Chapter 102

Guilty?

Sarutobi Hiruzen was perplexed. He couldn't understand the meaning behind Hatake Sakumo's statement, which seemed like a big confession. He knew that Hatake Sakumo felt guilty, but he didn't know the specifics of his guilt. In Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, Hatake Sakumo's greatest sin was his overwhelming strength. His innate talent surpassed that of the legendary Sannin, making him a formidable force. So, Sarutobi Hiruzen quietly observed Hatake Sakumo, waiting to hear what he had to say.

"Lord Hokage, I engaged in battles with experts from other Hidden Villages without proper authorization, putting my comrades in dangerous situations multiple times. My sins are grave. I request that you punish me," Hatake Sakumo knelt down and pleaded.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled, secretly delighted. He walked around the desk and helped Hatake Sakumo to his feet. Looking at the panicked expression on Hatake Sakumo's face, Sarutobi Hiruzen patted him on the shoulder and spoke meaningfully:

"Sakumo, these are trivial matters—eating, drinking, gambling—they're all insignificant as long as they don't touch the core issues. With me here, you should take a few days to rest, recuperate, and advance further in your training. I'll handle everything while you're away, and when you return, you can continue where you left off."

"Yes, Lord Hokage, I understand," Hatake Sakumo hesitated for a moment, then responded with excitement.

"Good, I'm glad you understand. That settles it. In my clan, there's a young and beautiful woman. I'll introduce her to you when you return," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a mischievous grin.

"I will follow Lord Hokage's arrangements," Hatake Sakumo replied, taken aback, and then bowed before leaving.

As Hatake Sakumo walked out of the Hokage's residence, he breathed a sigh of relief and regained his composed demeanor, making his way back home.

Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen was in high spirits.

He wasn't afraid of Hatake Sakumo making mistakes, nor was he afraid of Hatake Sakumo lacking ideas. What he feared was Hatake Sakumo having too many ideas.

There were only two types of people who lacked ideas: fools and those with excessive ambition. Hatake Sakumo couldn't be considered a fool, especially since he surpassed the Sannin through sheer strength.

It was impossible.

Sarutobi Hiruzen always believed that the Hokage position should only circulate within their own lineage. Others should stay away.

To become Hokage, one shouldn't be afraid of flawed character, greed, or worldly desires. The fear lay in lacking the dignity and fortitude to handle governmental affairs. With Hokage assistants and military advisors in place, one didn't need to be an excellent fighter or possess Jonin-level skills.

As long as their strength and background were sufficient, they could become Hokage.

Take the Uchiha clan in the original story, for example. They always clung to their clan, refusing to marry into other Shinobi clans due to their arrogance.

If they didn't die, who would?

Suppose Uchiha Fugaku married Sarutobi Hiruzen's daughter, becoming his wife. Let Itachi address Sarutobi Hiruzen as his grandfather. Then, would Uchiha Itachi have become Hokage?

Similarly, one reason Sarutobi Hiruzen feared Hatake Sakumo was that he possessed too many desirable qualities. He had a good reputation and a high status in the Shinobi World. In terms of seniority, he even surpassed the Sannin.

If this continued, when the time came for Hokage selection in Konoha, Hatake Sakumo could challenge the status quo—it wasn't impossible.

Now, Hatake Sakumo himself had confessed to guilt, even if the reason seemed dubious. But it was enough for Sarutobi Hiruzen to end Hatake Sakumo's official career.

The difference from the original story was that Hatake Sakumo had voluntarily provided the grounds for his dismissal. It signaled his willingness to return to the Hokage lineage.

When considering the original story, the Hatake clan truly belonged to the Hokage lineage, starting from Namikaze Minato.

Before the Hatake clan, they could be considered as individual fighters at most, perhaps with a few followers.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was in a good mood as he walked towards the Senju Clan.

Inside the Senju mansion, Uzumaki Mito and Sarutobi Hiruzen sat facing each other.

"Lady Mito, here are my findings and proposed solutions. Please take a look," Sarutobi Hiruzen respectfully handed two scrolls to Uzumaki Mito.

These were his "sincere" offerings, as well as the "sincerity" of the other Hidden Villages.

"Dealing with Kage Level opponents is incredibly challenging. Engaging in battle would likely lead to disaster. The compensation offered is significant and not a matter of peace. It's up to you, Sarutobi," Uzumaki Mito's expression changed, contemplating the situation within the Senju Clan, reluctantly agreeing.

Activating her Kagura Shingan, Uzumaki Mito could sense the immense power hidden within Sarutobi Hiruzen.

She herself possessed such power—a power surpassing Kage Level. Moreover, it was a permanent power.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took out two more scrolls and handed them to Uzumaki Mito. One contained research on the Five Escape Ninjutsu, while the other detailed the distribution of materials.

"Very well," Uzumaki Mito nodded, satisfied with Sarutobi Hiruzen's sincerity.

Observing Uzumaki Mito's contented expression, Sarutobi Hiruzen saluted and turned to leave.

Now, with his newfound breakthrough and increased strength, Sarutobi Hiruzen held Uzumaki Mito in high regard, no longer fearing her as he had in the past.

The same applied to the Senju and Uchiha clans.

He, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was qualified to challenge them.

He was qualified to challenge everything.

Regardless of the outcome, he had obtained the qualifications to engage in battle.

This was progress.

This was an advantage.

"I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not. Perhaps it is. Sarutobi's evil intentions have dissipated. The Senju Clan is no longer a threat to his position, and Nawaki is safe. He no longer needs to rely on Tsunade's relationship. In that sense, it's a good thing," Sarutobi Hiruzen looked into the distance, while Uzumaki Mito held her head, carefully analyzing the advantages and disadvantages.

Finally, Uzumaki Mito concluded that the Senju Clan was secure. The young master could no longer intimidate the elders.

The Senju Clan could now enjoy their rightful status as the "founders of the country."

"The difference in power levels is truly significant," Uzumaki Mito mused. She wasn't naive. She quickly realized the true extent of Uchiha Madara's schemes as he won over Senju Hashirama. Men—how cunning they could be.

She soon understood everything, including Hatake Sakumo's actions and motivations.

If even Hatake Sakumo couldn't stop the impending threats from other Hidden Villages, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't hesitate to use that as an excuse to initiate a battle.

The same applied to other Hidden Villages. If Konoha couldn't demonstrate its strength and impose its presence, they wouldn't hesitate to seize the opportunity to carve up Konoha and Hi no Kuni.

Hi no Kuni was renowned as a major grain-exporting Great Country. The fertile land made the mouths of other countries and Hidden Villages water with desire.

However, they had other natural resources and couldn't produce and sustain their own food supply—they relied on imports.

This was a process of mutual testing, and the disappointing outcome was that they all thought too highly of themselves. The reality was that everyone's progress was either slightly faster or slower, with no significant gaps.

It was disappointing indeed.