Chapter 202 : Gathering!

When Kazuhiko and his entourage rushed over, the upper levels of Konoha had already assembled at Hokage Rock.

They didn't immediately reveal themselves, instead surveying the open space teeming with people. By now, the square was packed with attendees.

Numerous ninjas, including some Anbu operatives, were policing the crowd.

With the possibility of riots at this gathering, spies from rival nations might seize the chance to sow discord.

The Uzumaki clan members would be mortified if that happened.

Though they held a certain disdain for the Land of Whirlpools' rhetoric, they still placed great importance on this assembly; otherwise, they wouldn't have deployed Anbu ninja to maintain order.

In their minds, this was a significant opportunity to promote the "Will of Fire."

By reaffirming the covenant with the Land of Whirlpools, they sought to demonstrate to everyone the shared commitment to this ideology.

Even the formidable Land of Whirlpools, and its hailed new God of the ninja world, that young man - Kazuhiko.

They were all inspired by the Will of Fire, ready to defend it with all their might!

When the time came, they anticipated Third Hokage's familiar words, accompanied by his trademark grin.

"Wherever the leaves dance, the fire will endure. It will continue to illuminate our village and foster new growth."

If handled as political propaganda, it would be an excellent opportunity to bolster support for the renewed covenant with the Land of Whirlpools.

With this in mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a surge of excitement. While he had always preached the Will of Fire to Konoha's youth whenever possible since assuming the mantle of Hokage, this would be his first public address to such a large audience.

There would have been a formal inauguration ceremony during his ascension to Hokage, but alas, it coincided with the tumult of the ninja world war.

Time was scarce, and his mentor, the Second Hokage, was both alive and dead, leaving no room for a grand ceremony.

Now, at last, it was his moment to address the masses openly. Indeed, an opportune moment to score political points!

The other elders nodded in satisfaction, knowing this was the fruit of their collective efforts.

Otherwise, how could so many people have gathered here? They had subtly steered the populace towards this event.

They also aimed to capitalize on this occasion to deepen trust in Konoha and showcase its might.

Only Danzo watched Sarutobi Hiruzen with envy, itching for a chance to bask in the Konoha's people adulation...

Observing Sarutobi Hiruzen standing in the spotlight, Danzo let out a resigned sigh, turning his attention to the crowd below and monitoring the surroundings.

As the chief of security at Hokage Rock, Danzo bore sole responsibility for ensuring the meeting's security. With so many attendees, there was a real risk of foreign spies infiltrating.

He needed to remain vigilant; any misstep on his part that prevented Sarutobi Hiruzen from delivering his address would undoubtedly earn him the Hokage's ire.

Even from a distance, Danzo could discern the constant chatter below, punctuated by the occasional mention of the person he loathed most.

"There are so many people here. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic clan head of the Uzumaki clan, that prodigy known as Kazuhiko."

"Of course, why else would there be such a crowd? He's the new God of the ninja world. I'm dying to see what he's like!"

"I've heard he's quite the dignified figure. Just like the First Hokage, he possesses his own bloodline limit, called the Light Release! A formidable bloodline limit indeed..."

"Candied haws for sale! Get 'em cheap! Thirty taels for a bunch, a hundred taels for three!"

Clearly, this individual is privy to insider information. As soon as he spoke, the surrounding people cast curious glances his way.

"Really? Light Release, you say? What sort of ability is that? You're not pulling our legs, are you?"

With everyone's curious gazes upon him, the speaker felt an inexplicable surge of pride within, and upon encountering skepticism, he promptly defended his claim.

"Absolutely not! A friend's relative witnessed the clash between Uzumaki and Hokage-sama. It's an extraordinary ability, akin to the might of the First Hokage's Wood Style!"

"That's what my friend's relative recounted. And it's comparable to Wood Style. Everyone knows, he's a Jōnin!"

Upon hearing this, the bystanders chorused in amazement, particularly at the mention of Jōnin, already esteemed as formidable ninjas in their eyes.

"As miraculous as Wood Style, this bloodline limit truly befits the title of the new God of ninjutsu!"

"Absolutely astounding! Light Release, how does it stack up against the First Hokage?"

"I've heard it's as fast as light itself, unimaginable speed, accompanied by terrifying heat..."

"Is it truly that potent... What formidable power!"

"Candied haws, candied haws... Thirty taels for a bunch, a hundred taels for three..."

Danzo absorbed the prevalent discussions revolving around Kazuhiko, allowing a disdainful smirk to grace his lips. "Regardless of his power, even if he possesses the mysterious and fearsome Light Release, today he will be compelled to forge an alliance with our Konoha.

"In time, he will be obliged to heed Konoha's directives obediently, and for now, we may allow him some concessions. But in a few years' time, the Land of Whirlpools will be entirely beholden to our Konoha!"

At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura beside him, signaling that it was time to make their move.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, the leader of Konoha, stood atop the village's highest point, gazing down at the people below before emerging from the shadows.

As he stepped into view, the crowd quickly took notice, and their cheers erupted spontaneously.

"Hokage-sama! Hokage-sama has arrived!"

"Lord Hokage! Look, it's Lord Hokage! Hooray!"

"Candied haws, thirty taels per string, three strings for one hundred taels..."

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