From atop the Hokage Building, Konoha's upper brass watched the troops below preparing to depart for the Land of River.
Unlike the confident Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo felt a quiet unease when he saw Tsunade and Orochimaru.
Why did Tsunade's and Orochimaru's factions seem to be converging?
Behind Orochimaru stood three jonin: Seiei Senju, Kawadera Uchiha, and Mitarashi Wa.
Mitarashi Wa was nothing to worry about, but what was going on with Seiei Senju and Kawadera Uchiha?
Behind Tsunade stood Mei Senju and Nawaki Senju.
The vigor radiating from these young people stung Shimura Danzō's eyes.
For this Land of River War, Shimura Danzō served as commander-in-chief, with Orochimaru and Tsunade as deputy commanders.
Danzo looked at the two deputy commanders, anxiety rising within him.
The Land of Waves War had crushed the Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan, yet Konoha's young and middle-aged faction had grown up so quickly.
In Konoha, anyone with even a little strength wanted to become Hokage.
Konoha was a militaristic organization built on violence. The entire village had only one voice: the Hokage's voice.
No Uchiha wanted to become Hokage. He died.
Riqiao Hyuga wanted to become Hokage. He died.
Dan Katō wanted to become Hokage. He died.
Many people had wanted to become Hokage. They all died.
Shimura Danzō was very close to the Hokage's seat. As a Hokage adviser, he seemed only one step away.
But he knew there was a high chance he would not become the Fourth Hokage.
Shimura Danzō stared at Orochimaru.
He needed to select a Fourth Hokage with stains on his record, a controllable Fourth Hokage.
The Third, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had enormous stains on his record. As long as Shimura Danzō held onto the Second's death, he could hold it over him for the rest of his life.