Chapter 138: Why Does the Daimyo Rebel? How Has the Hokage, Who Served the Nation, Wronged the Daimyo?

"The Daimyo's envoy has arrived—!"

On the road from the Daimyo's estate to Konohagakure, the Daimyo's envoy extorted and pilfered along the way, finally arriving at Konoha after much dawdling.

The Daimyo's envoy was Koyama Ichiro.

Having achieved results at the Land of Fire Publishing House, he was recognized by the higher-ups as a capable and influential envoy in Konoha.

The Daimyo was furious about Konohagakure's unauthorized military actions and promptly promoted Koyama, sending him back to Konoha to demand an explanation, granting him a token symbolizing the Daimyo's authority.

The core message was simple: Did the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, still want his position? If not, he would be replaced immediately, and the Daimyo's officials would take over Konoha's affairs.

One mustn't be deficient in expressing anger and displeasure.

The Daimyo also waved his hand, assigning half of his Guardian Shinobi Twelve to escort Koyama Ichiro to Konoha.

These five Guardian Shinobi had all publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Konoha, insisting that the Hokage was unnecessary and that true ninja authority should reside with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

Such political views had earned them labels from various intelligence agencies—they were known as the "radicals."

Returning to Konoha after a long absence, Koyama felt a mix of emotions.

But this time, his back was straight! He clutched the Daimyo's token tightly. "This time, I will reclaim everything I lost in Konoha! My dignity, my wealth… I'll make Gojo Kaigetsu pay for humiliating me!"

A coward emboldened by power—the six Guardian Shinobi behind him were Koyama's greatest source of confidence.

Who were these five Guardian Shinobi?

The radical leader, Kazuma; the beautiful kunoichi, Fū and Mū; the Earth Release ninja, Fudo; and the recently recruited member of the Fire Temple, Chiriku.

Such an auspicious start!

Koyama even believed that with these five behind him, he could seize control of Konoha!

Especially Chiriku—the mere sight of the Buddha's image behind him made Koyama's breath catch in his throat.

The envoy and his entourage, under the watchful eyes of the gate guards, smoothly entered Konoha and arrived at the new commercial district.

The fabric shop owner held bolts of colorful silk, shimmering under the morning sun. Across the street, the herbal medicine shop emitted a soothing aroma. The ninja tool shop was crowded with ordinary ninja carefully selecting their gear, their conversations punctuated by boisterous laughter.

Even in the early morning, Konoha's new commercial district bustled with activity. The cries of soldier pill vendors mixed with the clang of the blacksmith's hammer and the whoosh of high-pressure Water Style jutsu, creating a vibrant scene.

The grand architecture, untouched by time, showcasing Gojo Kaigetsu's unique aesthetic style, was a constant source of astonishment for the Guardian Shinobi Twelve.

"Whoa, look at this! I haven't been gone long, and the streets have transformed. It's even grander than the Daimyo's capital!"

Koyama's voice dripped with sarcasm. "It seems Konoha is quite wealthy. And yet, they still demand funding from the Daimyo. These newly constructed buildings at the village entrance… they were probably built with the Daimyo's money!"

"Konoha… it's time for a change!"

"Kazuma, what do you think?"

"Hmph, it's because of the Hokage that Konoha has become like this, constantly devouring the Daimyo's wealth."

"The Hokage system should be abolished. The Daimyo should appoint officials to manage Konoha's affairs. Only then can funds be properly utilized to train ninja, instead of being wasted on these superficial projects."

Kazuma's tone was filled with disdain. "What's the point of building grand and beautiful structures? When war comes, a single Fire Release jutsu can turn this paradise into an inferno."

"This prosperity is nothing but a façade, slowly eroding the ninja spirit. True strength, that is what a ninja should pursue!"

"Since Konoha's Hokage is so obsessed with superficiality, there's no need for him to exist! The true power of ninja should reside with the Daimyo!"

"Exactly, Kazuma. You truly understand me!"

Koyama wiped the drool from his lips. Once the Hokage was removed, as the Daimyo's most experienced representative in Konoha, he'd likely be appointed to take over. Then, all of Konoha's wealth would be his!

The envoy's arrival didn't attract much attention.

Compared to them, the foreign tourists with their exotic attire were far more interesting to the villagers.

Soon, the group arrived at the Hokage Tower.

Koyama, fully embracing his self-proclaimed authority, shouted, "Is the Fourth Hokage unaware of the Daimyo's envoy's arrival? Why hasn't he come to greet us?"

"Forget the Hokage, where are Konoha's elders?"

