In Naruto With Gacha Template

Chapter 174: Chapter 177: Fourth Hokage Nomination, Sakumo’s Mission Fails

Although Manda was arrogant, in the face of a life-and-death crisis, he ultimately dared not be arrogant anymore.

After Natsuki and Nawaki gave him a severe beating, coupled with the intervention of the three Snake Princesses, he finally agreed to fight for them.

Most importantly, summoning him no longer required sacrifices.

Natsuki thought of a question.

Why didn’t Orochimaru just beat Manda up in the original story?

Natsuki could only think of one reason, and that was he didn’t care.

After turning to the dark side, using living humans as sacrifices caused him no psychological burden whatsoever.

Or perhaps he just didn’t want to offend the Ryuchi Cave.

Time advanced to July.

Natsuki finally learned the Ryuchi Cave Sage Mode.

"Master is truly a heaven-sent genius!"

Tagitsuhime revealed a gorgeous smile and said. "Coupled with this handsome appearance, who knows how many girls will be captivated!"

"How could Master ever take a fancy to a vulgar beauty like you?"

Ichikishimahime glared at her.

"You little brat, you have nothing at all. Master would look down on you even more!"

Tagitsuhime retorted unceremoniously.

"What did you say?"

Ichikishimahime flew into a rage. Her pupils instantly stood vertically, turning into snake pupils.

Her originally cute little face also became somewhat ferocious.

"Don’t argue."

Natsuki said casually, and then activated Sage Mode.

He immediately felt his perception expand.

Even without using sensory ninjutsu or abilities, he could sense the nearby situation.

Especially in places abundant with natural energy, his perception became even more acute.

Natsuki reached out his hand and used Ice Release to create a mirror.

He then saw the changes on his face. There was very noticeable eyeshadow.

Fortunately, he didn’t grow two horns like Yakushi Kabuto, nor did he develop facial markings like Jiraiya.

In short, it was still acceptable to Natsuki.

He felt it out for himself. The duration of the Ryuchi Cave Sage Mode was also short.

Similar to the Mount Myoboku Sage Mode, it could only last for five minutes.

If he wanted to increase the time, he had to use the Sage Art: Amphibian Technique.

Its effect was very simple, allowing Lord Fukasaku and Lady Shima to merge with Jiraiya’s shoulders.

Switching to the Ryuchi Cave, it would most likely require the help of the three Snake Princesses.

"Do you know the Sage Art: Amphibian Technique?"

Natsuki asked.

"We know it."

Ichikishimahime said immediately. "It’s a Mount Myoboku Sage Art."

"Our Ryuchi Cave also has a similar Sage Art."

Tagitsuhime guessed Natsuki’s thoughts and said. "One of us three Snake Princesses can help you."

Just one is enough?

Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

Looking at it this way, the strength of the three Snake Princesses seemed to be above Lord Fukasaku and Lady Shima.

However, it might also be related to the Ryuchi Cave Sage Art, not requiring all three Snake Princesses to help together.

Besides, if all three Snake Princesses helped together, where would they merge?

"Master, let me help you!"

After speaking, Ichikishimahime immediately formed hand seals.

Her body rapidly shrank, eventually turning into a pocket-sized doll that looked only a dozen centimeters tall.

Ichikishimahime floated onto Natsuki’s shoulder.

Her lower half merged into his shoulder, leaving only her upper half.

Natsuki glanced at her and did not feel any discomfort.

A moment later, he felt Ichikishimahime continuously outputting senjutsu chakra.

The duration of his Sage Mode was thus greatly extended.

"That’s enough, you can get down."

Natsuki said after experiencing it.

Ichikishimahime landed back on the ground, then her body grew taller, returning to her loli form.

"Next, I will continue to learn senjutsu, but not in the Ryuchi Cave."

Natsuki explained. "When the time comes, just wait for my summon."

"Yes, Master."

Tagorihime, Tagitsuhime, and Ichikishimahime said in unison.

Natsuki nodded and left the Ryuchi Cave.

As soon as he returned to Konoha, intense sunlight shone upon his body.

It was now July, and the temperature in Konoha had reached its peak.

The Ryuchi Cave, on the other hand, had no seasons. It was gloomy every day.

After all, snakes prefer the shade.

"Lord Natsuki."

Zo suddenly appeared.

"Is something the matter?"

Natsuki instinctively looked at him.

"Lord Hokage has asked you to go to the Hokage’s office."

Zo replied.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow and nodded.

He then walked toward the Hokage’s office.

"Natsuki."

