Sarutobi Hiruzen:
I did turn a blind eye to many of your actions, Danzo.
But you crossed the line far too many times.
Some people do need to be eliminated—but not for your own ambitions.
Hiruzen:
I acknowledge that you contributed to Konoha becoming the strongest village…
But most of what you did was for your own dream of becoming Hokage.
Like collaborating with my student, Orochimaru.
Like killing the communication toad from Mount Myōboku just to keep Naruto from returning to the village—leading to Konoha's destruction.
If Naruto hadn't convinced Nagato, who knows how many would've died?
Hiruzen:
Even when Konoha was on the brink of annihilation,
you chose to hide underground with Root to preserve your strength—just so you could seize power later!
Danzo:
@Sarutobi Hiruzen – Oh please, spare me.
When we dealt with the Uchiha clan, or the remnants of the Senju—wasn't that all under your approval?
Danzo:
It wasn't just those two clans.
Plenty of talented shinobi in Konoha—we took care of them together.
Do I need to name names, or shall we both pretend to forget?
Hiruzen:
Old friend, now you're just flinging mud.
What's the point of us tearing each other down like this?
Chat Group
Everyone from other villages was gleefully enjoying the drama.
But Konoha's people… were mortified.
Especially the First and Second Hokage—Hashirama and Tobirama.
Finally, Tobirama could hold his tongue no longer.
Second Hokage Tobirama:
@Hiruzen @Danzo – You two shameless, disgraceful, unfilial disciples…
Shut up!
With that one outburst, both Hiruzen and Danzo went silent.
Broadcast Continued
"Hiruzen Sarutobi was a staunch believer in the Will of Fire.
He focused on nurturing the next generation and even created the current team structure:
Two boys, one girl, plus a teacher."
"Hiruzen: 'Boys will naturally become aware of the girl's presence. Competition will push them to grow stronger.'"
Chat Group
Ōnoki:
What kind of ridiculous theory is that?! Hahaha, I can't with this guy!
Fourth Raikage A:
So it's basically "Mixed-gender teams = better teamwork"? This is wild!
ImmatureKidWhoLovesTsunade:
He was clearly obsessed with this setup! Look at his own students—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru: Two boys, one girl!
ImmatureKid:
@OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung – You always brag about how you're still being chased by admirers at 50, while I'm young and beautiful but nobody likes me.
Well, now we know why!
It's all thanks to the Third Hokage deliberately setting you up with Jiraiya!
ImmatureKid:
Old lady, if it weren't for Hiruzen's meddling, do you really think anyone would've liked you?!
OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung (Tsunade):
...
Tsunade couldn't even argue this time.
After all, she, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were a two-boys-one-girl team.
And Jiraiya had been chasing her for decades.
Konoha – Chūnin Exam Venue
Sakura's eyes widened.
The broadcast had said it before—
Team 7 was personally selected by the Third Hokage.
Which meant...
She, as the only girl, was placed there intentionally—
So that Naruto and Sasuke would both fight for her attention?!
Was she really that attractive?
She probably was!
Why else would Naruto keep chasing her?
But…
If she really was that attractive—
Why was Sasuke always so cold to her?
Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
Uchiha Sasuke ignored every challenge and provocation from others—
Except one person's:
Naruto's.
Could it be…
That Sasuke was fighting for her attention—
By constantly competing with Naruto?
That would mean—
Sasuke has always liked her?!
With her heart pounding, Sakura tagged Ino in the group.
Sakura Haruno:
@Ino Pig – Now you see it, don't you?
Sasuke is going to end up with me in the future.
You never had a chance.
Ino Yamanaka:
@Sakura Forehead – What's with this random delusion? Why would I see that?
Sakura:
Ino Pig!
You really don't get it?
You're not just pig-faced—you're pig-brained too!
No wonder Sasuke doesn't like you.
Ino:
@Sasuke – Sasuke? Is this true?
Do you actually like Forehead Girl?
Sasuke Uchiha:
Don't be ridiculous. I don't like her.
Ino:
Then that means you like me, right?
Sasuke:
Didn't I just say stop spouting nonsense?
I don't like you either.
And it wasn't just Team 7.
Other Konoha squads started thinking about their own teams.
Especially the "Konoha 12" boys who had crushes on their teammates—
They all suddenly had mixed feelings.
So… was all this just the Third Hokage's plan?
Should they be mad… or grateful?
Broadcast Continued
"Hiruzen personally trained the first generation protagonist team, establishing the Bell Test tradition."
"His students: Tsunade, the First Hokage's granddaughter; Orochimaru; and Jiraiya."
"He counseled the cold and brooding Orochimaru, helping him deal with his trauma."
"He gave extra lessons to the sunny but talentless Jiraiya—teaching him the Summoning Technique, which eventually led him to Mount Myōboku."
"All three lived up to expectations, becoming the world-famous Legendary Sannin."
Chat Group
Hiruzen Sarutobi:
@Orochimaru – After all I did for you… and you tried to kill me?
Jiraiya:
Hahaha! I was pretty average back then.
@Hiruzen – Thank you, sensei!
Jiraiya:
@Orochimaru – You went too far.
Sensei treated you like family, and you still tried to kill him.
Konoha gave you everything, and you just wanted to destroy it.
Orochimaru:
Hmph.
That's all ancient history.
What matters is now.
Right now, I seek eternal life—and I'll do anything to get it.
Orochimaru:
@Shizune – Tsunade, think about my proposal.
If you work with me, you could gain the Dog Talisman's power.
Konoha could gain the strength of the 12 Talismans.
I'd even stop attacking the village—
I'd protect it alongside you.
Tsunade:
Didn't I already say? Don't rush me.
We'll talk when I get back to the village—in person.
Orochimaru:
Then hurry up!
I'm dying to team up with you!
Broadcast Continued
"During the Third Great Ninja War, thanks to Hiruzen's efforts in nurturing young talent, Konoha shone brightly."
"The Legendary Sannin.
The Yellow Flash.
Shisui of the Body Flicker.
The White Fang.
Each name struck fear into enemy hearts."
"Konoha took on all four of the other great nations—
and held the advantage in every battle."
"But they also paid a heavy price."
"Tsunade lost two people dear to her, developing a fear of blood and falling into depression."
"Sakumo Hatake took his own life.
Of Minato's three students, two died—
leaving Kakashi a hollow shell."
"To prevent further devastation, the Third Hokage signed a peace treaty with Ōnoki."
"Ending a war that had nearly bled Konoha dry."
"Danzo was outraged—'This feels like a defeat!' he said."
"He clashed with Hiruzen, even joining forces with Homura and Koharu to challenge his leadership."
"In the end, to give closure to a war with no clear victory,
Hiruzen stepped down as Hokage."
"But he did so with confidence—because the next great leader had emerged:
His student's student, Minato Namikaze."
"Though he loved Orochimaru dearly, he rejected Danzo's nominee—
Because Orochimaru had no regard for the Will of Fire."
"He endorsed Minato not because of bloodline,
but because of merit."
"Though young and inexperienced, Minato had potential.
And with Hiruzen guiding him, the two essentially co-governed the village—Dual Shadows."
Chat Group
Second Hokage Tobirama:
@Hiruzen – You did well choosing the Fourth Hokage. I'll give you that.
Tobirama:
@Danzo – But you?
You've always been a disaster.
At least Hiruzen had some wins.
You're just pure poison.
PS: I've been releasing chapters daily . Honestly, it hurts seeing almost no support on Patreon after all that work.
If you're enjoying the fic, even a little, supporting me would mean a lot. It helps a student stay independent .
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