Chapter 541 Rumor Escalation

Public opinion is always a terrifying weapon.

At this point, Kakashi understood this feeling.

The villagers' eyes looking at Kakashi have become completely different from before.

It is really not difficult to discredit a person.

Half-true facts are enough to convince more people than true facts.

But for things like public opinion, those who speak later will often suffer.

Prejudiced is the reason.

Even if Tsunade has tried her best to eliminate the influence of such remarks, she cannot eliminate them all in a short time.

What's more, the greater crisis of the village at this time lies in the hostility of the other Four Shinobi Villages.

Hiruko's words have already put Konoha on the cusp of the storm.

Although it is said that the truth will come sooner or later, the truth that comes late will often cause great losses.

Some truths will even be submerged in the torrent of history forever.

Just like the death of White Fang back then.

White Fang's reputation was destroyed because of the rumors.

Until his death, not many people knew whether the rumor is true or not.

At this moment, inside the Root Base, B is half kneeling in front of Danzo.

Danzo open his mouth and said: "B, what is the situation?"

"Reporting to Danzo-sama, the rumors about Kakashi have been spreading since yesterday. Now it's already spread all over the village, and the effect is good. Most of the civilians already have doubts about Kakashi, and even a small number of them are complaining about Kakashi. However, the effect between Shinobi is not as good."

"Okay, it is already good enough to achieve such effect. Has the Daimyō sent someone to summon Tsunade? Has she already left Konoha?"

"Yes! Daimyō-sama has just summoned Hokage-sama, and she is already on the way to the City of Fire. It is expected that she wouldn't be back within two days." B replied.

"Very good, now that Tsunade is not in Konoha, Kakashi didn't have any backing so it is impossible to suppress these rumors. Next, it is the last push. Hmph, Kakashi, I was able to use rumors to push your father to his death, and now, even if you don't die, I will destroy your reputation! And make you become Konoha's traitor! My Konoha doesn't need your existence!"

Danzo sneered, as if he was sure that his victory was within reach.

"B, it's time for the next news."

"Yes, Danzo-sama!"

Danzo's right eye flickered, and he whispered: "The civilians have been shaken, but this is not enough. I want the Shinobi's trust of Kakashi to plummet too. Otherwise, my plan cannot be implemented. Now, I want you to immediately spread the news about Ochagakure! Say that Kakashi has a close relationship with Ochagakure, and it is very likely that he will betray Konoha! There are also people of the Hatake Clan's clansmen in Ochagakure. It is very likely that the Hatake Clan has already planned about it and Kakashi is very likely to be a spy."

Hearing this, B's heart was slightly chilled as he did not expect Danzo to push Kakashi to the dead end.

But after receiving long-term training from Danzo, B responded immediately: "Yes, Danzo-sama."

"Go."

B left the room upon hearing this, and started to prepare for the next step.

After all, it requires a lot of manpower.

Soon, in the empty room, only Danzo was left alone.

"As long as the cancer, Kakashi is removed, Konoha's future is in my hands. Hiruzen, since you have took off this burden, I will take it unceremoniously. How can I leave Konoha to incompetent people like Tsunade and Kakashi. Only I can lead the village to a higher peak."

Danzo's cold voice echoed in the room.

At this time, Sandaime Hokage is playing shogi with Asuma in his house.

Asuma lit a cigarette, scratched his hair, sighed and finally said, "Old Man, I lost."

"Haha, why did you give up so soon? You still have a chance to take a few more steps."

"No, knowing that I was sure to lose, why bother to continue. Anyway, I am already used to losing to that brat Shikamaru." Asuma lightly said with a smile.

He seems to be not annoyed by his lost at all.

Seeing this, Sandaime smiled and shook his head, and then said: "It seems that after marriage, your competitive personality has become a lot softer."

Asuma is a little embarrassed when he heard this, but there is a happy smile on his face.

After marrying Kurenai and knowing that Kurenai is pregnant, Asuma has indeed become much softer.

Seeing Asuma revealing such expression, Sandaime was relieved.

At his age, what he really want to see is that his family lives happily together.

Konoha, who he has been worried for his whole life, has been taken over by Tsunade, and then Kakashi would take it afterwards. So he knew that there should be no problem.

It is precisely because of this that Sandaime can enjoy this peace with peace of mind.

Asuma suddenly thought of something, so he said: "Old Man, Godaime-sama went to the City of Fire, and the rumors about Kakashi in the village are now getting fiercer. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Sandaime sighed and said: "It should be Danzo again."

"Danzo?"

Sandaime looked at the distant Hokage Rock, and said: "Nidaime-sama entrusted Konoha to me, but I let him down. Nidaime-sama can maintain the horrible balance between peace and threat, but I can't do it, so Danzo exists. Danzo and I have managing this Konoha from light and darkness. But now, I'm afraid that Danzo is being restless."

"Old Man, now that Godaime-sama is not here, if you let Danzo continue to do things like this, I'm afraid something will happen." Asuma said.

Hearing this, Sandaime can only be silent.

He didn't know what to do.

At that time, he allowed Danzo to spread the rumors about Sakumo, which led to Sakumo's premature death.

And now, Danzo seems to be starting to use the old tricks again.

"Old Man, you are the only person in the village who have the ability to suppress this rumor."

With Sandaime's reputation, suppressing this discordant voice is absolutely possible and immediate.

After all, Sandaime's contribution to Konoha for so many years is obvious to all.

Just as Sandaime was thinking about it, Konohamaru ran in from outside!

"Jii-chan! Asuma ji-san! Not good! Something happened!" Konohamaru said anxiously while panting.

"What's wrong, Konohamaru? Why are you so anxious?" Sandaime asked.

Konohamaru took a deep breath, and immediately said: "Jii-chan! Some people in the village said that Kakashi-sensei is going to defect from Konoha!"

"What!"

Hearing this, Sandaime and Asuma stood up at the same time, with shocked expression on their faces.