Konoha, Root
Danzo had been in an excellent mood lately, because he could feel that the position of Hokage was drawing closer and closer. His efforts and funding to win over Orochimaru had not been wasted.
"Hmph, that fool Hiruzen can't even see through his own disciple, yet he wants Orochimaru in Root to monitor me? Hiruzen, you're old!"
Danzo had noticed Orochimaru's ambitions long ago. This Sannin had no Will of Fire in his heart, and with a little temptation, Danzo had gotten him to research Hashirama Cells for him.
And in just a few months, there had already been results!
"Just wait, Hiruzen. When even Wood Release Ninja support me becoming Hokage, let's see how you'll compete with me."
Danzo had considered many ways to become Hokage, and the most important among them was Wood Release Ninja.
Wood Release was an immensely influential symbol within Konoha.
The First Hokage had used Wood Release to quell the chaotic era and capture eight Tailed Beasts. In the hearts of all the older generation of Konoha Ninja, Wood Release represented overwhelming power. Moreover, Wood Release represented the Senju Clan, and the Senju name held an extremely high status in Konoha.
Among the Sannin, no one was more brazen than Tsunade. Jiraiya had left the village for three years, and after returning, he had even completed many S-rank and A-rank Missions as punishment. But Tsunade could leave whenever she wanted, and even Sarutobi Hiruzen dared not say much. He could only try to persuade her nicely.
The reason Tsunade could do that had nothing to do with her Medical Ninjutsu or strength. It was because her granduncle was the First Hokage, her granduncle was the Second Hokage, her grandmother was the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and her clan was the Senju Clan.
Her