Root of Konoha: Determined to Be the Villain, and the Restless Shinobi World (4/10)
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in confusion, "Why?"
Shimura Danzō calmly replied, "I have indeed been constantly learning from your strengths, but that was after I became Hokage— "
"As an assistant, this is my duty. In a Hidden Village, someone has to stand in the spotlight, and someone has to do things behind the scenes. Where there is light, there is darkness."
"Not only you and me, but weren't the First and Second Hokage the same? And the Second eventually became Hokage."
"You can see my achievements, and I believe you are fair."
"As long as you, the Hokage, are fair, I don't care what others think."
"Besides—" Shimura Danzō's voice tinged with annoyance, "That Kakuzu is indeed one of those rare people who can really make you angry. I can't be bothered to talk to him anymore; he's not worthy!"
Leaving aside his role as an assistant...
Clearly, some of Kakuzu's words had a significant impact on Shimura Danzō's mind.
The older generation's observations were indeed remarkably sharp.
What do you mean by saying his existence tarnished the reputation of the First Hokage?
That hat is way too big!
Am I the Darkness of the Shinobi, or are you the Darkness of the Shinobi?
Even Shimura Danzō, who prided himself on sacrificing himself for Konoha, couldn't accept such words.
After all, he's always the one labeling others.
Suddenly having such a blanket on my Kakuzu feels a bit strange.
"So that's what you were thinking?" Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed. "You're right. Merits hidden in the shadows might be misunderstood, but I'll record them all for you, so you won't suffer any loss—"
"But as I said before, ruthless methods are acceptable, but they cannot cross the bottom line of the Will of Fire."
Shimura Danzō's expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "I know, Hiruzen— "
The pendant around his neck gently tapped against his chest as he moved along.
This is one of the reasons why he has such confidence.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, his old friend, truly treated his Hokage rivalry with Orochimaru fairly.
He was taught by example how to be a Hokage and was also given adequate treatment.
Wasn't this collaboration with the Daimyo something we took along?
Shimura Danzō thought he hadn't done anything wrong, only spoken a few words; Orochimaru could have done that too.
The key was Hiruzen's skill; with just a few words, he got the Daimyo to swear an oath and call him "elder brother," and even smoothly arranged a marriage between them.
Such methods impressed Shimura Danzō.
From a conspiracy theory perspective, Hiruzen's grandchildren all had the potential to become Daimyo.
While most of the benefits came from Hiruzen Sarutobi's direct command, simply being able to participate was itself a form of recognition and recognition of seniority.
The fact that he brought him instead of Orochimaru says it all!
When Konoha benefits from this, and the ninjas are filled with gratitude, they will naturally trace the source and discover the shadow of Shimura Danzō.
Furthermore, during the twenty-four hours that Shimura Danzō Hiruzen Sarutobi—
I've also come to realize a truth!
When Hokage, is it more important to gain the approval of the entire village or to gain the approval of Hiruzen Sarutobi?
In Shimura Danzō's view, Hiruzen was still the most important.
Because if Hiruzen approves of him, given Hiruzen's abilities, he has his own ways of gaining the approval of the entire village.
Moreover, he gradually came to realize his own advantages.
Orochimaru's advantage lies in his research capabilities, and while Shimura Danzō resentment towards Orochimaru for embezzling funds, he could not refute it in this regard.
They certainly have the ability.
His core advantage lies in his so-called reputation!
His seemingly terrible reputation, ruthless and unyielding behavior, combined with his superb intelligence capabilities, made him a loyal retainer of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi were a cruel and ungrateful person, someone who would be treated like a chamber pot, filled with trash and then thrown away, then such a thought would be incredibly foolish.
But clearly, Hiruzen isn't like that; he's different.
As for Hiruzen Sarutobi's statement that one cannot violate the Will of Fire—
Shimura Danzō wasn't particularly interested, but Orochimaru, was watching him closely.
He certainly didn't dare to do anything excessive; if he were caught using this as leverage and the matter escalated, it would be troublesome.
Shimura Danzō had a vague feeling—
In the past, although Hiruzen Sarutobi kept him behind the scenes, not giving him a chance to appear in public or teaching him how to become Hokage, he was indeed quite indulgent towards him.
Hiruzen now treats him with complete honesty, but if he crosses a line he has explicitly forbidden—
I'm afraid they won't treat him as leniently as they used to.
"Hiruzen, I know, you know what I'm thinking—" Shimura Danzō suddenly spoke up, "The tasks you assigned me were all things I could complete and that would benefit me."
"For example, the source of funds for the 'Inspection of the Sage Pill ' series, and taking me to talk to the Daimyo, was also to link me with this huge project so that I wouldn't fall behind Orochimaru, right?"
"If you're fair, then I certainly won't fall behind you. Don't underestimate me."
I don't care what others think of me; it doesn't matter if they're wrong about me yesterday, today, or tomorrow.
Shimura Danzō an awkward laugh, "This is my Ninja Way, and I'm enjoying it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, was somewhat bewildered.
What do you know and know? This is a tongue twister!
Is it both Ninja Way and beneficial to him?
Shimura Danzō Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't deliberately arrange what Danzo Shimura said; he simply arranged it based on the idea of "the right person doing the right thing."
Occasionally, we'll reminisce about our old friendships, have a few fun, and try to strengthen our bonds.
How did things turn into such a special, heart-to-heart talk?
"The ninja's mental state is truly too beautiful--" Hiruzen Sarutobi silently complained to himself, but on the surface, he patted Shimura Danzō's shoulder forcefully. "Between us, there's no need for further words--
"With your help, it's First Hokage gaining Second!"
Although I don't know why Danzo suddenly acted this way, praising him is never a bad thing.
"Comparing yourself to the First? Hiruzen, you certainly have ambition!"
Shimura Danzō his chest slightly and said with a serious expression, "Comparing me to a teacher is an overstatement. Lord Tobirama is the role model I have always strived for!"
For this Darkness of the Shinobi...
When others praise him as the First, he may not say anything to his face, but he must be unhappy inside.
But if one were to praise him for having the style of Tobirama—
That hits the nail on the head.
The two marched rapidly toward Konoha, chatting about village affairs as they went.
Soon, they arrived at Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a soft breath.
Preparations for reviving the teacher are now basically complete.
Upon returning to the Hokage Office Building, Hatake Sakumo brought new news.
"Lord Hokage, the Patrol Force and Anbu have captured several spies from Kusagakure— "
"They were hired by Kumogakure and Iwagakure. After some were sent to the Analysis Division, they discovered some unusual intelligence," Hatake Sakumo said in a deep voice. "There are actually Uzumaki Clan in Kusagakure, and they're in a precarious situation—"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened.
What audacity!