"Mitokado Homura? Danzo Shimura? Have them come see me!" Koyama demanded, feeling slighted, his gaze fixed on Kakashi, who was on gate duty.

Chiriku, recognizing Kakashi, shook his head in disappointment.

Truly a disgrace… He'd been accepted into the Military Police Force not long ago and was now reduced to guarding the gate.

Chiriku regretted his earlier sympathy for Kakashi, whom he'd believed to be a victim of Konoha's corrupt system.

Corruption, nepotism, backroom deals… Such a village truly deserved to be under the Daimyo's control.

Kakashi let out a lazy yawn. Not from lack of sleep, but from having too much.

Having lost his Sharingan, he'd never felt so… refreshed.

For days, he'd been in a state of perpetual bliss, like having an unlimited chakra supply, rereading Icha Icha seven times in a single night.

"The Hokage and Advisor Gojo are currently in a meeting. As for Elder Mitokado… he's been dispatched to Sunagakure to oversee Konoha's interests there."

"And Elder Danzo… he drowned a few days ago."

"?" Everyone froze.

Koyama stared at Kakashi, dumbfounded. "You're saying… Elder Danzo drowned?"

"Yes. On his way back from Kirigakure."

Thanks to the Hokage Tower's careful manipulation, the news of Danzo Shimura's death hadn't caused much of a stir. It was merely a topic of idle gossip, quickly forgotten.

For one, Danzo was a recluse, rarely seen in public. He spent his days hidden in Root's headquarters.

Aside from his name on official documents, most Konoha villagers had almost forgotten his existence.

As for the ninja clans… They were well aware of Danzo, the shadowy leader of Root. But his involvement in high-level power struggles… that was a forbidden topic. They weren't fools; they knew the rules.

A village elder drowned, and no one cared.

How absurd.

Kazuma crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Where's Nara Shikaku? Even he didn't come to greet the Daimyo's envoy?"

"Nara Shikaku? He was… reassigned to Kirigakure to take over Elder Danzo's duties."

"Kirigakure needs a capable ninja to protect Konoha's interests there~"

Kakashi's explanation, instead of reassuring Kazuma, only fueled his suspicions.

The Nara clan… they had members serving in the Daimyo's court. Shikaku Nara could be considered one of their own.

And now, even he had been exiled to the borderlands?

Kazuma's resolve to abolish the Hokage system grew stronger.

The Fourth Hokage and his advisor, to maintain their corrupt rule and defy the Daimyo, had started eliminating those loyal to the Daimyo within the village.

Kazuma still remembered Konoha's elders and the previous Hokage.

They had always shown respect and deference to the Daimyo. Kazuma had initially intended to use more… diplomatic means to gradually weaken the Hokage's influence, using the Guardian Shinobi Twelve as his base, assisting the Daimyo in asserting control over Konoha's ninja.

But now…

Judging by Konoha's increasingly brazen actions, he was running out of time.

Unilaterally dispatching ninja to attack the "allied" Kusagakure without informing the Daimyo; establishing a trade route with Sunagakure without submitting a report; using the flimsy excuse of "drowning" to eliminate those opposed to the Fourth Hokage; and after Danzo's death, conveniently reassigning Nara Shikaku, a Daimyo loyalist, to Kirigakure…

Were there any Daimyo loyalists left in the Hokage Tower? Had they all been replaced with the Fourth's puppets?!

Whose orders did Konoha follow—the Daimyo's or Minato Namikaze's?!

Excellent! Everything was falling into place!

Konoha's true intentions were now clear.

Kazuma's eyes gleamed with understanding. "Is this the Fourth Hokage's will, or the entire village's?"

Kakashi scratched his head, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I've made my meaning clear. If you're still pretending not to understand, then there's no point in continuing this conversation. Do you understand?"

"?"

"Since you're playing dumb, there's nothing more to discuss. You're just a gate guard, after all. Hmph. Koyama-dono, let's go inside."

Kazuma pushed past Kakashi, leaving him standing dumbfounded at the entrance.

"Whatever…" Kakashi muttered, his usual apathy amplified by his newfound freedom from the Sharingan's chakra drain.

Without the Sharingan, his Police Force and Anbu salaries were more than enough. Adding the payment from his role in Konoha: War Ninja, plus a month's vacation… Kakashi had achieved peak laziness.

He wasn't even scheduled for gate duty tonight.

But having spent so long within the system, his mind had become rigid. Unable to bear the idleness, he'd wandered to the Hokage Tower.

…

…

"Lord Third… are you sure you want to join the Avengers?"

Gojo Kaigetsu held a file, pretending to examine it, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, clad in his ninja attire, sat before him, his seasoned ninja aura unconcealed.

