Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, his words sounding as if he were genuinely considering Konoha's best interests.
However, Ning Feng immediately sensed something different.
On the surface, Hiruzen seemed to be suggesting that Ning Feng become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, but in reality, he intended to use the power of the Nine-Tails to eliminate Ning Feng.
After all, controlling a Tailed Beast was extremely difficult for a Jinchūriki.
One careless mistake could lead to being devoured by the beast's power.
And among all the Tailed Beasts, the Nine-Tails was the most powerful and the hardest to control.
Uzumaki Kushina could serve as a Jinchūriki because she possessed the powerful sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan.
But Ning Feng did not have such powerful sealing abilities.
Even if Ning Feng somehow managed to become the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki successfully, he would likely feel indebted to Hiruzen.
For Hiruzen, it was a win–win situation.
He could either eliminate Ning Feng through the Nine-Tails' backlash—or gain his loyalty.
Furthermore, after the events of the Nine-Tails Night, Minato would very likely ask Ning Feng to become the Jinchūriki as well.
But that raised another question.
Minato was the Fourth Hokage, the true leader of Konoha.
Since when did Hiruzen have the authority to make such decisions?
In truth, Hiruzen was also trying to compete for influence within Konoha.
"I didn't expect Lord Hiruzen to think so highly of me—suggesting that I become the next Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
Ning Feng spoke calmly.
"But I'm afraid this matter should be discussed with Teacher Minato first."
"After all, he is the Hokage of Konoha."
His words politely rejected Hiruzen while simultaneously reaffirming Minato's authority.
When dealing with an old fox like Hiruzen, Ning Feng had no intention of getting too close.
One careless step, and he might end up being manipulated to death.
In the original story, Hiruzen had known full well that the Uchiha clan was heading toward annihilation, yet he still allowed Danzō and others to proceed.
Just that alone was enough for Ning Feng to have no favorable impression of him.
Sure enough—
Hearing Ning Feng's response, a flash of irritation crossed Hiruzen's eyes.
A trace of coldness flickered within them.
But he quickly concealed it.
Hiruzen could endure.
However, the members of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans beside him could not.
Bang!
An Akimichi clan member suddenly stood up.
"Uchiha Feng! Lord Hiruzen invited you here out of respect—don't be ungrateful—"
Before he could finish speaking—
Ning Feng's Mangekyō Sharingan flashed with a sinister gleam.
Thud!
The Akimichi clan member collapsed to the floor instantly.
The other two clan members tried to stand—
But they also dropped to the ground moments later.
Within seconds, the entire hall was left with only Hiruzen and Ning Feng still conscious.
Hiruzen looked at Ning Feng in complete shock.
Fear flickered faintly within his eyes.
How could he not be afraid?
Those members of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans were elite ninjas.
Yet they had all fallen into Ning Feng's genjutsu in an instant.
"Feng… I am only thinking about Konoha's future."
"I hope you won't reject my goodwill."
Hiruzen spoke with a gentle smile.
He looked completely harmless.
Just as Ning Feng was considering his response—
A sharp sound suddenly echoed from outside.
Dozens of Sarutobi clan ninjas descended into the courtyard.
Among them was Sarutobi Shinnosuke, a former ANBU captain who had crossed paths with Ning Feng before.
His cold gaze locked onto Ning Feng.
At the same time, the other Sarutobi clan members discreetly gripped their kunai, clearly ready to attack at any moment.
"Lord Hiruzen… is this how you treat your guests?"
Ning Feng's eyes flickered slightly.
"Feng."
"If you cooperate, you can become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
"But if you refuse…"
"Then the Four-Tails and Five-Tails will have to remain with me."
As he spoke, Hiruzen shook his sleeve slightly, revealing the battle armor he wore—identical to the armor he used in the original story.
"Of course," Hiruzen added calmly.
"This is all for the sake of Konoha."
"For the sake of Konoha…"
A faint smile appeared on Ning Feng's lips.
Who knew how many clans and shinobi had suffered under that exact phrase?
The Uchiha massacre had happened under the same justification.
Even though other solutions existed, Hiruzen had chosen to stand by and watch, allowing Itachi and Obito to carry out the slaughter.
He always claimed it was "for Konoha."
But in reality, it was all politics.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have tried to eliminate Ning Feng the moment it became clear he wouldn't become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
"What a noble reason—'for the sake of Konoha.'"
Ning Feng suddenly raised his voice.
"If you truly cared about Konoha, why didn't you assign more guards to protect Uzumaki Kushina!?"
"If you truly cared about Konoha, how did that mysterious enemy manage to infiltrate the village so easily!?"
"As a former Hokage, you know better than anyone how important the Nine-Tails is!"
"And yet when the enemy attacked, you and the other ninjas arrived so late!"
"With your strength, how is that even possible!?"
Ning Feng's questions struck one after another like blades.
At first, Hiruzen tried to respond calmly.
But as the accusations piled up—
He suddenly froze.
For the first time, he found himself unable to answer.
"I… I…"
After a long pause, those were the only words he could utter.
Around them, the Sarutobi clan members frowned, waiting for Hiruzen's command.
Behind them, the Ino–Shika–Chō clan members had quietly prepared themselves as well.
Everyone was ready.
They were just waiting for Hiruzen's order.
But suddenly—
A sharp whooshing sound echoed.
A figure appeared instantly beside Ning Feng.
Namikaze Minato.
At the same time, elite ANBU operatives surrounded the entire courtyard.
"Lord Hiruzen."
"Uchiha Feng is one of Konoha's high-ranking figures."
"Why have you surrounded him with so many elite ninja?"
Minato's eyes had turned blood-red with anger.
He was filled with regret.
Regret that he hadn't anticipated Hiruzen's move against Ning Feng.
Fortunately—
He had arrived in time.
The tragedy of Kakashi, Obito, and Rin had already happened once.
Minato refused to let such a disaster occur again.
This time—
Minato was truly furious.
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