socalfunplaces Chapter 469 Kakashi and Yamato's Early Retirement
Chapter 469 Kakashi and Yamato's Early Retirement
Chapter 469 Kakashi and Yamato's Early Retirement
Just as Ao was pondering whether the various ninja villages, who had fought each other to the death and distrusted each other, could truly put aside their prejudices and unite to fight a common enemy, he heard Yagura's suppressed but increasingly violent coughing.
"Cough! Cough—!"
Ao looked up and saw Yagura covering his mouth tightly with a handkerchief, his body slightly hunched from coughing, his already pale face flushed with an unnatural redness, and fine beads of cold sweat even seeping from his forehead.
Seeing this, Qing's heart sank.
The Fourth Mizukage's body seemed to be in worse shape than before he left.
Looking at Yagura's pained expression, Genji sighed deeply on his age-spotted face. In that sigh, there was both sorrow for Yagura and worry for the future of the village.
"It seems that the Mizukage's body can no longer support him to attend the Four Kage Summit in person." Master Yuan's voice was filled with helplessness.
Yagura's cough finally subsided, and he leaned back in his chair, breathing heavily.
He smiled bitterly, his voice weak and hoarse: "Cough—Elder Yuan Shi—you're right, I—have failed the village. With this crippled body, let alone going to the Land of Iron—I'm afraid even leaving Kirigakure will be difficult."
Yagura raised his head and looked at Mei Terumi.
That gaze was complex, containing regret, guilt, entrustment, and a hint of relief.
Yagura spoke slowly and clearly, word by word: "This time—the Four Kage Summit—will be attended by Mei Terumi—as the Fifth Mizukage."
Master Yuan nodded slowly: "I also believe that this is the most appropriate arrangement."
Mei Terumi was originally chosen by their elder faction, and her strength, prestige, and loyalty to the village were unshakeable!
The invitation to the Four Kage Summit naturally requires the participation of a formal Mizukage in order to handle this important meeting concerning the future of the Kanpei ninja world.
Mei Terumi looked at Yagura, her emerald green eyes filled with a complex expression.
There is sympathy and respect for this senior, this Mizukage who was once forced to lead the village into darkness and is now struggling to make amends despite his illness, as well as a sense of solemnity about the heavy burden that is about to fall on his shoulders.
Yagura looked at Mei Terumi and continued, "I'm sorry—Mei Terumi. The mess I've left behind over the years—cough cough—"
I had hoped that before I stepped down or died, I could clean up some things—leave you, and the next Mizukage, a slightly better situation.
"Cough—but now it seems—cough cough—I can't do it anymore."
His tone was filled with genuine remorse.
During his period of being controlled by genjutsu, he pushed the already cruel Blood Mist policy to its climax, slaughtering countless ninjas from the village, including many clans with bloodline limits, causing the Hidden Mist Village to suffer heavy losses and become internally divided.
Even a significant portion of the village's public funds was stolen by that mysterious person.
After being released from control, he tried his best to turn the situation around, appease people, and eliminate the hidden dangers and radicals left by the policies, but his body and mind, which had been eroded by illusions for many years, were already overwhelmed.
Nowadays, even basic government affairs are difficult to maintain.
Mei Terumi shook her head: "Fourth Hokage, you have already done your best. As for what happened before—"
She paused.
"It's not entirely your fault. We've all seen your efforts and sacrifices for the village."
"Kirigakure—Leave the rest to me!"
Yagura looked at the successor he had chosen and finally smiled with relief.
He nodded slightly, as if he had finally unloaded his burden.
As Master Yuan watched the scene of the old and new water shadows handing over, a trace of satisfaction appeared in his old eyes.
After Yagura was released from control, the Kirigakure leadership, after intense debate and deliberation, finally reached a transitional agreement:
By retaining the title of Mizukage despite suffering severe physical and mental damage, Yagura was tasked with handling the most intractable historical issues that could easily trigger internal backlash, thus serving as both a "buffer" and a "target."
The actual power in the village is temporarily held by the elders led by Yuan Shi and powerful figures such as Terumi Mei, who are steadily advancing reforms and appeasing the people.
When Yagura was nearing the end of his life, he smoothly transferred power to the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, who was well-prepared and possessed sufficient prestige and public support.
Although this plan was cruel, it was perhaps the safest option for Wuyin, which was beset by internal and external troubles at the time.
Now, with powerful external enemies pressing in, the internal power transition is also nearing its final moment.
"Then, regarding the guard duties," Master Genji turned his gaze to Ao and made arrangements: "Ao will lead Chojuro, along with Hozuki Suigetsu, to be in charge."
"The Four Shadows Conference is in the Land of Iron, which is a long way away. You need to set off ahead of time."
Qing immediately bowed and accepted the order: "Yes, Elder Yuan! I will instruct them to make thorough preparations!"
He was well aware of the importance of this escort mission.
This not only concerns the safety of the new Mizukage, but also represents the reputation of Kirigakure at this Four Kage Summit!
It is also related to Kirigakure's position and interests in the future ninja world landscape!