A man in his fifties, having lost his closest friend, the dormant beast within him awakened by Danzo's death.

The Professor of Ninjutsu, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had returned!

"The moment I saw Danzo's head displayed on a stake at the Land of Fire's border, I knew… I had to do something for him."

"After I calmed down, I understood."

"Revenge! I will avenge Danzo!"

"But my position, both in Konoha and the wider ninja world, is sensitive. I can't let my personal vendetta jeopardize the village. If Danzo were still alive, he wouldn't want me to act this way…"

"But… Advisor Gojo, your Avengers Initiative gives me a chance to avenge him."

Hiruzen's voice grew stronger. "Operating independently, outside the conventional ninja system… it's perfect for an old man like me, retired from active duty."

"With the mask, I am an Avenger. Without it, I am Konoha's former Hokage."

Gojo Kaigetsu feigned a troubled sigh. "In principle… personally, I'm not in favor of retirees returning to active duty. It could… tarnish my reputation."

"However! Given the current turbulent state of the ninja world, as a Konoha elder and Hokage advisor, I earnestly hope our retired ninja will step forward and contribute to the village once more!"

"Pick up your kunai and shuriken, teach those enemies a lesson, and show them what true experience means!"

Gojo Kaigetsu's rambling flattery continued.

Though the Third Hokage was now alone, having lost Danzo and Root, his strength and prestige still held considerable weight.

Especially among Konoha's older generation.

With a little encouragement, perhaps Konoha could experience a wave of veteran ninja returning to active duty?

Konoha needed manpower.

While Konoha's elite forces surpassed the other four villages, and its overall ninja population was greater than any single village, compared to the combined forces of all four… they were outnumbered.

Mobilize all available forces, unite all who can be united!

Even if only two hundred veteran ninja returned, it would still boost Konoha's official numbers significantly.

"Indeed…" Hiruzen nodded, clearly swayed by Gojo Kaigetsu's words. "During these turbulent times, we old-timers should also contribute to Konoha."

Gojo Kaigetsu gathered the documents, his expression a mask of sincerity. "Then… welcome to the Avengers Initiative, Hiruzen-senpai."

He then produced a mask, a uniform, and a projector from his desk drawer. "Your codename will be 'Professor Paradox.'"

"When operating as an Avenger, please wear the mask and use your codename."

"Professor Paradox? … A fitting title."

Hiruzen accepted the uniform and mask, feeling a strange sense of… embarrassment.

What was this getup?

A dark blue combat suit, a bright red cape, and goggles… He hadn't expected to be wearing such a flashy outfit at his age.

Sensing his hesitation, Gojo Kaigetsu explained, "This is to… differentiate you from your previous image. You wouldn't want to be recognized, would you? The greater the contrast, the less likely people will connect you to the 'Third Hokage.'"

"I see. You're right. In that case, let's make it… thorough."

Hiruzen formed a single hand seal. Poof! A cloud of smoke erupted.

The 1.6-meter tall Hiruzen Sarutobi vanished. Emerging from the smoke was a ninja who appeared to be in his early forties, over 1.7 meters tall, clad in the Professor Paradox uniform.

"This is a transformation jutsu I developed. It consumes a small amount of chakra to maintain my youthful appearance. I will also avoid using my usual jutsu in combat," Hiruzen said, his voice brimming with renewed vigor. He placed the mask over his face. "A mask beneath a mask. Now, it's truly foolproof."

"From now on, Advisor Gojo, you may address me as Professor Paradox."

"As expected of you, sensei." Gojo Kaigetsu was impressed.

This was the true depth of an old-school… ninja!

'Avoid using my usual jutsu.' Only a veteran like Hiruzen could utter such arrogant words.

"Can you fly?" Gojo Kaigetsu asked curiously.

"In the ninja world, the only one who can fly using ninjutsu is probably that old geezer Ōnoki," Hiruzen replied with a wry smile. "I haven't developed any flying techniques for ordinary ninja."

"Oh well, just curious."

The advisor's office was filled with pleasantries as they waited for the workday to end.

Just then, an angry voice echoed from outside.

"You can't go in there! This is Advisor Gojo's office!"

"Halt!"

"Insolent! Do you not see this Daimyo's token?! You dare obstruct me?! Are Konoha ninja rebelling?!"

"This…"

Gojo Kaigetsu's eyes narrowed. Trouble had arrived.

The long-awaited Daimyo investigation team had finally reached the Hokage Tower.

"Professor Paradox, you can head home now. I'll contact you when all the Avengers have assembled."

"Very well."

