Chapter 213

The Third Hokage would never have considered proposing peace talks if not for the unintentional backstab by Hatake Sakumo.

With someone like Sakumo, who didn't belong to the inner circle, forcing his way into the Hokage faction's arena, the group found itself at a crossroads. If they didn't unite—even to a minimal extent—the cracks would only widen, giving others an opportunity to take advantage.

Meanwhile, oblivious to the political turmoil his actions had sparked, Hatake Sakumo celebrated at home, proudly wearing his Hokage Half-Sleeves.

Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage's patience snapped. He finally made up his mind to act.

A Heated Conversation

"Ahem!" Tsunade cleared her throat, fixing Shinki with a frustrated look. "You mean to tell me the Daimyo gave you a Hokage robe and Sakumo-senpai Hokage Half-Sleeves?"

"And Sakumo-senpai actually wore it?" Shinki asked incredulously, rubbing his temples.

"Yes, not only did he wear it," Tsunade continued, "he's celebrating at home like it's a festival. The old man is absolutely livid."

"This is bad," Shinki muttered.

He could hardly believe it. Accepting the honor was one thing, but openly celebrating? Hatake Sakumo had to know the Third Hokage wouldn't tolerate it.

"The problem isn't just the Half-Sleeves or the robe," Tsunade said, massaging her temples. "It's that Sakumo-senpai seems to be seriously entertaining the idea of becoming Hokage."

Shinki groaned. "No way…"

As Tsunade explained, simply wearing the Half-Sleeves might have been excusable over time. With patience, even the F4 group—the Third Hokage's loyalists—could have come to tolerate it. But openly celebrating and showing interest in the Hokage position? That crossed the line.

The Third Hokage had a well-known aversion to training successors. His desire for control meant he would never willingly groom someone to take his place.

By stepping into that spotlight, Hatake Sakumo had trampled on the Hokage's bottom line.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the person the Third Hokage hates most now isn't me but Sakumo-senpai," Shinki mused.

Tsunade nodded in agreement. "At least your conflicts with the Hokage faction are internal. They might resent you, but you're one of them. Sakumo-senpai, on the other hand, barged into the arena uninvited. That changes everything."

Shinki sighed heavily, signaling to Pakura to prepare coffee. "What a ridiculous situation. Can I just not wear the robe?"

"I doubt it," Tsunade replied with a wry smile, leaning against the bedpost. "Sakumo-senpai already wore his Half-Sleeves. Whether you like it or not, you have to wear the robe now. Not even my connection to the Daimyo's mansion can get you out of this."

Shinki grimaced. "What a terrible reward. I'd rather have something simple—like Orochimaru's colorful banknotes."

If he could, Shinki would have happily traded the Hokage robe for cash. Unfortunately, the reward couldn't be refused or exchanged. To do so would insult the Daimyo, and neither Tsunade nor the Third Hokage would allow that to happen.

"Fine, I'll wear it," Shinki said reluctantly. "But Sakumo-senpai has no one to blame but himself for whatever happens next."

Tsunade gave him a pointed look. "Speaking of which, the old man has decided to hold talks. Sakumo-senpai's actions gave him the push he needed."

Shinki raised an eyebrow. "Talks? About what?"

"Everything. You, Sakumo-senpai, the Hokage candidates… He wants to settle things before they spiral out of control."

"Let him talk," Shinki said with a dismissive wave. "I don't care about the Hokage position. Make it clear to him—I'm not interested. Negotiations are fine, but I expect adequate compensation."

Tsunade smirked. "You always were direct."

"Someone has to be," Shinki replied, sipping his coffee.

A Curious Question

As Shinki leaned back in his chair, his gaze fell on Pakura, who stood at attention with perfect posture.

Out of idle curiosity, he asked, "Pakura, if the Daimyo of the Wind Country gave a war hero of the Sand Village a Kazekage robe and hinted at them becoming the next Kazekage, how would the Third Kazekage react?"

Pakura frowned slightly, her expression uncertain. "Lord Kazekage wouldn't be angry, I think. The Third Kazekage has been training his successor for some time now."

"Oh?" Shinki leaned forward, intrigued.

"Rasa, the one with the Magnet Release Bloodline, is the most likely candidate. I was considered too, but Lord Kazekage hasn't shown his opinion on me yet."

Shinki nodded thoughtfully. The Third Kazekage's willingness to prepare a successor stood in stark contrast to the Third Hokage's paranoia.

In other villages, such planning was standard.

Ōnoki in the Rock Village, for instance, had begun grooming his successor, though their options were limited. Similarly, the Third Raikage in the Cloud Village had long been training his son to take over.

Even the Mist Village, despite its chaotic internal politics, had its own traditions—though most Mizukage rose to power through bloody struggles. Only Mei Terumi managed a relatively smooth ascension, thanks to her strength and the support of her powerful clan.

In Konoha, however, things were different. The Third Hokage's obsession with control meant he refused to relinquish power or train a successor.

"Forget I asked," Shinki muttered, shaking his head.

His curiosity had only highlighted the absurdity of Konoha's situation.

Pakura tilted her head slightly, confused by the question but choosing not to press further.

Sometimes, the less said, the better.

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