Chapter 1242: Wind

Chapter 1242 -126: Wind

The Daimyo’s Mansion of the Land of Fire.

In the tower called Tenshu, with the visit of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with Nara Shikaku, Jonin Squad Leader of Konoha, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire naturally had to host them with grand ceremonies.

However, due to the current situation in the Land of Fire being unlike usual, neither the Daimyo nor the Hokage had the leisure to focus on this.

“I didn’t expect you would personally visit, Sarutobi. Since our last gathering before the New Year, we haven’t seen each other for a long time, have we?”

Seeing Hiruzen rush to the Daimyo’s Mansion, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire expressed his sentiment while feeling gratified.

Since their youth, he had known Hiruzen, Danzo, and others, and they had a very good relationship, establishing a deep friendship.

Therefore, when Hiruzen successfully became the Hokage, he provided significant assistance early on to help Hiruzen stabilize the internal balance of Konoha.

But seeing the old friend now aged like this, he couldn’t help but sigh.

Compared to the small meeting at the beginning of the year, Hiruzen appeared even older.

This aging was not just on the outside but also in his heart.

The once high-spirited Third Hokage had become a past piece of history, deeply buried.

“I really have no choice, so there are some matters that require the agreement of both of us to proceed.”

Hiruzen said with a helpless smile.

If not necessary, as Hokage, he should not leave his post lightly but should stay in Konoha, strategizing and giving orders conveniently.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire nodded slightly.

Hiruzen then looked at Shikaku, and after Shikaku nodded, he said to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire: “Lord Daimyo, these are merely some insignificant speculations of mine. Hidden Rock has withdrawn its troops, yet the Hidden Cloud has begun military exercises in the Land of Hot Water, and the Land of Demons is starting to manipulate the situations in the Land of Rain and the Land of Waves. The timing and targets of these events are too coincidental. Although there is no exact evidence, I believe it might be a plot by the Land of Demons.”

After hearing Shikaku’s words, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire did not object but looked at Hiruzen and said, “To be honest, Konoha Village truly produces many talents. Even after leaving Konoha, they can make waves internationally and have now become the number one enemy of the Land of Fire. If possible, I hope, Sarutobi, you will focus more on the character of the ninjas in the future rather than just their talents. If their talents are used against the Land of Fire and Konoha, such talented individuals should be eradicated as soon as possible.”

The Daimyo had a pointed remark.

He knew who Shikaku was referring to.

Chiba Hakushi.

A renegade ninja who wasn’t particularly troublesome in the Ninja Realm before the war in the Land of Wind.

If the sudden exposure by the Land of Demons hadn’t happened, he would have been overlooked even now.

Compared to the renowned Uchiha and Hyuga, only the higher-ups in Konoha knew the actual level of danger Chiba Hakushi represented. External attention on this individual wasn’t very high. Often, he’d be seen as a subordinate rather than a leading figure of Uchiha Ruri and Hyuga Ayane.

Faced with the sarcasm from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, Hiruzen knew the other party harbored resentment, which was also the adverse consequence of the shortcomings in Konoha’s education.

Therefore, Hiruzen offered no defense.

Even though he felt he had put a lot of effort into the ideological education of Konoha’s ninjas, the result was still a betrayal by Chiba Hakushi, and issues surfacing with both the Uchiha and Hyuga, in addition to his disciple Orochimaru leaving Konoha due to forbidden research.

These were all incidents that had already occurred and were beyond change.

“This isn’t the time to discuss this. Since Minato’s sacrifice, Konoha has been unstable both internally and externally. As Hokage, I can’t handle everything smoothly.”

“The Fourth Hokage? Indeed a loss. If he hadn’t died young, perhaps he could have become a superb successor.”

Regarding the conflicts during the power transition between the two Hokages, as an outsider, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire found it inconvenient to comment.

Honestly, if he suddenly had to give up his position as Daimyo to his offspring, he would feel some reluctance and unwillingness, along with doubts about his offspring’s capability, questioning whether they possessed the qualities needed to be Daimyo.

The Daimyo thought it wasn’t surprising that Hiruzen had such thoughts at that time.

As he spoke, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire placed his gaze on Shikaku, complimenting him with a smile: “Although Mr. Shikaku’s speculation was purely based on theoretical analysis, being able to see through the essence of things to this extent truly isn’t unworthy of a ninja from the Nara Clan.”

“Lord Daimyo overpraises.”

Shikaku said helplessly.

Compared to being praised as a member of the Nara Clan, he preferred to be recognized for his individual abilities rather than his clan’s.

Although many members of the Nara Clan are quite intelligent, and the Jonin Squad Leaders in Konoha have been ninjas from the Nara Clan, binding family with skill still gave Shikaku some discomfort.

But often, the lineage of a clan couldn’t be abandoned.

Carrying the bloodline of a clan meant giving feedback to the clan while bearing the clan’s dignity in battle.

“I am truly complimenting you. I’ve heard of your intelligence from both Sarutobi and Danzo more than once.”

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire said with a smile.

“Elder Danzo?”

Shikaku was slightly surprised.

“Why? Do you find it surprising? Although Danzo is indeed a steadfast advocate for martial force in Konoha, his vision for assessing people is quite sharp, albeit a little grim. Often, he can be quite endearing.”