Chapter 141 Passing the torch from generation to generation

If there was a pill of regret in the ninja world, Sarutobi Hiruzen would swallow it without hesitation and return to the winter of the 42nd year of Konoha with endless regret in his heart. While eradicating the forces of Hatake Sakumo, he would order the young man who had already shown his potential to die.

The power of the Hokage was supreme at that time, and no one was allowed to question it. As long as Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted, the young Shirogane Hayama would surely die, and the current situation would not be out of control.

Unfortunately, there are all kinds of medicine in the world except for regret, and there is no way to turn back time. Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen stood at the pinnacle of power in the ninja world, he could not change the reality and could only accept it.

Political struggles are often controlled by him as the Hokage, but the premise is that everything must follow the rules. Once this balance is broken, the so-called political struggle will turn into a naked show of force.

Danzo Shimura wanted to kill Hayama, the growing threat, outside the rules. Sarutobi Hiruzen knew about this and even provided some convenience, but the result was that Danzo Shimura failed, and failed completely, so he will be declared by the Hokage as a traitorous ninja, a stigma that will never be washed away.

In the final analysis, there is no win-win cooperation in political struggles, only life and death. In this round, Yeshan became the winner with the last laugh, and the Hokage series became a laughing stock in the hearts of those in the know.

When Sarutobi Hiruzen saw the giant emitting such arrogance, he knew in his heart that he had lost. The roadside weed that once begged for some rain and dew from him has now grown into a towering tree, big enough to block out the sun in Konoha.

So what happened next was a natural progression. Danzo Shimura was stripped of all his honors, positions, and reputation, and became a traitor to the village. Keiji Uchiha was appointed the second leader of the Root, fully responsible for the dark forces of Konoha. Shinichi Uchiha, Fugaku Uchiha's father, was appointed the first advisor to the Hokage, replacing Danzo Shimura and taking charge of Konoha's judicial power.

The goodwill of the Uchiha clan was greatly rewarded a few years later. The Uchiha broke the anti-Uchiha policy of nearly thirty years in one fell swoop and became the first Konoha high-ranking official to hold power as a large clan.

Of course, Sarutobi Hiruzen was not an ordinary person. His political skills had already reached the level of perfection. That night, several more appointment documents were issued.

Appointment: Hyuga Munezane (Hyuga Hiashi's father) is appointed as the Hokage advisor and participates in major decisions of the village.

Appointment: Orochimaru is appointed as the head of Anbu, responsible for the daily work of Anbu and providing advice for major decisions of the village.

Appointment: Jiraiya is appointed as the director of Konoha Hospital, and Tsunade is no longer responsible for the daily work of the hospital.

Appointment: Namikaze Minato is appointed as the vice-principal of Konohagakure Ninja School (principal Sarutobi Hiruzen also serves as the principal), in charge of daily work.

Appointment: Uzumaki Kushina is the leader of the barrier squad, responsible for all barrier security work in Konoha Village.

Appointment: Nara Shikaku as the leader of the Jonin squad, Yamanaka Inoichi as the head of the torture department.

A series of personnel changes shocked the village, especially the new positions of Uchiha Keiji and Uchiha Shinichi, which made many people realize who the real winner was.

But the struggle between the two sides is far from over, and it can even be said that it will never end, unless one side is uprooted. Otherwise, even if this group of people die out, their descendants will still spontaneously participate in the struggle. This is the continuity characteristic of political struggle.

And now the Uchiha clan and Hayama have won, but it is hard to say who will have the last laugh in the future. Sarutobi Hiruzen is getting stronger with age, Orochimaru and Jiraiya are in their prime, Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina are thriving, and the Hokage series will have at least another fifty years of glory just relying on these few people.

In fifty years, during the change of three generations, no one knows what amazing geniuses will appear or how the situation will change.

Therefore, even if Sarutobi Hiruzen's faction has lost the struggle, no one will choose to betray him. This is also the reason why he announced the appointment overnight.

Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to use such a naked way to tell those who had other thoughts that it was no big deal for the Hokage line to lose Danzo Shimura, and the Hokage still had the final say in Konoha!

As for bringing Hyuga Munezane into the decision-making level, it was the pinnacle of Sarutobi Hiruzen's political maneuvers. It is conceivable that in the future, when making decisions on some major issues, even if Uchiha Shinichi voted against it and Hyuga Munezane abstained from voting, Sarutobi Hiruzen would still have the final say, because Mito Kado En and Utatane Koharu were unwavering Hokage factions and had no reason not to support his decisions.

Isn't it just a high-ranking position that you and the Uchiha clan have been working so hard for? What will happen if I give it to you? This village is still ruled by me, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

On the contrary, Ye Shan did not receive any job appointments, perhaps he no longer needed those positions to demonstrate his authority and nobility. From today onwards, Ye Shan will surpass the limits of ordinary ninjas and officially become an alternative five-attribute ninja.

