Issuing the order to execute Naruto had been easy enough, but the stigma of killing a former hero of Konoha would never come off. Back when Danzo had forcefully become acting Hokage, it had at least been because the situation was tense at the time. Otherwise, no one would have allowed a man synonymous with iron-blooded rule to sit in the Hokage's seat.
Now that he had killed Naruto, his reputation would surely plummet. And this was a time of peace. The village did not need a Hokage like him, so the next step would be for him to step down. As for who would replace him...
Kakashi cast Shikamaru a sidelong glance. The situation across the Shinobi World was not particularly tense now, so having a wise man like him become Hokage would be perfectly reasonable.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura shouted. "Why? Didn't Naruto save our lives?"
Kakashi frowned. The others did not seem inclined to question him, but some of them were Naruto's closest companions and naturally would not stand by and watch. That was why he had not informed Sakura and Hinata.
Before Kakashi could speak, Sasuke grabbed Sakura and stopped her. "Do you want the village, or do you want Naruto?"
Sakura trembled upon hearing Sasuke's words.
"Lord Hokage..." Shino Aburame said slowly. "Must it be this way?"
Kakashi slowly let out a breath. "Anyone who attempts to shield Uzumaki Naruto will be regarded as betraying the village and subjected to the same punishment as Uzumaki Naruto!" The corner of Shikamaru's mouth twitched. Even he felt this had gone too far. He had only wanted to secure more influence within the village, but it seemed he had overplayed his hand.
It was true that Uzumaki Naruto's use of a forbidden technique was serious, but at worst, it merely