Coercion

In the hastily erected tent, the Daimyo was holding a meeting with his officials and the Konoha shinobi.

The meeting had only just begun when Danzō launched into a tirade against Kakashi, who listened in silence.

"It was your weakness that gave Akatsuki an opening and led Konoha to this state. Kakashi, you are no longer qualified to be its leader."

Kakashi sighed. "I will take responsibility, but with Konoha in its current condition, it still needs me. Once Akatsuki has been dealt with, I—"

"It is precisely because Konoha is in such a state that it needs to change. The first thing to do is select a new leader! Lord Daimyo, I, Shimura Danzō, am willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility. I will absolutely make Konoha and the Land of Fire stronger!"

Kakashi's mouth twitched, but nothing he said now would be appropriate. He could only silently watch the Daimyo.

The Daimyo took out a fan and snapped it open, hiding his face before he spoke. "Kakashi, you indeed bear inescapable responsibility for this. And Konoha has truly disappointed me these past few years. The gap between it and Peach Country is far too great. This cannot continue. The Emperor of Peach Country and I have reached a consensus to establish a global organization to counter terrorist groups and promote peaceful exchange. The Land of Fire needs to take a harder stance if it wants a voice in that world organization."

With things having been said this far, Kakashi could only reply, "I understand."

The Daimyo nodded, then asked, "Danzō, what do you plan to do after becoming leader?"

A cold glint flashed in Danzō's eyes. "First, the title of Hokage must be restored. Especially during the Five Kage Summit—Lord Daimyo, you would not want Konoha to become the