"You! Mitarashi Kai, what evidence do you have?" As the head of the clan, Fugaku Uchiha was well aware of the situation, but he certainly wouldn't and couldn't admit it.
"Evidence? My word is the evidence," Kai said calmly.
"Hmph, if there's no evidence, then this is slander against the Uchiha clan." Fugaku Uchiha turned to the Third Hokage: "Lord Hokage, I request immediate punishment for Mitarashi Kai."
"Indeed, Hiruzen, Mitarashi Kai dared to kill a Konoha ninja in public, he must be severely punished," Koharu Utatane echoed from the side.
"Yes, severe punishment is necessary," Homura Mitokado agreed.
However, Danzo watched the situation unfold with a cold gaze, not intending to speak, which surprised Kai.
Kai smiled faintly, disdainfully saying, "Fine, if you want evidence, I'll give it to you!"
Changing his tone, Kai's voice turned cold: "On the battlefield of the Land of Water, the Mist Ninja forces dispatched two Jinchuriki, five elite Jonin, thirty-six Jonin, and over six thousand Chunin and Genin."
"And the Konoha forces..."
"By the end of the war, Konoha had sacrificed a significant number of lives. Clan Leader Fugaku Uchiha, can you tell me why? Could it be that all the members of the Uchiha clan you sent were Kage-level powerhouses?"
Of course, Kai didn't waste time compiling these statistics; all these numbers were provided by Shikaku after his calculations.
With each number Kai reported, Fugaku Uchiha felt as if he was being slapped in the face. By the time Kai finished speaking, Fugaku Uchiha's expression was so dark it could drip water, and he had no choice but to look at the Third Hokage.
Before the Third Hokage could speak, Shikaku suddenly stepped forward: "Lord Hokage, I can testify that the Uchiha and Hyuga clans did not participate in the war in the Land of Water."
"Shikaku is right, Lord Hokage, we can also testify," Inoichi and Chōza stood up.
"I can testify too."
"So can I."
One by one, the Jonin who participated in the war in the Land of Water stood up, their eyes firmly fixed on the Third Hokage.
Kai watched the Third Hokage with interest, curious about how he would handle the situation.
The Third Hokage's expression was also grim; on one side were Konoha's first and second noble clans, and on the other was Konoha's core strength.
"Hiruzen, Mitarashi Kai must be..."
"Silence!"
Koharu Utatane tried to say something more, but was directly rebuked by the Third Hokage.
Everyone in the room turned their gaze to the Third Hokage, leaving only the sound of breathing in the eerily quiet space.
After a long pause, the Third Hokage slowly spoke: "The evidence is conclusive. The Uchiha and Hyuga clans did not participate in the war in the Land of Water. As punishment, all captains and above from the Uchiha and Hyuga clans involved in the Land of Water conflict will be executed, and both clans will be removed from Konoha's leadership."
The Third Hokage was truly in a difficult position; under the scrutiny of all the Jonin in the village, he had no choice but to punish the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. Otherwise, the resulting situation would be unimaginable.
"Lord Hokage, how can this be, our Uchiha clan..."
Fugaku Uchiha tried to protest, but was interrupted by the Third Hokage: "Enough, Clan Leader Fugaku, I understand this as a failure in the Uchiha clan's wartime personnel management. I hope you'll pay more attention next time."
The Third Hokage's words clearly indicated that the responsibility lay with those captains and squads, and if Fugaku didn't act sensibly, the punishment would be even harsher.
With a dark expression, Fugaku Uchiha left the Hokage meeting room without a word.
Hiashi Hyuga, who had remained silent, also left the room after formally excusing himself. Although his expression was difficult, it wasn't as severe as Fugaku's. As the clan leader, he didn't have to worry about these matters, as the clan elders handled all the Hyuga clan's affairs.
Execution of all captains and above? This time, the Uchiha and Hyuga clans would lose about forty or fifty members, all of whom were elite ninjas of at least Chunin rank. It was a significant loss.
Kai watched Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga leave, pondering in his heart.
Seeing that Kai didn't intend to press further, the Third Hokage breathed a sigh of relief, at least the situation was now under control.
"Alright, the post-war meeting is concluded," the Third Hokage's voice carried fatigue and age: "Additionally, I have another announcement to make, so please pay attention."
The Third Hokage paused, his tone filled with reluctance: "With the approval of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, the election for the Fourth Hokage of Konoha will begin!"
It was like a bolt from the blue, exploding in the Hokage meeting room.
"Old man, you're stepping down! Then who will be the Hokage?" Jiraiya couldn't help but ask.
The Third Hokage had held the position for over twenty years, during which Konoha emerged victorious from both the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, a feat inseparable from his leadership.
Not to mention anything else, just considering his contributions to Konoha, the Third Hokage was undoubtedly on par with the First and Second Hokage.
Not only Jiraiya, but everyone turned their attention to the Third Hokage, especially Danzo, whose eyes were filled with such longing it seemed ready to overflow.
"Right now, it's just the initial selection, with the tentative candidates being... Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Danzo Shimura, Minato Namikaze... and Mitarashi Kai," the Third Hokage said softly, his tone carrying an indescribable melancholy.
What! Hearing the announced candidates, Kai was a bit stunned to find himself included.
Looking at the others, Orochimaru's eyes flickered with unknown thoughts; Jiraiya seemed happy, yet there was a hint of avoidance in his eyes; Minato was practically grinning from ear to ear; as for Danzo, his breathing became labored, clearly showing his long-standing desire for the Hokage position.
"Old man, how will the Fourth Hokage be decided?" Jiraiya scratched his head and asked in confusion.
"In half a month, all Konoha ninjas of Chunin rank and above will vote to decide the final candidate for the Fourth Hokage."
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