Malphegor
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IUTT: Ch. 103
🕑 Added 2025-05-28 22:16:39 +0000 UTCA bloodline limit that could potentially be replicated through research, now that was something worth pursuing.
Even though it was a non-hereditary bloodline limit, it was still quite remarkable. After all, this was something many ninjas strive for their entire lives but never achieved.
Just look at Hiruzen, he mastered the chakra nature transformations of all five elements and learned over a thousand jutsu. But because he never mastered a bloodline limit, his strength, while formidable, lacked a certain degree of intimidation.
According to the speculations of Shin and Orochimaru, this kind of research was very difficult and unlikely to show results in the short term.
However, once successful, this research would mean the ability to mass-produce ninjas with non-hereditary bloodline limits.
A long while later, during a break, Tsunade hurried over. As she wiped the sweat from Shin's forehead, she shared with him the two pieces of news circulating in Konoha that day.
"Hiruzen really has a few tricks up his sleeve," Shin chuckled upon hearing the news. "And he learns quickly too. After experiencing the power of public opinion a few times, he's already figured out how to use it for his own purposes, and he's using it quite well."
"Why do I feel like you're not worried at all?" Orochimaru, also taking a break, asked curiously.
"What you're aiming for is a peaceful transformation, something that can't be rushed," Shin replied. "Hiruzen isn't a fool. It's not surprising that he's taking effective countermeasures. But he's overlooked one key factor, and that one factor is bound to lead to his ultimate failure."
"Let me guess, that most important factor… is you?" Orochimaru asked.
But Shin shook his head. "I'm not important."
"Then what is?" Tsunade asked from the side.
"The truth is," she answered immediately, picking up on Shin's cue and taking over the conversation.
"The truth?" Orochimaru looked a bit confused.
"Yes, the truth." Tsunade, influenced by Shin over time, quickly understood and confirmed firmly, "Shin has already told me many times: the tug-of-war of public opinion is inevitable. It was only a matter of time before Hiruzen learned how to use public opinion just like we do. But if both sides have equal power over public opinion, then the more open and honest side will be the one to come out on top in the end."
Orochimaru suddenly understood. "I get it now. Tsunade has never done anything to harm the village. On the contrary, she's always worked hard and given everything for it. Everything she's done can be brought into the light for anyone to see. But the current leadership led by Hiruzen has done many shady, disgraceful things over the years, things that can't stand the light of day."
Shin nodded in approval, clearly agreeing with Orochimaru's analysis. Dealing with smart people was always comfortable, just a hint and they understood immediately.
Building on Orochimaru's point, he added, "To attack Hiruzen with public opinion, all we have to do is present the truth. But for him to attack Tsunade through public opinion, he has to resort to the utmost lies and slander. Once the truth comes to light, they will not only be utterly discredited, but also go down in history for having continuously smeared and suppressed her through lies. Tsunade, on the other hand, will emerge stronger after enduring the trial of public opinion. Not only will she be cleared of all the slander, but many people who once misunderstood her due to rumors will feel guilty and support her even more firmly. The persona of a tragic hero is one that can quickly win people's hearts."
Orochimaru nodded, then asked with a mischievous grin. "But what if some people are just stubborn? Even with the facts in front of them, they still choose to believe the rumors?"
"Those individuals represent a different kind of problem," Shin replied. "One that requires different solutions."
"Hahaha!" Orochimaru burst out laughing.
Shin's actions truly suited his taste.
He was right, those kinds of people were unstable elements. What was the point in keeping them?
Just get rid of them and be done with it!
Becoming experimental subjects was the best fate for them.
"By the way, didn't you say you had a big 'gift' prepared for Hiruzen? Since he's stirring up trouble now, why not give him a headache too?" Orochimaru asked, continuing the conversation.
But Shin shook his head and said, "Now's really not the right time."
"I originally planned to deliver that gift soon, but Hiruzen's latest PR move was too well-executed, he didn't give me any opening to follow up."
"If I pull out that gift now, everyone will think we have ulterior motives, like we're intentionally provoking internal strife within Konoha. That would be bad for Tsunade, and it would also drastically reduce the impact of the gift."
"Aren't we acting with ulterior motives, though?" Orochimaru teased.
"Haha, yes, we are, but we can't let anyone know we have ulterior motives. Especially, we can't let anyone think Tsunade has ulterior motives."
Listening to the two cunning schemers talking, Tsunade could only keep nodding, silently thinking to herself how much she was learning. Her personality was a lot like Hashirama, carefree and easygoing, with a big heart. But unlike him, she lacked life experience, which made her overly naive during this period of her life.
That was also why she had never considered becoming Hokage.
Outsiders only saw the glory of Hashirama and Tobirama. But family knew the truth best. She had seen firsthand how exhausted they were back then, how heavy the burden on their shoulders had been.
During the war for the founding of the village, Hashirama's power was, of course, unmatched. But to govern a village well, power alone wasn't enough.
There were endless petty schemes, political intrigue, internal and external conflicts, and countless trivial issues.
Slight missteps in handling any of these could lead to unrest or crisis.
If not for wanting to stay by Shin's side, and if not for his promise to support her with everything he had, she wouldn't have considered becoming Hokage even if someone threatened her life.
Fortunately, once she set Hokage as her goal, her mindset started to change. She began adjusting her attitude and learning earnestly how to become a good Hokage.
---
As they strolled home, Tsunade asked Shin, "Have you figured out how to handle the situation with Kumo?"
Shin shook his head and said, "We still don't know their true intentions. The information we have now is only what Hiruzen wants us to know, so we can't make any effective plans in advance. But knowing his personality, it's not hard to guess what he might do."
Noticing her puzzled look, he continued, "It's obvious the Kumo envoys didn't come in good faith, they'll definitely use the threat of war to demand massive concessions. And Hiruzen will likely use 'the greater good' as an excuse to deliberately offer generous compensation in the name of compromise. He might not even try to bargain with them. By then, he'll be seen as the 'victim' who had no choice but to make sacrifices for the sake of peace in Konoha. And once that happens, all he has to do is give the public a little nudge, and the frustrated citizens of Konoha will turn their anger toward the person who 'caused' all of this. In other words, you."
