Kaito Akaden (Kaito)

Kaito Akaden Chapter 136

Kaito nodded.

He exchanged a glance with Tsunade before continuing. "We're handling it. Lady Tsunade has agreed to become the Fifth Hokage. We've already secured the support of the major clans, and the Uchiha have also agreed to support her. Things are changing."

Relief washed over Shisui's features. "That's... that's good to hear." He smiled weakly.

Tsunade reached into her bag and pulled out a small vial. "Here, drink this. It's medicine to help purge the remaining poison from your system."

She handed the vial to him, and he grimaced at the bitter taste but drank it without complaint. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

She patted his shoulder gently. "Get some rest. We'll check on you later."

Shisui fell back into sleep.

As they left the room, Kaito said, "Well, I should go and let Hotaru know about the mission. I'll be back later, Mom." Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair.

….

The sun was setting over Konoha as the day wound down. In the Hokage Tower, many people were gathering in the meeting hall. The jonin, clan heads, and department heads filled the room with chatter as they awaited the arrival of the elders and the Hokage.

Shikaku sat at the Nara clan's designated seat with his arms crossed, leaning on his chair. He was quietly waiting for everyone to arrive. The other clan heads sat in their designated spots.

Fugaku had his eyes closed and arms crossed as he waited for the meeting to begin.

Hiashi, Tsume, Choza, and Inoichi all knew what the meeting was about and maintained stoic faces.

All the major department heads and prominent jonin who had been informed were present.

A while later, the Third Hokage and the elder council took their seats.

Danzo strolled in right after, his cane tapping the ground as he made his way to his seat and sat down.

The Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, puffed out a cloud of smoke, and asked, "Well, now that everyone's here, Shikaku, why have you called for an emergency meeting?"

Koharu asked, "Yes, why have you called us this late?" while Homura nodded.

Danzo just sat there, his face unreadable.

Shikaku leaned forward in his chair, nodded, and said, "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he began, his voice neutral. "I've called this meeting to discuss an urgent matter concerning the leadership of our village: the appointment of the next Hokage."

Koharu's eyes widened, and she asked, "What are you insinuating, Shikaku? The village already has a Hokage," she said, her tone edged with irritation.

Hiruzen eyes narrowed but raised a calming hand. "Let's hear him out," he said.

Homura adjusted his glasses, leaning forward. "Yes, please explain yourself."

Danzo remained silent, his face as stoic as ever.

Shikaku met their gazes evenly. "What I mean is that the Fifth Hokage has been selected and appointed. It's time for Lord Third to step down."

Those who were not in the know gasped and whispered among themselves. Koharu shot up from her seat. "What are you blabbering about, Shikaku? What you are insinuating is treason!" she exclaimed.

Homura nodded, agreeing with her. "You can't select a Hokage without the approval of the current Hokage and the Council of Elders!"

Shikaku noticed that Danzo was unusually calm and hadn't voiced his opinion. He thought, "That's strange; he's too calm. I have to keep an eye on him."

Shikaku remained unflustered. "After the Fourth sacrificed himself to seal the Nine-Tails, Lord Third resumed his duties as an interim Hokage until a successor was found. Given how occupied we've been with rebuilding the village, perhaps the formal appointment slipped his mind. Therefore, we took it upon ourselves to find a suitable candidate for the Fifth Hokage. Given the current political climate the village is currently facing, we believe appointing the Fifth Hokage would help alleviate the underlying issues and help mend old wounds."

Hiruzen calmly smoked his pipe, his gaze shifting to Fugaku when Shikaku mentioned the village's political climate.

Koharu's eyes flashed with anger. "Even so, acting without the approval of the acting Hokage is treasonous! We must vet and approve any candidate for the position!"

Before Shikaku could respond, Fugaku Uchiha stood. "The approval of the elders is not required," he stated. "All the major clans, including the Uchiha"—he emphasized the word "Uchiha"—"along with the Daimyo, have endorsed the selection and agreed."

