Poor Danzo
Although the Fourth Hokage and others died in battle, Konoha was not weakened. Therefore, after dealing with the more urgent matters, the higher-ups will re-select a formal Hokage to lead the village.
In Daimyo Daimyo's Mansion, Shiji Shinden sighed, "I never imagined that Namikaze Minato would sacrifice himself like this. What a pity!"
Then he turned his head and smiled kindly, looking at Shuichi standing behind the conference table with satisfaction. "This time, we really have to thank you, Shuichi-kun. I knew you had a bright future, and now it seems I was right."
If Konoha were to be largely destroyed, the massive casualties among ninjas would inevitably lead to a decline in the nation's military strength, which would certainly result in a significant reduction in war revenue.
At the same time, the Land of Fire also had to allocate a huge amount of funds to help rebuild the village, train new ninjas, and carry out relief work. Considering all this, it's no wonder that the Daimyo treated Shuichi so well; it saved him countless expenses.
"You flatter me, Daimyo. Serving the country is a ninja's duty. I was just doing what I was supposed to do." Shuichi was granted special permission to attend the meeting as an observer instead of guarding the door. He was surrounded by high-ranking officials from the country and the village, but no one raised any objections.
After Shiji Shinden finished his reflections, the meeting went straight to the point: the question of Hokage Position.
"So... now that we're going to select the Fifth Hokage, do you have any good suggestions?"
Danzo had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, "I volunteer to be the Fifth Hokage. Currently, various countries are eyeing Konoha with hostility; we must use powerful measures to deter them."
"Previously, it was because our actions were too weak that we gave those who were secretly watching us an opportunity to use the Nine-Tails to cause incalculable damage to the village."
Danzo believed that this was a rare opportunity for him, as the Nine-Tails' Rampage was not only caused by the Fourth Hokage, but the Third Hokage also bore some responsibility.
Since the village was essentially governed by two Hokage for most of the year, others must have realized the seriousness of the situation, which is why he was able to bring a new look to the village.
After Danzo finished speaking, the scene became quiet for a moment, and even the Daimyo's hand, which was waving a fan, froze for a second.
Shuichi, watching from the side, couldn't help but laugh. This guy really was a dreamer of becoming Hokage; becoming Hokage had become an obsession for him.
Putting yourself in his shoes, this was truly Danzo's last chance. He was the same age as the Third Hokage, and he would be 60 in a few years, right in the final stage of his ninja career.
Now, whoever becomes Hokage basically means they've permanently lost their Hokage Position, because they're about to become an old man.
In everyone's common sense, a ninja of this age would inevitably experience a significant decline in strength, and choosing such an old person as Hokage would surely indicate that the village has no successor...
"But he actually succeeded. This is truly a rare and inspiring story..." Thinking of the original story, Shuichi really admired him. To become the Kage at the age of 70, he probably would never be able to break this record. He was truly an old horse still eager to run a thousand miles.
Da Ming felt somewhat embarrassed. He had never considered Danzo as a candidate, since any of the Sannin would have been a better fit than this ruthless fellow.
However, he knew that the other party had devoted himself to Konoha and the Land of Fire for many years, so in terms of qualifications, there was really no problem, and it was not appropriate to refuse directly.
Just then, the Third Hokage stood up, his face resolute. "I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, am willing to return to the Hokage Position and lead the village out of its predicament!"
Danzo couldn't hold back any longer. "It's precisely because the previous policies were too weak that the village has been repeatedly provoked by various underhanded forces, and if this continues..."
"I support the Third Hokage returning to the Hokage Position. The village needs an experienced leader to help it recover as quickly as possible," Utatane Koharu said, then bluntly questioned Danzo, "Where were you, Danzo, when the Nine-Tails appeared in the village?"
Upon hearing Shuichi thought to himself: Of course, he's doing research and secretly watching the game.
The fact that his Root had suffered significant damage from the Rinnegan is unspeakable. Danzo would certainly not let go of the opportunity to establish his Danzo, but another battle with Nine-Tails would mean the complete destruction of his Root.
If he wanted to conceal the news, he could only drag it out for a few years and slowly fill in the list of casualties from that incident. Otherwise, the Third Hokage and others would investigate his actions to the end. A large number of elite troops being lost at once must be unusual, and it would be too easy for a lie to be exposed.
When Danzo silent, Mitokado Homura spoke up, "Having Hiruzen return to the Hokage Position is the most suitable choice at present, for three reasons."
"At this time, the surrounding neighboring countries are stirring up trouble because of the death of the Fourth Hokage. The village must get moving as soon as possible to quell the situation. If a Fifth Hokage is chosen, the mobilization of ninjas in the short term will not be as efficient."
The first challenge the new Hokage faces is the sheer number of ninjas. Arranging mission schedules, team composition, and getting to know so many ninjas all require a significant amount of time to adapt.
This problem wouldn't exist if the Third Hokage were to return to power. He knew all the ninjas in the village inside and out, and everyone was used to his way of doing things.
"Secondly, with Hiruzen still needing support after the new Hokage takes over, the village will have one less top-tier fighter available. Every bit of fighting power is crucial right now."
"Finally, there's the allocation of village resources and communication with high-level national officials. The Third Hokage has extensive experience in this area, so there's no better choice than him."
Danzo glanced out of the corner of his eye at the newly Jonin Commander, a position that actually carries considerable weight, while Nara Shikaku, the Fourth Hokage's assistant, was facing an awkward situation.
Because he replaced the original Hokage assistant, and if the Third Hokage were to return to power, he might face the risk of being forced to step down quickly.
Before coming, Danzo had hinted to him that if he became Hokage Position, he would continue to give him his full trust. So now...
"I agree that the Third Lord should return to the Hokage Position!" Nara Shikaku said solemnly.
"..."
The remaining Anbu Captains naturally agreed. Shuichi couldn't bear to look at Danzo's expression; it was truly pitiful.
Put yourself in their shoes; if this happened to you, most normal people probably couldn't handle it.
If Konoha were a company, the Hokage would be the CEO in the open, while Danzo's work would be more like that of a corporate spy, but one who doesn't get paid.
The lower-level employees can get paid if they make contributions, but the Root get nothing. Many of the dirty and hard jobs play a vital role in the safety of the country and the village, but many Konoha Ninjas and villagers are unaware of this.
The company's success was entirely due to the Hokage, while his own contributions were completely ignored. Countless dark and sordid things eroded his heart day and night, and what drove Danzo to keep going was his dream of becoming Hokage, which was destroyed time and time again.
"Sigh, looking at it this way, the King of Pots has had it pretty tough too. The Third Hokage and the others are really mean, couldn't they just let others have their fun..." Shuichi felt that it was wrong of him to mock the other party, and he felt apologetic for it deep down.
Such a special situation in the Shinobi World can only be like this. The violent profession of ninjas inevitably involves countless dark things, which are all done by enemy countries, and even if their own side doesn't want to do them, they have to.
Now Danzo is shouldering the village's darkness alone. If those who criticize him only condemn him but cannot offer a better solution, then they are killing him without burying him.