Danzo's Scheme

Konoha

Hokage Building

In a small conference room in the Hokage Building, the Group of Four gathered.

"Hiruzen, I've already reduced Iwagakure's reparations demands to the bare minimum. Furthermore, my Root members suffered heavy casualties in the recent northwest campaign against Iwagakure, and we need to replenish our manpower!"

Shimura Danzō's actions in the Land of Rain caused devastating losses to the Root, but Danzo dared not Sarutobi Hiruzen that it was because he was handling personal matters.

The blame for Root's deaths can only be placed on Iwagakure.

"Danzo, it's fine to negotiate peace for the sake of peace, but Hiruzen should have already made it very clear that he cannot accept reparations."

Accepting reparations is completely out of character for you, Danzo. I truly don't know how you negotiated with Iwagakure. If word gets out about this reparations..."

Utatane Koharu, felt no remorse for the loss of the roots, but she was extremely dissatisfied with the compensation.

Sarutobi Hiruzen on his Danzo, gave Danzo a deep look, and said nothing.

"What can I do? Without compensation for the losses, Iwagakure won't accept the peace talks. Besides, it's only two billion ryo. Do they care about such a small amount of money for the sake of peace?"

If all else fails, I'll sell my possessions to make up the difference in compensation. For the sake of Konoha, why would Danzo care about such things?"

Shimura Danzō righteous and indignant, but in reality, he was as stubborn as a mule.

Originally, Danzo would never have agreed to pay reparations, but Danzo believed that Konoha had more important matters to attend to and did not want to delay, so he conceded and eagerly returned to the village.

He'll pay some compensation and incidentally damage the Hokage's reputation. Even if Danzo really has to Danzo for it, he won't panic; he can just pay it himself.

The Root has very low personnel costs; most Root members are merely tools and receive no rewards for their tasks. Only family members are given appropriate compensation, something Danzo dares not go too far with.

Furthermore, Danzo frequently dispatched Root members on bounty missions to hunt down missing-nin various countries. As a result, Root's expenses were low, while its profits were considerable, allowing Danzo to accumulate some savings.

If Danzo were really asked to pay, it's not that he couldn't afford Danzo.

When Danzo does some publicity, the Konoha will be unfamiliar with the fact that the Hokage, who assisted Shimura Danzō, will become a figure of great virtue and righteousness because of his generosity and selfless dedication. Especially at this important time of Hokage change, spending 2 billion ryo will not be without reward.

"If word gets out about this compensation, Hiruzen's reputation will be ruined. Haven't you considered that?"

Mitokado Homura was also somewhat dissatisfied with Danzo's actions and questioned him.

However, Mitokado Homura wouldn't actually let Danzo for it himself; Konoha could still squeeze out the money.

Danzo remained expressionless upon hearing this. Danzo was always shrewd and experienced; how could he not have considered this aspect? It was clearly intentional. At this moment, Danzo didn't want to dwell on the matter and spoke:

"No matter what, it's only two billion ryo. Is there anything more troublesome than Uchiha Nara right now? At the Jonin Class meeting, Uchiha Nara the most votes among Jonin!"

Hiruzen, you abdicated, fine, but didn't you even make any preparations for what's to come? If the Uchiha take the Uchiha position, how can we face our teacher?

Danzo didn't respond to the conversation but instead steered the topic to the Uchiha. Danzo was well aware of his old friends' thoughts: they were reluctant to give up power, yet they also cherished their reputations.

Danzo's words silenced everyone present, and no one questioned the matter of peace negotiations and reparations.

Seeing the silence of the Danzo, Danzo couldn't help but feel smug. After this peace and reparations Sarutobi Hiruzen would never again be able to think about gaining power in Konoha.

Danzo pressed his advantage, continuing, "The Uchiha are too much of a threat; it seems I'll have to take action."

Hiruzen, I told you long ago that the Uchiha Clan has the Mangekyō Sharingan.

I've already investigated this Uchiha ninja with the Mangekyō Sharingan; he's been serving as Uchiha Nara's bodyguard.

With the Mangekyō Sharingan in his possession, eliminating Uchiha Nara won't be easy.

More importantly, Uchiha Nara could command the obedience of the Uchiha ninjas; such a leader of the Uchiha...

Perhaps he had already awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, otherwise Uchiha Nara wouldn't have become the leader of the Uchiha at the age of thirteen, and now the Shinobi World even respectfully calls Uchiha Nara of Asura of Konoha.

The Mangekyō Sharingan —that's the power of someone from the same era as the First Hokage. Asura —that's also that person's title. Haven't you realized the seriousness of the situation yet?

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned somewhat unpleasant. He took a deep drag on his pipe and said, somewhat insincerely, "..."

"Uchiha Nara, also a successor to the Will of Fire, risked his life for Konoha on the battlefield..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said a few words, then paused and took another puff of his pipe.

Observing the Third Hokage's demeanor, Shimura Danzō did not expose him, and with the pragmatic approach of a doer, he said softly:

"I have a plan: to eliminate Uchiha Nara."

Sarutobi Hiruzen on his pipe, wasn't angry at being interrupted. Koharu Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, intrigued by the Utatane Koharu, asked softly:

"Danzo, what do you intend to do?"

"We can arrange for the Hokage candidate to go to the Capital City of the Land of Fire to receive the appointment from the Daimyo."

Uchiha Nara the most votes in the Jonin Class election, and we cannot Jonin. It would be a good opportunity to send Uchiha Nara to the Capital City to meet the Daimyo and let the Daimyo make the decision.

Meanwhile, I will lay in ambush along the only route from Konoha to the Land of Fire, taking advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness, and I am confident that I can eliminate Uchiha Nara.

If Uchiha Nara die unexpectedly at that time, the Hokage Position...

Danzo remained expressionless and cold, offering no further comment. This was very Danzo's approach: simple, brutal, and threatening to eliminate them outright.

Mitokado Homura frowned slightly:

"But Danzo Uchiha Nara risked their lives for Konoha in the war, and more importantly, they were very powerful."

If the assassination fails, it might lead to a full-blown confrontation with the Uchiha. Konoha's current situation cannot afford any more chaos."

Danzo frowned slightly, somewhat exasperated by his classmates' indecisiveness, and patiently said:

"A little trouble, what can we do? The Uchiha's power has grown so strong, are we all going to be laid off and idle when the Uchiha become Hokage?"

Danzo's words silenced the others.

Danzo looked at his friends, sighed inwardly, and decided to reveal some of his trump cards:

"Within my Root, there are two ninjas who have mastered Wood Release Ninjutsu. Although the Uchiha have the Mangekyō Sharingan..."

However, with the Wood Release Secret Technique the First Hokage used to quell the chaos, we have absolutely no problem contending with the Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan.

At that time, our entire Root will be mobilized; all you need to do is provide the necessary intelligence.

"I had Root disguise himself as a wandering ninja. If the operation fails and Uchiha Nara is attacked by wandering ninjas, it won't be our problem."

The group looked surprised upon hearing Danzo's words; they were overwhelmed by the amount of information Danzo. They exchanged glances, seemingly communicating with each other.

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't comment on Danzo's words, but instead focused on other key points, saying in a deep voice:

"Wood Release ninja? Danzo, where did this Wood Release ninja come from?"