Koharu turned to Fugaku, incredulous. "Fugaku, you should know better! This isn't just about formalities; it's about the very fabric of our governance! Bypassing the established order sets a dangerous precedent. Have you thought about the consequences?"

Hiruzen puffed out a cloud of smoke and asked, "Who has been chosen as the Fifth Hokage?"

The large double doors swung open, and Tsunade entered the room with confident strides. Clad in her usual attire—a green haori draped over her shoulders—she exuded authority.

"That would be me," she announced, making her way to the front where Hiruzen and the others sat.

Kaito followed closely behind her, standing beside her.

Hiruzen eyed Tsunade for a moment, then glanced at Kaito.

Those in the know were all silent; they were the ones who had agreed and signed the petition for her appointment. Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura didn't fail to notice their silence either.

Koharu's eyes widened. "Tsunade? You've returned... after all this time?"

Homura adjusted his glasses again. "While your abilities are beyond question, Tsunade, you've been away from the village for years. Do you truly intend to take up the mantle?"

Tsunade nodded, her face calm. "Yes. I've been asked to become the Fifth Hokage, and I've accepted."

Danzo's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Hiruzen offered a gentle smile. "It's good to see you, Tsunade."

She inclined her head slightly. "Lord Third," she replied, her voice clipped and short.

Koharu regained her composure, her eyes sharpening. "This hasn't been discussed! Such a significant decision cannot be made without the Council's input!"

Fugaku interjected calmly, "The matter is not up for discussion. The decision was made with the best interests of the village in mind. The major clans and the Daimyo believe Lady Tsunade is the right choice to lead us forward."

Hiruzen nodded, puffing out a cloud of smoke. "Tsunade, if you're willing to accept this burden, then I have faith in you."

Koharu looked at Hiruzen in disbelief. "You're just going to step aside without any deliberation? This isn't like you, Hiruzen!"

Hiruzen turned to Koharu. "The village's welfare is my foremost concern. Tsunade is more than capable, and perhaps it's time for new leadership."

He removed the Hokage hat from his head and held it out to Tsunade.

Tsunade accepted the hat but didn't put it on. "Thank you, Lord Third. But before we get into any ceremonies, there are urgent matters we need to address."

Homura frowned. "What could be more pressing than the proper succession of leadership?"

Tsunade took a step forward. "The matter pertains to the Uchiha clan—specifically, their treatment by the hands of the village higher-ups and, subsequently, the village as a whole," she said, her voice carrying across the room.

A ripple of unease passed through the assembly. Fugaku raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

Koharu glanced at Hiruzen, Homura, and Danzo.

Homura frowned. "Tsunade, shouldn't we discuss such sensitive topics privately first? This hasn't been brought to the council."

Tsunade addressed the room. "It needs to be addressed openly. For too long, the Uchiha have been unfairly treated. I want to apologize on behalf of Konoha. The constant surveillance and mistrust placed upon your clan were unjust and unwarranted."

Fugaku stood and bowed. "Lady Hokage, your words are appreciated."

Tsunade nodded and continued, "Effective immediately, the surveillance of the Uchiha clan will cease, and the Uchiha are free to relocate anywhere in the village as they see fit."

Koharu's face flushed with indignation. "Tsunade, you can't make such declarations without consulting us! The security measures were in place for valid reasons!"

Agitated, Koharu added, "You can't make these changes unilaterally! The implications could affect the entire village's security."

Hiruzen sat calmly, watching the proceedings while puffing on his pipe.

Tsunade ignored them and continued. "Uchiha clan members will be free to join any of Konoha's departments. Fugaku, please provide me with a list of suitable candidates to be trained as medic-nin."

She continued, "Furthermore, I will be creating a new position in the village. This position will be named Shadow Hokage. Their role will be to serve as the right hand of the Hokage and will report directly and only to the Hokage. This position will also take charge of the village if the Hokage is not available, or a suitable candidate hasn't been found to replace them. This position will be given to the Uchiha clan and will be a hereditary position exclusive to them."

Koharu slammed her hand on the table. "This is unprecedented! Such a position doesn't exist!"

Homura interjected, "That is giving too much power to a single clan. This would destabilize the village!"

