Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

Chapter 178: Chapter 178: The Other Side of Gekko Himan



Early the next morning, the news that the Fifth Hokage had been captured by Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke spread, shocking all of Konoha's top officials.

The entire village was left reeling.

The recent assassination of Konoha's councillors by Sasuke, coupled with his attack on the prominent clans, was already unbelievable. And now, our Hokage had been brazenly taken from his own "home"?

What was the ANBU doing?

At a high-level meeting, several Konoha leaders furiously rebuked the ANBU's failures, feeling increasingly unsafe in the current state of affairs.

Sasuke could apparently assassinate freely in Konoha, while Orochimaru stormed the Hokage building like it was his own home. Did anyone in the high ranks of Konoha have any security left? With these two around, who could say they wouldn't be taken next?

The village plunged further into chaos.

Three days later, Shimura Danzo's body was found hanging at Konoha's gates. Scrawled in blood across the entrance were accusations detailing his life's sins: the massacre of the Uchiha clan, the assault on Uchiha Shisui, the attack on the Third Hokage, and his alliance with Orochimaru to invade Konoha.

News of his actions spread rapidly, cementing Danzo's reputation as a villain even in death.

"How could such a scoundrel even become the Fifth Hokage?" villagers muttered. "He conspired with Orochimaru to kill our beloved Third Hokage and assumed power only after all other advisors were gone!"

"He's unworthy of the title Hokage!" others echoed.

"So, who should become the new Hokage now?" someone asked.

"With Sasuke and Orochimaru terrorizing the high ranks, who would dare take the position? It'd be like painting a target on their back!"

"There is one person who wouldn't fear it," said someone mysteriously.

"Who?"

"Of course, it's Kazuki of the Gekko Clan!"

"Kazuki? That young Jonin who placed first in the Chunin Exams? Isn't he too young for such a responsibility?"

"Your information is outdated! Remember that invasion last month? Our Fifth Hokage fled in fear, and guess who fought off the invaders?"

"No... it couldn't be Kazuki?"

"Yes, it was him!"

"Isn't he only thirteen?"

"More like fourteen by now. But though he's talented, is he really ready to be Hokage?"

"If not him, then who? Gekko Himan?"

"Gekko Himan? Who's that?" asked a villager, clearly puzzled.

"He's the head of the Gekko Clan, an elder highly respected by Kazuki!"

With Danzo's death, positive rumors about Gekko Himan began circulating, giving the villagers an impression of him. Some even saw him as a potential Sixth Hokage, though most felt that one of the heads of the larger clans would be a more suitable candidate due to their strong roots and political influence within Konoha.

Yet this situation was only the beginning.

Without Danzo, Konoha's political scene grew increasingly chaotic. Clans that had previously been uninterested in power suddenly vied for the Hokage seat. Though Kazuki and his clan had support from Uzuki and half of the ANBU, Gekko Himan's modest background didn't leave him with much advantage. His years of modesty and avoidance of the spotlight had now left him short of the authority needed for such a role.

That evening, in Kazuki's small residence, Himan appeared, looking troubled.

"Kazuki, you promised to support me as the Sixth Hokage," Himan began, clearly upset. "But look at the situation now! The Hyuga, Aburame, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans have stronger backing than I do—even that Inuzuka woman is more popular!"

Himan's face was streaked with tears, clearly pained by the difficulties.

Kazuki, calm and collected, replied, "Don't worry, Patriarch. Since I've pledged my support, I won't go back on my word. Just wait—good news is coming soon."

"Really? Oh, that's a relief! I've boasted about this to Uzuki, and if I don't become Hokage, I'll lose all my dignity!"

Kazuki rolled his eyes. "I understand, Patriarch. Just wait for the results."

With that, Himan departed, joyful, leaving Kazuki to sigh in exasperation.

Moments later, Karin emerged from the shadows, her face thoughtful.

"Kazuki, I've tracked down the origins of the rumors defaming Danzo. They first emerged from East Street, spread by a few people from the Gekko Clan."

"I see. Thanks, Karin."

"It's my duty," she replied with a warm smile, then continued, "But, Kazuki, everything seems to point to Gekko Himan's ambitions behind the recent turmoil. Aren't you worried he's using you?"

"Ah, yes," Kazuki replied, slightly amused. He hadn't expected his hedonistic clan head to vie for the Hokage position, much less dare to challenge Danzo.

It was likely that, emboldened by Kazuki's rise, Himan saw an opportunity to seize power for himself. After all, Kazuki needed a cooperative Hokage—so why shouldn't it be his own clan leader?

"Then… what will you do? Will you stop him?" Karin asked, sensing Kazuki's distaste for being manipulated.

After a pause, Kazuki shook his head. "No. Without Himan as Hokage, I'd lack a fitting puppet. Let him keep his dream—it's a small wish, after all."

"So… will you let it go? I'm concerned he may disregard you entirely if he gains more power."

"This won't end here," Kazuki replied coldly. "Take the information you've gathered to him as a warning. If he oversteps again, he can't blame me for acting."

"Understood, Kazuki. I'll deliver the message."

On his way back, Gekko Himan looked jubilant, humming to himself. Just as he reached his doorstep, his young servant greeted him.

"Patriarch, someone left a letter for you."

"A letter?" Himan's cheeks flushed with excitement, as though the letter could be some kind of love note.

Feeling triumphant in both his career and personal life, Himan eagerly opened the envelope. But as his eyes scanned the letter, his expression shifted, and his face paled in horror.

"Quick… fetch me a chair… I'm… I feel faint!"

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg


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