance of speechcraft.
Bai Ye wasn't interested in playing politics; he preferred direct action. In contrast, as Bai Ye's future right-hand man, Hiashi had no problem filling the role of the calculating politician.
"We all know that due to the Fourth Hokage's sacrifice, Lord Third had to shoulder the burden once more, despite his advanced age."
"At that time, Konoha had no clear successor. But that is no longer the case."
His words, logical and well-founded, resonated with many in the room.
"Take Bai Ye-kun, for example. His strength is undeniable. His leadership in transforming the Police Force is proof of his capabilities."
"Furthermore, he achieved a major victory for the village—forcing the Cloud to cede territory and pay reparations."
"With such accomplishments, he is more than qualified to be Hokage."
Pausing for effect, Hiashi turned toward Sarutobi Hiruzen and smiled.
He already knew what the Third Hokage wanted to say in response.
"As for seniority and age…"
"The Fourth Hokage was in his twenties when he assumed the role. Bai Ye is only a year younger than him. By the new year, he will be the same age Minato was when he took office."
"I believe Lord Third should abdicate and make Bai Ye the Fifth Hokage. It is completely in line with Konoha's philosophy."
A declaration.
As the first to stand and support Bai Ye, Hiashi made his stance crystal clear.
From capability and responsibility to credentials and merit, he laid out a full case for why Uchiha Bai Ye was the ideal Hokage candidate.
Even if he was an Uchiha.
A heavy silence hung in the air.
But at this moment, the clan heads present began to contemplate.
Hiruzen was undeniably old. Konoha needed new blood—a leader who could reignite its spirit.
For some, supporting Bai Ye at this moment could bring great political rewards.
"I also agree with Bai Ye becoming the Fifth Hokage."
Uchiha Fugaku did not hesitate.
He even stood up enthusiastically.
Yes.
Bai Ye had the ambition of a true leader—how could he not aim for Hokage?
Ever since Bai Ye had personally gouged out the eyes of an elder and crushed them underfoot, the clan had been walking on eggshells around him.
Everyone wanted to criticize him.
But no one dared risk imprisonment.
No one wanted to be the next to have their eyes taken.
Among the Uchiha, Bai Ye was seen as the ultimate wild card—utterly ruthless, unstoppable, and unpredictable.
Such a person was impossible to control.
But swallowing their pride without retaliating was equally unacceptable.
Thus, Uchiha politics had become an intricate, fragile dance.
If Bai Ye became Hokage, things would change dramatically.
And the Uchiha clan could finally breathe easier.
With both the Hyuga and Uchiha openly voicing their support, the atmosphere grew even more charged.
Clan heads quickly calculated the potential gains and losses of aligning with Bai Ye.
Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face darkened. He wanted to refute them but had no idea where to begin.
What was happening?
Why had Uchiha Bai Ye blindsided him like this?
Why had he received no warning?
Had his undercover agent, Uchiha Itachi, turned traitor?
Or had Bai Ye simply outmaneuvered him that thoroughly?
Hiruzen was like an ant on a hot pan, struggling to find a response.
What's worse, Hiashi's arguments were airtight, as if meticulously planned in advance.
It was obvious now: Bai Ye had set his sights on the Hokage seat long ago!
Clearly.
His words had led to misunderstandings.
Even Bai Ye himself hadn't anticipated Hiashi's unwavering support.
Yet, he saw no reason to clarify.
He was, in fact, enjoying watching Hiruzen squirm.
Life had been too peaceful lately.
Exercise, work, afternoon naps, checking out the latest shops with friends, and spending time with confidantes.
A little excitement was a welcome change.
The room remained eerily silent.
Everyone waited for Hiruzen's response.
Even the Hokage's advisors looked visibly shaken.
They knew the truth: regardless of their positions, Bai Ye had the power to throw them all in prison.
If Bai Ye became Hokage, he would control both the Police Force and Anbu.
That would give him near-absolute power.
"I object!"
Finally, Mitokado Homura could endure no longer, rising to protest loudly.
At last!
Someone spoke up for Hiruzen!
Gratitude filled Sarutobi's eyes.
But what came next shattered him completely.
"While the Third's abdication is inevitable, we cannot simply hand the Hokage title to Uchiha Bai Ye!"
"I believe Jiraiya is a more suitable candidate!"
What?
Hiruzen shot Homura a furious glare.
Wasn't he supposed to be helping?
Had even his own ally given up on him?
At that moment, Hiruzen realized—today's meeting had only one possible outcome.
His resignation.
He suddenly missed Danzo's presence.
Despite their rivalries, Danzo would have stood by him now.
After all, they had a long history together…
---
Just as Nara Shikaku prepared to speak—potentially swaying the tide further—the doors were slammed open.
A blood-soaked shinobi staggered in.
His left arm had been severed.
"You?!" Hiruzen gasped.
It was Yamada Taro, captain of the Arakiba Frontier Defense Team—a trusted subordinate.
"Lord Third! Your sons…"
Taro's voice trembled as he forced out the words.
"Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Sarutobi Asuma… they're dead!"
Silence.
Then—
Pfft!
Blood sprayed through the air.
But the one who fainted wasn't Hiruzen.
It was Mitokado Homura.
At that moment, everyone understood.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Prince209