Haruki managed to visit all the ninja clans in Konoha in just one day.
He completed the required cooperation using the same procedure.
There are mainly three aspects.
The first is economic cooperation. After investigating each clan's situation, Haruki tailored solutions that covered almost every aspect, big and small.
Konoha's economic development was truly lagging behind.
Although Haruki's advanced ideas were not understood by some ninja clans, the next two points made them obediently agree.
The second aspect is about future strategies.
There are many, but Haruki only emphasized one key point: everyone has a chance to become the Hokage, regardless of their background and strength.
The third aspect is even more straightforward.
It is Haruki's own strength.
By combining these three approaches, he could achieve success everywhere.
As he had previously guessed, the clans were not loyal to Hiruzen Sarutobi but to the Hokage of Konoha and their own families.
Since it could bring tangible benefits to themselves and their clans, why not support him?
The next day, Haruki went to the Hokage's office.
"Haruki, you've been back for a few days and didn't even come to report your safety to this old man first?"
When Hiruzen Sarutobi saw him, he put down the scroll in his hand and said with a smile.
His words carried a hint of reproach.
But it perfectly showed his concern for Haruki as an elder.
No one would have thought that he had given his tacit approval to Tanzo Shimura's actions.
"I've taken in a new apprentice and was held up by Tsunade, so I could only come today. Please forgive me, Hokage - sama."
Haruki had already thought up an excuse.
He believed that Hiruzen Sarutobi must have figured out his activities in the past two days.
As expected, there was no sign of surprise on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face.
He took a puff of his pipe and sighed, "Fuling is indeed a poor soul. Now that she's become your apprentice, I hope she can regard Konoha as her new home. Back then, Konoha failed to rescue the Land of Whirlpools in time."
Fuling gave him a great deal of surprise.
The Uzumaki Clan is very suitable to become Jinchuriki (a person who hosts a tailed beast).
Previously, having only Kushina Uzumaki as a Jinchuriki was not very safe. Now that there is Fuling, even if something happens to Kushina, Konoha will have a backup plan.
The only thing that troubles him is that Fuling has become Haruki's apprentice.
Why on earth is it always Haruki?
He really feels it is too difficult.
Haruki gives him too much of a shock.
It is a situation with both advantages and disadvantages.
On the one hand, Haruki's connections and importance have increased again. On the other hand, Haruki is not as simple as he seems on the surface.
He can't help but think how nice it would be if Haruki were just an ordinary Medical Ninja.
But now, he is a cause for concern.
He himself, along with Tsunade, is a top - notch Medical Ninja. Moreover, all of his apprentices are outstanding geniuses.
Mikoto is the Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan. Kushina and Fuling are destined to be the future Nine - Tailed Fox Jinchuriki. Minato Namikaze, Kakashi, Obito and others are also among the top of the younger generation.
Haruki also has a close relationship with the Hyuga Clan, and his various businesses seem to be growing bigger and bigger.
If things continue like this, Konoha will no longer be Hiruzen Sarutobi's Konoha, but Haruki's Konoha.
Haruki nodded and said, "I'll definitely convey the Hokage-sama's order to Fuling. I believe she'll grow to like Konoha."
As for the downfall of the Land of Whirlpools, he kept silent about it.
Perhaps only Hiruzen Sarutobi knew the underlying issues.
"I'm here today about another thing." Haruki took out a movie ticket and said, "The New Konoha Bookstore has produced a movie that will hit the theaters tomorrow. Hokage-sama, you should have seen the trailer, right?"
"With all this heavy-handed promotion, my ears are about to go numb," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied.
He took the movie ticket, glanced at the title *Heroes of Turbulent Konoha*, and sighed. "You've really gone all out this time. Alas, it'll just stir up painful memories. To be frank, I just can't bring myself to watch it."
Haruki's face grew serious. "Whether it's us or the next-generation ninjas, I hope they can remember how cruel war is and understand the sacrifices of the martyrs. Only then can they cherish the hard-won peace."
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but praise, "Well said!"
Seeing his genuine emotion, Haruki couldn't help shaking his head.
Actually, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't a complete villain, but he had made too many mistakes in the name of the Will of Fire.
"I've invited most of Konoha's ninjas to tomorrow's premiere," Haruki said after a pause. "If you, Hokage-sama, can attend, it'll surely make them happy."
"And then your movie will be a bigger hit?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand and tapped him with his pipe, scolding with a smile, "You, you keep pulling the same trick. You're always getting me to promote your stuff."
Haruki scratched his head and chuckled, "But I didn't twist your arm."