Hiruzen rose to leave, but the mention of the "Daimyo's token" triggered his sense of duty. "Those outside… they must be envoys from the Daimyo. Treat them with respect. Ensure proper etiquette…"

"I know what I'm doing."

Gojo Kaigetsu saw Hiruzen off and then adjusted his appearance in the mirror.

Having Hiruzen don a uniform wasn't solely for the fun of creating a super ninja. He was also laying the groundwork for future plans…

Creating a Konoha Super Ninja franchise, turning ninjas into brand ambassadors, assembling a team of Super Seven…

The ideas were already swirling in his mind. He envisioned a story about the formation of the Avengers Initiative, the gathering of super ninja, their combined efforts to defeat a powerful enemy, and ultimately, ensuring Konoha's safety.

A sudden and powerful evil organization emerges, killing Konoha's secret ninja and abducting high-ranking officials, leaving the Hokage Tower scrambling to respond. Five-Star Chunin Gojo Fury realizes he needs to assemble a team of super ninja to save Konoha, to save the ninja world.

"Such a wonderful script. Once it becomes a hit, we can develop related merchandise for marketing."

"Alright, folks, 3, 2, 1, link in bio! This jutsu, personally developed by Professor Paradox, isn't 99,900 ryō, not even 9,900 ryō. Only 990 ryō!"

Gojo Kaigetsu, as if momentarily possessed, practiced his sales pitch before the mirror. Satisfied with his appearance, he opened the door and stepped out.

The atmosphere in the Hokage Tower's meeting room was tense.

Minato Namikaze sat on one side, Koyama Ichiro on the other.

Behind Koyama stood the five Guardian Shinobi, their cloaks billowing slightly, their presence radiating an almost tangible pressure.

"What is the meaning of this?! Fourth Hokage, explain yourself!"

"Why did you launch an attack on Kusagakure without authorization?"

"The Daimyo is furious! He demands an explanation!"

"It was a special military operation, Koyama-dono."

The familiar, almost demonic voice preceded Gojo Kaigetsu's arrival, sending a shiver down Koyama's spine. He instinctively recoiled.

But remembering he represented the Daimyo, with the Guardian Shinobi behind him, he forced himself to appear calm.

"Hmph. I'm discussing important matters with the Fourth Hokage. You have no right to interrupt, Gojo Kaigetsu."

"You dare speak to me, a Konoha advisor, in such a manner?! You insignificant cur!"

Slap—!

Gojo Kaigetsu wasn't one for formalities. He raised his hand and slapped Koyama across the face.

Having used Red, the force of the blow was distributed evenly, preventing Koyama's head from exploding like a watermelon.

Boom—!

Koyama's portly body flew across the room, crashing into the wall.

Being an ordinary human, he instantly lost consciousness, blood gurgling from his lips.

Gojo Kaigetsu casually dusted his hands and took a seat beside Minato. "I'll handle the Daimyo's envoy. Hokage-sama, you may attend to your other duties. I'm sure we can… reach an understanding."

"Alright…" Minato, surprisingly unconcerned, simply left, ceding the stage to Gojo Kaigetsu.

"Now that the nuisance is unconscious, perhaps we can have a productive conversation. What message does the Daimyo wish to convey?"

Kazuma's face darkened. "You…"

Before he could utter a threat, Gojo Kaigetsu interrupted. "I suggest you send someone to take Koyama to Konoha Hospital. He might die otherwise. And remember to pay his medical expenses yourselves. Konoha's medical insurance only covers Konoha citizens."

Kazuma glared at him, but gestured to one of his subordinates, who carried the unconscious Koyama out of the meeting room.

Getting down to business—

"Whose village is Konoha?" Kazuma asked, his voice sharp, cutting straight to the core issue. "Does Konoha's loyalty lie with the Hokage or the Daimyo?"

"Konoha belongs to the Senju clan. Konoha ninja are loyal to the Hokage, but the Hokage is loyal to the Daimyo." Gojo Kaigetsu clasped his hands and bowed slightly toward the Hokage Rock. "This was established in the 'One Village, One Country' agreement between the First Hokage and the Daimyo."

"Heh… Ninja loyal to the Hokage? Hokage loyal to the Daimyo?"

"But I don't see any loyalty to the Daimyo from Konoha's ninja."

"Oh? Why do you say that, Kazuma-dono? Haven't you heard? True loyalty is never spoken, only shown through actions."

Gojo Kaigetsu's face was a mask of sincerity. "I believe Konoha has perfectly demonstrated its loyalty to the Daimyo through concrete actions."

"Then enlighten me. How exactly has Konoha shown its loyalty?"

