Mastermind of the Akatsuki

"If Shisui really had any ulterior motives, he wouldn't be using the Mangekyō Sharingan."

Upon hearing the Third Hokage's statement, Danzo opened his mouth to say something but ultimately gave up and obediently sat back in the corner.

The other Konoha jonin present also stopped whispering and turned their gaze toward the Third Hokage.

Clearing his throat, the Third Hokage continued,

"In this defensive war against Kumogakure, Jiraiya has performed admirably. With just over three thousand troops, he repelled an attack from nearly ten thousand of the enemy.

Although Yugakure has abandoned their treaty with us, they successfully expelled Kumogakure's influence from the Land of Water, reducing the threat from the northeast. Konoha ninjas no longer have to shed blood for Yugakure.

Apart from Jiraiya, the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Inuzuka clans have also made significant contributions during the war. Among them, Shisui even defeated the Two-Tails jinchūriki, making outstanding contributions to the village.

To reward Shisui, I plan to transfer him to my side for training, appointing him as a team leader…"

A team leader of the Anbu?

This statement immediately caused an uproar in the conference room. Many of the jonin suspected they had misheard, and both Uchiha Fugaku and Danzo frowned in response.

Given Shisui's strength, being appointed as a team leader in the Anbu wasn't out of the question.

The security forces and Konoha's defense division had similar positions, typically held by veteran jonin, and Shisui was more than capable.

However, he was to be a leader in the Anbu, and Shisui was an Uchiha.

Since the establishment of the Anbu by the Second Hokage, only one Uchiha had joined the Anbu, and that was Shisui's grandfather, Uchiha Kagami, but that was decades ago.

With this in mind, everyone realized the Third Hokage's intentions.

Shisui was different from the other Uchiha; his grandfather, Uchiha Kagami, had been part of that group of Uchiha close to the Hokage.

The Third Hokage's actions aimed to win over the Uchiha and sever ties between Shisui and his clan.

This was a blatant political maneuver, yet Uchiha Fugaku had no means to counter it, only nodding reluctantly in agreement,

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Hokage, but this matter still requires Shisui's consent."

The Third Hokage smiled lightly and said, "I've met with Shisui a few times; he shouldn't have any objections to joining the Anbu. I apologize for taking such a fine subordinate from you, Fugaku."

Despite feeling very dissatisfied, Uchiha Fugaku could only respond, "It is indeed a blessing for Shisui to be valued by the Third Hokage."

After stepping in to help the Uchiha and seizing the opportunity to transfer Shisui, the Third Hokage continued to distribute rewards.

In addition to promising Shisui the position of Anbu team leader, the Third Hokage also allocated a number of jonin slots to the Uchiha, but compared to the number given to the Hyuga clan, the Uchiha's allotment was rather meager.

Although the Hyuga ninjas had not contributed significantly during this defensive war, their sheer numbers were substantial.

With so many high-level missions combined, this led to a significant increase in the number of Hyuga ninjas promoted to jonin, even surpassing the Uchiha clan.

Danzo observed all of this with disdain, secretly cursing the Third Hokage's hypocrisy.

From the beginning of the meeting, it had been nothing more than a double act between him and the Third Hokage. Whether it was suppressing Jiraiya or recruiting Shisui, or granting excessive jonin slots to the Hyuga clan.

All of this aimed to divide the Uchiha and Hyuga, preventing these two largest clans from uniting.

As long as the Hyuga and Uchiha were treated differently, the Uchiha could never ally with the Hyuga, continuing to be suppressed and discriminated against until their clan was completely extinguished.

And the Hyuga clan had always been nothing to fear.

As long as the caged bird system exists, they need not worry about the Hyuga clan becoming a threat. When necessary, it wouldn't be impossible to unite with the branch family members to deal with the occasionally ambitious main family.

However, Danzo was somewhat dissatisfied with this performance. He was always the one playing the villain, while the Third Hokage consistently played the role of the nice guy.

This was the inherent advantage of the Hokage; even if he paid a heavy price, he could only hide in the shadows.

In the past, he might have felt extremely angry, but ever since obtaining Tenzō, he had calmed down. While Tenzō's bloodline wasn't as powerful as that of Hashirama Senju, it still contained the strength of youth renewal.

He just needed to wait until Tenzō grew up, and he could become the next Hokage of the village.

When that time came, all the incriminating evidence he had gathered against the Third Hokage over the years would be released, forcing the Third Hokage to step down, while he would then emerge as the Fifth Hokage.

The two advisors and Jiraiya were also observing all of this.

The advisors were already used to such a scene, having witnessed it for decades. As for the oppressed jonin and clans, they needed to reflect on their own shortcomings.

Over the years, had they genuinely worked on developing their own power? Had they contributed anything to the village?

Jiraiya sighed inwardly, having already made a decision.

After the meeting, Jiraiya headed to the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage was watching the live feed through the crystal ball while puffing on his pipe. Upon hearing footsteps, he looked up at Jiraiya and smiled, "Jiraiya, you finally made it!

Why do you look a bit unhappy? Don't take what I said to heart; it was just some small tactics for dealing with the clans. Danzo doesn't mean to target you specifically. The Uchiha and Hyuga have gained too much recognition this time, and they can easily get carried away. They still need to be reminded of their place. The jonin slots are also something they require…"

Seemingly satisfied with Jiraiya's performance, the Third Hokage began imparting some Hokage wisdom, preparing to position Jiraiya as the Fifth Hokage.

Among his disciples, the ones with the most favorable bloodlines and whom he held in the highest regard had either defected or left the village.

Now, Jiraiya was the only remaining candidate for Hokage.

As for his diligent eldest son and his wayward youngest son, he had considered cultivating them as candidates for Hokage, but they lacked the necessary achievements and strength.

If he were to force them into the position of Hokage, the Sarutobi clan would face dire consequences.

Jiraiya took a deep breath and then slowly said, "Old man, I heard that Orochimaru has defected."

The Third Hokage nodded with a complex expression,

"Yes, Orochimaru has defected. When he left, he told me that the skies of Konoha can no longer accommodate his ideals, so he chose to leave."

"I see…"

Jiraiya sighed softly, then with a serious expression requested, "Old man, now that the war has ended, I want to leave the village to bring Orochimaru back."