Chapter 250 - 250 (1/2)

The first rays of light from the next morning's sun scattered through Konoha as the battle that lasted for a whole night finally came to an end.

Last night, Konoha had great losses. With the villagers evacuating in time, they did not suffer many casualties. However, near a third of all Jonin and Chunins in the village at that time unfortunately fell to the raid.

Many of these fell when fending off the Kyubi's first attack, but even more fell to the Zetsu scattered in the crowds. With Orochimaru unfortunately unable to take them down quickly enough, they caused great havoc and losses to Konoha.

To top all of that off, Konoha lost its Fourth Hokage, who was elected just a year ago. Dealing with this matter was urgent, and the top of Konoha gathered to discuss it.

”What happened last night…”

”Sorry, I've come late!” The 3rd had just started speaking, when Danzo entered through the door interrupting him.

”Danzo? What are you doing here?!” Koharu frowned as she watched the no-longer-councilor Danzo going through the door.

”I asked him to come. Danzo has the right of knowing what happened last night.” Homura faintly answered.

”Well, since you are here, take a seat!” The 3rd saw Danzo entering, hesitated for a moment and finally let him stay.

Danzo took a seat facing Homura.

”Let's continue, last night…”

”Sorry, sorry, we are late!” This time, Ryo and Kushina, holding Naruto, barged in through the door together. The 3rd's face immediately turned gloomy.

However, when he saw Naruto in Kushina's arms, he immediately remembered his father and asked them to sit down as he sighed.

Ryo and Kushina took their places with Sakumo, Jiraya and Orochimaru.

The 3rd did not rush to continue this time. Instead, he looked around and made sure that no body was late, and then continued: ”You all know of what happened last night. You and your clans have defended the lives of our villagers, and on behalf of Konoha, I thank you all!” The 3rd bowed his head to the Ninjas before him.

”Sarutobi, you're being too polite. It's only our duty to protect Konoha!” Homura answered.

”Heh? I couldn't see you anywhere on the battlefield last night!” Orochimaru spoke in a strangely angry tone.

Ryo and everyone were all shocked. This was the first time they ever saw Orochimaru attacking someone so directly in such a meeting.

”Orochi san, while you didn't see him, it doesn't mean that such a 1st World War Veteran did not participate in battle. Yesterday, I could clearly perceive him… sheltering the civilians in the bunkers…”

While he never liked Homura, Ryo became disgusted by him yesterday when he could perceive him running with the civilians.

Homura's face became purple as he heard Orochimaru and Ryo, and everyone present looked at him with contempt. As for the 3rd, his eyes were full of disappointment, and he felt even worse than he already did.

Still, this was his old comrade-in-arms. The 3rd could only change the topic: ”Cough! Leave these matters for later, will you? I've called you all here for the sake of Konoha, not to judge anyone!”

”You mean, to elect the 5th Hokage?” Koharu asked.