chsdbacks Chapter 193: The Fall of a Giant
Chapter 193: The Fall of a Giant
As soon as this word comes out
The tension around his body instantly dissipated, and the joy on his face, hidden beneath the bandages, was undeniable.
He truly hadn't expected Konoha to agree to the alliance request so readily.
Ohnoki, standing behind him, suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with surprise and delight. He had never expected things to go so smoothly.
"Thank you for your kindness, Hokage!"
Unable to hide his excitement, he bowed deeply once again, his voice filled with gratitude.
Wan raised his hand slightly, gesturing for him to stand up, his expression calm.
"Without further ado, I will return to Iwagakure immediately to inform our Tsuchikage of this wonderful news."
"May we, from this day forward, forever be friends with Iwagakure and Konoha, and live in harmony!"
He spoke earnestly and excitedly, without a trace of emotion.
Wan smiled and said, "Stay a few more days. Tonight, I'll arrange for my men to treat you to a 'state banquet.'"
Wuwen smiled. The First Generation Leader was indeed gentle and kind, living up to his reputation.
"Then I shall humbly accept your offer!"
After saying this, he led Onoki, who was still unable to hide his excitement, to bow again and slowly leave the mansion.
Once the two figures had completely disappeared.
Madara Uchiha could no longer contain himself. He strode forward, looking at Manji with a puzzled expression: "Great-grandfather, Iwagakure is just a weak and unknown village. Konoha is far stronger than them. Why would you condescend to form an alliance with such a weakling?"
Looking at the unconvinced Madara, Manji slowly shook his head, his tone unhurried yet meaningful: "Madara, those who achieve great things must know how to form alliances and counter-alliances."
"If you want to take on the responsibilities of Hokage and lead Konoha in the future, you can't make enemies everywhere. You have to make good friends too. If you want to become Hokage, not only do you need to be capable, but you also need to have a large circle of friends."
"I see."
Madara Uchiha pursed his lips, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes, and nodded.
Just then, Wanci, whose breathing had been steady, suddenly turned pale and his vision went black!
Wanci's body swayed violently out of control, his fingertips drooping limply, and he almost fell off the chair.
"What's going on?!"
Madara Uchiha was standing beside him. Upon seeing this, his expression changed drastically, and a wave of panic washed over him.
Almost instinctively, he rushed forward and quickly reached out his arms to support Wanci's swaying body.
"Great-Grandpa! What's wrong?!"
Madara's voice was urgent. He then turned sharply and shouted hoarsely towards the gate of the mansion, "Quickly! Summon medical ninjas immediately! Come here at once!!"
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.
Manji's Mansion
The atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
The heads of all the major ninja clans in Konoha gathered together.
Everyone stood solemnly, holding their breath. The huge hall was completely silent, with only the heavy, panicked breathing of the crowd.
Madara Uchiha, Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Izuna Uchiha knelt at the front of the sickbed, their four pairs of eyes fixed worriedly on the weak-looking Manji on the bed.
Wan Ci lay on the hospital bed with his eyes closed, his breathing so weak it was almost stagnant, and his once kind face was now completely bloodless.
Uchiha Izuna clenched his fists, hurriedly leaning forward, his voice trembling: "How is Great-Grandpa? Tell me quickly!"
The medical ninja in charge of the treatment was covered in sweat, cold sweat constantly sliding down his forehead and soaking his chest.
The medical ninja bowed deeply, his expression filled with fear and helplessness, and replied, "Please forgive me, everyone, but the Hokage... is beyond saving."
"Don't you have any forbidden techniques to prolong the Hokage's lifespan?"
The Hyuga clan leader asked with a grave expression.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, the Hokage's lifespan has long since reached the limit for a ninja. His vital energy has been completely depleted, and we... are truly powerless to reverse the situation."
"I can't believe it," the medical ninja said helplessly.
These words were like a thunderclap; all the clan leaders present instantly turned pale, their expressions ashen, their eyes filled with disbelief and grief.
The atmosphere in the entire hall instantly plummeted to freezing point, with suppressed sobs faintly lingering in the air.
Just when everyone was plunged into endless despair, Wanci, lying on the hospital bed, slowly opened his eyes.
Wanci's eyes were weak and dim as he slowly swept over everyone present.
"Everyone... there is no need to be sad."
"I had long sensed that my time was coming, and this day has finally arrived."
The sound of ten thousand times was as faint as a candle flickering in the wind.
With a slight gasp, having used his last ounce of strength, he spoke in an incredibly calm and solemn tone, entrusting the matter word by word:
"From now on, the future of Konoha is entirely entrusted to you all! I hope that you will all work together to protect this village that we built with our own hands..."
Hearing these final words, everyone wore bitter expressions, their hearts filled with confusion and unease.
To be honest, they had absolutely no confidence in shouldering the responsibility for the future.
There have been tens of thousands of times in the past
He is the pillar of Konoha, the backbone of everyone, and the external brain of everyone.
No matter what difficulties or obstacles they encounter, as long as they have Wanci in command, they will have no fear.
Even if there are oversights in their actions, Wanci never criticizes or punishes them, always showing tolerance and protection towards everyone.
But now that Wanci is about to leave, they have suddenly lost their support and are filled with fear.
The new Hokage has not yet been appointed.
Whether it's Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, Tobirama Senju, or Izuna Uchiha.
None of them possessed the composure and tolerance of Wanci.
It can't give them a complete sense of security.
They had no idea how the new Hokage would treat the various clans, or what the future held for Konoha.
What if the newly appointed Hokage is planning to take them down?
Wanci took in the reliance, confusion, and unease in everyone's eyes and understood.
He knew that he had been too lenient and protective of his children.
These clan leaders have all become a bit like overgrown children.
You only need to follow your own path in everything you do, without having to think and make choices on your own.
It is naturally extremely difficult to ask them to shoulder responsibilities and make decisions on their own now.
With his last ounce of strength, Wan Ci slowly curved a gentle smile onto his lips, his gaze sweeping over everyone as he softly encouraged them:
"Don't underestimate yourselves, everyone. You are all the backbone of Konoha, each with your own responsibilities and courage."
"I firmly believe that no difficulty can defeat you all!"
Hearing this final heartwarming encouragement
A surge of intense emotion and reluctance welled up in everyone's hearts, their eyes instantly reddened, and glistening tears welled up in their eyes before finally sliding down their cheeks.
Years of companionship, mutual support, and concerted efforts.
Their relationship with Wanci was no longer that of superior and subordinate.
He was an elder who protected all his clansmen and was the spiritual pillar of the entire Konoha.
Now that this elder is about to leave us forever, the heart-wrenching sorrow and grief have gripped everyone's hearts.
Wanci's gaze gradually became distant, slowly turning towards the window.
Then, Wanci slowly closed his eyes...
A faint breath fell silent...
"Great-grandfather!!"
"Hokage-sama!!"