The Land of Iron is located in the northernmost part of the Ninja World continent. Starting from the Land of Water, one has to cross almost the entire Ninja World, and there are many dangers and variables that may be encountered on the way.
Just as Qing was about to take his leave and begin arranging his trip, there was a gentle knock on the office door.
"Come in," Yagura said in a slightly tired voice.
The door was pushed open, and a clerk ninja wearing a Kirigakure headband and with a respectful expression strode in.
He held a sealed scroll in his hand, the outer seal of which bore the mark of Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village) of the Land of Fire.
The clerk presented the scroll with both hands, reporting clearly, "Lord Mizukage, Elder Genji, and Lady Terumi Mei!"
"This is a diplomatic document that has just been delivered. The sender is Konohagakure in the Land of Fire, and the agent is Hokage Shimura Danzo."
"Shimura Danzo?"
Upon hearing this name, Yagura, Genji, Terumi Mei, and Ao in the office almost simultaneously frowned, their gazes all falling on the scroll.
Acting Hokage — Danzo —
Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village), afternoon.
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Sunlight pierced through the sparse clouds, casting a seemingly warm golden glow on the village's scattered rooftops and streets, gilding the recently traumatized Konoha.
However, beneath this radiance, a heavy and stagnant atmosphere lingered, difficult to dispel.
The viewing platform above the Fire Shadow Rock.
The terrain here is high and offers a wide view, overlooking most of Konoha.
Kakashi was lying alone on the railing, his body slightly leaning forward, his right arm bent, his elbow supporting the horizontal bar of the railing, and his palm supporting his cheek, looking lazy and casual.
His silver-white hair swayed gently in the cool breeze from above, the ends occasionally brushing against the edge of the headband that covered his left eye.
His right eye, which was exposed, was half-open and half-closed. His gaze seemed to be on the street below that was being rebuilt, but it also seemed not to be focused on anything specific. He was just staring blankly, with an indescribable weariness in his eyes.
Seven days have passed since the sudden "Konoha Crush Plan" on the final day of the Chunin Exams.
Six days have passed since Shimura Danzo was officially appointed as the acting Hokage by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Four days ago, the remains of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, were buried in the Konoha Cemetery amidst the sorrowful gazes of countless villagers and ninjas.
Time seems to be trying to heal all wounds.
Below, the neighborhood that was destroyed by Orochimaru's Sound Ninja Squad has been largely rebuilt thanks to the tireless efforts of numerous ninjas and villagers.
New house frames were erected, broken roads were filled and leveled, and charred trees were removed and replaced with new saplings.
At first glance, the village seems to be rapidly returning to its former order and vitality.
Kakashi turned his head slightly, looking behind him.
There, which was originally a lush and dense forest, stood a circular examination hall building.
However, what came into view at this moment was a vast expanse of azure water, shimmering in the sunlight and breathtakingly large.
That terrifying sinkhole, with a diameter of over ten kilometers and an unfathomable depth, has been filled by a large number of water-style ninjas working together, along with the water from the Naka River, creating a huge artificial lake outside Konoha Village.
The lake was deep and its edges were neat, as if a piece of the earth had been scooped out by a god with a spoon.
The most striking and horrifying wounds left by the war were dealt with in this way, "disappearing" from sight.
But some things cannot be filled with water.
Kakashi turned back and looked down at the village again.
A shadow crossed his right eye, which always seemed lazy and listless.
Just like the atmosphere permeating Konoha Village at this moment, it seems calm, but is actually oppressive.
As Danzo officially moved into the Hokage Building as the "Acting Hokage," a series of new orders and personnel changes were issued, and the atmosphere in the village became increasingly tense and suffocating.
The sounds of children laughing and playing that used to be heard on the streets and alleys seem to have become much rarer.
People walked in a hurry, spoke in hushed tones, and their eyes held a hint of wariness and suspicion.
Tap, tap—
The sound of light footsteps came from the top of the stairs of the viewing platform, gradually becoming clearer as it went up.
Kakashi didn't turn around, remaining in the position of leaning against the railing, seemingly unconcerned about the arrival of the newcomer.
The footsteps paused for a moment not far behind him.
The newcomer seemed to glance at Kakashi's back before stepping closer and finally stopping beside him, placing his hands on the cold metal railing as well.
It's Yamato.
Today, Yamato was not wearing his standard Anbu uniform or animal mask. He was simply dressed in a set of black long-sleeved clothes and trousers, with a green vest worn by a Konoha Jonin over them. His face showed a slightly honest and composed expression.
But upon closer inspection, one can discern a lingering weariness between his brows, as well as a certain undercurrent of suppressed emotion.
"Yo, Yamato." Kakashi, still resting his chin on his hand, glanced at Yamato and greeted him in his drawn-out, lazy tone, "That outfit today—have you finally decided to retire from the Anbu and enjoy the sunshine?"
His tone sounded like he was joking, but both of them understood the underlying meaning.
Yamato didn't answer immediately. He first looked down at the village, which seemed to have recovered but was actually strangely quiet. After a few seconds of silence, he sighed softly.
The sigh was so soft it was almost carried away by the wind.
"Senior, please stop teasing me." Yamato's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "With your keen insight, you should have guessed it long ago, right?"
