After hearing Hiruzen, Hibari said while eating hot pot, "Don't act all innocent when you've already gotten the benefit! Everyone here has a right to complain about me, but you don't. Just think, how much did you gain from this war? Look at the public's opinion in the village; it's as if you single-handedly won the entire war against Kumogakure. My grandfather went to great lengths for your sake!"
The others nodded in agreement, and Danzō even said, "Hibari is right. In my opinion, you're the true grandson of Tobirama-sensei."
Hiruzen gave an embarrassed laugh and then said defensively, "Don't be jealous. While it's true that Sensei put in a lot of effort for me, I also worked very hard, you know!"
After some lighthearted banter, Hitenn suddenly asked, "Deputy Commander, when is the Hokage-sama planning to return to his duties? The war has just ended, and there are many things that need to be handled. We can't have the Hokage-sama feigning illness at home forever, right?"
Hibari grew quiet upon hearing the question. He placed his chopsticks on the table and said in a serious tone, "Everyone here is a trusted comrade, so I'll be direct..."
Hiruzen, Kagami, and Hitenn were people Hibari trusted deeply. As for Danzō... his relationship with Hibari was pretty good. Theoretically, he was also a member of the Anbu, and along with Hiruzen and Kagami, he was a 'student' of Tobirama. At this point, his heart hadn't yet been corrupted by darkness, so his relationship with the others was also quite good.
Furthermore, even if Danzō were to turn to the dark side in the future, Hibari still considered him a 'trustworthy' person. While Danzō caused a lot of trouble, he was ultimately loyal to Konoha. Hibari didn't believe he would ever betray Konoha; he simply took on the heavy burden of the village's hidden darkness.
In any case, Hibari still trusted Danzō at this time. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been involved in this 'performance.' Danzō had even helped refine the plan and participated in it himself.
The others grew serious upon hearing Hibari's words, stopping their movements and waiting to hear what he had to say.
"The Hokage-sama will most likely not be returning to his duties..." Hibari said softly.
As soon as he said this, everyone's expressions changed. Danzō instantly said, "How can that be? Is Tobirama-sensei really injured?"
"That's impossible. I used my Byakugan to carefully examine the Hokage-sama, and he has no injuries!" Hitenn said in a deep voice.
"Does Sensei have some old ailment? After all, Sensei has been in countless battles. Maybe the strain from this war caused an old injury to flare up?" Kagami also asked with great concern.
Only Hiruzen's expression was complex, as if he had already figured something out.
Due to the close relationship between the Sarutobi and Senju clans, Hiruzen had visited Tobirama many times in the past few days. Therefore, he knew very well that Tobirama was perfectly fine and incredibly healthy.
However, over these past few days, Tobirama had said many deep things to him, both openly and discreetly, giving Hiruzen an idea of what was happening. Now, upon hearing Hibari's words, he roughly understood the situation.
Hibari first glanced at Hiruzen, then smiled and said, "Don't worry so much, everyone. It's not what you're thinking..."
Hitenn quickly asked, "Then what is it?"
"It's like this, my grandfather is getting old and knows that his body isn't what it used to be. He wants to rest. Also, all the village's rules and regulations have been established, and the war with Kumogakure has ended. When you think about it, there's nothing left for him to be busy with. So, he plans to take this opportunity to step down from the heavy burden of being Hokage." Hibari softly delivered the shocking news.
However, after he finished speaking, although the others' faces showed surprise, they soon showed expressions of something they had somewhat expected.
It made sense. Ever since Tobirama started building momentum for Hiruzen, everyone had already known that this would be the final outcome.
One could even say that this was already an unspoken understanding in the village. Everyone knew that the position of Third Hokage would eventually fall to Hiruzen, it was just a matter of time.
Except for the Uchiha clan, who were a bit reluctant, everyone else supported Hiruzen becoming Hokage. That's why they weren't too surprised by this news. Their shock was only because it was happening so soon.
"So, Sensei is going to arrange all this in the near future... is that right?" Danzō asked with some emotion.
Although he had understood before that his good friend and rival, Hiruzen, would become the true Hokage, he still felt a little melancholic at this moment.
Hibari nodded and then said, "If all goes according to plan, within three days, the Hokage will announce his resignation and pass the Hokage title to Hiruzen, officially making him the Third Hokage of Konohagakure!"
"So, you'll be handling all the official matters, including those related to Kumogakure?" Hitenn also asked.
Hibari nodded again and said, "Isn't that the last favor the Hokage-sama can do for him?"
The others fell silent upon hearing this.
