Young Master, Please Become Hokage

Danzō closed the intelligence log, his eyes flickering.

Rather than wholeheartedly supporting Minato Namikaze, Danzō would prefer to become Hokage himself.

But Danzō also knew very well that as long as Hiruzen Sarutobi was in power, he would have no chance. Therefore... supporting someone else became a necessary choice.

That person was Orochimaru, one of the Sannin. And this was also a necessary choice, because he couldn't possibly support Jiraiya.

The person he supported had to be someone who could cooperate with him and obey his commands.

Perhaps...

The figure of Akira Sarutobi flashed through Danzō's mind.

He was in the same year as Minato Namikaze, and had been unremarkable from childhood to adulthood, or rather, his performance had been mediocre.

After the Second Shinobi World War ended, he began to rise like a new star.

The Jonin Exam mission in the Land of Whirlpools last time, and this Anbu assessment mission... the results of both missions were extremely shocking.

This seemed to foreshadow something...

Was it a case of late blooming?

Or... had he been deliberately hiding his talents all along, keeping them deeply concealed?

But regardless.

"Akira Sarutobi... is a rare young talent..."

Danzō's heart burned with passion, and he had the idea of recruiting him.

He would bring Akira Sarutobi into "Root," continuously instill his own ideals in him, and ultimately make him his spokesperson.

Even more pleasing was the fact that Akira Sarutobi was Hiruzen Sarutobi's son.

If he could turn Hiruzen Sarutobi's son into one of his own, it would obviously be a delightful prospect.

"Besides... unlike Hiruzen, that kid hides darkness in his eyes."

As Danzō, the "Shadow of Shinobi," he had sensed a certain darkness in Akira Sarutobi's heart through their previous conversation at the entrance to the Anbu office.

Of course, Danzō firmly believed that Akira Sarutobi was a very pure person.

"Therefore... the darkness in that kid's heart is also very pure."

The specific details of the darkness hidden in Akira Sarutobi's heart could be observed slowly later.

Soon, Danzō returned the intelligence log.

And on another log, he wrote down his orders for Nonō.

"Agree to Akira Sarutobi's request to stay for a week."

"Agree to Akira Sarutobi mobilizing 'Ruri Hyuga' to assist in the planned hunt meeting with the Mist Ninja after a week..."

"Nonō, you will be responsible for assisting Akira Sarutobi and paving the way for his plan. This old man wants to know every detail of the operation..."

After finishing the log, Danzō got up and prepared to pay a visit to the Hokage's Office to inform Hiruzen Sarutobi of the specific details of the assessment.

Ten minutes later.

Danzō arrived at the Hokage's Office.

In the office late at night, Hiruzen Sarutobi was working late, still reviewing documents.

After the war, there were too many things to deal with.

A temporary period of overtime was necessary.

"Danzō?" Hiruzen Sarutobi looked surprised to see his old friend still visiting so late.

"I've come to tell you about Akira Sarutobi's assessment..."

Danzō sat down in a chair and began to explain.

After Danzō finished speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but smile: "Akira Sarutobi... that child is indeed very reassuring..."

Unlike his mischievous second son, Asuma.

His eldest son, Akira Sarutobi, had been very steady and mature since he was a child. Throughout their childhood, the couple had hardly ever worried about him.

He had steadily climbed the ranks, and although he wasn't as dazzling as a shooting star, he was at least considered to be performing competently.

"He might be a late bloomer too."

Danzō corrected him, listing Akira Sarutobi's bright spots in these two assessments.

"Just like... Minato Namikaze."

"..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was slightly taken aback.

Minato Namikaze was indeed not very noticeable before the age of 10.

After graduating from the Ninja Academy at the age of 10, he seemed to have an epiphany and began to grow rapidly.

No one could have imagined he would grow to this point.

"Danzō, are you saying... Akira Sarutobi, like Minato, is finally starting to come into his own?"

"Mmm... I believe Akira Sarutobi's future is limitless. Anbu... is indeed where he belongs..."

Danzō maintained a calm facade.

Internally, he was plotting, planning to win over Akira Sarutobi step by step, turning him into one of his own.

