Chapter 64: I Am the True Scapegoat Kage!

Chapter 64: I Am the True Scapegoat Kage!

This day, all the visiting delegations from various villages and daimyos received an official invitation from the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The message expressed gratitude for their visit to Konoha and invited them to a banquet.

"What is Konoha up to now?"

Given the recent chaos caused by the murder in broad daylight, many speculated.

Shouldn't the Third Hokage be focusing on hunting down the killer? Why would he suddenly host a feast?

Something about this felt odd, like a trap—perhaps even a Banquet of Death.

But no matter how suspicious it seemed, the delegates represented their villages and countries. Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't dare make any reckless moves against them. Doing so would be tantamount to declaring war on the world.

"Unless... he's already obtained the Sage of Six Paths' Great Treasure."

This thought surfaced in many minds.

If the rumors were true and Hiruzen now wielded unmatched power, then leaving this feast alive was anything but guaranteed.

Faced with such uncertainty, many factions began to form alliances for mutual protection.

---

The Hidden Cloud, as proud as ever, maintained its independence.

Their delegation believed that Konoha wouldn't dare provoke them directly, relying on the strength of the Raikage's might and the dignity of a Great Ninja Village.

The Hidden Sand, Hidden Mist, and Hidden Stone held similar attitudes.

Smaller villages, however, weren't so confident. Led by the Hidden Grass, a coalition of minor villages formed to bolster their security in numbers.

Meanwhile, the Hidden Waterfall showed up with their trump card: the Jinchūriki of their Tailed Beast. They considered themselves the Sixth Great Ninja Village, equal to the others, and scoffed at the smaller villages' coalition.

---

Soon, representatives from all these factions, along with the daimyos, gathered at a massive round table in Konoha.

Lavish dishes covered the table, their enticing aromas filling the air.

Sarutobi Hiruzen clearly spared no expense, displaying a gesture of hospitality and respect.

Yet no one touched their chopsticks.

All eyes were on Hiruzen, silently demanding an explanation.

"You invited us here. Now, what is it you want?"

---

"Ahem!"

"Thank you all for coming," Hiruzen began, breaking the silence.

"I understand the reason behind your visits to Konoha."

"Before we get to that, how about we enjoy this meal together as we talk?"

The tension in the room was palpable, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.

But Hiruzen's lighthearted tone managed to ease the mood just enough.

---

"Hahaha! Since the Third Hokage insists, it would be rude to refuse."

It was Dodai of the Hidden Cloud who first broke the ice, laughing as he picked up his chopsticks and grabbed a piece of juicy meat.

Seeing him act, others quickly followed suit, the tension dissolving slightly.

---

Once the atmosphere had warmed, Hiruzen took a sip from his cup, then began, "Thank you all again for coming.

"The reason for this banquet is to address the issue of the Sage of Six Paths' Great Treasure."

At these words, the table fell silent again.

Even those who had been eating enthusiastically paused, their eyes glued to Hiruzen.

---

"To be honest," he continued, "until recently, I had no idea what this so-called Great Treasure even was.

"I've been accused of possessing it, but I didn't know what it looked like, let alone if it even existed."

Hiruzen sighed heavily, his expression a mix of frustration and helplessness.

"This whole matter has put immense pressure on Konoha. To resolve it, I was forced to do something I never thought I'd do: order a search of the Senju and Uchiha clan compounds for any traces of this so-called treasure."

"And?!"

Hiruzen paused dramatically, taking another slow sip of tea.

The gathered delegates leaned forward, their patience wearing thin.

"Sigh. We found something," he admitted finally.

"We found what appears to be the Great Treasure of the Sage of Six Paths."

---

The room exploded.

"What?!"

"Is it real?!"

"You have to show us!"

The outburst was immediate and chaotic. Even the most composed representatives couldn't hide their excitement.

---

"Of course," Hiruzen said, raising his hands for silence. "I invited you all here to confirm its authenticity.

"I've already instructed the ANBU to bring it here."

At this, Hiruzen gestured subtly to one of the hidden ANBU agents, who nodded and disappeared.

"Now, please, everyone, let's not forget the meal before us. Eat, drink, and enjoy while we wait."

Hiruzen's calm demeanor was calculated. Despite his cheerful tone, he was secretly observing everyone's reactions, taking mental notes of who seemed overly eager or suspicious.

---

"HAHAHA! The Third Hokage is truly magnanimous!" Dodai said, raising his cup in a toast.

"Yes, yes! What generosity!" others echoed, their initial tension replaced with anticipation.

The table gradually descended into laughter and chatter, a deceptive veil of camaraderie.

---

But just as the atmosphere reached its peak...

A panicked ANBU member burst into the room.

"Lord Hokage!"

"The treasure is gone!"

"Kakashi stole it!"

---

The banquet fell into stunned silence.

The delegates' initial confusion quickly gave way to chaos as they processed the implications.

The Sage of Six Paths' Great Treasure, gone?

Stolen by none other than Hatake Kakashi?

Hiruzen's eyes widened in disbelief. His worst nightmare had come to pass.

---

But was this truly a betrayal by Kakashi? Or had Hiruzen set the perfect stage for his next move?

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