Chapter 64: Resignation of ResponsibilityIn the blink of an eye, a month had passed since the Uchiha clan extermination. For the majority of people in Konoha, life seemed unchanged, save for a few extra topics of idle chatter after meals.Once the heat of the matter had gradually subsided, the Third Hokage announced something that shook the Land of Fire and even stirred the entire Ninja World.Hiruzen Sarutobi announced that such a tragedy had occurred right under his nose, and as Hokage, he had been completely unaware of it beforehand. This was undoubtedly a dereliction of duty. Furthermore, given his advanced age, he was no longer fit to hold the title of Hokage, so he had decided to step down from the position.Once this news broke, the reactions from various parties differed. In particular, Danzo, who had always coveted the position, was initially caught off guard by the Third Hokage, but was immediately plunged into ecstasy.He had finally waited for this day; his dream of many years seemed about to be realized. However, just as he began to make preparations, news arrived from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.First, the Daimyo expressed agreement with Hiruzen Sarutobi's request to step down as Hokage. In the future, he would continue to participate in matters related to Konoha Village as an Advisor. At the same time, the appointment of Tsunade, recommended by the Third Hokage, as the Fifth Hokage was also approved, with a deadline of one month to complete the carving of the Hokage Rock. The inauguration ceremony for the Hokage would take place on the day of the unveiling.Danzo was stunned. He had not expected that old guy Hiruzen Sarutobi to pull a fast one on him at this moment. His hatred for the Third Hokagedeepened, and now Danzo only hoped that Orochimaru could advance the timeline for his revenge against Konoha.A few days later, Jiraiya, who was traveling, learned of the news. He was stunned at first, then a knowing smile appeared on his face. He shook his head slightly and sighed, "Has that flat-chested girl from back then really become a busty Hokagenow?""Time flies! Indeed, everyone changes. To think that Tsunade would actually agree to take over as Hokage—it's truly incredible.""But this is also understandable. Although she enjoys a free and unrestrained life and always appears indifferent on the surface, in reality, she has always cared about the Village in her heart.""Tsunade is going to be Hokage. As an old friend, should I go back and show some support? Forget it! There's still no trace of the child of prophecy, so I'd better keep looking."Thinking this, Jiraiya gently moved aside the two sleeping hostesses beside him, jumped off the bed, got dressed, and continued his journey. He had to leave quickly before they woke up, otherwise, he would have to pay when dawn broke....Time passed quickly; Tsunade's Hokage Rock was about to be completed, and everyone was busy with matters related to the Hokage's inauguration.Since stepping down from the position of Hokage, the Third Hokage had completely cleared his mind and spent every day enjoying life, which could be summarized as: smoking a pipe, walking the dog, and playing with birds while accompanying his grandson.He no longer bothered with the trivial, complicated matters of the Village; even when the other three Advisors sought him out for discussions, he always brushed them off.However, one day, Tsunade arranged to meet him in the Hokage Office. The two were truly master and apprentice; they had agreed to meet at nine in the morning, but they both coincidentally didn't show up until noon.Upon meeting, Tsunade got straight to the point: "Old man, have you really entered retirement life? You're still young; the Village still needs your help.""How about this! I've just taken over as Hokage, and there are some things I don't quite understand how to handle. I've decided that from now on, if there are any important matters, the two of us will decide them together, and you can handle the rest of the miscellaneous trifles!"Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage unhurriedly lit his pipe. After taking a deep drag, he smacked his lips with great enjoyment, then picked up the tea that had been brewed on the table and took a sip before slowly saying, "I thought you had something important to discuss with me! So it was just this? Heh, no."Tsunade had been putting up with him for a long time. Hearing that the Third Hokage actually disagreed, she immediately flared up. She stood up abruptly, put one foot on the desk like a street thug, and pointed at the Third Hokage, saying, "Old man, I'm not discussing this with you; I am ordering you to do so as the Fifth Hokage. Don't be ungrateful!"The Third Hokage glanced at her and continued to shake his head, saying, "Oh? You're throwing your weight around before you've even officially taken office? Even if you were officially the Hokage, it wouldn't matter; I still wouldn't agree.""Otherwise, just strip me of my status as an Advisor. That way, I'll be even more relaxed, and I won't have to worry about those three old geezers constantly disturbing my peace.""Heh heh, what else can you do? Are you going to label me a rogue ninja and kick me out of the Village?"The once Third Hokage of Konoha was now acting like a rascal in front of his own disciple.Tsunade was even angrier and said threateningly, "Old man, you are erasing the next ten or twenty years of my life. I don't want to waste all my energy in this room. Having time to gamble and drink—that is my life.""Fine, if that's how it is, then I quit. Let's see what you do! Isn't Danzo always pining for this position of Hokage? Then let him have it."Who knew that the Third Hokage wouldn't fall for it at all? He said slowly, "That's not impossible, but I wonder if you've thought about this: you are currently the Fifth Hokage personally appointed by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.""If you quit now, it will be treated directly as defecting from the Village, and you will never be able to return.""Besides, you know what kind of person Danzo is. If you can bear to watch the Village that your grandfather worked so hard to build be destroyed because of your willfulness, then naturally, I have no objections."As the old saying goes, old people become cunning and old horses become slippery. The Third Hokagewas just like an old fox, having Tsunade completely figured out.Tsunade couldn't find any other words to counterattack, so she had to resort to being a rascal herself and said, "Fine, if that's what you say, then I don't need you. Anyway, I won't do these things.""When the time comes, I'll only pick the parts I'm interested in to handle, and leave the rest for the next Hokage. Anyway, they're all unimportant matters, so surely it won't cause any losses to the Village!""Oh, I got up a bit early today. I'll go back, have a drink, and take a nap. The life of a Hokage is truly wonderful!"
