The Third Hokage had already vacated the Hokage's office, temporarily working in another slightly smaller room.
That familiar Hokage hat sat casually placed on a nearby rack, waiting until tomorrow's ceremony when it would be formally handed to the new Hokage.
This matter, he would be doing for the second time.
Documents still piled on the room's desk, but at this moment Sarutobi Hiruzen did not flip through them. He merely stood quietly before the window, pipe in hand. White smoke slowly merged with the gradually deepening twilight outside as he puffed away.
A knock sounded. After receiving permission, Shuji pushed the door open and entered. Sarutobi Hiruzen did not turn around, still gazing at the village outside.
He began speaking. "Originally I wanted to wait longer, even with the Hyūga entering the Police Force."
"Even if Fugaku initially could suppress clan internal opposition voices, given his personality, subsequent pressure would probably make him waver again."
"After all, those four people are merely a beginning."
"When non-Uchiha members in the Police Force grow increasingly numerous, those radical faction's dissatisfaction probably cannot be suppressed by words alone."
"When that time comes, Danzo's existence may again prove necessary."
"And the ultimate responsibility will be borne by me."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's thoughts drifted back to the day after the Chūnin Exam finals concluded, when Tsunade directly found him requesting action must be taken against Danzo.
"However, when Tsunade directly came to me, demanding action against Danzo, I realized."
"If I continued remaining in this position, it would instead make policies she wished to implement difficult to develop."
"Therefore, after confirming the plan you pushed forward had already achieved preliminary results and possessed foundations for continuing deeper implementation, I decided precisely at this time to hand the position to Tsunade."
The Third finally turned around, lightly tapping his pipe against the windowsill before walking to sit in his chair.
"When Teacher Tobirama passed the Hokage position to me, I did not realize I was actually someone with insufficient capability."
"Not until truly occupying this position did I understand that as Hokage, merely possessing the will to protect comrades proves far from enough."
"Enemy nation shinobi, our nation's daimyo, different voices within the village."
"I probably only barely excel at handling the first type, yet lack means to address the other two."
"Tsunade will prove more forceful than me when facing enemies."
"However, facing those more complex internal entanglements, facing maneuvering with the daimyo's side, what methods she will ultimately display, I also remain unclear."
Faint clamor came from outside the window. Inside the room, complete silence reigned.
"Shuji, I must rely more on you from now on," Sarutobi Hiruzen said solemnly. "Whether facing external enemies, the daimyo, or even village matters, you have displayed sufficient capability."
"Most importantly, Tsunade... trusts you greatly."
He picked up his pipe again, leaning into the chair back.
"The next era, I entrust to you all."
Land of Water, Kirigakure
After setting preliminary plans with three trustworthy young shinobi, Elder Genshi did not rush to actively meet the Mizukage discussing funding matters but instead, as usual, methodically handled village daily affairs.
He was awaiting a suitable opportunity.
Until Fourth Mizukage Yagura summoned him again.
The Mizukage's voice transmitted through his hat. "The funding matter, how are arrangements proceeding?"
Genshi slightly bowed, explaining in his customarily steady tone. "Fourth, the previously disbursed funds already represent the maximum amount the village can currently transfer. Requesting new funds from the daimyo has not yet received approval."
"Operations cannot continue delaying," Yagura's tone showed some impatience.
"I already personally made one trip to the Water Capital," Genshi continued, voice lowering further. "However, the daimyo seemed unsatisfied with my explanations. He believes Kirigakure this year has consumed expenses already severely exceeding established standards."
Speaking here, he paused slightly as though weighing words. "Moreover, some village departments' daily expenses and personnel subsidies have not arrived on time, already triggering some discussion. Fourth, do you think perhaps..."
"Unacceptable," Yagura's voice coldly interrupted him. "This operation proves critically important. Must prioritize guarantee."
At this time, Genshi finally slowly spoke as though helpless. "If so... perhaps you need to personally make one trip to the Water Capital, explaining circumstances directly to the daimyo."
"With Mizukage-sama personally stepping forward, the daimyo might better understand difficulties our Kirigakure currently faces."
Yagura remained silent long before finally agreeing. "Very well."
"I will immediately notify the daimyo that the Fourth will proceed to the Water Capital," Genshi said, leaning on his snake staff and tremblingly withdrawing.
Obito watching from shadows looked at this Kirigakure elder. If possible, he naturally wanted to directly control Genshi with Sharingan, eliminating much trouble.
However, Genshi needed frequent contact with various village internal and external parties. Once behavior showed abnormalities, detection came easily.
Though White Zetsu could perfectly mimic others' appearances, he ultimately could not inherit memories and behavioral habits. Over time, exposure risk proved too great.
The Land of Water's daimyo's side proved much easier. An ordinary person accustomed to comfort and luxury. Controlling him with Sharingan required effortless ease. When the time came, directly having him sign funding approval would suffice.
After Genshi exited the Mizukage's office, he immediately began arranging various matters for the Mizukage's departure, and according to standard procedures, dispatched people to proceed to the Water Capital for advance notification.
Ao was cleverly arranged by Genshi at a post near the Mizukage Building.
According to Kirigakure's previously upheld secrecy principles, possessing Byakugan meant he usually was not permitted activating his ability in village core areas.
However, now that the coup plan had already launched, plus with Genshi's covert authorization, Ao no longer regarded those prohibitions. He focused his concentration, quietly activating his Byakugan. Powerful perspective ability penetrated walls, directly casting toward the Mizukage's office.
Within the office, only Yagura sat alone.
However, when Ao concentrated his spirit, carefully observing the refined chakra flow within Yagura's body, he involuntarily widened his eyes, face revealing an expression of disbelief.
"This is..."
"Why does the Fourth's brain contain abnormal chakra?!"
"And this chakra..."
Though unwilling to believe, facts lay before him. Ao could only reach one conclusion—Fourth Mizukage Yagura-sama had long been caught in powerful genjutsu. His will very likely remained under prolonged manipulation.
Long-standing problems seemingly gained explanation in this instant.
Ao dared not delay even slightly, immediately departing at maximum speed to seek Elder Genshi.
If the Fourth was a puppet controlled by genjutsu, then their original plan probably required adjustment.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild