"Why?" Hiruzen asked, genuinely curious.
"I am indeed studying your strengths, Hiruzen," Danzo replied, his voice calm and leveled. "But that is preparation for the day I beco Hokage myself."
"As your Assistant, my duty is fixed. A Hidden Village needs a face in the light and a hand in the shadows. There is no sunshine without the dark. It was the sa for the First and the Second, was it not? And eventually, even Lord Tobirama—the man who lived in the shadows of his brother's legend—beca the Hokage."
"You see my contributions. I believe you are a fair man."
"As long as you, the Hokage, recognize my value, I couldn't care less what the rest of the world thinks of ."
Danzo's tone sharpened with a hint of lingering annoyance. "Besides... that Kakuzu was exceptionally irritating. I have no patience for a rogue who treats gold like a god. He wasn't worth the effort of a polite conversation."
Aside from his "professional" duties, it was clear that Kakuzu's words had struck a nerve. The old-tir's observations were far too accurate.
His existence tarnishes the First Hokage's reputation? The insult still burned in Danzo's mind.
Am I the 'Darkness of the Shinobi' or is he? Danzo, who prided himself on being the "Root" that sacrificed everything for Konoha, simply couldn't stomach being lectured on morality by a bounty hunter. Usually, Danzo was the one framing others for "tarnishing reputations"—being on the receiving end was a bitter pill to swallow.
"So, that's how you feel?" Hiruzen laughed. "You're right, Danzo. The achievents buried in the shadows are often misunderstood. But I am keeping a tally. Every mission, every burden you carry—I'm writing it all down. I won't let your efforts go unrewarded."
"But I'll say it again: be as ruthless as you need to be against our enemies, but do not cross the line when it cos to the Will of Fire."
Danzo's expression softened slightly. He gave a stiff nod. "I understand, Hiruzen."
The crystal pendant beneath his shirt tapped against his chest with every step of their rapid journey back to the village. This was the source of his current confidence.
Hiruzen was actually keeping his word. He was treating the rivalry between Danzo and Orochimaru with total transparency. He was coaching Danzo on leadership and providing him with top-tier assignnts.
He brought to et the Daimyo, not the Snake, Danzo thought with a surge of pride.
In Danzo's mind, he had barely done anything during the eting—just stood there and looked nacing—but the fact that Hiruzen chose him as his partner for the village's biggest economic project spoke volus.
To Danzo, Hiruzen was the ultimate "Kingmaker." If Hiruzen supported him, Danzo knew the Hokage had the political skill to make the village accept him, no matter how bad his reputation was.
He had also realized his own "Unique Value Proposition."
Orochimaru was a genius of research, but his talent was purely technical. Danzo's strength was his willingness to be the Lone Official—the man who had no friends, a terrible reputation, and total control over the intelligence networks. He was the perfect "Shadow" for a "Bright" Kage.
As for the "Will of Fire" restrictions... Danzo didn't care much for the philosophy, but with Orochimaru watching him like a predator, he knew he couldn't afford to slip up. If he committed a human rights atrocity now, Orochimaru would use it to bury his candidacy forever.
"Hiruzen, I know you know what I'm thinking," Danzo said suddenly. "The tasks you give ... they benefit my standing as much as they benefit the village."
"Monitoring the revenue from the 'Sage Pill' line, negotiating with the Daimyo—you're tying to the village's prosperity so I'm not left behind by Orochimaru's lab results."
"You're being fair. And I won't let you down. Don't look down on ."
"I don't care how the world sees —yesterday, today, or tomorrow. Let them judge," Danzo gave a cold, jagged smile. "This is my Ninja Way. And I enjoy it."
Hiruzen blinked, montarily stunned.
What is he talking about? Is he doing a monologue?
Hiruzen hadn't actually planned so deep, multi-layered psychological "test" with the accounting duties. He had simply assigned Danzo the job because Danzo was a paranoid control-freak who was perfect for auditing a treasury. And he had brought him to the capital because Danzo's "Darkness" reputation acted as an excellent deterrent against the local lords.
Ninjas in this world really do have a 'beautiful' ntal state, Arata sighed internally. They overthink everything until it becos a spiritual revelation.
However, on the surface, Hiruzen clapped Danzo on the shoulder with a boisterous grin. "There's no need for words between us, old friend!"
"With you by my side, it feels as if the First and Second Hokage have returned to lead together!"
He didn't know why Danzo was being so emotional, but a bit of flattery never hurt anyone.
"Comparing yourself to the First? Hiruzen, your ambition is reaching dangerous levels," Danzo said, his chest puffing out as he tried to hide his pleasure. "But comparing to Lord Tobirama... that is high praise. He is the goal I've chased my entire life."
For the "Darkness of the Shinobi," being compared to the Second Hokage was the ultimate "itch" Hiruzen had just scratched.
The two legends of the Leaf continued their high-speed trek, discussing village logistics until the massive gates of Konoha appeared on the horizon.
Hiruzen let out a long, satisfied breath.
The "Loot" was secured. The gold was flowing. The "Stitching Material" for his Master's revival was in his pocket. Everything was ready for the next phase of the industrial revolution.
However, the mont they stepped into the Hokage Office, Sakumo Hatake was waiting for them. His expression was grim.
"Lord Hokage, Commander Danzo. The Patrol Net and the Anbu have intercepted several spies from Kusagakure (The Hidden Grass)."
"They were rcenaries hired by the Cloud and the Stone. After processing them through the Intelligence Division, we uncovered a specific piece of information."
Sakumo's voice turned low and heavy. "There is a survivor of the Uzumaki Clan currently being held within the Grass Village. According to the reports... her situation is catastrophic. They are treating her as a living blood-battery."
Hiruzen's expression darkened instantly. The warmth of the morning vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp killing intent that made the papers on his desk flutter.
"The Uzumaki... treated like cattle?"
Hiruzen's eyes glinted with a rciless light.
"It seems the Hidden Grass has forgotten whose allies they are trampling on."
"Danzo, put the 'Day Off' on hold. We have a rescue mission to authorize."
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