Chapter 132

"Kakashi, I need to meet with the Hokage first. If you don't mind, you can wait for me at the ramen shop. Naruto and the others are there, and I'll treat you to ramen."

Leo didn't explain further to Kakashi; after a brief exchange, he followed Shimotsuki Izumo up to the Hokage Tower alone.

He hadn't brought Zabuza and Haku with him, leaving them downstairs, mainly out of concern that the Third Hokage might notice something off.

He vaguely remembered a joke about Hokages from his previous life. When all four Hokages were revived through Edo Tensei, the First Hokage asked the Fourth how he had died. The Fourth replied it was because of sealing the Nine-Tails.

The First was shocked, wondering how that could kill someone.

At that point, the Third Hokage, feeling embarrassed, admitted that he had died in a more pathetic way—by sealing Orochimaru's hands.

Although it was a joke, it highlighted the difference in strength between the First and the Third Hokage. The claim that the Third was the strongest Hokage of Konoha was naturally not true.

It was undeniable that the Third Hokage's strength was incomparable to the First's, but that didn't mean his understanding of ninjutsu or its applications was weaker.

The Third Hokage was known as the "Ninjutsu Professor," mastering all five basic elemental natures and advanced techniques. With his age and experience, it was entirely possible he could detect any flaws in Zabuza and Haku's transformation techniques.

Entering the Hokage's office on the second floor, Leo stepped inside to find the Third Hokage, wearing his Hokage hat, standing up with a warm smile.

"Welcome, Your Highness. I've been occupied with matters regarding the Chunin Exams, so I didn't come to greet you at the gate. Please don't hold it against me."

Leo was momentarily taken aback but quickly adopted a humble expression.

"Lord Hokage, you're too kind. My uncle instructed me to follow your arrangements once I arrived, and I came here a little over a month early simply out of respect for Konoha. I hope I haven't caused you any trouble!"

Leo understood why the Third Hokage hadn't come to the gate to welcome him—he wasn't a daimyo. It was expected that the Hokage wouldn't lower himself to such a degree.

He had been momentarily surprised simply because the Third Hokage had recognized him immediately without asking Shimotsuki Izumo for his identity, as though someone had informed him beforehand.

It also reminded him of the subtle sense of being watched when he first entered the village.

It was likely that from the moment he stepped into Konoha, he had been monitored by Konoha's ANBU, and possibly even by the ROOT operatives under Danzo.

After all, arriving a month early on his own would naturally raise suspicions and alert the higher-ups like the Third Hokage and Danzo.

"So that's the case. Maybe I've been overthinking it."

Hearing Leo's words, the Third Hokage's mind shifted, and he smiled.

"Your Highness is joking. This is no trouble at all. It's an honor for Konoha. After your journey today, please rest well. I'll send a jounin to accompany you around the village shortly."

When he received the message from the Land of Fire three days ago, he had discussed with several advisors why the prince had arrived a month early. It didn't make sense.

Danzo had speculated that perhaps the daimyo wanted to test something or had new ideas about "Yu."

Though he immediately rejected Danzo's suspicion, he couldn't deny having some doubts.

In the past, there had been much debate about whether the daimyo or the Hokage was truly the "Yu" and the true leader of the Fire Nation. The matter was only resolved when he personally visited the Fire Nation and spoke with the daimyo.

He believed that, given the daimyo's character, he wouldn't change his stance unpredictably, but it was wise to remain cautious.

So, in reality, everything from the prince's entry into Konoha to now had been reported by ANBU operatives.

It also made him realize that this prince was indeed the same person as the monk from the Temple of Fire who had returned from the Land of Waves, as reported by Kakashi.

Given this information, it made sense that the prince's early arrival was due to curiosity about Konoha. The fact that the prince practiced ninjutsu and had connections to Asuma and his master, Chiriku, explained his interest in the strongest ninja village.

And Naruto and his friends had previously invited him to Konoha.

"Lord Hokage, wouldn't it be a bit excessive? I've already caused enough trouble by arriving early. To send a jounin to accompany me is quite a waste."

Leo said, trying to decline.

He didn't want a jounin following him around, as it would essentially be a form of surveillance.

But the Third Hokage was insistent, explaining seriously:

"Your Highness, this is not an ordinary situation. Normally, there would be no issue, but with the Chunin Exams going on, many ninjas from outside the village are here, and security could be a concern.

Having a jounin accompany you will ensure you enjoy your time in the village and also keep you safe, preventing any unnecessary conflicts with foreign ninjas."

"If that's the case... then I'll leave it to you, Lord Hokage."

Leo nodded and agreed with a smile.

Since the Third Hokage had insisted to this extent, refusing would only make it seem like he had something to hide. If he refused publicly, it was likely that ANBU operatives would be sent to monitor him even more closely.

And raising the Third Hokage's suspicions would not be beneficial for his plans in Konoha.

However, it also confirmed something important: the Third Hokage needed to be removed.

He had considered two possible directions for his plans in Konoha.

The first was to save the Third Hokage during Orochimaru's destruction plan to gain his favor and learn high-level ninjutsu from Konoha.

The second was to seize the Scroll of Seals during the chaos of the village's Invasion when defenses were at their lowest.

After meeting with the Third Hokage, he felt the second option was preferable.

Given the Third Hokage's character, even if he made significant contributions during the village's crisis, his identity as a prince of the Fire Nation would prevent him from fully trusting Leo.

He might obtain some ninjutsu from the Third Hokage, but the advanced, secret techniques would remain out of reach.

Furthermore, as long as the Third Hokage lived, Orochimaru's hands wouldn't be damaged, Tsunade wouldn't return to take over as the Fifth Hokage, and the money he had lent out would be wasted.

The Third Hokage was too shrewd and cautious, as evident from their conversation, making it difficult to manipulate him compared to the greater flexibility he would have with Tsunade as Hokage.

Therefore, Leo believed it would be better for the Third Hokage to be eliminated.