"Oh, you," Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head helplessly. "But I'm willing to be tricked by you this time."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Haruki said seriously. "I'll donate the proceeds from this movie to Konoha as pension money."
Hiruzen Sarutobi was slightly stunned, not quite expecting this.
He was silent for a moment and then said, "If everyone was like you, why would Konoha not be powerful?"
"This is what I should do."
Haruki chatted with him for a few more words and then left the office.
He stood at the entrance of the Hokage Building, looked back at the character 'Fire' on the building, then looked beyond it and fixed his eyes on the Hokage Rock in the distance.
Haruki felt a sense of melancholy for no reason.
He had wanted to give Hiruzen Sarutobi one last chance, but unfortunately, he was still the same as always and never mentioned Tanzo's actions.
There was no more chance.
This chapter ain't over yet!
At nine o'clock the next morning, the winter sun was a bit on the chilly side.
The cinema in Akihabara had been booked out.
Some folks wanted to ask around, but when they saw that everyone inside was a village Jonin, they immediately clammed up and slipped away quietly.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi showed up, the quiet cinema burst into applause.
"Don't bother with all this formality," Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Haruki, who was leading the applause, and waved to the Jonin in the audience. "We're not in the Hokage Building now. Skip the formalities. Everyone here is just an audience."
But he was secretly taken aback by Haruki's networking skills.
He originally thought that most of the audience invited by Haruki would be Genin or middle - ranked ninja, but unexpectedly, they were all Jonin.
It gave him the illusion of a Jonin meeting.
"Please sit here, Hokage - sama."
Haruki pointed to the empty seat in the middle and said with a smile, "It's a pity that Lord Tanzo didn't come. Otherwise, he could have been your company."
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly. He didn't know why Haruki mentioned Tanzo, but his tone was very calm: "Let Tanzo reflect at home."
"Has Lord Tanzo not left home yet?"
"Yes. He went too far back then, so I gave him an order not to leave Root even a single step."
After Hiruzen Sarutobi sat down, he noticed that Mikoto Uchiha was on his left and Hyuga Kazushi was on his right.
But he didn't care.
According to the power ranking in Konoha, this arrangement was not wrong.
"You're so wise, Hokage - sama."
Haruki flattered with a smile, but sneered in his heart.
Sure enough, Hiruzen Sarutobi still couldn't forget Root.
Although Root had ostensibly been disbanded, there was no change in his way of referring to Root in both words and mind.
As time passed, the cinema was filled with people.
Almost all the Jonin in Konoha had arrived.
Moreover, what Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't notice was that the clan leaders of the Genin and middle - ranked ninja families were also among them.
Haruki kept chatting with him.
Hyuga Kazushi also interjected a few words from time to time.
Tsunade sat on Haruki's left - hand side and was quite quiet.
She knew what was about to happen, so her emotions were rather complicated.
A few minutes later, the big screen lit up.
"The movie is about to start, Hokage - sama."
Haruki stopped chatting and pointed at the screen. "Let's talk after watching the movie."
"Okay. Let me see how well you've made this movie." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.
"I'll definitely satisfy you." Haruki assured confidently. "I've watched the sample film in advance. It's very realistic."
"Oh? You said so. It really makes me look forward to it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his gaze to the big screen.
A few seconds later, the picture appeared.
A strange forest.
But he frowned slightly. The shooting technique was so unprofessional that it felt like a secret shoot to him.
This kid Haruki might have been cheated.
Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly froze.
Nonou Yakushi appeared in the picture.
He looked closely and was sure that this was not a [Transformation Jutsu] or an actor, but really Nonou.
Could she have come to make a cameo?
But Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly stood up a few seconds later.
Tatsuma Aburame appeared in front of Nonou with Fuling kidnapped by a swarm of insects.
At the same time, a conversation reappeared.
"Haruki, what's going on?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's face darkened and his tone was a bit unpleasant.
"Isn't this movie realistic enough, Hokage - sama?"
Haruki stood firm and said with a faint smile, "With two members of Root making a cameo appearance in person, even Lord Tanzo's presence is highlighted."
No matter how stupid Hiruzen Sarutobi was, he realized something was wrong.
He questioned, "Haruki, what on earth are you trying to do?"
"It's not what I'm trying to do."
Haruki looked up, with disappointment on his face. "It's what Lord Tanzo did."
All I want now is fairness."
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into a brief silence and then said, "There might be some misunderstanding. No matter how unreasonable Tanzo is, he wouldn't take action against you. I suspect his subordinates are disobeying his orders secretly. I'll have the Anbu arrest two of them for interrogation. I'll definitely give you an explanation."