At night, even though it was late, the lights were still on in the Uchiha clan, and many clan members were talking in the streets, pubs, bathhouses and other places with great joy, celebrating the victory of the clan in their own way. Uchiha Fugaku, who was very wealthy, waved his hand and said that all the consumption tonight would be paid by Master Fugaku, and everyone continued to play music and dance, having a great time.

Ordinary members of the tribe were partying in some public places, but those ninjas of noble status naturally would not squeeze in to join in the public carnival. Instead, they sat reservedly in Uchiha Fugaku's house, waiting for the banquet to begin in an aristocratic manner.

Not long after, Ye Shan walked slowly into the living room accompanied by Uchiha Fugaku. Everyone hurriedly stood up to greet them, welcomed the two to the seats of honor, and then chatted until the real protagonist of tonight appeared.

The protagonist is very old. He is a ninja from the same era as the first Hokage. He is nearly seventy years old this year. His face is full of wrinkles and his hair has turned snow-white. He looks decayed, but his eyes, which are opened inadvertently, still shine with a cold light, announcing the former elegance of their owner.

This person is the real pillar of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Madara's cousin, and the current chief elder, Uchiha Shizan.

Everyone sat down in the huge banquet hall. Uchiha Shizan naturally sat in the first seat. On his right was the current clan leader Uchiha Shinichi, on his left was the second elder, and then Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Keiji and other powerful clan members. Ye Shan sat in the middle seat as usual, and around him were several clan leaders of small and medium-sized families that were affiliated with the Uchiha clan.

Uchiha Shizan glanced at the people who were seated, his eyes lightened and he said slowly: "Ye Shan, come sit next to me."

Upon hearing this, the second elder stood up and gave up his seat, looking at Ye Shan, and the eyes of the others also fell on him.

Ye Shan bowed and said softly, "I appreciate the kindness of the great elder, but it is not right for the guest to sit in the main seat. Today is the banquet of the Uchiha clan, and a person from another family in Ye Shan District dare not break the rules."

What he said was flawless and no one could find fault with it.

Uchiha Shizan waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "You are the great contributor to the Uchiha clan tonight. No one will say anything if you sit on the main seat. Besides, the strong are respected in the ninja world, and there is no reason to neglect the strong."

Ye Shan wanted to refuse, but Uchiha Keiji stood up and said softly, "A gift from an elder cannot be refused. Ye Shan, come and sit down."

Helplessly, Ye Shan walked over and sat down. He didn't know if it was his illusion, but he felt a sense of pleasure of being superior sitting here.

Seeing that the seats had been taken, Uchiha Fugaku clapped his hands, and his servants brought wine and delicious food and placed them on the table in an orderly manner. The celebration banquet officially began.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Uchiha Shishan tremblingly picked up the wine glass in front of him and said to everyone: "I know you are a little uncomfortable because of me here. After drinking this glass of wine, it's time to rest. I won't disturb your fun here."

Uchiha Shinichi hurriedly apologized with a smile: "You are the pillar of the Uchiha clan. It is because of you that we can have the banquet tonight. How can you say such a thing?"

Uchiha Shizan sighed softly, his eyes fell on Ye Shan's young face, and he said with emotion: "I am old, and from now on, the world will still be ruled by you young people."

After these words were spoken, Uchiha Shinichi's expression suddenly changed, knowing that the highlight of the night was about to begin.

Sure enough, Uchiha Shizan continued, "Yeshan, I don't have many days left to live. I can't sleep well if I don't say some things. If there is anything wrong with what I said, please bear with me."

Ye Shan stood up hurriedly, holding the wine glass in both hands and said, "Grand Elder, please go ahead and I will listen."

Uchiha Shishan drank the wine in the glass in one gulp, closed his eyes as if he was savoring it carefully, and only spoke after a long time.

"It has been forty-six years since the first Hokage surveyed the world and established ninja villages. Over the years, generation after generation of heroes have passed on the torch to make Konoha prosperous today. Among them, I think the second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, was the most successful. He conquered the four major ninja villages to expand the territory and maintain peace in the ninja villages. His martial arts were unmatched. Internally, he established ninja schools, Anbu, security departments and other authority departments to consolidate the power of the Hokage and strengthen centralization. He truly eliminated the barriers between families, greatly united people's hearts and reached the pinnacle of civil governance. He was truly a hero of his generation."

"It's a pity that God didn't give him a long life. Tobirama Senju was plotted against by the rats and fell in another country. This made it possible for Sarutobi Hiruzen and others to ascend to the throne. Although many people are dissatisfied with him now, he is indeed a qualified Hokage. After so many setbacks until today, I am about to go to the coffin. I didn't expect that there would be a rising junior like you. It shows that things in the world are unpredictable and people are no longer the same. The young are really to be feared."

Ye Shan repeatedly said that he dared not, and his attitude became more humble.

"For an old man like me who has not much time left, nothing is more important than family. For a family, the current prosperity and wealth are nothing but passing clouds and are not worth mentioning. Only talent is the foundation. Senju Tobirama was a great hero of his generation. He did many meaningful things in his life, but the most important thing was to recruit good disciples. This allowed Konoha to survive the most difficult time. This is something that no one can deny."

