Naruto: Linked to Kaguya, Corrupting the Ninja World

Shizune politely arranged seats for everyone. 

As she passed by them, each person shot her an angry glare. 

You didn't warn us we'd end up in a mess like this. 

The clan leaders sat in silence, none daring to break the tension. They exchanged uneasy glances between Tsunade and each other, then quickly looked away. 

Looking at these people, Tsunade hesitated. Should she start with some small talk or get straight to the point? 

After a moment's thought, she spoke softly, "I've heard something strange has happened in the village…" 

Everyone present—Hyūga Hizashi, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, and others—wore confused expressions. 

"Aren't there creatures appearing that can perfectly mimic anyone without being detected? Hizashi?" 

All eyes turned toward Hyūga Hizashi. 

Hizashi hesitated. Could it be Lady Tsunade also knew about Hiroki Hyūga? Was she planning to do the same thing as the previous Hokage? 

Thinking this, Hizashi's heart sank even further. He wished his elder brother Hiashi would return sooner. 

Brother, I just can't handle situations like this… 

He was deeply worried—any slight mistake might drag the entire Hyūga clan into ruin. 

Inoichi's expression flickered slightly. He felt like he had grasped something important, yet couldn't quite piece it together immediately. 

Seeing his friend's face, Shikaku gave him a puzzled look. "Inoichi, what's going on?" 

Inoichi simply shook his head. 

"Just how true is all this, Hizashi?" Tsunade pressed relentlessly. 

Hizashi's heart grew even more bitter inside. Gritting his teeth, he replied, "Lady Tsunade, we aren't certain if that matter truly happened." 

The rest of them wore expressions of total confusion. 

What the hell is this? If you're just gonna talk in riddles, get the hell out of Konoha already! 

"There really are such creatures," Tsunade stated coldly. 

Hizashi completely lost hope. 

So you're all coming after the Hyuga Clan now? 

Just when he started feeling uneasy, Tsunade continued, "The Third Hokage himself was replaced." 

Hizashi froze. 

Those who were already confused suddenly shifted gears in their minds. 

Hmm? What exactly does Lady Tsunade mean? 

Tsunade turned her back to them, speaking in a steady yet commanding tone. 

"The Third Hokage died long ago. Even the former Ninja Hero is dead. That man devoted entirely to Konoha no longer exists." 

"Now, someone unknown has taken his place, using his identity." 

"This person doesn't care what happens to Konoha's decline." 

"That's why he drove Sakumo Hatake to his death." 

Kakashi bowed his head solemnly. 

"That's why, despite knowing Konoha couldn't defeat Kumogakure, he still insisted on starting a war—which further weakened Konoha and brought humiliation from the Cloud Village." 

"That's why he allowed Danzō Shimura to abandon his comrades' lives." 

"That's why, fearing Yugao Uzuki might expose his identity, he forced her out of Konoha." 

"That's why he silently permitted the massacre of the Uchiha Clan." 

"Now, he's trying to stir up trouble from within the Hyuga Clan itself."

"Because that person isn't the Third Hokage at all. Konoha means nothing to him, and he's perfectly happy letting our village remain in constant internal conflict."

"Do you really think such an impostor should continue leading Konoha?"

A pin could be heard dropping.

Everyone else caught on now.

What she said before didn't matter—what truly mattered was the final sentence.

She was clearly forcing them to choose a side.

Many clan leaders fell silent, not ready to take a side just yet.

They wanted nothing to do with choosing a side or getting dragged into a fight like this.

In political battles like this, picking the wrong side could lead to repeated weakening of their clans.

Naturally, many eyes turned toward Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi, and Shikaku Nara.

The Ino–Shika–Cho clans had always been loyal followers of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Didn't Tsunade-sama fear information leakage?

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The uncomfortable trio—in particular Shikaku Nara—felt quite awkward under so many gazes.

"In five days, I'll hold a funeral for my former teacher, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. I hope everyone will attend," Tsunade continued, still facing away from them.

Shizune mentally went through every bad experience she'd ever had just to keep herself from laughing out loud.

The clan leaders also wore strange expressions.

Holding a funeral for a living person? Oh…

Still, some people's hearts tightened.

Could it be that Tsunade-sama planned to betray her teacher that day?

By openly announcing the time so brazenly, perhaps she already had complete confidence.

After finishing her words, Tsunade nodded slightly, and Shizune gestured for everyone to leave.

This brought relief to all present.

"Hizashi, stay behind."

Before Hizashi could move far away, he heard Tsunade's voice. Seeing the glances others cast his way, his face instantly turned deep purple, yet his feet stopped instinctively.

"Lady Tsunade, my elder brother isn't currently at the Hyuga Compound. Important matters should wait until his return," Hizashi said nervously.

"Hizashi," Tsunade responded calmly, "I've heard your Hyuga Clan has numerous debtors. Let them spread the words I've spoken here today, and their debts will be forgiven."

"Just say the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, died long ago—and the one in the village now is merely an impostor."

While stunned by how extensive Tsunade's intelligence network was, Hizashi carefully considered her request.

If he actually did this, wouldn't it completely offend the Third Hokage?

"Lady Tsunade, this matter exceeds my authority. At the very least, I must consult with the elders first."

Saying that, Hizashi turned to leave.

"Hizashi, surely you wouldn't want the Hyuga Clan to suffer the same fate as the Uchiha, would you?"

Hizashi's body tensed abruptly, but he didn't pause for even a second.

Tsunade calmly withdrew her gaze.

On a certain road, Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi, and Shikaku Nara walked side by side in heavy silence.

Some things call for hard proof before you even think about acting.

Others just need a flimsy pretext.

Tsunade had just come right out and said it: Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't deserve to be Hokage. "Back me or not—just make up your minds."

Shikaku Nara thought it over but still couldn't understand—if Lady Tsunade wanted to become Hokage, why would the Third Hokage oppose her? Why go for such a confrontational approach?

Soft-spoken Choza finally broke the silence. "Shikaku, should we tell the Hokage what happened today?"

"Even if we don't say a word, I'm sure the Hokage already knows we met with Lady Tsunade," Shikaku replied with a dry smile. "Come on, let's head to the Hokage Office."

The three went to report everything they had seen and heard at the Senju Estate to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

After listening, Hiruzen's face twisted in anger.

Rebellious student! Out of nowhere, she claimed I was dead!

After everything I've done to keep Konoha stable—does she really see me that way?

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