I, Konoha’s Sage of Life

"You're right. Not worth my time. Let's get back to the forbidden technique discussion."

Tsunade had absolutely no intention of giving them any face.

She patted Kyoichi on the shoulder.

Sis just wiped the floor with these fools. Now it's your turn.

Kyoichi stood up and said, "Forbidden Technique obviously shouldn't be widely distributed, but in select cases, there shouldn't be an issue—especially for jutsu with minimal drawbacks, like the Breathing Activation Technique."

"You must have a more advanced version of your breathing technique, don't you?" Danzo asked.

"Oh? You were worried about lifespan loss with the weaker version, and now you're not afraid anymore?"

Tsunade sneered.

She knew these people too well!

Their so-called opposition was just a way to force concessions, steering the proposal in their favor.

At least, that was exactly how Danzo operated.

Hiruzen rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. First, it was those two advisors, then Tsunade.

This meeting was becoming a disaster.

He was already considering postponing the discussion, but…

The others clearly had no such intention.

Kyoichi couldn't be bothered to entertain Danzo's question. He simply ignored him and continued, "Both the Breathing Activation Technique and the first two gates of the Eight Gates fall into the category of low-risk jutsu. In critical moments, they can save lives."

"The Eight Gates are a different matter. How difficult is the Breathing Activation Technique?" Orochimaru asked after some thought.

When it came to forbidden technique, his knowledge far surpassed Kyoichi’s.

With such minor drawbacks, was it even worth discussing?

"About A-rank difficulty. Plus, it has no chakra prerequisites—most Jōnin should be able to learn it."

"That’s quite impressive. It could absolutely be a lifesaving technique."

Orochimaru nodded.

A jutsu that was easy to learn, with minor drawbacks and major battlefield utility? This wasn't a forbidden technique—it was a gift!

And he understood Kyoichi’s reasoning—on the battlefield, a technique that could grant a surge of strength at a critical moment might mean the difference between life and death.

"What about the Eight Gates?" Hiruzen asked.

"The First Gate allows for complete control over one's power. The Second Gate forcefully extracts body energy to restore stamina—it’s essentially a survival tool."

Kyoichi explained.

Hiruzen already knew this. He had reviewed the details of the Eight Gates and the Breathing Activation Technique. He was simply asking for the benefit of Koharu and Homura.

Because, honestly, Tsunade was being way too aggressive.

Feeling everyone’s eyes on her, Koharu scowled but still spoke up, "I still believe we should not make any hasty decisions."

She couldn't afford to say nothing, even in front of Tsunade!

"How did my great-uncle manage to teach you two such brilliant minds?! Under your 'wise leadership,' Konoha’s strength has soared to unprecedented heights! Why, back in the day, Sunagakure wouldn’t have dared dream of being defeated by us."

Tsunade "praised" them with a bright smile.

Except…

Her words nearly made Koharu and Homura cough up blood.

It all sounded positive, but somehow, every word stung!

Sunagakure wouldn’t have been defeated?

Well, yes, because back then, they wouldn’t have even dared to attack Konoha!

"I believe it’s the Third Hokage who has weakened Konoha. If we had the esteemed advisors governing Konoha, we’d never be the target of multiple great nations."

Kyoichi added with a chuckle.

Hiruzen was speechless.

Arguing was one thing, but why drag him into it?!

And also…

Was this really a compliment?

Hiruzen felt a migraine coming on.

These two together were truly impossible to deal with.

"You little brat—you, you!"

Homura was so furious his breathing turned erratic.

Kyoichi’s words seemed respectful, but they were actually a ruthless jab—

If you two were in charge, Konoha would be reduced to just another struggling nation.

"These two techniques are indeed valuable. I approve of lifting their restrictions. However, Konoha should receive a more complete version."

Danzo said coolly.

"Danzo-sama, Konoha has no right to take others' secret techniques. Whether it’s my Breathing Technique or Master Duy’s Eight Gates, that principle applies. I proposed lifting restrictions because I want to strengthen Konoha."

"But that’s not a bargaining chip. I could just as easily not promote them—it wouldn’t affect me in the slightest. Or… are you assuming I care about Konoha more than myself?"

Kyoichi narrowed his eyes, locking onto Danzo without a hint of fear.

With his current strength, he had no reason to be afraid of this old schemer.

"I mean no such thing. Root is composed of Konoha’s most resilient shinobi. Everything we do is for Konoha."

Danzo frowned.

This brat was difficult!

His words were sharp, his position unwavering, and he constantly aligned himself with Hiruzen while painting Danzo’s faction as the enemy.

If this went on, he wouldn't gain anything—he’d only end up with a political mess.

"For Konoha? You think you represent Konoha?"

Tsunade grinned mockingly.

This old snake…

Always droning on about Konoha, but everyone knew what he was really after.

"Everything Root does is for Konoha." Danzo said coldly.

"I hear Root’s training is brutal—that each batch suffers heavy casualties, and those who survive are stripped of their emotions. If you’re so capable, why not implement full-body conditioning from childhood? Train every ninja to use the Eight Gates!"

"A force of shinobi all capable of opening the Eight Gates—sure, they wouldn't match Lord Hashirama, but they’d crush every other village! If you can make that happen, you can have the Eight Gates."

Kyoichi shrugged.

"Good point!"

Tsunade chimed in seamlessly.

At first glance, they were mocking Danzo, but in reality, they were calling out Koharu and Homura—if they were so concerned about shinobi well-being, why had they turned a blind eye to Root’s casualties all these years?

Hypocrisy at its finest.

Orochimaru chuckled.

A village full of Eight Gates users…

Kyoichi sure had wild ideas.

But if it could be done, such an army would be terrifying beyond measure.

Danzo’s face darkened.

And then…

BAM!

Hiruzen slammed the table so hard that it shattered.

"Enough! This discussion is over. We all want Konoha to thrive—there's no need to attack each other!"

Hiruzen barked. Then, he turned to Koharu, Homura, and Danzo.

"Danzo, I had already decided on the forbidden jutsu restrictions before this meeting. I wasn't seeking your opinions. You can leave."

"…Hiruzen, even you—"

Koharu was stunned.

Hiruzen’s words were far too direct, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"Hiruzen! Forbidden Technique shouldn’t be unsealed so lightly!" Homura protested.

Kyoichi, watching from the side, had to resist laughing.

Danzo had hoped to gain something.

Instead…

He got nothing but humiliation.

And as for these two advisors?

Tobirama-sensei must have seriously misjudged their potential.

"I believe that, as Hokage, I still have some authority, don’t I?"

Hiruzen’s tone was firm.

Recently, he had been reflecting—he realized he had been too conservative in some areas. Now, with Konoha facing its toughest challenges, it was time for action.

The Eight Gates and the Breathing Activation Technique had to be given to the Jōnin.

Survival came before lifespan concerns.

"Hiruzen, that’s not what we meant…"

Homura hesitated.

He couldn't understand why Hiruzen was being so unyielding this time.

Even acting like he was ready to cut ties over it.@@novelbin@@

"Regarding forbidden technique, I will decide what is allowed, what is not, and what is subject to research. If I find out any of you are secretly violating this directive—whether you are my old friend or my student—I will show no mercy."