Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 176: Minato's Upcoming Appointment, All Eyes on Haneda!

The first Elder was the first to agree enthusiastically:

"Yes, with Lord Haneda's strategic insight, the Uchiha clan will rise again under the guidance of Lord Haneda and our Clan Leader!"

The Second Elder quickly echoed:

"Exactly! Lord Haneda is wise and farsighted, having prepared everything in advance!"

The Second Elder also took a moment to apologize for previous issues:

"I feel ashamed for nearly jeopardizing the clan's plans."

The other elders chimed in with praise, filling the room with flattery.

...

Haneda, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the praise, waved a hand and said:

"Thank you, but I don't handle the Uchiha's day-to-day affairs. We rely on Clan Leader Fugaku and all of you, the respected elders."

The first Elder immediately picked up on this and praised Fugaku:

"Of course! It's only through Lord Haneda's planning and the Clan Leader's steadfast implementation that our success is possible!"

The compliments aimed at both Haneda and Fugaku continued, making Fugaku—who was usually called incompetent—feel a rare surge of pride. Constantly criticized by his father and the elders, Fugaku was finally feeling vindicated. He glanced over at Haneda, knowing that he owed much of this change to his sworn brother.

**Knock, knock, knock!**

Soon after, an ANBU arrived at Haneda's doorstep and knocked politely.

"Lord Haneda, Lord Hokage has called for a meeting of the Jōnin. He requests your presence."

For Fugaku and the elders, seeing such respectful treatment from an ANBU ninja was unusual, though they understood, considering Minato's imminent appointment and ANBU's hopes to impress the new Hokage. Given Haneda's close ties with Minato, they knew Haneda's influence would only grow.

"The fruits of victory are ripening," Haneda said. "Gather the Uchiha Jōnin at the usual spot."

He took a black uniform from the rack, put it on, and stepped outside, leaving behind an impressive silhouette.

...

At the Hokage building, many civilian and clan Jōnin had already gathered, including members from the Sarutobi, Nara, Akimichi, Aburame, and Hyuga clans. The seating in the meeting hall was tense, with Danzo on the elders' bench looking especially grim. Orochimaru had defected, leaving Danzo's chosen Hokage candidate an enemy to the village!

When Minato entered, nearly every gaze in the room shifted to him. Danzo watched the young Minato, his teeth clenched. In his mind, the position of Fourth Hokage should have belonged to Orochimaru, not this young upstart. Minato's appointment also posed a serious threat to the Foundation; even if Danzo kept it going, a loss of resources would slowly weaken his hold.

**Tap, tap, tap…**

A steady rhythm of footsteps sounded outside as Haneda led the Uchiha Jōnin into the meeting hall. The other clans' Jōnin looked over at Haneda and the Uchiha group, recognizing that, as the first to back Minato, the Uchiha were sure to gain his trust. It was clear that Haneda's close relationship with Minato—solidified during the Third Shinobi War—would keep the Uchiha aligned with the future Hokage.

Danzo looked at Haneda and the smiling Uchiha members behind him, grinding his teeth. The Uchiha, who he believed to be inherently malevolent, were rising to power. Once Minato became Hokage, he feared Haneda would turn his sights on the Foundation.

Danzo fumed in frustration, cursing at Hiruzen for what he saw as a disastrous choice that would bring ruin to Konoha.

Meanwhile, Haneda focused solely on Minato and Kakashi, until he and the Uchiha members finally took their seats, filling a significant portion of the room.

The Third Hokage cleared his throat and began:

"Last night, ANBU uncovered Orochimaru's horrific experiments on fellow village shinobi. His victims included genin, chūnin, ANBU, and even his students: Might Guy, Anko Mitarashi, and Genma Shiranui, among others."

"As his teacher and as Hokage, I feel deeply ashamed. I intend to step down and have Minato take my place."

After Hiruzen's speech, Kakashi stood up, looking anxious.

"Hokage-sama, how is Guy doing?"

"He's recovering in the hospital and is currently stable," Hiruzen replied reassuringly.

Hearing this, Haneda thought about Orochimaru's nature. Even in his defection, he had ensured his students were left safe. Sighing, Haneda resolved to visit Guy after the meeting.

The Third Hokage continued:

"Now, I'll let Minato say a few words."

With a fist clenched in excitement, Minato stepped forward, meeting the encouraging gazes of Haneda, Kakashi, and Kushina.

"I... I'm grateful for everyone's support." Minato began, his voice trembling. "I'm honored to achieve the dream that my love and I share." He looked at Kushina, then at Haneda, smiling. "I want to thank Kushina for her constant support and Lord Haneda for his guidance in ninjutsu."

"I'll never forget how, two years ago, Haneda saved both me and my loved one. It's a classified event, but…"

As Minato spoke, the Jōnin's attention shifted toward Haneda. The revelation that Haneda had once saved both the future Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki left them in awe. Each clan leader exchanged knowing looks, realizing that under Haneda's influence, the Uchiha would become a dominant force in Konoha's future.

At the elders' bench, Danzo sat uneasily, already envisioning the Foundation's precarious future. With Minato as a fully empowered Hokage supported by the Uchiha, he feared the new regime would target the Foundation.

Danzo grumbled under his breath, turning his frustrated gaze toward Hiruzen, thinking bitterly, 'You'll regret this choice someday, Hiruzen!'