While turning onto another street, Tsunade’s voice rang out. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

"Tsunade-sensei."

Natsuki stopped and said with a smile. "What a coincidence."

"It’s not a coincidence."

Tsunade shook her head and said. "Because I am also going to the Hokage’s office."

"Has something major happened?"

Natsuki couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Normally, Sarutobi Hiruzen would not call Tsunade.

Because Tsunade was very lazy.

If called for ordinary matters, she would throw a temper tantrum.

Unless it was a major event.

"I don’t know."

Tsunade paused, then asked with a smile. "As the Anbu Commander, shouldn’t you know better than me?"

"I’ve been in the Ryuchi Cave learning Sage Mode lately."

Natsuki explained. "I haven’t paid much attention to Konoha and Anbu matters."

"I forgot about that."

Tsunade lived right next door to Natsuki, so she naturally knew he had been learning Sage Mode recently.

"We’ll find out soon anyway."

Natsuki said carelessly.

"True."

Tsunade smiled and said.

The two of them soon arrived at the Hokage’s office.

Besides them, there were also Shimura Danzo, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Orochimaru.

"Teacher."

Natsuki suppressed his surprise and walked up to Orochimaru to greet him.

He suddenly realized that this was a high-level Konoha meeting.

But why was he invited?

Did Sarutobi Hiruzen consider him part of Konoha’s upper echelons already?

The others had realized this as well.

Orochimaru and Tsunade were naturally happy for Natsuki.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were somewhat surprised.

But Natsuki indeed had the qualifications.

Anbu Commander, combined with Kage-level strength, as well as the profits brought by the Red Healing Potions and Blue Healing Potions.

Status, strength, and money. He lacked none of them.

Shimura Danzo, however, felt his teeth itching with extreme anger.

He had worked diligently for Konoha for so many years just to become one of the upper echelons.

Meanwhile, Natsuki was only eighteen this year, becoming part of the higher-ups the moment he reached adulthood. How could he accept this?

But he couldn’t do anything about it.

He was well aware that this was Sarutobi Hiruzen’s decision.

Coupled with the support of Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, even if he had the support of Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, it would be difficult to stop him.

Not to mention, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura might not necessarily support him.

A moment later, Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared.

Orochimaru and the others immediately sensed that he was in a bad mood.

It seemed something major had indeed happened.

Natsuki suddenly had a thought.

Could it be related to Hatake Sakumo?

"I just received a message from the Daimyo."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said after taking a seat.

Shimura Danzo and the others instantly felt surprised.

Although Konoha served the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, the Daimyo rarely intervened in the village’s affairs.

He only managed two things: changes in the Hokage position and financial aid.

But at this current time, neither of these two things had occurred.

"Sakumo’s mission failed, causing heavy losses to both the Land of Fire and Konoha. The Daimyo is very angry about this, so he sent me a message."

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued.

Everyone went silent.

This was an extremely rare occurrence.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was condemning Konoha due to a failed mission.

"With Sakumo’s abilities, how could his mission fail?"

Mitokado Homura asked with a frown.

"He abandoned the mission to save his teammates."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and said.

"Foolish!"

Hearing this, Shimura Danzo couldn’t help but rebuke. "As a ninja, the mission must come first. How could he abandon the mission for his teammates?"

"Sakumo indeed acted incorrectly in this matter."

Utatane Koharu’s expression looked a bit ugly. "Having offended the Daimyo, our funding for the next year might even be cut."

"Sakumo was too impulsive. No matter what, a ninja should not abandon their mission."

Mitokado Homura chimed in in agreement.

"There is nothing wrong with saving teammates."

Tsunade thought for a moment and said.

However, when it came to abandoning the mission, it was hard for her to say much.

After all, the first rule of the shinobi code clearly stated that the mission always comes first.

"Every ninja experiences mission failures."

Orochimaru said in a calm tone. "Arguing over who is right or wrong right now is meaningless. The most pressing matter is to make up for the losses caused by the mission."

"I think Sensei is absolutely right."

Natsuki immediately voiced his support.

He also realized something.

And that was that Hatake Sakumo’s mission failure had not become known to everyone in Konoha like it did in the original story.

If Shimura Danzo wanted to cause trouble, it would be after this high-level Konoha meeting ended.

In that case, Natsuki would have a chance to remedy the situation.

Any slight movement from Shimura Danzo and Root could be stopped by him.

"Naturally, we must make up for the losses caused by the mission!"

Shimura Danzo snorted coldly and said. "But Sakumo causing the mission to fail also requires punishment!"