"The movements on the Hokage Rock today cannot be hidden from the eyes of those who are interested. Fugaku once mentioned to me that you accepted a child named Obito as your apprentice?"

"Yes."

"Obito is good in every way except his background. It's all about the grudges of the older generation. Let's not talk about it tonight. I just want to ask you a question, and I hope you can answer it truthfully."

Ye Shan's expression became serious, and he said in a deep voice: "You go ahead."

"Is the grandson of the current clan leader Uchiha Shinichi and the son of the junior clan leader Uchiha Fugaku really the disciple you want?"

Uchiha Shishan's words were vague, but everyone present was quick-witted and understood the hidden meaning. Today, the giant with a body as big as a mountain was seen by most of the village. Ye Shan proved the potential and power of his unique secret technique with his absolute strength. How could the Uchiha clan not be tempted by such a secret technique?

Even though Yeshan had previously promised privately that he would teach Uchiha Itachi everything he knew when he grew up, that was only a verbal promise and there were too many variables involved, so Uchiha Shishan mentioned the matter publicly at the banquet, just to put the matter to rest.

Ye Shan looked around at everyone and said slowly: "There is something that everyone here may not know, but I have always kept it in mind."

"returning a Favour many times more!"

"If Fugaku hadn't come to my rescue in time, I, Baiyun Yeshan, would have died like a weed on the roadside. How could I have the glory I have today?"

"Hatake Sakumo was kind enough to give me a new life, so I am trying to gain a good reputation for him. The Uchiha clan saved my life, so I will naturally offer them a secret technique with both hands, otherwise I am not worthy of being a human being!"

Ye Shan poured himself a glass of wine, drank it in front of everyone, and said to Uchiha Shishan: "I have benefited a lot from the words of the Great Elder. Many colleagues are here tonight. This is a rare opportunity. Please bring Itachi here. I would like to ask you to be a witness."

Uchiha Shizan opened his eyes and looked at the young man in front of him seriously. He was very pleased and said in a deep voice: "Bring Uchiha Itachi here."

Uchiha Fugaku got up and left. After a while, he returned with the young Itachi, brought him in front of Yeshan, and sat back down.

Although Uchiha Itachi was only two years old, he was extremely sensible. He knelt down respectfully and greeted Uchiha Shishan.

Uchiha Shishan stood up tremblingly, walked to Uchiha Itachi, stretched out his right hand and gently touched his head, muttering "good boy" over and over again.

After a moment, Uchiha Shishan looked at Uchiha Shinichi and Uchiha Fugaku, father and son, who were sitting in their seats, took out an old, yellowed jade ruyi from his arms and handed it to Uchiha Itachi.

Uchiha Shinichi and his son could no longer sit still. They stood up and knelt in front of the great elder, holding their breath and not daring to say anything.

Everyone present also stood up and stared at the Great Elder with wide eyes.

"Although this jade ruyi is made of ordinary jade, it is a treasure passed down by our ancestors thousands of years ago and has always been a token of our clan. More than 20 years ago, my brother left the family and took away all the treasures of the clan, leaving only this jade ruyi to me. I think he also hopes that I will pass it on to an outstanding descendant."

"Tonight is a big day for the Uchiha clan. An old man like me is very happy to see it with my own eyes, so I might as well make it even more joyful."

"Uchiha Shinichi, from tonight on, you are the well-deserved head of the Uchiha clan. I hope you can always encourage yourself, remember the glory of your ancestors, and ensure that the family can be passed on from generation to generation. Then I can go to see my brother with a smile on my face."

Uchiha Shinichi had already burst into tears, and choked up as he said, "I will remember the instructions of the great elder and will not slack off in the slightest!"

This Jade Ruyi is the symbol of the Uchiha clan's supreme power, and it has been passed down for thousands of years just like the Fire Fan!

Uchiha Shizan looked at Uchiha Itachi holding the jade ruyi and chuckled, "You are so lucky, little guy. I, an old man, have found a master for you tonight. Why don't you become his disciple?"

Uchiha Itachi had already received his father's instructions on the way here, so he turned around without hesitation and knelt in the direction of Ye Shan. The people standing behind Ye Shan hurriedly moved aside to avoid this salute.

Ye Shan stepped forward and helped Itachi up, stroked his hair and said: "From now on, you are my Ye Shan's secret disciple, and the only disciple who can learn the secret technique."

The atmosphere on the field instantly became lively, and everyone gathered around to congratulate Ye Shan, congratulating him on having a good disciple today.

Uchiha Shinichi, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uchiha Itachi, three generations of grandfather and grandson, were the successors chosen by the grand elder, and were also the third-generation patriarchs of the Uchiha clan. Yeshan naturally became the strong wind that helped the flames turn into flames, and the two helped each other until the entire ninja world was burned down.

This is what is called passing on the torch.