Chapter 664: Public Opinion Rising

Chapter 664: Public Opinion Rising

In just a few days, the situation in Konoha Village had become severe. Almost everyone discussed the Third Hokage, and rumours spread like wildfire.

If only one or two ordinary people were talking about this, it wouldn't have made a significant impact, as most people would choose to believe in the Third Hokage, who had always presented an image of light and greatness.

However, when everyone was talking about it, the matter became problematic.

The more the rumours spread, the more people believed them. Even though some explanations began to surface, doubts about the Third Hokage's actions grew. Consequently, the public trust in Konoha's high-ranking officials was severely declining.

Many prominent families in Konoha, such as the Hyuga and Uchiha clans, began holding family meetings.

At this time, they had to choose sides. People knew that if they wanted to support the Third Hokage, they needed to do so firmly now. If he continued to be Hokage, they would benefit from their support.

If they didn't support him and he remained Hokage, the consequences would be severe.

It wasn't about supporting a particular candidate for the next Hokage; it was about deciding whether to continue supporting the Third Hokage.

If he remained Hokage, those families that didn't support him would not be favoured in the new era.

Every family was having similar discussions, being very cautious and not publicly revealing their positions immediately.

This situation lasted for about three days.

Then, something unexpected happened.

Orochimaru, one of the Third Hokage's disciples, stepped forward and appeared atop the Hokage Rock, standing on the Third Hokage's head.

A large crowd had gathered below.

These people had been informed beforehand that Orochimaru had an important announcement to make.

Even the ninja of Konoha ninja arrived at the scene.

This event was secretly arranged without informing the Third Hokage. He only noticed the commotion from the rooftop of the Hokage office when it happened. His face turned grim, and he stared at Orochimaru with clenched fists, unsure of what Orochimaru intended to do.

Orochimaru had always been his favourite disciple, yet also the one he could never fully understand.

He had never been able to grasp Orochimaru's thoughts.

Seeing Orochimaru standing on the Hokage Rock now, he was even more uncertain whether it was right or wrong to have refused Orochimaru the position of Hokage.

Should he have given the Hokage position to Orochimaru to settle this matter? But.

Now, he wasn't given any chance to negotiate.

Is this matter not important anymore? Questions filled the Third Hokage's mind. If Orochimaru still wanted to become Hokage, shouldn't he have negotiated again before this event?

Indeed, the earlier meeting wasn't enough to decide on a course for the future.

It couldn't be that simple, right?

The Third Hokage's emotions were complex. During these calm days, he had considered the future, considering who should succeed him if he could no longer be Hokage.

Deep down, he didn't want to hand over the Hokage position to Orochimaru.

He genuinely believed Orochimaru was unsuitable for the position of hokage. If Orochimaru had become Hokage, the village might have become more chaotic.

For this reason, he didn't discuss the matter with Orochimaru after rejecting him.

The Third Hokage was now only trying to retain the Hokage position. If he couldn't, he preferred Minato Namikaze as his successor.

The reasons were simple.

Firstly, he had watched Minato grow up, knowing he was kind-hearted and suitable for the Hokage role, not leading Konoha astray.

Secondly, Minato was relatively easy to control. The Third Hokage could surround Minato with many of his confidants, influencing decisions even if he wasn't the Hokage maintaining actual power.

They had thought Danzo was responsible, as the previous rumours had suggested.

Now, Orochimaru was claiming responsibility. What was his purpose? Everyone had their theories.

Was Orochimaru taking the blame under some directive?

What was going on?

The crowd's minds were filled with questions, their eyes fixed on Orochimaru, eager for more clarity.

"Hah..."

The Third Hokage took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself.

His anxiety eased slightly.

Orochimaru wasn't betraying him.

This may be a gesture of loyalty.

Everyone considered their stance on whether to support the Third Hokage or not.

"The case was primarily to research whether ordinary people could be implanted with Hashirama Senju's cells to become Wood Release users."

Orochimaru's voice echoed again, silencing the crowd. They already knew this from the rumours.

Now, they were more curious about Orochimaru's motive. Why was he saying this? What was his plan? Despite their doubts, they continued to focus on Orochimaru.

"This matter was jointly planned by me, the Third Hokage, and Lord Danzo. Now, external rumors blame only them, which is unfair. I was mainly responsible for capturing people and conducting experiments. Lord Danzo merely checked on the progress, and the Third Hokage only helped cover it up. I should bear the main responsibility for the missing persons case in Konoha!"

Orochimaru's words left everyone stunned, including the Third Hokage. They couldn't discern if Orochimaru intended to help or harm the Third Hokage.

His words seemed neutral, presenting the facts impartially.

"I'm not here to defend or accuse anyone but to reveal the truth!"

Aoba smiled slightly, starting with the missing person case because it was genuine, not fabricated. No one could dispute it.

The more truthful the matter, the more people would believe it.

This was Aoba's strategy.

By presenting the truth initially, when he later introduced contentious issues, people would trust him, believing he was revealing the truth.

That was the real purpose of this speech.

"That Orochimaru!"

The Third Hokage watched from the rooftop, glaring coldly at Orochimaru, unsure what to think.

Mixed emotions surged within him.

What was this?

Was Orochimaru defending him? Why did it feel like the more Orochimaru explained, the worse it got? It felt like Orochimaru's words solidified the rumours as truth.

This way...

Even self-exoneration seemed difficult.

"Damn it."

The Third Hokage glared at Orochimaru, wishing he could pull him down but knowing he couldn't interrupt. Doing so would only confirm everything.