Three years ago, Shimura Danzō, the highest-ranking of all Konohagakure's prisoners, spent a full half year in Kumogakure's prison before Orochimaru finally brought him back.
During those six months, Dada had Dodai use his position to get close to Danzo and exert quite a bit of influence on him.
Dodai had been very discreet. At first, he had merely been responsible for managing Konohagakure's prisoners, but as time passed, he gradually formed a "prisoner and guard" friendship with Danzo.
In Danzo's eyes, this close aide of the Raikage was very similar to himself. He was also the only high-ranking figure among the guards. Being able to befriend him while imprisoned only proved how exceptional Danzo's methods and rhetoric were. With just a few words, he had won Dodai's trust and made him feel as though they had met too late.
And without anyone noticing, he had found an opening. He now had a chance to reach into Kumogakure's inner workings and use Dodai to probe its true state.
What he did not know was that the hand he believed he had secretly extended into Kumogakure was actually being watched from behind the gate as it fumbled about.
With laughter.
People like Danzo trusted only themselves, so he had to be allowed to "win" things for himself before he would believe in them—and believe in them completely.
Next, Dodai deliberately revealed that his views clashed with those of the Third Raikage, playing right into Danzo's hands. Danzo then covertly guided Dodai's desire to rebel.
"Back then, I too stood only one step away from becoming Hokage. I merely withdrew because Konohagakure had greater need of me elsewhere. But everything was for the village. Whoever can lead the village to glory should occupy that position. From what I have seen, the Third