Chapter 310: Chapter 310: The Hokage Isn’t Ready to Step Down So Easily

Chapter 310: Chapter 310: The Hokage Isn’t Ready to Step Down So Easily



As Takuya finally settled down, Jiraiya joined him, sitting cross-legged with a look of deep worry on his face.

"Ever since Orochimaru started working with Danzō, he's become... off. The Third Hokage

could step in, but he's just letting it happen. And with the ongoing war against the Mist Village, I'm genuinely concerned that Hatake Sakumo's situation might escalate into a bigger problem."

Takuya was genuinely surprised. Jiraiya, usually the type to avoid difficult matters, was now bringing them up seriously. And he wasn't wrong - if this continued unchecked, it would be a huge problem. Sakumo's death alone in the original story had shaken Konoha deeply. Takuya even speculated that, if Sakumo had lived, the Sand Village might not have dared to wage war so easily.

Sakumo, feared during the Second Shinobi War, had once brought the Mist Village to its knees. But after a series of rumors and internal strife, he had taken his own life - an event that left Konoha reeling, even in peacetime. Now, if such a tragedy happened during the current war, the consequences would be devastating.

"Talking to me about this won't help. I'm still someone the higher-ups treat with hostility, so I'm probably not the best person to consult." Takuya shrugged, giving Jiraiya a helpless look.

"I'm not just venting!" Jiraiya hastily clarified, slapping his thigh. "I brought this up because I think you should be aware of the bigger picture, and because I want you to help convince Tsunade to step up and become the Fourth Hokage."

Takuya choked, staring at Jiraiya in disbelief. Jiraiya was dead serious about wanting Tsunade to become Hokage.

Scratching his unruly hair, Jiraiya sighed, "I know it sounds presumptuous, but I just want the village to move forward smoothly. Right now, Orochimaru, Danzō, even Sensei himself - they're all becoming obstacles to that."

"I've thought long and hard about this. Orochimaru aiming for the Hokage position must have a reason," Jiraiya added.

Orochimaru had never seemed interested in becoming Hokage before. The Third Hokage wasn't stepping down anytime soon, so if Orochimaru had any ambitions, he kept them hidden. But now, everything was changing. As the saying goes, "When things seem off, there's usually something strange going on."

Orochimaru's behavior must have a motive that much Jiraiya was certain of.

*Takuya thought to himself, * You're thinking too small. The truth would probably terrify you if you knew.

Since Jiraiya was already speculating this much, Takuya decided to give him a little more to consider.

"Tsunade recently turned down several requests from the Root Division for medical equipment and rare medicines, and Orochimaru actually approached her about it," Takuya hinted, leaving Jiraiya to draw his own conclusions before swiftly leaving.

"Well... haha..." Jiraiya laughed awkwardly, scratching his head. "It's just that you have a good relationship with Tsunade, so I thought you'd be better suited to convince her."

Is that really the issue here? Takuya sighed in resignation, gesturing helplessly.

"Let's be realistic. Tsunade doesn't have any interest in being the Hokage right now," he

explained.

"But why?" Jiraiya asked.

"She's constantly complaining about being overworked just as the Head of Logistics. You think she'd willingly take on the role of Hokage?" Takuya pointed out.

Jiraiya paused, realizing he might have a point. Tsunade wasn't exactly the type to jump at the

opportunity.

"Besides, so what if Orochimaru is targeting Sakumo-senpai? Do you think that alone guarantees he'll become the Fourth Hokage? The current Hokage isn't that old yet and has no intentions of stepping down anytime soon."

Takuya leaned in closer and whispered, "Becoming Hokage has always been Danzō's dream. Do you think he'll let Orochimaru waltz into the position?"

"If it were you, would you accept someone with a questionable history as Hokage?" Orochimaru might believe he could manipulate Danzō to boost his own ambitions, but Danzō likely saw it the same way. Orochimaru might have the ruthlessness, but when it came to leveraging power and influence, he couldn't quite match Danzō.

Even if Orochimaru managed to become Hokage, it wouldn't last long. Danzo would eventually find a way to bring him down.

And Orochimaru wasn't exactly a clean slate. Once public opinion turned, even a Hokage could be forced to step down. Takuya thought, If Orochimaru genuinely believes he's untouchable while aligning with Danzō, I'd bet my life he's in for a rude awakening.

"You should be more concerned about those currently in charge. They're the ones you really

need to watch out for," Takuya concluded, shaking his head and walking off. After a few steps, he paused, saying without turning back:

"If Hokage-sama and the council still refuse to change, then I'd rather support Orochimaru. At least he doesn't throw his own people under the bus."