"We've prevented a war between the Lands of Fire and Earth, protecting the Daimyo's life and honor. Isn't that enough?"

Kazuma's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? What war?"

"It's like this. The Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure and Konoha have reached an agreement. He threatened to attack the Fire Daimyo's estate, and in return, we threatened to attack the Earth Daimyo's estate. If we didn't pose a credible threat to the Earth Daimyo, he would have attacked the Fire Daimyo's estate."

"?" Kazuma was stunned, his mind struggling to process this bizarre explanation.

Such unconventional agreements were far too advanced for the simple-minded ninja world.

"What… what do you mean?" Kazuma stammered, his face flushed.

"It means…" Gojo Kaigetsu paused, his voice turning cold and menacing. "If the Daimyo dares to interfere with Konoha's policies, we will declare a village-wide holiday."

"And during that holiday, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, will lead his forces to attack the Daimyo's estate."

"The Daimyo's palace will be turned upside down by Earth Release jutsu, and his concubines will be… well, let's just say Iwagakure's ninja will ensure they're… thoroughly attended to."

"Do you understand now, Kazuma-dono?"

"Gojo Kaigetsu, you…!"

Bang!

Kazuma shot to his feet, his finger trembling as he pointed at Gojo Kaigetsu, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Three sentences had rendered this middle-aged man speechless, his flushed face more telling than any confession of love.

Kazuma was utterly enraged.

He had harbored a sliver of hope for Konoha's ninja under the Hokage's rule, but that hope had been ruthlessly crushed by Gojo Kaigetsu.

For a Hokage advisor to utter such treasonous words before the Daimyo's envoy… it was unimaginable.

What respect did they hold for the Daimyo?

And what must the lower-ranking Konoha ninja think of the Daimyo?

The ninja world valued lineage above all else. Born into nobility, one remained a noble for life. No matter their achievements as a ninja, respect and deference toward the Daimyo were expected.

Because lineage was determined by divine mandate, and the heavens' will was absolute.

It was precisely because of this traditional belief that ninja like Kazuma, who advocated for the Daimyo's absolute authority and viewed ninja as mere tools, existed.

But there was another school of thought in the ninja world. "Overthrowing the established order" was ingrained in their very being.

The heavens' will is absolute? My apologies, but my… convictions don't align with such a simplistic view.

Gojo Kaigetsu, in fact, enjoyed challenging authority. He'd started with Tsunade and had now moved on to the Daimyo.

"Excellent. You've truly angered me."

"How… excellent?"

Gojo Kaigetsu's relentless taunts pushed Kazuma to the brink, a cruel smile twisting his lips.

His gaze hardened with resolve.

'This can't continue. The Hokage issue must be addressed today. Less than two years into the Fourth Hokage's tenure, and his subordinates are already so brazen as to threaten the Daimyo's safety…'

'In a few years… they might even usurp the Daimyo's position.'

'Decisive action is needed! The Hokage system has outlived its usefulness.'

Kazuma's expression flickered. He wasn't foolish enough to openly strip Minato of his title or attempt an assassination within the Hokage Tower.

He'd heard that the deceased elder, Danzo Shimura, and the Fourth Hokage weren't on good terms. The same should apply to the Third Hokage… He would use the Daimyo's authority to instigate internal conflict within Konoha.

And during the chaos, he would unleash his jutsu!

If he used that jutsu, it would be enough to destroy Konoha and eliminate the source of this turmoil within the Hokage Tower.

A two-pronged approach to resolve the Konoha problem. He, Kazuma, would be etched into the history books of the Land of Fire!

Perhaps, in future records, he would be hailed as the savior of the Land of Fire.

While Kazuma plotted, Gojo Kaigetsu continued his verbal assault. "The current Fire Daimyo… he's weak, indecisive, easily swayed, and utterly incapable of addressing the turmoil in the ninja world. He's a known pushover…"

Gojo Kaigetsu then shifted his tone, subtly planting a seed. "Due to the threat of war with Iwagakure, Konoha's finances are… strained. We're struggling to protect the Daimyo. Perhaps, Kazuma-dono, you could put in a good word for us, and help us secure more funding from the Daimyo?"

"What do you say?" Gojo Kaigetsu's tone was so earnest, one might mistake him for a loyal servant of the Land of Fire… if they ignored his words.

"Heh…" Kazuma replied, his smile strained. "I'll need to stay in Konoha for a few days to… assess the situation before I can give you an answer."

"Oh? Is that so?" Gojo Kaigetsu, listening to the prosperity increase notification, smiled warmly. "That would be wonderful. We'll provide you with any assistance you require."

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