CHAPTER 138: CHAPTER 138: ASUMA MEETS THE ADVISORS

As the saying goes, when the spring breeze blows, hooves gallop swiftly; when joy comes, spirits soar.

Early this morning, Asuma looked as if he were walking on air, his face glowing with delight—like someone who had just won a ten-million-ryō lottery. Well, not exactly. As the head of the Sarutobi clan, he was already well-off, and money wasn’t something he particularly cared about.

But last night’s events... well, those who knew, knew.

After sending a shadow clone to lead Team Ino-Shika-Chō on their mission, Asuma swiftly made his way to Utatane Koharu’s residence.

There, he found Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura sitting side by side, basking in the morning sun.

’No wonder these two are always together—turns out there’s something going on between them.’

Suppressing his inner amusement, Asuma greeted them. "Advisors, you both seem to be in high spirits today!"

Koharu, who had spent decades alongside the Third Hokage and Danzō, was no fool. Her schemes ran deeper than most could fathom. She chuckled lightly as she regarded Asuma. "Ever since we heard you returned to the village yesterday, we knew you’d come to see us. We just didn’t expect you to show up first thing in the morning instead of last night."

"Indeed." Homura added with an approving nod. "It seems your temperament has matured, Asuma. Even your father, Hiruzen, wasn’t this composed at your age."

Asuma’s face flushed slightly at the praise.

If he hadn’t gone out with Kurenai last night, he would have come straight to the advisors. Even now, the memories of that extraordinary evening lingered in his mind.

Women weren’t new to him, but that kind of unique pleasure... that was a first.

"You flatter me, Advisors."

"Ah, don’t call us that anymore." Koharu waved a hand dismissively. "That title now belongs to Hatake Kakashi, Hyūga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and Katō Shizune. We’re just two old folks with no authority left."

But Asuma wasn’t the hotheaded youth he once was.

If Koharu truly had no ambitions, why would she so clearly remember the names of the new advisors? Why would she and Homura be waiting for him like this?

It was simple—she was waiting to see what he would offer.

Understanding this, Asuma remained calm.

"Those four are indeed exceptional talents of Konoha."

He couldn’t help but admire Tsunade’s choices for the advisory council.

Hatake Kakashi, Konoha’s elite jonin, was not only incredibly powerful but also highly respected—a perfect subordinate.

Hyūga Hiashi, the leader of the village’s most prestigious clan, was both influential and capable. Naturally, he was worth winning over.

Nara Shikaku, the Jonin Commander, had built strong relationships with countless shinobi over the years. With his brilliant mind, controlling Konoha’s affairs would be effortless with his assistance.

As for Shizune, though her abilities were modest, she represented Tsunade’s will.

A leader like Tsunade would inevitably place her most trusted confidant in the advisory council.

Shizune was that person.

Compared to Koharu and Homura—two outdated relics—this new lineup was infinitely superior.

If he had the choice, he’d want a team like that too.

But he didn’t have that luxury.

"However, they are still relatively young. A shinobi village like Konoha still needs the guidance of wise and experienced elders to safeguard its future. Don’t you agree, Advisor Koharu?"

Asuma made his stance clear.

Koharu and Homura exchanged a knowing smile.

"Asuma, you truly are the Fifth Hokage candidate we’ve always believed in." Koharu said. "But the current situation is... complicated. Tsunade has been steadily consolidating her power. If you wish to reclaim the Hokage’s seat now, it won’t be easy."

One word summed up her point: difficult.

There was a way—but it depended on whether Asuma was willing to play along.

"Please, Advisor Koharu, enlighten me." Asuma bowed deeply, showing his respect.

"Oh, there’s no need for such formality!" Koharu waved her hand dismissively, though she made no move to stop him from bowing.

She let him remain in that position for a full three minutes before lightly patting Homura’s leg, signaling him to help Asuma up.

"When a Kage assumes office, aside from receiving the Daimyō’s approval, they must also gain the recognition of the other four Great Shinobi Villages. Historically, as long as the Five Kage exchange letters without raising objections or questions, the matter is settled."

Asuma frowned. "Isn’t that just a formality? Since when do other villages have a say in Konoha’s affairs?"

"Such ambition!"

"Truly worthy of the Fifth Hokage we envisioned!"

Koharu conveniently omitted the fact that when she had previously nominated candidates for the Fifth Hokage, her first choice had been Jiraiya, the second Tsunade, the third Kakashi... and only then Asuma.

"Of course, Konoha’s matters are none of the other villages’ concern. Right now, among the four, Suna is insignificant, Kiri is still recovering from years of civil war, and they’re too isolated to meddle. To force Tsunade into action, we’d need either Iwa or Kumo to challenge her authority as Hokage."

But Asuma still didn’t understand.

Why would Iwa or Kumo listen to him? If he told them to provoke Tsunade, would they just obediently comply?

"The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, is a cunning old fox. The Fourth Raikage, A, appears brutish but is actually quite shrewd—though his temper often clouds his judgment. After over a decade of recovery, both Iwa and Kumo have replenished their shinobi forces. In comparison, Konoha has fallen behind."

"Now, if Kumo were to hear rumors that Iwa is preparing to attack Konoha... and if Iwa were to hear that Kumo is planning to strike... what do you think Tsunade would do?"

Asuma pondered for a moment before answering. "If war breaks out, countless Konoha shinobi will die. That’s—"

"Enough of this weak-willed hesitation!" Koharu snapped, her expression darkening. "If you’re not willing to act, then leave! We old folks still have sunbathing to enjoy!"

Under the warm sunlight, Asuma stood frozen, his face twisting in conflict.

After a long silence, he finally lowered his head in resignation.

"...Advisor Koharu, please advise me."

"Come closer."

Koharu whispered a few words into Asuma’s ear, and soon after, he turned and left.

The essence of strategy didn’t require lengthy explanations—just a few key words were enough.

Watching Asuma’s retreating figure, Homura frowned uneasily.

"He’s so timid... What if something goes wrong?"

"Relax." Koharu scoffed. "It’s precisely because he’s like this that we can control him. Unless... you’d prefer to keep rotting away at home, despised by everyone?"

Please, she thought, look at yourself before judging Asuma. You two are practically the same.

As Asuma left Koharu’s house, his bowed head hid a mocking smile.

"You old fossils think you can manipulate me? Do you really take me for a fool?"

"Just wait. When the time comes... your days will be numbered."

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