"Shimura Danzō, stop changing the subject!"
Seeing Koharu Utatane being verbally crushed by Danzō after just a few sentences, Hiruzen Sarutobi grew anxious and quickly spoke up.
Danzō glanced at him indifferently.
"Principal Sarutobi, since when did it become your turn to speak?"
Hiruzen snapped back angrily,
"This is the Jōnin Council. Everyone present has the right to speak. It's not your personal court!"
"Do you mean to say that I don't even have the right to speak anymore?"
Danzō remained expressionless.
"Principal Sarutobi, you should first understand the situation before speaking."
"I am currently responding to Elder Koharu's questioning in my capacity as a Konoha Elder and Hokage Advisor."
"The two of us are in the middle of a discussion."
"You interrupting at will—what exactly is that supposed to be?"
"Do you not even possess the most basic sense of etiquette?"
He paused before continuing coldly.
"If that's truly the case, then I must question whether you are capable of fulfilling your role as Principal of the Ninja Academy."
"After all, the academy educates the next generation of Konoha—the future of the Land of Fire."
"If the principal himself lacks even the most basic manners, how can he possibly teach the village's children properly?"
Danzō then turned toward the crowd and raised his hand.
"Everyone here witnessed what just happened."
"I am not making baseless accusations."
"Therefore, in my capacity as Konoha Elder and Hokage Advisor, I propose a resolution—"
"To remove Hiruzen Sarutobi from the position of Principal of the Ninja Academy."
The entire hall stirred.
Because if the matter were truly investigated—
it was almost certain that Hiruzen's position as principal could not be preserved.
After all, during his time as Hokage, Hiruzen had rarely handled the academy's daily affairs personally.
His role there had largely been symbolic.
Hiruzen clenched his teeth as he watched the situation unfold, yet he had no immediate way to respond.
Danzō's move was clearly meant to shift the focus of the meeting.
Instead of continuing the investigation into the Kikyō Mountain battle, he had dragged the discussion into the issue of the Ninja Academy.
If the debate continued down this path—
people might soon forget that they had originally been holding Danzō accountable.
Just then, Homura Mitokado coughed lightly.
"Elder Shimura, please calm down."
"Hiruzen only spoke out of turn unintentionally. There's no need to escalate such a small matter."
Danzō turned to look at him.
"Am I being emotional?"
His tone remained flat.
"Personal matters, no matter how large, are still small."
"But matters concerning the village, no matter how small, are significant."
"The position of Ninja Academy Principal is extremely important."
"How can you call it a trivial matter?"
The room fell silent.
Many people exchanged uneasy glances.
The flames of this conflict had suddenly spread to everyone present.
However, Uchiha Ren, Shikaku Nara , Orochimaru, and a few others had already seen through Danzō's intentions.
This was nothing more than a diversion.
Danzō wanted to muddy the waters so that he could escape the earlier accusations.
And if the debate dragged on long enough—
the momentum against him would fade.
As the saying went:
Strike once with force, strike again with less, and by the third time the energy is gone.
If the discussion kept drifting away, it would become increasingly difficult to hold Danzō accountable.
At that moment, Hiruzen made a decision.
He cast a reassuring glance toward Homura and Koharu, signaling them to remain calm.
Then he spoke firmly.
"There's no need to investigate."
"I admit that I am no longer capable of fulfilling the duties of Principal of the Ninja Academy."
"I hereby resign from the position."
The room froze.
Most people—including Homura and Koharu—stared at him in confusion.
No one had expected Hiruzen to give up the position so abruptly.
But Hiruzen understood the situation clearly.
If he continued arguing with Danzō, Danzō would only continue attacking him through the academy issue.
Eventually, even his other positions might come under scrutiny.
Furthermore—
now that Hiruzen was no longer Hokage, holding onto the academy position served little purpose.
In fact, it might become a weapon used against him.
After all, if a retired Hokage still clung to such a position for prestige—
how would the next Hokage feel about it?
Thus Hiruzen chose to cut the problem off entirely.
Danzō narrowed his eye slightly.
As expected…
Hiruzen Sarutobi really is the greatest opponent of my life.
Danzō's gaze contained a hint of cold admiration.
Hiruzen looked directly at him.
"Shimura Danzō."
"I have already resigned as Principal of the Ninja Academy."
"That matter should now be settled."
"Now we can return to the original issue."
However, Danzō only smiled faintly.
"That may be so."
"But now I'm curious."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Former Principal Sarutobi… in what capacity are you speaking to me now?"
"As Minister of the Education Department?"
"Or as Head of the Mission Assignment Office?"
Unlike the Education Department—which held relatively little authority—
the Mission Assignment Office was extremely powerful.
Even positions such as Head of the Medical Department, Finance Department, or Logistics Department could hardly compare with its influence.
Danzō's meaning was obvious.
If Hiruzen continued pressing the matter—
those positions might become the next targets.
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
He understood perfectly.
This was a threat.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Ren watched the scene with great interest.
If he had known the meeting would become this entertaining, he really should have brought peanuts and melon seeds to enjoy the show.
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