Konoha’s Five-Element Ninja

Chapter 66: Public Opinion

In the past few days, Hayama had been tirelessly running around the village, attempting to salvage the mess left behind by Hatake Sakumo. But his efforts had little effect.

As expected, Konoha's higher-ups seized the opportunity to completely strip Sakumo of his authority, aiming to turn him into a mere executioner—a blade wielded solely at their discretion.

With certain forces pushing the narrative, Hatake Sakumo transformed from a hero into a villain in the public's eye. He was now labeled as a "civilian butcher," a "perpetrator of mass slaughter." Accusations of cowardice and incompetence spread like wildfire.

Even three-year-old children now knew about the so-called ninja who hesitated on the battlefield, leading to a catastrophic failure.

---

That evening, Jiraiya and Orochimaru sat across from each other in a dimly lit tavern, sharing four small plates of food and two jugs of sake—clearly preparing for a long discussion.

Jiraiya took a sip of his drink and looked at his pale-faced friend.

"Orochimaru, what have you been working on in your lab all day?"

"Nothing special. Just conducting some interesting experiments," Orochimaru replied indifferently. Then, with a smirk, he added, "But I should be the one asking—you're skipping your 'research' today?"

By "research," Orochimaru meant peeping. Jiraiya's infamous hobby was well-known throughout the village.

Jiraiya chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.

"Come on, don't say it like that! We're best friends. Having a meal together is just part of strengthening our bond."

Orochimaru snorted, easily seeing through Jiraiya's poor attempt at casual conversation.

"You want to ask about the Hatake Sakumo incident, don't you?"

Jiraiya's hand froze mid-reach for food, then he sighed.

"Yeah. What do you think about all this?"

Orochimaru's serpentine eyes glinted, reflecting Jiraiya's image within them.

"At its core, this entire situation is simply the result of an unfortunate mission failure that led to civilian casualties.

"But if we're being honest, Jiraiya… how many civilians have died because of us in the Rain Country?"

Jiraiya didn't answer. Instead, he silently focused on his food.

Orochimaru continued.

"The weak are destined to be trampled by the strong. That is the law of this world.

"Every so-called 'powerful figure' has only climbed to the top by stepping on the corpses of the weak."

"The evolution of any society follows certain patterns.

"Hatake Sakumo's downfall isn't just because of his personal choices—

"—but also because our dear teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, pushed it along."

Jiraiya's face darkened, and he quietly cast a soundproofing seal around their table before speaking again.

"So… you also believe that?"

"Heh. Anyone with a functioning brain can see it."

"Whether it's the Senju or the Uchiha, anyone who underestimates Sarutobi-sensei always ends up suffering for it."

"His brilliance lies in the fact that he never initiates conflict himself.

"Instead, he manipulates public perception, using the ideals of 'Konoha's interests' and 'the will of fire' to turn the entire village against his enemies."

Jiraiya felt a chill run down his spine.

He had always idolized Hiruzen, but over the years, he had noticed a gradual shift in his teacher's methods.

Once, Hiruzen was a man who truly loved the village.

Now, he had become obsessed with consolidating his authority.

Any force that threatened his control—be it the **Senju, the Uchiha, or even a single individual like Hatake Sakumo—**was immediately labeled as an enemy.

Jiraiya sighed deeply.

"But no matter how you look at it, Sakumo is one of Konoha's top shinobi.

"If we push him into a corner like this… aren't we worried he'll defect?"

Orochimaru suddenly lost interest in his food.

He put down his chopsticks and smirked.

"Do you really understand Hatake Sakumo?"

Before Jiraiya could respond, Orochimaru answered his own question.

"Hatake Sakumo is a true believer in the 'Will of Fire'—a genuine patriot of Konoha.

"If this were happening to someone like Danzo, or even myself, I wouldn't hesitate to defect.

"But Sakumo?

"Even if he's humiliated, even if he loses everything, he will remain loyal to Konoha until the day he dies."

Jiraiya fell silent.

Even now, he still hesitated to condemn his teacher's actions.

Instead, his thoughts lingered on whether Sakumo would betray the village—as if the problem lay with Sakumo and not with Hiruzen's treatment of him.

Orochimaru clicked his tongue in disdain.

"You really are an idiot, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya frowned.

"What did you say?"

"I said, you're a fool."

---

By late evening, Hayama finally left the Uchiha compound, exhausted.

He tilted his head back and let out a long sigh, feeling frustrated.

He had originally planned to train and clear his mind, but as his stomach growled in protest, he realized he hadn't eaten all day.

The entire village buzzed with gossip about Hatake Sakumo.

Despite all of Hayama's efforts to sway public opinion, the narrative had already spun out of control.

People were forgetful creatures.

They wouldn't remember the years of sacrifice Sakumo had made for the village—

They only saw his one mistake, and that was enough to tear him down.

As he walked into Ichiraku Ramen, he noticed the place was mostly empty, with only a few ninjas quietly eating.

Hayama ordered a deluxe ramen, determined to at least enjoy his meal after such a long, exhausting day.

Just as he was digging in, his ears caught a conversation from a few tables away.

---

"Hey, have you heard about White Fang?"

"Who hasn't?"

"I heard the guy let a bunch of civilians die just to save his own skin. Cowardly, if you ask me."

"Tch, yeah. I mean, sure, civilians aren't worth much, but letting them get slaughtered like that? And to have it caught on camera? That's a whole new level of disgrace."

"Yeah, I bet no one's gonna stick up for him now. He's finished."

A hand slammed down on their shoulders, freezing them in place.

"Oh?"

Hayama's voice was cold, his lips curling into a menacing smile.

"And what's your name, ninja-san?"

The two jerked in shock, their faces going pale.

"Who the hell are you?! Attacking fellow Konoha ninja—aren't you afraid of the consequences?"

Hayama's smile widened, his grip tightening.

"Oh, don't worry. I won't kill you. That would be a waste.

"But a little pain? That's inevitable."

With a sharp twist, he snapped their shoulder blades, earning pained screams that echoed down the street.

Just then, a squad of Uchiha enforcers arrived, drawn by the commotion.

Hayama sneered.

"Pathetic. Can't even endure a little pain."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, feeling even more irritated than before.

---

On the final day of Konoha's 42nd year, Hayama spent the night in restless frustration.

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