At this time, Tobirama, the Second Hokage, had already handled most of the internal conflicts in the village. He had also resolved the dangerous external situations, and the anti-aggression war against Kumogakure had ended in victory.
One could say that he had been an exemplary Second Hokage and no longer needed any achievements or merits to prove himself.
So Tobirama had decided to hand over the Hokage title to Hiruzen before the dust settled with Kumogakure. This way, Hiruzen would have a great political achievement as soon as he took office.
For example, negotiating peace with Kumogakure, discussing war reparations, and even forming an alliance with them. All of these were gifts he was giving to Hiruzen, his successor, to help Hiruzen establish his authority as the Third Hokage in the village!
Not only that, he could also shine one last time in this final moment and make it easier for the Daimyō's office to accept his resignation. This was because Tobirama planned to announce that he was stepping down because he had suffered serious injuries during the final peace talks and was unable to continue serving as Hokage.
This way, the blame would be placed directly on Kumogakure. At that time, Hiruzen would inevitably use this as a reason to 'extort' some benefits from Kumogakure, which could be considered Tobirama's final contribution.
This reason would also make the Daimyō's office feel more at ease, so they wouldn't feel like they had forced Tobirama to step down.
Although it felt a little sad, when they thought about it, this wasn't a sad thing at all. Tobirama was just retiring as Hokage; he wasn't dying. On the contrary, he was retiring with great success, which should be a happy occasion. Likewise, Hiruzen had a great relationship with everyone present. When Tobirama retired as Hokage, Hiruzen would take his place, which was also a great thing.
Thinking this, everyone broke their silence, and their expressions relaxed. They weren't so serious anymore. After all, if everyone had a sad expression at a time like this, what would Hiruzen think? He would surely have a hard time saying what he really felt!
"Hahahaha, that's right. Don't be so serious. This is something that should be celebrated. Here, I propose a toast: to the successful retirement of the Second Hokage-sama and the hopeful future of the future Third Hokage-sama!" Hibari secretly raised his glass and said with a laugh.
The others were also caught up in the atmosphere and didn't even notice that the kid wasn't old enough. And since they had never treated Hibari like a child, his actions were completely natural, so no one reacted. They all raised their glasses and clinked them with Hibari's.
Then, everyone drank the alcohol in their glasses, and Hibari finally had a drink with them in the open!
As soon as he put his glass down, Hiruzen was stunned. Looking at Hibari, he said, "Wait, you tricked us. You've been secretly drinking before you're even of age?"
When Hibari saw that his secret was out, he immediately spoke up to both change the awkward topic and argue his way out of it. "What's this about 'of age'? Do I look and sound like a minor? Besides, I, Senju Hibari, am a man whose 'name shakes the shinobi world.' What's wrong with having a drink? No one else said anything, but you have to talk so much. What? You're not even Hokage yet, and you're already trying to meddle in so many things?"
"You've got a ton of nonsense excuses. Just wait until I become Hokage; I'll show you!" Hiruzen said angrily.
"You're not even across the river, and you're already tearing down the bridge? I'd like to hear what you're going to do to me!" Hibari said, glaring at Hiruzen.
"I'm going to promote you to Anbu Commander. After all, if I become Hokage, I can't hold any other positions. And you, kid, can finally become a full-fledged Commander. Then you can stay in the Anbu and handle all the busy affairs. That way, you'll understand what I've been through for the past three or four years!" Hiruzen suddenly said with a smile.
Hibari was also stunned for a moment. It was true that if Hiruzen became Hokage, he couldn't stay in the Anbu. Then, it was only logical for him, the Deputy Commander, to get a promotion...
But on second thought, although Hibari always referred to himself as the 'Commander' in his mind, he didn't really want to be the one in charge. The reason was that he didn't have that much time!
With a thought, Hibari glanced at Hitenn, who was about to drink his tea, and then said, "Alright, but I'll be the one to personally choose the Deputy Commander. I think Hitenn would be a great choice..."
Kagami, who was eating his food, immediately said, "Now I don't like what I'm hearing. Commander Hibari, I was the one you personally recruited into the Anbu. So I'm your direct subordinate. Hitenn is Hiruzen's direct subordinate. You should be promoting me, right?"
Hibari raised an eyebrow and looked at Kagami, saying, "Oh? Is that so? Are you sure you want to be the Deputy Commander? If so, I have no objections..."
Kagami was stunned for a moment by Hibari's meaningful expression, as if he understood something. He was a clever guy and quickly said, "Hahahaha, I was just kidding. I think Hitenn is a hardworking and responsible person. He's meticulous and completely suitable to be our Anbu Deputy Commander! I have many flaws and am not as good as Hitenn in many aspects, so let him do it!"
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