Whether it was his failure to account for the Hidden Mist Village at the start of the war, or the previous order to switch Minato Namikaze and Aoyama Ryuyun's battlefields — which resulted in nearly two thousand Konoha ninja losing their lives — these blunders alone were enough to force Hiruzen Sarutobi to step down.
Hiruzen had originally intended to cultivate Minato Namikaze as his successor. But now, Minato was branded a criminal — how could such a man be qualified to even run for Hokage?
"Hokage-sama?"
The Sarutobi clan ninja standing before him didn't fully understand the political undercurrents, but they could still sense it — Hiruzen Sarutobi was preparing to retire as Hokage.
Panic flashed across their faces. They knew that their clan's influence and privileges in Konoha stemmed entirely from Hiruzen's position.
If he stepped down, their long-held authority would crumble with him.
"Hokage-sama! We…"
One of them tried to speak up, desperate to dissuade him.
But Hiruzen wasn't interested in discussion. He waved his hand curtly.
"Enough. All of you — go to the Iwagakure front and deliver this message to Aoyama Ryuyun!"
"This… all right!"
Since the Hokage had spoken, they had no room to argue.
One by one, they left with pale faces — as if they'd just attended their own clan's funeral.
After they departed, Hiruzen specifically summoned Uchiha Fugaku.
"Hokage-sama?"
After years of war, the Uchiha clan head had grown far more composed and tempered than before.
"Fugaku," Hiruzen said evenly, "from now on, all affairs on this front will be handled by you and Aoyama Ryuyun."
"Huh?"
Fugaku blinked, stunned. For a moment, he didn't react.
To Hiruzen, that expression seemed like dissatisfaction — typical Uchiha arrogance.
Even with his Hokage status, the Uchiha clan rarely hid their pride.
If Aoyama Ryuyun were the one giving orders, they would probably resist even more.
Hiruzen was just about to explain further, but before he could speak, Fugaku's face lit up with excitement.
"The legendary Golden Lion-sama is coming?!"
Though he had never met Aoyama Ryuyun personally, Fugaku had heard countless stories about him — his strength, his presence, his terrifying reputation.
He couldn't hide his eagerness.
Hiruzen, meanwhile, said nothing.
He simply watched Fugaku's expression grow brighter — and his own face darkened.
I've been leading this front for months, and I've never seen him smile like that.
Now he hears that Ryuyun is coming and suddenly he's thrilled?
What is this supposed to be — mockery? Are you looking down on me now?
Uchiha Fugaku, oblivious to the storm brewing behind Hiruzen's calm eyes, continued to ask eagerly,
"Hokage-sama, when will Lord Liu Yun arrive?"
"…In a few days," Hiruzen replied flatly.
I really don't feel like talking to you anymore.
After that, Hiruzen waved his hand.
"All right, return to your post. I'll be heading back to Konoha to make preparations."
"Understood!"
The news that Aoyama Ryuyun was coming overshadowed everything else. Fugaku didn't even react to the fact that Hiruzen was leaving the battlefield.
Instead, he was filled with anticipation, wondering what kind of person the Golden Lion truly was.
"…"
Hiruzen stared at him speechlessly.
So indifferent?
Yes, I'm weaker than I once was — but do you have to show it so clearly? Are you mocking me too, Uchiha?
As expected, the Uchiha clan can't be trusted.
With that bitter thought, Hiruzen turned away, no longer bothering to speak.
Meanwhile, Fugaku remained in his own thoughts — already imagining what it would be like when Aoyama Ryuyun took command of the Hidden Mist battlefield.
---
At the same time, within the Konoha camp on the Iwagakure front, Aoyama Ryuyun suddenly spoke.
"Hiashi! Gather all the ninja in the camp!"
"Uh—! Lord Liu Yun, what's wrong?"
The camp had been quiet for months, and it was the first time Hyuga Hiashi had heard such an order.
Aoyama Ryuyun stood from his seat and smiled faintly.
"It's time for this war to end."
The message from Hiruzen had already arrived.
As expected, that old dog finally backed down.
Since that was the case, Ryuyun saw no reason to let the Third Shinobi World War drag on any longer.
"Yes!"
Hiashi didn't know the full story, but when he heard that Ryuyun intended to end the war, he felt a wave of relief and excitement.
He bowed quickly and went to deliver the order.
Within moments, the entire camp was stirring.
When word spread that Liu Yun-sama himself was preparing to end the war, the mood among the Konoha forces transformed.
"Is it finally time for a decisive battle with Iwagakure?"
"About time! After this war, I can finally go home!"
"Counting the years, my son should be ready to enter the Academy soon!"
"Thanks to Lord Liu Yun — if not for him, we'd all have died on this battlefield by now!"
Their spirits rose, filled with anticipation.
As for the idea of losing?
No one even entertained it.
After all — the one leading them was the Golden Lion.
---
Under the thousand expectant gazes of his soldiers, Aoyama Ryuyun, golden-haired and fierce-eyed, stepped out of the conference hall.
His hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm and commanding.
Then, as he faced the assembled ninja, a wild, fearless smile spread across his lips.
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