The other village heads nodded, agreeing with the elders. Granting excessive authority to one clan could lead to more problems.

"Consider it a gesture of goodwill—a gift to one of Konoha's most loyal clans," Tsunade replied smoothly. "The Uchiha clan is one of the founding clans of Konoha. This position recognizes their contributions and signifies their importance to the village. It's time we honor them properly."

Kaito, standing beside Tsunade, added, "And as for your concerns, the Uchiha clan has agreed to forfeit their right to the position of Hokage, so there won't be any imbalance of power."

This statement garnered nods from the clan heads and department leaders.

Fugaku bowed deeply. "We are honored by your trust. The Uchiha clan accepts this responsibility, Lady Hokage."

He continued, "And as agreed, the Uchiha Police Force will also be opened to all qualified shinobi of Konoha. It will no longer be exclusive to the Uchiha clan. Applications will be open starting tomorrow."

Gasps and murmurs filled the room. Hiashi Hyuga leaned forward, intrigued. He hadn't known that the Uchiha clan would open up the police force to everyone. This made things interesting, as he could see many Hyuga clan members signing up. "What positions will be open to the rest of the village?" he asked.

Fugaku nodded and said, " All positions will be open, except for the Chief of Police, which will be fulfilled by the clan head."

Koharu's patience snapped. "This is unacceptable! You're making sweeping changes without the Council's approval! You're overstepping your authority!"

Homura added, "We cannot support these decisions made on a whim."

Tsunade's gaze swept over them, and she smirked. "I'm not done yet, you old geezers. I am also hereby disbanding the Elder Council, effective immediately."

A deafening silence enveloped the room. Even Danzo's eyes widened slightly.

Koharu's voice trembled with rage. "You can't do that! You don't have the power!"

Homura echoed, "The Council has been an integral part of Konoha's leadership since its founding!"

Tsunade stood firm. "On the contrary, I'm stabilizing the village by addressing the root of our internal conflicts."

She produced a scroll bearing the Daimyo's seal and handed it to them. "This is a signed approval from the Daimyo disbanding the Elder Council," she declared.

Koharu snatched the scroll, her eyes scanning the contents frantically. "This... this can't be!" she stammered.

Homura peered over her shoulder, his face paling. "How did you...?" he whispered.

Hiruzen watched the exchange silently, his expression unreadable.

He stepped forward. "Tsunade, are you certain this is the right course of action?" he asked calmly.

Tsunade met his gaze steadily. "Absolutely. It's necessary," she replied.

She glanced at Hiruzen. "There's more that needs to be addressed," she added.

She nodded to Kaito, who returned the gesture and formed a one-handed tiger seal. Black kanji appeared on Koharu, Homura, Danzo, and Hiruzen, immobilizing them and binding them to their chairs.

"What is the meaning of this?" Koharu exclaimed, struggling against the seals.

Homura looked aghast. "Tsunade, explain yourself!" he demanded.

Danzo's eyes narrowed but remained silent.

Hiruzen remained calm but asked, "Why have you used paralyzing seals on us, Tsunade?" He made no effort to struggle.

The other clan heads were unsure of what Tsunade and Kaito were doing. Only Shikaku knew what was going on, so they waited for her explanation, recognizing her authority as the Hokage.

"As the Fifth Hokage, I am arresting you pending investigation for your involvement in numerous crimes committed during your tenure," Tsunade's voice was cold. "Let's begin with the most recent. Danzo Shimura, you are under arrest for attacking and grievously injuring a Konoha shinobi named Shisui Uchiha."

The room erupted into shocked whispers. Everyone knew of the prodigious Shunshin no Shisui.

Koharu protested, "What nonsense are you rambling about, Tsunade? Shisui was reported dead by the Uchiha clan—he committed suicide!"

Homura added, "Yes, you can ask Fugaku."

Danzo stayed quiet.

Hiruzen closed his eyes and remained silent, aware of the truth.

Fugaku crossed his arms and glared at Danzo.

