Countless Ninja Clans declared neutrality one after another!
They might fight the Uchiha if pushed to the brink, but they would absolutely never choose to go to war with Minato Namikaze.
Everyone has seen the treatment Uzumaki Naruto received.
Senju, Uzumaki, Sakumo Hatake...
There are simply too many similar examples. Even these Ninja Clans haven't been living well; whenever one or two geniuses appeared within their clans, Danzo would find ways to drag them into Root...
Everyone has had enough!
In the past, they didn't seek power because Hiruzen Sarutobi controlled the core authority, and these Ninja Clans were too scattered to form a united force, so they could only passively and miserably endure it.
But what about now?
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage who also holds the moral high ground, has stepped forward. He was even considerate enough not to require them to pick a side; they only needed to remain neutral, and he would handle the rest.
Faced with such a warm little sun, how could the major Ninja Clans not show some respect?
Meanwhile, on the other side.
As the major Ninja Clans chose neutrality, countless civilian Ninjas also followed suit, and even more than half of the Anbu Ninjas took a step back, indicating they would no longer participate.
Yes!
Perhaps their political sensitivity isn't high, but their simple values tell them whose rule makes their lives easier.
Compared to the era of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze's tenure was short, and perhaps he didn't have full control, but during that time, their lives were much more relaxed than they are now.
That alone is enough!
Furthermore, Minato Namikaze is kind, gentle with others, and would earnestly listen to the voices from the bottom.
Knowing this is enough!
Therefore, even if they had to vote with their feet, they would still stand with Minato Namikaze.
Not to mention that the gentle Shisui doesn't even need them to risk their lives or take a side; they only need to remain neutral.
In such a situation, everyone naturally knows what to choose!
In almost an instant.
Following Minato Namikaze's words, only die-hard supporters remained behind Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sank slightly.
It seems he had squeezed the Village too hard in the past and underestimated the prestige of Minato Namikaze, who had served as the Fourth Hokage for less than a year.
Should he fight?
He fell into deep thought!
But, on the other side.
Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could figure this out, the elders, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado, could no longer sit still.
"You—how dare you!"
"Minato Namikaze has already stood with the Rogue Ninja. Minato Namikaze is no longer the Fourth Hokage; the Hokage in our hearts is Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
"Do you people want to become Rogue Ninja as well?"
The two elders both spoke up.
They even shouted the slogan about Rogue Ninja, which shows just how angry they were.
There was no other way!
They had been elders, high and mighty, for too long; they were now completely out of touch with reality and ignorant of the hardships of the people.
They thought that by shouting a slogan, they could get others to stand on their side, not realizing that the Village is composed of individuals. If they truly lost the hearts of the people, even with their status as elders, they wouldn't be able to command a single soldier in Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, was completely different!
Even though his courage wasn't what it used to be and his combat strength had weakened significantly, his insight remained, and he could still clearly recognize the general trend!
Although everyone appeared neutral, they had actually already made their choice!
If he continued to let the two elders threaten them, these neutral parties would immediately stand with Minato Namikaze.
Fight?
That wouldn't work either!
He knew clearly how strong Minato Namikaze was, not to mention that the other side also had Orochimaru and Konoha's current figurehead, Kakashi...
Even if he used his full strength or even some trump cards, it would be meaningless, because Minato Namikaze didn't actually need to win; it would be enough if he could just force a draw.
By then...
The countless Ninjas who were currently neutral would not hesitate to help Minato Namikaze take him out!
The reason? It was very realistic!
Because as long as Minato Namikaze won, at the very least, they wouldn't continue to be exploited by the Konoha Higher-ups, and their lives would certainly be much better than they were now.
Even if Minato was currently in an Edo Tensei body.
But who cared?
Therefore—he couldn't fight!
After all, if a war really broke out, the possibility of him losing was very high.
Once he truly lost on the battlefield, the loser would certainly be held accountable afterward!
Then...
What would happen to the Sarutobi Clan then? How would his descendants continue to live in Konoha?
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately made up his mind.
He who hesitates is lost!
He showed none of the hesitation he had when dealing with the Uchiha; on the contrary, he displayed extremely terrifying decisiveness.
"Koharu, Homura..."
"You two, shut up. Everyone has the right to choose!"
"Also, Minato!"
"I think there must be a misunderstanding between us, and I will absolutely not fight you!"
"You are a hero of the Village, and I will always acknowledge that."
"Since everyone thinks I did wrong, it can only prove that I am old and no longer qualified to lead the Village forward."
"I choose—to retire!"
"Right now, in front of everyone, I announce that I am giving up the position of Hokage!"
"As for what comes next..."
"Whether you, Minato, choose to continue serving as Hokage, or if the Village holds a new election..."
"I will not participate, nor will I make any nominations!"
"From now on, unless there is a major crisis involving the survival of the Village, I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, will not leave the Sarutobi Clan compound."
"Farewell!"
After saying this.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped paying attention to everyone and turned around to leave directly.
The death of Danzo? The destruction of Root?
Heh!
When Minato Namikaze personally appeared and even took the initiative to become his enemy, he had completely abandoned his original thoughts.
Danzo?
Just a henchman, if he's dead, then he's dead!
This is normal!
It was precisely because he knew how strong Minato Namikaze's appeal was that he had no intention whatsoever of seeking revenge for his old friend.
On the other side.
Following Hiruzen Sarutobi's departure, the two elders, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado, were left completely stunned in place.
Damn it!
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was the Hokage, ran away; what were they, the two elders, supposed to do?
At this moment, their minds were naturally blank!
And just as the two were thinking of a solution, Orochimaru's voice spoke up again.
"Two elders, be sensible!"
"I suggest you learn from Teacher Hiruzen. If you are willing to step down voluntarily now, then everyone can still save some face."
"Otherwise..."
"If we have to 'invite' you to step down, then you will lose your dignity in your twilight years!"
Orochimaru's tone was cold and sinister.
But regardless of Minato Namikaze, the countless Ninja Clans, or the civilian Ninjas...
Everyone remained silent and just stared coldly at the two elders!