At least, destroying a few hidden villages is certain.

Either it will lead Konoha to destruction and be besieged by the entire ninja world because of provoking wars several times.

I don't know why, but Hiruzen Sarutobi feels this way.

Sheren is not a conservative person like him.

Therefore, after careful consideration today, his resistance to Shi Ren outweighed his acceptance of him.

only...

When he had just finished reading the contents of the scroll spread out on the table, a slightly bitter and helpless smile appeared on his face.

"You're here." Sarutobi Hiruzen said calmly.

Toneri nodded, ignoring the hostility of Kobuki and Mito Kaden who were sleeping in the dormitory. He only had Sarutobi Hiruzen in his eyes.

"It seems you know everything?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, but before Toneri could answer, he laughed to himself.

"Yes, you have already guessed it before, and you must have put a lot of attention there. Now you come to me because you are sure."

In response to Sarutobi Hiruzen's self-question and answer, Toneri shrugged without saying much.

It was all tacitly understood, and there wasn't much that could be said.

Toneri sighed softly, pulled up a chair next to him, and sat down under the glares of Mito Kado and Koharu.

"Sigh - Uncle Third Generation, actually we don't have to do this. Although I hide some things, you should know my personality and my character. We could have dealt with it in a more peaceful way.

But some things, you know, can't be avoided."

If Danzo hadn't forced him again and again, he would have been willing to compete for the position of Hokage in a more friendly way.

Just because of Sarutobi Hiruzen's repeated indulgence, his patience with Danzo reached its limit.

This is why they now have to meet and talk in this mood.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was also touched by his words, and his eyes calmed down a lot.

"Sacrifice yourself..."

"I am here."

"Can I...can I trust you again?" Sarutobi Hiruzen looked straight into Toneri's eyes.

Looking at his Sharingan and normal eyes, and the reason why he can use Wood Release...

Toneri didn't shy away and looked directly at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Actually, no matter what I say now, our gap already exists. If I say you can trust me, can you really trust me 100%?"

"I..." Sarutobi Hiruzen opened his mouth, but he was unable to give a definite answer.

At this moment, he asked himself.

Can it be done?

I'm afraid not.

Seeing his expression, Shiren knew it.

Smiling slightly sarcastically, this is human nature. Once you don't trust someone, it is almost impossible to trust someone 100% again.

"Don't try to convince yourself, because it is of no use at all. If you have this time, it is better to think carefully about how to give a reasonable explanation and explanation to the residents of Konoha."

With that said, Toneri stood up from his position and walked to the door.

Before opening the door and leaving, he half-turned around and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, "Uncle Thirdai, actually you should be able to feel that my heart for Konoha is genuine."

After saying that, he opened the door and walked out.

"Hiruzhan, what happened? Why does this kid look like he's winning? How dare he be so arrogant?

Don't worry, with the two of us here, we will never let him succeed."

Xiaochun went to bed and waited until Toneri really left, then started to talk nonsense.

"That's right!" Mito Monoyan on the side also agreed.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen paid no attention to their intentions, and just stared blankly in the direction of the door after Toneri left.

The eyes are complicated.

"For Konoha?"

Regarding Shiren's words, he could feel that he was not lying or talking nonsense.

He sighed secretly, looked at the content described in the scroll on the table, and slowly put it away.

"I wish I was overthinking it..."

After leaving the Hokage's office, Toneri went directly to the temporary gathering place for the root ninjas.

Now that the root base is still blocked, these root ninjas can only stay in the temporarily opened place.

"Lord Shiren."

Seeing Toneri's arrival, the root ninja immediately shouted respectfully.

"Ryoma, tell everyone to start taking action. At the same time, send someone to inform Uchiha Fugaku and Orochimaru that the plan has begun."

"yes!"

After giving the order, Toneri turned his head and looked at the Hokage Building in the distance, as well as the Hokage Rock behind the Hokage Building with the heads of the first three generations of Hokages carved on it.

The corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up.

From this moment on.

A rumor has appeared in Konoha, and it is so well-founded that it is almost a fact.

That is, Konoha has signed an alliance contract with one of their most powerful enemies at the moment, Iwagakure Village, and the Iwa ninjas have turned their direction and started attacking the Kumo ninjas.

Originally, the faces of Konoha residents who knew the news subconsciously showed happiness and joy.

After forming an alliance with the Iwagakure Village and the Iwa Ninja attacking the Kumo Ninja, does that mean that Konoha has lost two powerful enemies at once and the Third Ninja World War is coming to an end?

But then, some people's expressions were different.

And these people were all those who had relatives, friends or close contacts who died on the battlefield of Taki Country. The people they valued died at the hands of the Iwa Ninja.

But before this revenge has been avenged, Konoha has formed an alliance with Iwagakure?

Will there be another chance for revenge in the future?

When hearing the news, many people burst into tears, especially some young people.

They work hard to practice and improve their strength, just so that one day they can have a chance to take revenge.

But now Konoha and Iwagakure are in alliance.

The pent-up energy suddenly dissipated, and many people were confused.

Immediately afterwards, another news came.

The decision to sign an alliance with Iwagakure Village was made by the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.

For a time, everyone was excited.

Peace, this is what they want, but it is not the peace they can get in this way.

What they need is the kind of peace that comes from a hearty victory. They want the kind of peace that comes after hatred is repaid, not the current kind of peace that seems to be somewhat compromised.

Driven by public opinion, Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly became the target of public criticism.

Just like Hatake Sakumo in the past, no matter how great your achievements are or how high your status is, you can't stop everyone from talking.

After two days of public opinion fermentation, the time has come.

Toneri came to Sarutobi Hiruzen's office with Uchiha Fugaku, Orochimaru, and Aburame Ryoma who helped him take charge of the roots.

Even in the Hokage's office, you can vaguely hear some not-so-good comments coming from outside.

Especially regarding the powerful Hiruzen Sarutobi, these seemingly deliberately lowered discussions could not escape his ears.

Although he knew it would be such a result, he did not expect that the reaction of the Konoha villagers would be so strong.

Originally, he could have delayed it until the end of the Third Ninja War, made all personnel arrangements, ensured that he would retain enough power when he left office, and could calmly step down to appease everyone's emotions.

Unfortunately, there was someone behind the scenes, and things reached a climax too quickly, leaving him unable to react. Many personnel arrangements were not implemented.

As Hokage, he was at the center of public opinion for the first time.

Push the door open again and enter the Hokage's office.

Looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi who was sitting in his seat smoking a cigarette with a haggard look on his face, Toneri no longer evaded or covered up this time.

Staring at him with burning eyes, he said bluntly: "The Third Hokage, given the situation in Konoha at this time and the reaction level of Konoha residents, I suggest...

You can step down as Hokage!

We will definitely be grateful for your contribution to Konoha over the years, remember your noble teachings, and continue the "Will of Fire".

So...please give everyone an explanation!"
Chapter completed!