Watching Tsunade collapse to the ground, Bai Ye understood—she had agreed.
"You don't need to be so distressed. While I never show mercy to my enemies, I have never mistreated my own people either," Bai Ye said calmly.
"In reality, I am already the true master of the Land of Fire.
On the surface, you will remain Konoha's Hokage—I will not interfere too much in your affairs.
As for the stubborn elders of Konoha and the feudal lords of the Fire Nation, those who comply may keep their positions. Those who resist… well," Bai Ye's tone turned icy as a wave of murderous intent emanated from him.
This aura, forged through countless battles and bloodshed in the pirate world, was so thick it felt almost tangible.
Even Tsunade, an experienced warrior who had survived the Third Great Ninja War, felt a chill run down her spine. She couldn't fathom how many lives Bai Ye must have taken to cultivate such an oppressive killing intent.
However, the aura vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Regaining her composure, Tsunade stood up and looked Bai Ye in the eye. "Fine. I will try to persuade the Konoha elders and the daimyo of the Fire Nation."
Bai Ye chuckled and shook his head. "Those old fools won't be so easily swayed by mere words."
As someone who had watched the events of the Naruto world unfold, Bai Ye was well aware of the corruption within Konoha's leadership.
If those power-hungry elders learned that an outsider was attempting to take control, they would undoubtedly resist.
Not to mention Danzo—who had always schemed for the Hokage position—he would be the first to oppose Bai Ye.
And right on cue…
Bai Ye turned his gaze toward the distance, sensing a group of figures rapidly approaching.
"If I'm not mistaken, that should be Danzo and his lackeys."
He wasn't at all concerned.
Even though Danzo possessed First Hokage cells and had transplanted multiple Sharingan into his body, he was nothing in Bai Ye's eyes. With the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, Bai Ye was far beyond Danzo's level.
Tsunade, on the other hand, didn't want to waste any more time with Bai Ye. "I have many matters to take care of, including confirming Jiraiya's fate. I'll return to Konoha now."
But just as she turned to leave, Bai Ye stopped her.
"Wait a little longer. You're about to witness quite the spectacle."
"What do you mean?" Tsunade frowned in confusion.
Before Bai Ye could answer, a group of figures appeared before them.
It was Danzo, accompanied by his Root operatives and several Konoha elders.
Danzo's Scheme Unfolds
"Finally, I've caught you red-handed, Tsunade."
Danzo smirked as he walked forward, his lone eye glinting with sinister delight.
After investigating the destruction of his base, he had confirmed that Bai Ye was the culprit who had stolen the First Hokage cells and the Sharingan.
That alone would have made Danzo furious.
But when his spies reported that Tsunade was secretly meeting with Bai Ye in the forest outside Konoha, his anger turned into an opportunity.
This was his chance to frame Tsunade and remove her from the Hokage seat once and for all.
The accusation? Conspiring with an enemy ninja.
There was no need for actual proof—just being seen with Bai Ye was enough to cast suspicion.
To strengthen his case, Danzo had even recruited several Konoha elders to support him.
While these elders lacked intelligence, they held great influence within the village. If they declared Tsunade unfit to lead, the villagers would accept it without question.
And once she was removed, there would be only one candidate left for the Hokage position—Danzo himself.
One of the elders hesitated. "Danzo, we've watched Tsunade grow up. I find it hard to believe she would betray the village."
Another elder nodded. "Tsunade fought bravely in the Third Great Ninja War. Her loyalty to Konoha has never been in doubt."
Danzo feigned sympathy but remained firm. "I understand your concerns, but I have discovered that this man, Bai Ye, is a missing-nin from the Land of Rain. He is responsible for the deaths of dozens and is extremely dangerous."
Of course, Danzo had fabricated this story. But the elders wouldn't investigate—he could say whatever he wanted.
And sure enough, the moment they heard "missing-nin," their opinions shifted.
"I never expected Tsunade to associate with a traitor…"
"If this is true, then we made a mistake appointing her as Hokage."
"After this, we must convene a council meeting to remove Tsunade from office and elect a new Hokage."
"I believe Danzo is the most suitable choice. He has dedicated his life to the village. Even if his methods are harsh, he has always had Konoha's best interests at heart."
Danzo's heart swelled with triumph.
Everything was proceeding exactly as he had planned.
Not only would he become Hokage, but he would also have the perfect excuse to eliminate Bai Ye.
Danzo's single eye gleamed with malice as he stared at Bai Ye, already plotting his demise.
The Show Begins
Tsunade clenched her fists. "What game are you playing, Bai Ye?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Bai Ye replied with a smirk.
Seeing no immediate danger, Tsunade decided to stay and observe.
After all, she had already chosen to side with Bai Ye.
Suddenly, a flurry of movement filled the air.
More than a dozen figures surrounded them.
Danzo stepped forward, pointing an accusatory finger at Tsunade.
"Tsunade, explain yourself!" he barked.
"Why are you associating with this missing-nin from the Land of Rain? Do you intend to betray Konoha?"
"As Hokage, conspiring with a known traitor is an act of treason. How do you justify this?"
The elders joined in.
"Tsunade, we trusted you!"
"Your actions have disgraced the Hokage title!"
"For the safety of Konoha, we must strip you of your position and brand you as a wanted criminal!"
Tsunade felt a surge of frustration.
She wanted to explain, but how could she? Bai Ye's identity was indeed unknown, and their meeting looked highly suspicious.
She turned to Bai Ye, hoping for a solution.
But Bai Ye merely stepped forward, unfazed by the accusations.
He stared directly at Danzo and the elders, his gaze calm yet sharp.
"I have no need to explain anything to you," Bai Ye declared.
"But if you truly want an explanation… go to hell and find it there!"
The Battle Begins
Danzo's face twisted in fury.
"How dare you?!"
"You insolent—!"
Before he could finish, Bai Ye made his move.
And in that instant, death descended upon Konoha's corrupt elders.