Facing the Third Hokage's attempt to shift the blame, Danzo frowned, thoroughly displeased.
Although he had personally orchestrated Uchiha Night, he had gained nothing from it. Not only had he failed to obtain the Sharingan he had expected, but he also had to take responsibility for Uchiha Night, resulting in severe cuts to Root's budget and personnel.
The one who had truly gained the most was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After the Uchiha left Konoha, there would no longer be any open voices opposing the Hokage in the village. Hiruzen Sarutobi could extend the Hokage's authority into every aspect of the village.
But was that truly a good thing for the Hokage?
Danzo did not think so. The Uchiha had been slaughtered for no reason, and that would inevitably make the other Ninja Clans wary.
And after losing the Uchiha Police Force as their common enemy, the Ninja Clans and ordinary ninja would sooner or later grow dissatisfied with the Hokage Building. These were all problems Hiruzen Sarutobi would have to face.
At that thought, a glint flashed through Danzo's eyes. He nodded, then left the Hokage's Office.
For the time being, he did not need to oppose Hiruzen Sarutobi. It would be enough to do his job well. Once the Hokage lost the trust of the Ninja Clans and the Jonin, he could begin campaigning to become the Fifth Hokage.
At the Cloud peace talks decades ago, he had hesitated for half a second and missed his chance to become Hokage.
Decades later, he would make up for that half-second mistake through decades of effort. Through his actions, he would prove that he was more suited to be Hokage than Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Danzo's quiet departure surprised the Third Hokage. He had already prepared himself to argue his case.
Had even Danzo