Chapter 270: Discussing How to Resolve Uchiha Yasushi
The negative effects of lacking a Hokage finally began manifesting.
Previously, whenever the village encountered major situations, naturally the Hokage would make decisions.
Regardless of ultimate outcomes, at least it stabilized morale at the time, giving everyone clear objectives.
Having tasks prevented wild speculation. Morale remained stable.
But now the village lacked a Hokage. No one issued gag orders. No one held talks encouraging morale. This made the village's already oppressive atmosphere grow increasingly dense.
Kazuma, who should have replaced the Hokage in performing these duties, had merely been a guard squad captain at the Daimyo's residence. How could he understand what a Hokage should do? Plus he'd been severely wounded in previous combat, currently recuperating in bed.
When Nara Shikasuke led clan members seeking audience to explain the situation, Kazuma suddenly realized—unknowingly, he'd missed the optimal time for stabilizing circumstances and calming the situation.
Now the village was panic-stricken. Every household lived in fear.
"Lord Kazuma, we know you're severely wounded and should be recuperating properly. But the village's situation is critical. Affairs are numerous. Someone must oversee the overall situation."
"So for the village's sake, please designate a temporary representative to manage village affairs, comfort people's hearts, and let everyone settle down."
"Oh, you're right. I didn't consider things thoroughly." After brief contemplation, Kazuma pointed to the attending Mizuki, nominating: "Then I'll entrust Mizuki to temporarily handle my work."
"Mizuki grew up in the village. He's very familiar with it. His loyalty is trustworthy. Moreover, he's deeply trusted by Lord Sora—perfect as a communication bridge between the village and nobility."
"Having him temporarily replace me is most appropriate."
Actually, Nara Shikasuke came hoping to obtain village authority.
Though lacking martial prowess, he could completely use other political means to gain assistance from other villages, finding methods to counter Uchiha Yasushi.
Or simply divert disaster eastward—redirect Yasushi's attention and hatred toward other nations, giving the village breathing room.
Where there's will, there's way.
If done well, perhaps the future Sixth Hokage would bear the Nara surname.
But he couldn't voice such things himself—Kazuma needed to comprehend it independently.
He'd discussed privately with clansmen, confident no one in the village currently suited temporarily replacing Kazuma better than himself. Who knew Mizuki would inexplicably appear, inserting himself sideways to occupy that position?
However, Nara Shikasuke said nothing, still smiling and nodding in agreement.
"I understand. I'll assist Mizuki's work well."
The next day, Mizuki convened a jonin council.
This time, far fewer attendees came.
The entire Hokage office appeared empty. Numerous seats vacant. The sight chilled hearts—Konoha Village seemed doomed.
Mizuki sat in the position where the Hokage should sit, speaking spiritedly:
"Fellow jonin, let's skip empty platitudes and directly address realistic problems!"
"Village reconstruction and such must continue. Lacking resources will be distributed after Lord Sora requests them from the Daimyo. Everyone just wait patiently a few days."
"But the village's current biggest problem isn't resources—it's external enemies."
"Speaking directly—it's that Uchiha Yasushi!"
"How powerful he currently is—many of you witnessed at Takumi Village. Those who didn't go surely heard from returning comrades."
"We're not boosting enemy morale while deflating our own. But the fact is—all of Konoha Village combined probably can't defeat him alone."
"Once he attacks, we have no defensive methods whatsoever."
"So today's meeting primarily aims to have everyone brainstorm whether any methods exist to resolve this problem."
"Everyone speak freely. Regardless of methods—whether effective or not—we'll discuss before deciding."
This topic sparked immediate discussion. Everyone had opinions.
But within moments, everyone fell silent again.
Because they'd privately discussed this problem multiple times—completely without solutions.
Martial prowess required long-term training to obtain. No shortcuts existed. Inability meant inability.
Except... Uchiha!
Sharingan defied logic—pure cheating. Strength could progress by leaps and bounds.
Especially Mangekyo Sharingan dojutsu—completely another realm entirely.
Thinking of Uchiha, everyone's gazes involuntarily swept toward the silently kneeling Itachi ahead.
Seemingly sensing everyone's attention, Itachi slowly raised his head, looking at Mizuki earnestly:
"Lord Mizuki, I request transplanting First Hokage's cells."
"Hm?" Mizuki froze, blinking before turning toward the Hokage advisor.
Nara Shikasuke knew Mizuki had originally been an ordinary minor figure, unaware of many village secrets. He explained Wood Release cells.
"Ah, I see."
Mizuki finally understood, immediately clapping enthusiastically:
"This is wonderful!"
"Since the village possesses Lord First's cells, why weren't they used before?"
"Were they prohibited like the Forbidden Scroll?"
"Well..." Nara Shikasuke smiled bitterly, explaining: "Lord Mizuki, human experimentation is extremely inhumane behavior accompanied by tremendous danger."
"When Orochimaru was still in the village, he conducted related transplant experiments. Most test subjects died violently. Only one shinobi fortunately survived. But before growing strong, he died in previous wars."
"Hiss..." Mizuki gasped. "That dangerous?"
"Indeed. So when Lord Third was present, he rejected Itachi's transplant request."
"I see." Mizuki immediately frowned hesitantly.
Seeing this, Itachi hastily declared:
"In past battles, I witnessed Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Obito, and Uchiha Yasushi all using Wood Release."
"Since they successfully transplanted, no reason exists why I can't."
"That's different." Nara Shikasuke explained: "I don't clearly understand why Madara possessed Wood Release."
"But Obito and Yasushi's transplants were likely performed by Orochimaru."
"Now our village lacks medical ninja comparable to Orochimaru or Lady Tsunade. So transplant success rates would be even lower. Danger even higher."
"I'm not afraid of death!" Itachi roared with twisted features.
"Uchiha Yasushi has already caused grave threats to the village! I must eliminate him!"
"I must save the village!"
"I must restore the village's former peace!"
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