Chapter 20: Chapter 20

"And there, White Fang, whose prestige at that time surpassed even Hiruzen, became a formidable obstacle on my journey to becoming Hokage!"

"This compelled me to take drastic measures to eliminate him."

"However, I didn't anticipate his frail resolve. My intention was merely to tarnish his reputation, yet he chose to end his own life."

"Despite this unexpected turn, I stand by my actions, for I firmly believe that I am the most deserving candidate for the position of Hokage!"

The revelation left the audience in a state of uproar, their reactions echoing through the room.

"I never expected you, Danzo, to demonstrate such responsibility. Consider me pleasantly surprised!"

These actions were indeed orchestrated by Danzo, but it was also tacitly approved by Hiruzen Sarutobi; otherwise, Danzo wouldn't wield such significant power.

It stands to reason that Hiruzen Sarutobi's downfall would be most beneficial for Danzo at this time.

He could seize this opportunity to claim the coveted Hokage position.

However, Danzo surprised everyone by giving up this chance and choosing to stand up in defense of Sarutobi.

"Is this 'love and kill'?" Kaito's gaze at Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo suddenly became subtle.

"Hmph, I don't need you to praise me yet!" Danzo, unaware of Kaito's thoughts, snorted coldly and immediately shouted to the Anbu:

"The old man may admit his guilt, but our immediate concern is quelling the Uchiha rebellion! Kaito's attempts to divert attention are nothing more than a time-delaying tactic. Even though we're uncertain about his conspiracy, we can't allow ourselves to be misled. Appoint me to handle this group of rebellious Uchiha clan members, and then the elder will leave the aftermath to the Hokage!"

Danzo's words were provocative, and while some Anbu still harbored doubts about Sarutobi Hiruzen, most chose to believe him.

After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen's decades-long influence had been quite effective in shaping their loyalties.

Then, under the leadership of Danzo, this group of Anbu watched Kaito and his group vigilantly. Obviously, they were going to quell this 'civil strife' first!

"Tsk tsk tsk... You've got it all wrong by sheer chance!"

Kaito shook his head regretfully, and now there are still 8 minutes before the time he set!

"But since I've been seen through, then I'll accompany you to have a good time!"

Then, Kaito closed his eyes and opened them suddenly, and immediately opened the Mangekyo Sharingun!

In the next moment, Kaito directly used 'God's Presence' to come closer to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and swept his sword towards his waist!

Although Sarutobi was going backwards due to his old age, his years of combat experience had allowed him to form the seal of the blinking technique at the moment when Kaito's eyes suddenly changed, and he was able to escape this fatal blow!

However, the physical body couldn't keep up with the teleportation of time-space ninjutsu, resulting in Sarutobi Hiruzen still receiving a graze on his left arm from Kaito's sword!

"As expected of the Third hokage with rich combat experience, but how many times can you dodge?"

Kaito indifferently watched Sarutobi Hiruzen who was going crazy backwards.

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't dare to continue arguing with Kaito, and while avoiding Kaito's blow, he formed the seal again.

"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fireball Technique!"

Soon, three huge and fiery fire dragons attacked Kaito!

But Kaito's figure flashed again and appeared behind Hiruzen, and then another sword directly cut Sarutobi Hiruzen in half!

"Shadow clone? It's really troublesome jutsu to deal with!"

Kaito pouted.

"Bang!"

In the next instant, Hiruzen Sarutobi, which was divided into two halves, turned into two clouds of smoke.

"Kaito's time-space ability operates without delay or limitations?!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, having narrowly dodged another blow, looked at Kaito in shock.

He had observed the same technique used by the Second and Fourth Hokages, the Flying Thunder God technique.

While Flying Thunder God could be used indefinitely as long as there was enough chakra, it required pre-marked locations for teleportation, often using special marks and Kunai as mediums.

However, Kaito had just demonstrated the ability of time and space without the need for any medium, and there seemed to be no cooldown time. This completely baffled the ninja world at that time.

"This is a significant problem!"

***

Danzo, on the sidelines, finally ceased being a spectator. He immediately ordered the Anbu, "You go deal with those rebellious Uchiha clansmen, and I'll assist Hiruzen!"

"Yes!"

The Anbu promptly responded, rushing towards the Uchiha rebels.

"Have I provoked you to take action?!" Kaito shouted angrily from a distance, swiftly intercepting the Anbu.

Simultaneously, the second form of Susanoo materialized around Kaito, wielding a massive sword.

Kaito directed Susanoo to swing the sword, slashing at the group of Anbu with formidable force.

The Anbu were caught off guard, hastily resorting to various ninjutsu to defend themselves.

However, aside from a few nimble individuals, the resistance from the others proved futile.

The ninjutsu employed by those few individuals couldn't hinder Susanoo in the slightest, especially in its destructive form.

Just as the devastating attack was about to land, Danzo's roar reverberated through the scene.

"Don't grow too confident; the old man is still in the game!"