Chapter 160

"Shinōbi are arrogant; they disdain exploiting ordinary people. But in reality, they do exploit them. Whether it's in the Shinōbi World or the R country, their culture is such that a few individuals can be kings and wield power. The Daimyo rebel every day to maintain their rule, which naturally leads to exploitation. Shinōbi, no matter how strong the ordinary people may be, see them as insignificant opponents. So, they focus on their own affairs. Different perspectives lead to different ways of doing things. In the end, Hitoshi's sentence sums it up: things can always be worse."

"By the way, I've always had a doubt. Why is Konoha on a different path than Sunagakure? The foundation Sunagakure has laid is never meant to be divided among Shinōbi Clans, while Konoha actually lets Shinōbi Clans divide and distribute benefits," Kakuzu expressed his confusion. In Sunagakure, Shinōbi Clans, merchants, nobles, and commoner Shinōbi coexisted. However, in Konoha, it was evident that the Shinōbi Clans dominated, followed by commoner Shinōbi and then merchants. As for the nobles, Konoha held disdain for them.

"It's because of the difference in structure," Hitoshi replied, his smile fading as a shadow crossed his eyes. He put down his tea cup and spoke with solemnity. "Sunagakure's Kazekage possesses absolute authority and can distribute resources from top to bottom. Konoha, on the other hand, is a shared world between the Hokage and the Shinōbi Clans. Resources must be distributed by both parties."

Hitoshi explained to Kakuzu, hoping to shed some light on the matter.

After hearing Hitoshi's explanation, Kakuzu became even more confused, and a question mark appeared above his head. "Aren't Kazekage and Hokage part of the same series? How are they different?" Kakuzu seized the opportunity and asked.

"The Kazekage lineage doesn't have Shinōbi Clans backing them, while the Hokage lineage is supported by the Shinōbi Clans," Hitoshi clarified. To him, the key was simple. Konoha was founded by Shinōbi Clans and led by Senju Hashirama, the leader of the largest Shinōbi Clan. Naturally, he became the Hokage. The Kazekage lineage, on the other hand, originated from a different village formed out of love. It didn't have as many Shinōbi Clans to begin with, so it naturally complied.

Hitoshi's explanation was straightforward, and Kakuzu quickly grasped the concept. "You mean that there's a significant reason why Konoha's Hokage and Shinōbi Clans share power. It all traces back to Shōdai Hokage," Kakuzu exclaimed, finding it quite ridiculous. Senju Hashirama, who he believed to be his descendant.

"Yes, that's it. When Konoha was established, it was initially Senju and Uchiha. Other Shinōbi Clans sought refuge depending on their territories. With fewer ordinary people and more Shinōbi Clans, the system was gradually established," Hitoshi elaborated, affirming Kakuzu's understanding.

Kakuzu knew about the dangers posed by Shinōbi Clans and had read some of the books copied by Hitoshi. With this newfound understanding, Kakuzu couldn't help but laugh heartily, amused by the fact that the great god of the Shinōbi World and the founder of the one country, one village system had a descendant in the form of himself.

Kakuzu suspected that, at this rate, the power of the Konoha Hokage lineage would eventually be restricted, gradually being controlled by the Shinōbi Clans.

"In fact, Sarutobi Hiruzen has already noticed the clues. He's currently contemplating ways to change the situation, but the results haven't been favorable," Hitoshi shared, shrugging to express his opinion.

"Change? Sarutobi made attempts to change it? How? By absorbing the power of the Shinōbi Clans to expand the Hokage lineage while suppressing other Shinōbi Clans? It's been going on for a long time. Sooner or later, it will lead to his downfall," Kakuzu exclaimed, patting the table as he burst into laughter. The immense pit left behind by Sarutobi Hiruzen's admiration for Senju Hashirama.

Hitoshi was taken aback for a moment but then paid more attention to Kakuzu. He hadn't realized that Kakuzu had such keen insight. The vast pit in the Hokage lineage required someone to fill it.

"In the original work, Sarutobi Hiruzen played the Senju Clan to their death and had to face many Shinōbi Clans to expand the power of the Hokage lineage. Those Shinōbi Clans, intimidated by the immense strength of the Hokage lineage, found no way around it and had to endure it. Until the Sannin left and the Nine-Tails attacked, Namikaze Minato was directly killed. It caused the strength of the Hokage lineage to plummet, and they almost lost their position. If we think back, when Danzo established his roots later on, the Shinōbi Clans likely restricted Sarutobi Hiruzen's power to pay back for what they endured. They used Shimura Danzo to restrict Sarutobi Hiruzen," Hitoshi reflected, thinking about the numerous crises Konoha faced in the original work, where the Shinōbi Clans remained idle. It was clear that the vast pit of the Konoha Hokage lineage needed to be filled.

"Enough with the laughter. The truth is, there is a solution to the immense pit in the Konoha Hokage lineage. It's quite simple, as long as we use it wisely, the results can be good," Hitoshi shook his head and revealed his plan.

"What is it? Tell me," Kakuzu's interest was piqued. He wanted to rack his brain, but he couldn't think of a solution for Konoha's predicament. It seemed like a battle of wits and bravery between the two sides.

"We can establish a power-sharing system where the Hokage and Shinōbi Clans coexist, finding a balance and sharing the benefits together," Hitoshi proposed.

"Why?" Kakuzu asked.

"It will definitely work," Hitoshi replied, looking at Kakuzu with unwavering determination.

Seeing the firmness in Hitoshi's eyes, Kakuzu began to take the matter seriously. He believed that Hitoshi wouldn't deceive him, especially since it held no meaning to deceive him in this context. As long as someone within the Hokage lineage was willing to step back, it was not an impossible feat.

"Maybe you have a point, but Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo aren't the types to take a step back. The Sannin are young and ambitious, and their status prevents them from regressing," Kakuzu pondered, considering Hitoshi's words. However, upon further reflection, he realized that there was a problem. Sarutobi Hiruzen and the Sannin were not known for their willingness to take a step back.

Hitoshi shrugged, expressing helplessness. "Yes, that's the reality. Those individuals won't step back even if they know it."

Hitoshi understood well that regressing was impossible. In the original work, the only person willing to regress was Namikaze Minato, the gentle and kind-hearted ray of sunshine. Unfortunately, he was deceived to his death. Kakashi also took a step back when he assumed the role, and the Elder's Group within Konoha gradually gained more influence. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo were both power-hungry individuals who would do anything to retain their authority.

"But let them handle it themselves. Let them solve their own problems. It would be better for Konoha to have a civil war, and then I can reap the benefits. I won't talk to you anymore; I'm leaving," Hitoshi concluded, catching sight of a familiar figure approaching.