Konoha’s Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane—all members of the Konoha Council—had gathered once again in the Hokage’s office.
Crackle!
Tiny sparks and expanding smoke swirled around Hiruzen’s pipe, enveloping the other three silently.
Even Koharu, an environmental advocate from the Medical Corps, was too preoccupied to reprimand her old friend for his unhealthy habit. Homura remained silent, and Danzo’s expression was dark and brooding.
Susanoo!
After over thirty years, they had once again witnessed the sinister power hidden within the Uchiha bloodline.
Despite the passage of time, Sarutobi, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu could never forget the day Uchiha Madara returned to Konoha. The puppet-like Nine-Tailed Fox, the colossal Susanoo giant, and countless comrades lost in the battle’s aftermath were unforgettable.
Even now, as they revisited the Valley of the End, the site of that epic battle, the memories continued to haunt them, intensely shaking their hearts.
Clatter!
Hiruzen’s pipe slipped from his hand, breaking the tense silence as the four elders emerged from their fearful reverie.
Uchiha Madara had the Mangekyo, but the Mangekyo alone didn’t define Madara. For those who inherited Tobirama Senju’s legacy, this distinction was clear.
Yet, a Uchiha with Mangekyo Sharingan and one without it were vastly different in the eyes of Konoha’s leaders.
With the power of Susanoo, which rivaled the Tailed Beasts, combined with the Uchiha clan’s formidable combat skills, they became an unbreakable spear on any battlefield.
Even if this spear was placed on the village’s outskirts, its sharp edge was still painfully evident.
“Strike now, Hiruzen. Root is ready!”
Danzo’s cold voice cut through the silence, a sinister smile playing on his lips as he looked at Hiruzen.
Among those present, only Danzo felt a twisted sense of joy.
If they could rally all of Konoha’s forces to eliminate the Uchiha, Konoha would belong to Danzo.
After all, issuing an order to eradicate a noble Konoha clan was beyond the capacity of any Hokage. Moreover, Hiruzen only acts as a temporary Hokage.
At that time!
As the leading hero of this internal war, Danzo, known as the “Darkness of the Shinobi World,” would surely rise in power, with promotions and recognition (taking war funds), becoming the CEO (leader of the anti-Uchiha forces), and ultimately, the Chairman (Hokage of Konoha), leading Konoha to the pinnacle (of the Shinobi world).
“Danzo Shimura!”
Hiruzen’s worried expression vanished, replaced by an aura of unyielding authority.
“I am the Hokage!”
The dormant “Bear of the Shinobi” in Hiruzen resurfaced, making Danzo flinch, a reminder of the years he spent under Hiruzen’s shadow.
But!
As he looked at Hiruzen’s wrinkled face, a smile crept back onto Danzo’s face, filling him with a strange confidence.
“You will regret this…”
Danzo turned away, a fire of ambition and killing intent burning even brighter within him.
Hiruzen, you’ve aged!
Your heart is filled with hesitation and doubt.
You bathe in Konoha’s sunlight while I, the root in the darkness, draw nourishment to strengthen Konoha’s great tree!
Seeing this, Hiruzen’s eyes darkened. With his keen political insight, he quickly saw through Danzo’s schemes.
But!
As long as he didn’t explicitly state his stance, Danzo’s actions were folly…
Given Danzo’s nature, Hiruzen knew that if it came to it, and he had to make that painful decision, Danzo would inevitably act prematurely, thinking himself clever!
“Hmph!”
Hiruzen snorted, disdainful of Danzo’s ambitions, as he gazed toward the Uchiha district.
There!
The sounds of flames and lightning clashing could be felt even from this distance, signaling an intense battle.
Initially, Hiruzen didn’t care much for what he considered a farce, but the emergence of a new Mangekyo Sharingan had caught him off guard.
Now, Hiruzen desperately wanted information on this new Mangekyo user, but the Uchiha district was sealed tight, with no external messages getting through except through direct observation.
What?
Telescope Technique?
Other than spying on the women’s bath, what other use does that have? Chakra isn’t that easy to manipulate!
Especially considering the Uchiha’s extreme sensitivity to chakra!
So now!
Hiruzen could only wait while preparing necessary defenses. As long as he secured his position, neither the Uchiha nor Danzo could threaten him.
Based on Shisui’s previous reports, this so-called tournament would last just three days. Such a short time frame shouldn’t lead to any uncontrollable changes.
He would no longer be as passive once the three days were over and he had more information on the new Mangekyo user.
With this in mind, Hiruzen picked up his fallen pipe and turned to the other three in the office.
“Dismissed!”
“What do you mean, Hiruzen?”
Danzo, sensing a familiar hostility, glared at the Third Hokage.
“Konoha must remain stable. Keep your schemes to yourself!”
Hiruzen’s gaze was cold, his voice rising in intensity.
“I am the Hokage!”
“You will…”
Under the relentless gaze of the “Bear of the Shinobi,” Danzo faltered, then closed his eyes in frustration.
He stood abruptly and stormed out of the office.
I will handle this my way!
As the door slammed behind Danzo, Homura and Koharu exchanged a knowing glance, silently understanding each other.
Foolish Danzo!
After all these years, he’s still the same—cunning in small matters but clueless in major ones. How could he ever be fit for leadership?
“Leave the liaison with the other clans to us, Hiruzen. For the Will of Fire!”
Homura stood and bowed slightly to Hiruzen, pledging his loyalty.
Homura and Koharu had grasped Hiruzen’s stance from the earlier brief exchange. Unlike Danzo, they wouldn’t let power blind them.
Though they felt a twinge of pity for their old friend stepping into a trap, they knew Danzo was the best scapegoat for this task.
Their role was to remain at the pinnacle of power, controlling the heights of the shinobi world, ensuring Danzo’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain.
At that moment!
Bright, spring-like smiles spread across the gloomy Hokage office once again!
“For the Will of Fire!”
…
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