As he spoke, he didn't notice the emotional changes among the Jonin present at all.
He was confused by Haruki's sudden attack. Instinctively, he wanted to protect Tanzo and postpone the matter.
"No need."
Haruki clapped his hands, and Nonou appeared in front of them.
"As for Tatsuma Aburame, Hokage-sama may not be able to see him now."
When Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Nonou, his face changed.
Haruki definitely came prepared.
The possibility of smoothing things over today had greatly decreased.
Hearing the second half of Haruki's words, he instinctively asked, "What do you mean?"
"He's dead." Haruki shrugged. "I was lucky. Nonou is my good friend, and she had a change of heart and saved my life at the last minute."
"..."
The sense of unease in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart grew even stronger.
"Hokage-sama, I've already reported this case to the Konoha Police Force."
Ignoring the silent Hiruzen Sarutobi, Haruki turned to Mikoto Uchiha.
Mikoto, who had been silent all this time, stood up and smiled slightly:
"According to the order of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju-sama, our Konoha Police Force is responsible for Kiki Village's public security. There's a case of villagers killing each other, and it involves Lord Tanzo. I dare not make a decision on my own. Hokage-sama, may I ask how we should handle this?"
Her words were as gentle as a breeze and light rain, not forceful at all.
But a layer of cold sweat suddenly appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's forehead.
This chapter isn't over yet!
She even specifically mentioned his teacher, Tobirama Senju.
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew he had to respond. Otherwise, as an apprentice, openly violating his teacher's rules would greatly damage his prestige.
"We should hold a Jonin meeting to discuss this."
He regained his usual calm and said, "The cinema isn't a formal venue. How about moving this matter to tomorrow?"
"I don't think it's right."
Hyuga Kazushi suddenly stood up, facing Hiruzen Sarutobi's surprised and unfriendly look.
"This kind of murder case has never happened since the founding of Konoha. The truth needs to be found out in a timely manner. Delaying it for one more day is disrespectful to Konoha. Besides, what does it matter if it's in the cinema? Most of the Jonin are here anyway. Why don't you ask for their opinions, Hokage-sama?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was suddenly shocked.
What's their deal? Are they trying to rebel?
His hands tightened and then loosened. Barely maintaining his expression, he asked, "What do you all think? The cinema is indeed not suitable for holding a Jonin meeting."
"I don't think it matters."
"It's okay to hold it in the cinema."
"We're already here, so let's just do it here."
"A case of this magnitude shouldn't be delayed for a single second."
Listening to the noisy but unified responses in the cinema, Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sank into an endless abyss.
When did this happen?
He didn't hear a single Jonin who disagreed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi then noticed that all the ninja clans were here, except for the Sarutobi and Shimura clans.
Am I being sidelined?
He looked dazed.
Wasn't he the strongest Hokage, the most supported one?
How could this happen?
Where on earth did things go wrong?
"Hokage - sama, what do you think?"
Haruki's question brought Hiruzen Sarutobi back to his senses.
Looking at that bright smile, he suddenly said, "Good, good, it's really good. Since everyone agrees, let's hold the Jonin meeting right now."
Haruki snapped his fingers.
Suddenly, the lights in the cinema came on brightly, and the screen turned off.
Someone immediately stepped forward and carried out a long table, placing it at the front.
"Hokage - sama, please take your seat."
Haruki stretched out his hand and said politely.
"..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's face turned pale and green. So, everything had been prepared in advance, just waiting for him to take the stage.
What frightened him the most was that his Anbu and Root had received no news of such a big move.
He sat silently in the middle, looking at the Jonin in front of him.
It seemed as if he was being interrogated by himself.
Mikoto stood aside and said, "Teacher Haruki has presented the physical evidence. Does anyone have any objections?"
"No."
The unanimous answer made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel extremely uncomfortable.
He clenched his fists.
Damn it! All of them are traitors!
He only thought that Tanzo Shimura probably wouldn't be able to get through this.
But he didn't think he was in danger.
He is the Hokage and also Tsunade's teacher.
No matter how crazy Haruki was, he wouldn't dare to do anything to him.
Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi was very confident in his own strength.
He could understand Haruki's current actions.
After all, Tanzo Shimura had wanted to kill him.
"Next, the witness, Nonou Yakushi, will state what happened." Mikoto continued.
Nonou took a deep breath, walked in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, bowed, and then told what Tanzo Shimura had done.
Including threatening with the orphanage.
The more Hiruzen Sarutobi listened, the more embarrassed he looked.
Even if he wanted to protect Tanzo Shimura, it was impossible.