Yes, Kakashi guessed it.
When Danzo's name was associated with "Acting Hokage," he knew that Konoha's "Roots" would surely break through the soil and spread to every corner under the sun.
The Anbu, a secret organization directly under the Hokage that controls the village's most elite forces and numerous secrets, is undoubtedly the key to Danzo's complete control.
Yamato, the captain-in-chief promoted by the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and who had accumulated considerable prestige within the Anbu, was naturally the first to be replaced.
Moreover, Yamato was raised by Danzo, but in the end he "betrayed" Danzo.
Although Yamato had anticipated this day, when he was formally notified this morning that he was relieved of his post as captain of the Anbu and asked to hand over all his work and authority to be taken over by Ryoma Aburame, a confidant of Danzo, he couldn't help but feel an indescribable sense of frustration and loss.
It wasn't just the disappointment of losing his position, but also the worry about his and his comrades' years of hard work and the fact that the Dark Guard was about to become a purely political tool.
Kakashi finally lowered his hand that was supporting his chin and straightened his body slightly, but still leaned against the railing.
He turned his head and glanced at Yamato with his dead fish eyes, his tone still indifferent: "I thought of it, but I didn't expect it to be so fast. Danzo, that guy, is really impatient."
He originally thought that Danzo would at least plant more of his own spies in the Anbu to consolidate his base, and then, after the "Four Kage Tournament" and the Hokage election, truly solidify his title as the "Fifth Hokage," before taking action against Yamato and other former officials.
It now appears that Danzo's desire for power and control was even stronger and more urgent than he had anticipated.
"By the way, senpai," Yamato turned to Kakashi and said, "When I was handing over my work, I heard some rumors. Danzo—it seems he's already set off."
"Let's go?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yes, to the Land of Iron." Yamato lowered his voice slightly: "The Four Kage Tournament initiated by the Fourth Raikage."
",I see.
A knowing glint flashed in Kakashi's right eye.
Although Danzo intended to limit the spread of the news that A, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure, had proposed convening the "Four Kage Summit," Kakashi, with his connections, naturally heard about it to some extent.
This meeting was aimed directly at Shura and the Land of Stars, who had issued the declaration of "unifying the ninja world"!
As the current supreme leader of Konoha, Danzo's personal attendance was inevitable.
However, the Land of Iron is located far to the north of the Ninja World Continent. Starting from the Land of Fire, even with the speed of a ninja, it would not be surprising if it took a month to travel there and back, including the meeting time.
What will happen inside Konoha during this considerable period of time?
Will Lady Tsunade suddenly return?
Will those ninja clans and forces that are dissatisfied with Danzo's rise to power take this opportunity to unite?
These are all risks that Danzo had to consider.
That's why he was so eager to remove Yamato from the key position of Captain-Commander of the Anbu and replace him with a confidant who was absolutely loyal to him.
Only by fully controlling the shadowy forces—the village's most direct and effective machine of violence—could he suppress internal unrest and monitor all unstable factors to the greatest extent possible during his travels.
"It's perfectly normal to change the locks on your house to ones you trust before going out," Kakashi commented casually.
Yamato nodded and turned his gaze downwards again.
Neither of them spoke for a moment, but stood side by side on the high ground, letting the cool mountain breeze blow as they looked down at the village below.
After a while, Kakashi asked in a tone that seemed to show little enthusiasm for anything, "So, what are you planning to do next? Retire early? Or find a quiet department to drink tea and read newspapers?"
Yamato gave a wry smile and shook his head: "I don't know either."
He paused.
"However, I heard from an acquaintance that I might be assigned to the Ninja Academy to lead a class of newly graduated genin, or to teach some practical courses to the lower grades."
This is not unexpected.
Danzo dared not, nor could he, openly and too harshly suppress or sideline an elite Jonin like Yamato, who possessed outstanding abilities, had the Wood Release bloodline limit, and was clearly a supporter of the previous Hokage.
Relocating Yamato from the core power department and placing him in a position far from the decision-making core, yet still allowing him to utilize his abilities, is currently seen as a relatively mild approach.
It is both a form of marginalization and a form of disguised surveillance.
"A ninja academy? Sounds good, at least easier than the ANBU," Kakashi said casually.
Just as the two were talking, on a street not far below the Hokage Rock, a striking orange figure, like a leaping flame, ran quickly past.
"Hmm?" Yamato's gaze sharpened, and with his excellent eyesight, he immediately recognized the figure.
It's Naruto Uzumaki.
Her golden hair was almost blinding in the sunlight, and she wore a radiant smile.
He ran very fast, his steps full of energy, completely unlike a boy who was regarded as "ominous" and "monster" by many in the village.
But the environment surrounding him was completely at odds with his "brilliance".
Along the street, some villagers pointed and whispered at Naruto as he ran, their expressions of disgust, fear, and even hatred showing no attempt to hide it.
Faint, suppressed murmurs drifted on the wind: "It's that fox demon again!"
"A scourge! It's all because of him, three generations of great talents—"
"Stay away from him! I heard there's a monster trapped inside him!"
"Why is this guy allowed to roam around the village?"
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