"This matter also involves the Daimyo."

Utatane Koharu reminded them. "What punishment Sakumo should receive must be decided by the Daimyo."

"Let’s put the matter of punishment aside for now and first make up for the losses caused by the mission."

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his hand to stop their argument.

"I can take out a portion of the profits from the healing potions."

Natsuki spoke up.

Everyone was slightly taken aback, completely not expecting him to say such words.

"Natsuki, Konoha hasn’t reached the point of using your money yet."

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him and said.

"Tsunade is right."

Sarutobi Hiruzen began to laugh and said. "It’s good enough that you have the heart for it."

"Yes."

Natsuki wasn’t surprised.

He had already guessed this outcome, which was why he put on a show to display his excellent Will of Fire.

Even if they really asked him to pay, it wouldn’t matter.

Although the money earned from the Red Healing Potions and Blue Healing Potions was substantial, to Natsuki, it was already small change.

He currently possessed the Land of Snow, Land of Demons, Land of Grass, and Land of Rain. Coupled with the Dawn Company, he truly had more money than he could spend.

"A single mission failure is nothing."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with emotion. "With such an excellent young man like Natsuki, the village’s future won’t be bad."

Shimura Danzo subconsciously clenched his fists.

Sarutobi Hiruzen’s high regard for Natsuki no longer needed to be stated.

If this continued, Natsuki would definitely become the Hokage after the next one.

Shimura Danzo thought back to the past. If he had just been one step faster than Sarutobi Hiruzen, he would have become Hokage long ago.

One wrong step led to many, to the point that he even held some resentment toward Senju Tobirama.

Who chooses a Hokage based on acting as the rearguard?

"Once this year passes, I will turn fifty. I have indeed grown much older."

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued.

Shimura Danzo and the others suddenly felt a jolt in their hearts, realizing something.

"You retiring is fine, but don’t look for me to be Hokage."

Tsunade said without any taboo.

Natsuki glanced at the calm-faced Orochimaru.

In the original story, he fled Konoha after failing to compete with Namikaze Minato.

Natsuki felt that he was the type who had no interest in being Hokage, but you still couldn’t refuse to offer it to him.

He wouldn’t feel much if he lost to Tsunade or Jiraiya.

But losing to a junior like Namikaze Minato would leave him rather displeased.

"Hiruzen, fifty is still in the prime of life. It’s not time to retire yet."

Shimura Danzo said hastily.

"Let’s not talk about this for now."

Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to the main topic and discussed making up for the losses caused by Hatake Sakumo’s mission failure.

After talking for half an hour, it was basically settled.

Fortunately, Natsuki’s healing potions had helped Konoha earn a lot of money.

Although the losses were heavy, they were still bearable.

"How should Sakumo be handled?"

Shimura Danzo asked impatiently.

"As for handling Sakumo, we must ask the Daimyo."

Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment and said. "Tomorrow, I will have Minato take me on a trip to the capital of the Land of Fire."

"I’ll go with you."

Tsunade said immediately. "I still have some face with the Daimyo."

"Tomorrow, you and Minato come to my office at nine o’clock."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said.

The high-level meeting ended there.

Natsuki found that his previous worries were somewhat superfluous.

Currently, Konoha truly did not need to suppress a Hatake Sakumo anymore.

Even Shimura Danzo paid no attention to him.

Because he was more concerned with another matter right now.

And that was the signal Sarutobi Hiruzen had just revealed.

If nothing unexpected happened, the campaign for the next Hokage was about to kick off.

With a new Hokage taking office, a transition of power would occur in Konoha.

Especially since Shimura Danzo’s relationship with the next Hokage would highly likely be very poor.

After all, everyone knew that the most likely candidate for the next Hokage was Orochimaru.

Even if it wasn’t him, it would be Tsunade, Jiraiya, or Hatake Sakumo.

None of them had a good relationship with him.

This caused him a great deal of a headache.

After all, Root had done too many things that violated Konoha’s regulations.

If the new Hokage were to investigate, he would inevitably be punished.

Natsuki returned to the Senju clan compound.

"Natsuki-senpai."

Hatake Kakashi hurried forward and asked. "What will happen to my father?"

"You already know?"

Natsuki was a bit surprised.

"Yes."

Hatake Kakashi explained. "He already returned this morning. I heard the argument between him and his teammate."

"How is your father now?"

Natsuki asked in return.

"His teammate blamed him for saving him, but is it wrong to save someone?"

Hatake Kakashi asked in bewilderment.

"There is nothing wrong with saving someone."

