In the end, the four mbers of Konoha's leadership council left the Hokage's office on bad terms.
Although there had been no shouting or open confrontation, Shimura Danzō's blunt declaration had completely placed him in opposition to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
A crack had appeared within the small leadership circle—one that could never be repaired.
Yet Danzō felt no regret.
He knew very well that as long as he still coveted the Hokage's position, this day was inevitable.
He wanted to beco Hokage.
Hiruzen did not want him to beco Hokage.
This was a contradiction that could never be reconciled.
And with the selection of the Fourth Hokage fast approaching, Danzō needed to build his reputation as quickly as possible in order to secure more support.
Conflict with Hiruzen was therefore unavoidable.
Once the bowstring had been drawn, there was no turning back.
At a ti like this, revealing his ambitions sooner rather than later would actually strengthen his resolve.
If he didn't even have this much courage, then Shimura Danzō might as well give up on becoming Hokage and go ho to sell sweet potatoes instead.
After leaving the Hokage Tower, Danzō did not return to Root imdiately. Instead, he headed toward the Hyūga clan compound.
He no longer had any retreat left.
After visiting many clans over the past two days and gaining their support, he needed the Hyūga clan to give him a clear answer as well.
anwhile, inside the Hokage's office.
After the earlier eting, Hiruzen Sarutobi had co to a conclusion.
Although Uchiha Ya had failed to seize the speaking authority within the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Setsuna had also failed to gain control.
The rise of Uchiha Ren was an unexpected developnt.
But compared to the reckless Uchiha Setsuna, having the clan temporarily led by the more rational Uchiha Ren ant the Uchiha were unlikely to embark on the path of an ard coup—at least for now.
After considering the situation, Hiruzen instructed Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu to disperse the more than one thousand shinobi gathered outside Konoha.
At the sa ti, he ordered the ANBU to summon Namikaze Minato to the Hokage's office.
"Minato, the situation has changed."
After dismissing the ANBU, Hiruzen spoke directly without any preamble.
Minato blinked in confusion.
"Lord Hokage, what situation has changed?"
Hiruzen's expression was serious.
"Originally, when you stepped forward to beco the Fourth Hokage, no one planned to compete against you. It was practically a certainty."
"But now an unexpected developnt has occurred."
"This ti, you will have an opponent."
Minato smiled gently.
"Is it Orochimaru-senpai?"
"That's alright. Orochimaru-senpai has also made many contributions to the village. It would be reasonable for him to beco Hokage."
"And since we are comrades, I can accept a fair competition—and I can also accept the possibility of losing."
Hiruzen gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
"If it were only Orochimaru, things would actually be manageable. At most, he would have a thirty percent chance of winning."
"But the one who intends to compete with you this ti… is Shimura Danzō."
"As far as I know, Orochimaru has already reached a cooperation agreent with Danzō. He will fully support Danzō's bid for Hokage."
"And because of your previous misstep, many clans in the village—led by the Hyūga clan—have begun shifting their support toward Danzō."
"Your chances of victory are now no more than sixty percent… perhaps even fifty."
A trace of surprise flashed deep within Minato's eyes, though he quickly concealed it.
His expression turned serious.
"Lord Hokage, forgive for speaking frankly. I've heard quite a bit about Elder Danzō's thods."
"He is not suitable to beco the village's Hokage."
"Elder Danzō is ruthless, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. Even toward his fellow villagers, he can be cold and rciless."
"If he becos Hokage, Konoha may beco a second 'Bloody Mist Village.'"
Although the infamous reputation of Kirigakure's "Bloody Mist" era was truly cented when the Fourth Mizukage—who had been manipulated by Uchiha Obito—implented brutal policies, in reality the trend had already begun during the reign of the Third Mizukage.
Under his rule, Kirigakure had already begun enforcing harsh and oppressive policies, placing both villagers and shinobi under constant pressure.
The Third Mizukage's goal had been to maintain absolute control over the village by fostering fear and chaos, preventing powerful shinobi—such as the Seven Ninja Swordsn of the Mist—from challenging his authority.
Of course, it was also possible that the Third Mizukage had been influenced by Uchiha Madara.
After all, to manipulate the Kirigakure ANBU and even mobilize the Three-Tails, Madara must have controlled soone with real power inside the village.
The most likely candidate was the Third Mizukage himself.
Regardless, the Third Mizukage's governing style bore a striking resemblance to Danzō's.
Both were n willing to use any ans necessary to achieve their goals.
If Danzō beca Hokage, then given his insufficient personal strength and prestige, he would likely resort to various extre asures to secure his power.
For example, he might place the Cursed Seal of the Tongue Eradication on every shinobi in the village, or eliminate anyone capable of threatening his position.
Hiruzen sighed.
"That is precisely why I called you here."
"The Fourth Hokage must never be Shimura Danzō."
After thinking for a mont, Minato asked,
"Lord Hokage, as far as I know, Elder Danzō doesn't have a particularly good reputation among the clans. Can he really gain that much support?"
"Interests."
Hiruzen answered in a low voice.
"There are many requirents for becoming Hokage. Reputation is only one of them."
"And when faced with benefits, what does a little reputation matter?"
"To beco Hokage, Danzō would probably even sell his own underwear if necessary—promising all sorts of benefits."
"Most people are shortsighted. In the face of huge benefits, very few can remain unmoved."
Hiruzen couldn't help feeling a deep sense of regret.
In the past, he had given Danzō too much authority.
Many of the secret techniques, forbidden techniques, and research docunts stored in the Hokage's archives had copies in Danzō's possession.
anwhile, Root, the hidden branch of the ANBU, controlled countless classified intelligence secrets.
All of these had now beco political capital that Danzō could use to win support.
More importantly, unlike Danzō—who operated in the shadows—Hiruzen himself stood in the sunlight.
He could not openly use those sa resources to buy support.
Because those were public assets belonging to the village, and their use had to appear fair and impartial.
Minato pondered this for a mont.
Then he asked calmly,
"Then, Lord Hokage… what do you want to do?"
A sharp glint flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.
"Besides continuing the tasks I previously assigned to you…"
"There is one more thing you must accomplish."
"Win over the Uchiha clan."
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comnt!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon/Sagamaster789
User Comments
0 comments from readers