Danzo's Emergence - Acting Hokage

The next morning, an unexpected visitor arrived at the Hokage's temporary tent.

Shimura Danzō.

Leaning on a cane, his left eye and right arm wrapped in bandages, he wore an expression like weathered stone. Two Root shinobi stood silently behind him like statues.

"Tsunade." Danzō's voice was low and utterly devoid of warmth. "Are you planning to attend the Five Kage Summit in person?"

Tsunade sat behind the desk and looked at him. "It is my duty."

"Konoha has just suffered a devastating blow and has much to rebuild. If the Hokage leaves the village, who will oversee the situation?"

"Shikaku is here—"

"Shikaku is only the head of the jōnin corps." Danzō cut her off. "There is only so much he can do. And—" He paused, a glint flashing in his exposed eye. "If anything happens to you at the summit, Konoha will be left leaderless."

Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"My meaning is clear." Danzō's voice remained perfectly flat. "You will attend the Five Kage Summit, and I will act as Hokage. That is the most prudent arrangement."

The air in the tent suddenly froze. Shizune stood to one side, her face turning pale. She knew Danzō had coveted the Hokage's position for a long time—from the day the Third died, he had been waiting for this opportunity.

"Acting Hokage?" Tsunade's voice turned icy. "Since when has Konoha ever had an acting Hokage?"

"Special circumstances require special measures," Danzō said. "After Pain's attack, the village needs stability. In the Hokage's absence, someone must be able to make swift decisions. The jōnin corps' decision-making process is too slow and unsuitable for the current situation."

"So you came here to nominate yourself?"

"I am the most suitable candidate." Danzō's expression did not change. "I have experience managing