Natsuki shook his head and said. "Rest assured, nothing will happen to your father. Lord Hokage is already handling this matter."

Hearing this, Hatake Kakashi instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Take me to see your father."

Natsuki said after some thought.

He felt it was better to chat with Hatake Sakumo beforehand to prevent him from taking things too hard.

The two left immediately.

"Natsuki, why have you come?"

Hatake Sakumo froze for a moment upon seeing him, then asked. "Has Lord Hokage decided on any punishment for me?"

"It’s not punishment."

Natsuki briefly recounted the discussion Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others had earlier.

"I see."

Hatake Sakumo stated his stance. "No matter what punishment the Daimyo has for me, I will accept it."

Although he didn’t regret saving his teammate, it indeed caused tremendous losses.

He would not evade his guilt.

Hatake Kakashi wanted to say something but stopped, ultimately halted by Hatake Sakumo’s gaze.

"Tsunade-sensei and Lord Hokage will both go see the Daimyo. The punishment shouldn’t be too severe."

Natsuki still trusted Tsunade very much.

"Natsuki."

Hatake Sakumo hesitated for a moment and asked. "Do you think my abandoning the mission to save a teammate was the right choice?"

"In my view, this question is unnecessary."

Natsuki shook his head and said.

"Why?"

Hatake Sakumo felt confused.

For modern ninjas, the mainstream mindset was that the mission came first.

Putting saving lives first like he did was considered heresy.

"Then let me ask you: if saving your teammate would cause heavy losses to Konoha, or even result in the deaths of a bunch of people, would you still save them?"

Natsuki posed a classic question.

Hatake Sakumo was instantly stumped.

He opened his mouth, not knowing how to answer.

Reason told him he shouldn’t save them, but not saving them would violate the beliefs he had always upheld.

"That’s why I said the previous question was unnecessary."

Natsuki said unhurriedly. "Just believe in your own choice and don’t regret it."

Hatake Sakumo fell into silence.

But he also understood Natsuki’s meaning, which was to tell him to continue adhering to his own beliefs.

It just required making some adjustments.

Saving teammates is a belief, and saving Konoha is also a belief.

"No wonder you were able to reach this level in such a short amount of time."

Hatake Sakumo sighed with emotion.

Hearing this, Natsuki knew he wouldn’t go as far as committing suicide like in the original story.

He chatted for a while longer before taking his leave.

Natsuki returned to the Anbu.

Just in case, he immediately dispatched people to monitor Root as well as the teammate Hatake Sakumo had rescued.

Three days later, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tsunade, and Namikaze Minato returned to Konoha.

Natsuki was subsequently called to the Hokage’s office for a meeting again.

Alongside him were Shimura Danzo, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Orochimaru.

Since Jiraiya was still away, he was absent once more.

"The Daimyo has decided not to pursue this matter any further."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile on his face.

Utatane Koharu and the others revealed surprised expressions.

None of them expected the Daimyo of the Land of Fire to actually choose not to press the issue this time.

"Natsuki."

Sarutobi Hiruzen called out again.

"Lord Hokage."

Natsuki took a step forward and said.

"Have the Anbu issue a notice to all Jonin."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a deep voice. "Starting today, the nominations for the Fourth Hokage will begin. All Jonin are eligible to make a nomination, but only one at most."

"What?"

Shimura Danzo abruptly widened his eyes.

Although he had anticipated this day would come, it still arrived too quickly.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura also felt surprised.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Natsuki was slightly startled but immediately complied.

He suddenly thought of a possibility.

In the original story, there were two reasons why Sarutobi Hiruzen abdicated the position to Namikaze Minato.

One was to take responsibility for the ninjas who sacrificed their lives in the Third Great Ninja War.

The second was due to pressure from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and Konoha’s higher-ups.

Now that he was stepping down, combined with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire not pursuing the matter, could it be for a similar reason?

After the high-level meeting ended, Natsuki found Tsunade.

After asking, he confirmed his conjecture.

It was indeed Sarutobi Hiruzen using his abdication as a substitute to have the Daimyo of the Land of Fire waive Hatake Sakumo’s punishment.

After hearing this, Natsuki felt a slight daze.

On one hand, the butterfly effect he had caused was growing larger and larger.

But on the other hand, for Konoha, this was a good thing.

Hatake Sakumo didn’t die, and Sarutobi Hiruzen abdicated early, so he wouldn’t have to continuously make foolish moves like he did in the original story.

____________________________________________________

Read Advanced Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo247

~ Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter

~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]