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"How could this be? Third Hokage, he actually—"
Naruto was incredibly surprised upon hearing the news of the Third Hokage's death. In his impression, the Hokage was very robust, so how could he suddenly pass away?
"Let's go to the Hokage Building!"
Tsunade was also very surprised by the news of the Third Hokage's death. After repeatedly confirming the news, she immediately rushed to the Hokage Building with Naruto.
She felt that Hiruzen Sarutobi's sudden death was likely not natural. Something must have happened in the Village, and he was very likely killed by someone!
"Oh."
Naruto nodded, then followed Tsunade to the Hokage Building. At the same time, he shared the news with his parents in his mind:
'Dad, Mom, did you hear? The Third Hokage actually died!'
"We heard."
Minato Namikaze was the first to respond to Naruto, saying in a deep voice,
'In my impression, Hokage-sama's body was very robust. He shouldn't have died due to illness or anything like that, so something big must have happened in the Village!'
'Dad, do you mean the Third Hokage was killed?'
Naruto was startled by Minato Namikaze's words and said,
'But isn't the Third Hokage the "Strongest Hokage"? Who could kill him?'
...
Minato Namikaze was speechless for a moment when Naruto mentioned Hiruzen Sarutobi's title of "Strongest Hokage." It wasn't that he doubted Hiruzen Sarutobi's strength; rather, he hadn't seen the First and Second Hokage's strength, so he couldn't compare them.
However, Minato Namikaze had heard of the First Hokage's title as the "Ninja God." He felt that this title carried more weight than "Strongest Hokage." The Second Hokage was the Third Hokage's teacher and also held the title of "Ninja World's Fastest," so his strength likely wouldn't be weaker.
As for Minato himself, he was a junior, so it was difficult to compare. In truth, he more readily acknowledged the Third Hokage's title of "Professor of Ninjutsu."
Minato Namikaze was also curious about how Hokage-sama obtained the title of "Strongest Hokage."
As for who could kill him, there weren't many people in the entire Ninja World capable of such a feat.
Especially within the Village.
So, in Minato Namikaze's view, if the Third Hokage hadn't died outside the Village like the Second Hokage, then there must have been a traitor within.
He even had a suspect in mind.
But to preserve Naruto's perception of the Village, he chose not to voice it.
So instead, he said,
'Hokage-sama is indeed very strong, but he is old. His strength would inevitably decline.'
Naruto immediately responded in surprise,
"So, Dad, you also think the Third Hokage was killed?"
Naruto had always believed the title "Strongest Hokage" meant absolute power.
If that were true, who could possibly kill him?
Minato was momentarily speechless before replying,
'You'll understand once you speak with the others in the Village alongside Lady Tsunade.'
"Oh."
Naruto nodded and continued forward.
"Tsun—Tsunade-sama?!"
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, who had just exited the Hokage Building, were stunned to see her.
Akimichi Choza immediately exclaimed,
"It's Lady Tsunade! You've actually returned?!"
"What, can't I return?" Tsunade snapped, glaring at him.
"I didn't mean—Mm!~"
Choza hurriedly covered his mouth.
"Hmph."
Tsunade snorted, clearly irritated but unwilling to press further. She turned to Nara Shikaku.
"Shikaku, what happened? Why did the Hokage suddenly die?"
Shikaku hesitated briefly before answering,
"It was Orochimaru. He colluded with Danzo Shimura and killed Hokage-sama."
"Orochimaru?!"
Tsunade's expression darkened instantly.
"I knew it! It had to be that bastard! Where is he now? And what about Danzo? Is he dead?"
She wasn't surprised Orochimaru could do such a thing.
Nor was she surprised he worked with Danzo.
But that they succeeded—
That was shocking.
'Dad, who is Danzo Shimura?' Naruto asked internally.
"Danzo is a Village elder," Minato replied. "He is also Hokage-sama's contemporary and a fellow student of the Second Hokage."
Naruto was stunned.
"Then why would he help Orochimaru kill the Third Hokage?"
Minato hesitated.
"I'm… not sure."
Shikaku continued:
"After assassinating Hokage-sama, Orochimaru and Danzo appeared to have an internal conflict. Both fled the Village. The elders have reported the situation to the Daimyo, but—there is disagreement about issuing a warrant for Danzo."
"Disagreement?" Tsunade frowned. "Why?"
"Because the elders believe there may be hidden circumstances."
"Hidden circumstances?" Tsunade's voice turned cold. "Explain everything. And where is Jiraiya?"
"He had just left the Village before the incident. In hindsight, it was likely arranged."
Shikaku then explained everything in detail.
Orochimaru used Asuma Sarutobi as a tool, controlling him to deliver a fatal strike.
Then he emerged and killed Hiruzen.
But immediately afterward, Orochimaru was betrayed—ambushed by Danzo's subordinate.
Furious, Orochimaru exposed Danzo's involvement publicly.
Danzo attempted to silence him.
But Orochimaru revealed evidence—undeniable proof.
Then the Uchiha Clan appeared.
Itachi Uchiha stepped forward and exposed Danzo's crimes:
Stealing Sharingan
Implanting one into himself
Experimenting with the First Hokage's cells
Desecrating Hashirama's remains
Danzo couldn't refute anything.
Faced with exposure, he temporarily allied with Orochimaru and fled.
The Village attempted to stop them—but failed.
Then—
The Uchiha Clan intervened.
They crushed the battlefield.
Itachi awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, subdued Orochimaru, and overwhelmed Danzo.
But Danzo escaped using a forbidden technique.
After the battle—
The Uchiha Clan's reputation soared.
They became heroes.
But in the eyes of the higher-ups—
They became a greater threat.
The elders even suspected it was all a conspiracy.
Yet they had no proof.
So they stalled the warrant for Danzo as a form of resistance.
"The Uchiha Clan..."
Tsunade frowned deeply.
This situation—
Was far more complicated than it appeared.
Yet one thing was certain.
Orochimaru and Danzo—
Were undeniably guilty.