"You're going too?"
The Third Hokage could not help hesitating. He had specifically prepared the credit for Orochimaru this time. If Danzo went as well...
Seemingly noticing the hesitation on his old friend's face, Danzo took the initiative to step back.
"Don't worry. I'm only going to ensure the Nine-Tails' condition. I won't interfere with the execution of this mission."
To be honest, although Danzo's lifelong obsession was becoming Hokage, at this point in time, even he could not see the slightest hope of it happening.
The Sannin were in their prime. Whether in reputation, strength, or background, he held no advantage in any respect.
Just imagine it: if the Third Hokage passed the position to Orochimaru, then given Orochimaru's seniority, strength, and personality, Danzo would have no choice but to retire early.
Orochimaru would not indulge someone who was always opposing him, unless that person was named Jiraiya.
But if it were Namikaze Minato...
Setting strength aside, he was still too junior, and influenced by Jiraiya's personality, he was somewhat too soft-hearted.
Still, if he had been given enough time, his personal charisma might have allowed him to bring Konoha completely under his control. Unfortunately, genius was envied by heaven, and he served as Hokage for barely over a year.
It was Namikaze Minato's death that truly and completely stirred the deepest obsession in Danzo's heart!
At that time, the Third Hokage had grown old, White Fang was dead, and the Sannin had scattered. Looking closely, there was truly no one in the Hokage faction capable of shouldering such a burden.
As for the ninja from the other clans?
Heh, were they worthy?!
Unfortunately, just when Danzo had been delightedly thinking that his chance had finally arrived, the Third Hokage slapped the hat back onto his own head—he actually