First, he would use a regular Anbu identity to lull Hiruzen Sarutobi into a false sense of security.

Then... he would have Akira Sarutobi promoted to Anbu sub-captain... or even Squad Leader of Anbu Squad Six.

By that time, it would be the moment to fully bring Akira Sarutobi under his command.

Finally, he would attempt to back both him and Orochimaru, hedging his bets so that one of them would become Hokage.

"Heh heh..."

Any parent would be delighted to hear praise for their child, and Hiruzen Sarutobi was no exception.

With a smile, he looked at Danzō and said sincerely, "Danzō... it's truly wonderful that you think so highly of young Akira Sarutobi..."

"This is nothing."

Danzō shook his head.

"I even believe your son... Akira Sarutobi possesses talent on par with Minato Namikaze. Perhaps... he is the one truly suited to become the next Hokage."

"..."

These words made Hiruzen Sarutobi smile even wider.

And Danzō's lips curved into a slight smile as well.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was smiling.

Danzō was also smiling.

Everyone had a bright future.

Danzō: "Now then, let's discuss the matter of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi selling off national assets and petitioning the Feudal Lord of the Land of Fire..."

Chapter 30: Akira Sarutobi's First Enterprise

The next morning.

Ruri Hyuga, having received the mobilization order, rushed to a port town in the eastern Land of Fire.

At the same time.

Kagami Uchiha, who had been sitting in his living room since early morning, anxiously awaited arrangements from Konoha High Command.

"Mr. Sakumo."

Outside the open door, a figure appeared in the courtyard.

His short, golden hair and handsome, gentle face were striking.

"Jonin Minato Namikaze..."

Kagami Uchiha stood up and, along with his son Kakashi, welcomed this rising new Jonin.

"Teacher Minato!"

Kakashi, having just graduated, his forehead protector gleaming.

He had clearly been eagerly anticipating the arrival of his Jonin instructor.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries.

Minato Namikaze left with an excited Kakashi.

Kagami Uchiha watched their retreating figures, his mind churning with thoughts.

He had always remained neutral, but ultimately, because he had a weakness, he was forced to take a side.

"I hope... this is for the best..."

Kagami Uchiha sighed and turned back into the house...

Time passed.

In the port town in the eastern Land of Fire where Akira Sarutobi was located, things had changed dramatically in just a few short days.

Akira Sarutobi had thoroughly purged the gangster elements with swift and decisive action.

As more criminals were killed, new leaders were promoted, and new members joined, the gang's rules and structure underwent significant changes.

Originally, this gang was a small dockside operation that oppressed ordinary people.

Later, after the intervention of that female ninja from the Twelve Guardian Shinobi, it became her private property.

Now, after Akira Sarutobi's integration, the local gang had transformed into a legitimate transportation company.

--the kind that pays taxes to the Feudal Lord of the Land of Fire.

In the world of Naruto, there are industries like shipping companies, such as Gato from the original work. Gato became a famous tycoon in the Shinobi World through his shipping company, which shows how profitable shipping companies can be.

In the original work, Jiraiya and Kakashi also showed their bank passbooks.

Some economic structures actually have a considerable foundation in reality.

Compared to small, disreputable docks, shipping companies are the future of port towns.

Akira Sarutobi's series of actions naturally led to some legends spreading by word of mouth.

For example: a man called the "Black Reaper" became the new mafia overlord.

Akira Sarutobi actually completed this without much effort. After all, Jonin-level ninja are as terrifying as monsters to ordinary people.

In fact, Akira Sarutobi simply reorganized the local mafia, leaving most of the affairs to Ino Yamanaka.

And the girl, who was very interested in the underworld, integrated the local forces into a solid bloc within a few days.

As for the methods used, Akira Sarutobi could imagine them with his toes.

Thus, Akira Sarutobi had his own tangible business.

Ninja, strength is important.

Making a living... is equally important.

Akira Sarutobi didn't have that much time to worry about food, clothing, and daily expenses.

Money is like a man's wings.

As the saying goes, money... isn't everything, but without it, you can't do anything.