Tsunade shook her head. "We faked Shisui's death. Kaito and Itachi found him heavily injured and missing an eye. They brought him to me for healing, and he is currently under my care. He has confessed everything. Danzo was responsible for the attack."

Tsunade continued, her gaze never leaving Danzo. "And that's not the only reason you're being arrested."

"We have uncovered evidence of your treasonous activities," Tsunade declared. She signaled with her hand. Kaito grinned, his eyes flickering over Danzo, Hiruzen, and the elders.

Kaito unsealed a stack of copied files, waving them slightly. "Found these in your hideout," he said mockingly to Danzo.

Danzo's expression darkened. "You have no idea what you're meddling with," he warned.

Hiruzen glanced at the files, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Tsunade, are you certain you want to proceed with this?"

She shot him a sharp look. "It's time the village knows about the shady dealings you've allowed, old man."

Kaito began distributing the files among the clan heads. As they read, expressions of shock and anger spread across their faces.

"These documents reveal Konoha's previous higher-ups' involvement in heinous acts," Tsunade stated. "Such as Danzo's collaboration with Orochimaru, supplying children for his twisted experiments."

Gasps echoed throughout the chamber. Shibi Aburame adjusted his glasses. "So those rumors were true," he murmured.

Inoichi Yamanaka looked stricken. "This is... unbelievable."

Tsume Inuzuka growled low in her throat. "Is this true?" she demanded, glaring at the elders and former Hokage.

Choza Akimichi looked ill. "I can't believe what I'm reading."

Shikaku shook his head sadly. "The evidence is too detailed to be fabricated."

Tsunade pressed on. "Danzo manipulated mission files to eliminate Uchiha clan members to harvest their Sharingan eyes. Worse still, Hiruzen knew about these actions and chose to do nothing."

Hiashi Hyuga clenched his fists. "This goes deep."

Tsunade's voice wavered slightly as she continued. "They also orchestrated the downfall of the Uzumaki clan during the Second Shinobi War, selling them out to enemy forces."

Inoichi Yamanaka's eyes were wide. "How could this happen under our noses?"

"And they discredited Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang," Tsunade added. "Because the public favored him as the Fourth Hokage, Danzo leaked classified information to tarnish his reputation."

Kakashi Hatake, who was watching from the shadow among the other ANBU, lowered his head. Kaito had shown him the file, but it was still hard for him to process.

Tsunade's composure cracked as she faced Hiruzen. "That's not all," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "You were responsible for the decline of my clan the Senju. You systematically eradicated us because we never supported your decisions."

She moved, grabbing Hiruzen by the collar. bringing him to her face Tears brimmed in her eyes. "How could you?" she growled.

The room was utterly silent, the weight of her accusation hanging heavy.

Kaito stood calmly and just watched; if it were up to him, he would have just decapitated them and left.

She released Hiruzen, taking a shaky step back. She calmed herself down.

She called out. "Kakashi!"

Kakashi body flickered Infront of her, dropping to one knee. "Hokage-sama."

"Mobilize a battalion of ANBU. Round up all Root operatives still loyal to Danzo. and Secure any children he's kidnapped for his private militia," she commanded.

Kakashi bowed his head. "It will be done," he said before body-flickering away.

Tsunade composed herself. "Ibiki Morino!" she called.

The head of the Torture and Interrogation Force stepped forward. "Yes, Lady Hokage."

"Take Danzo and the elders into custody. Interrogate them thoroughly. Find out everything they're involved in," she ordered. "And place the old man under house arrest under heavy guard until further notice."

Ibiki nodded. "Understood." He motioned for some Jonin to assist.

Kaito moved to the immobilized elders and Hiruzen. Placing his palm on each one, he reinforced the seals, effectively sealing off their chakra and ensuring they couldn't escape.

Koharu glared at Tsunade. "You are tearing this village apart!"

Homura struggled against his bindings. "This is an abuse of power!"

Danzo remained silent as Kaito placed a hand on Danzo's chest, grinning.

Danzo leaned forward and said, "Don't think you have won," before he puffed into a cloud of smoke, revealing himself to be a shadow clone.

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