"And we can take this opportunity to win over these factions and bring them into your camp, Teacher. That way, before the coming Third Great Ninja War, we can move against Hiruzen Sarutobi. With your Root and the support of these clans, no one would be able to question calling you Konoha's uncrowned shadow!"
Sai spoke at an unhurried pace, but every word was clear and well-organized. It was obvious that he had thought this through carefully.
"Uncrowned shadow!" Danzō listened quietly, nodding from time to time to show his agreement with Sai's analysis. But when he heard those words, his remaining eye suddenly lit up.
"And besides, Teacher, think about it carefully!" Sai continued calmly. "If those factions continue to remain neutral as they have in the past, Hiruzen Sarutobi will only keep draining them dry. After all, he is an exceedingly shrewd man. To achieve his grand goal of having the Sarutobi Clan replace all of Konoha, he will surely exhaust every means to devour the resources and strength of these neutral factions."
"However, if those factions learn of Hiruzen Sarutobi's previous secret schemes, they will certainly be shocked and enraged. To avoid suffering even greater losses in this war, they will not hesitate to seek your protection! Only then can they break free from Hiruzen Sarutobi's control while protecting their own interests. No one else can offer them that!"
"But you are different. With the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and your plans, Teacher, there will be no need to sacrifice them!"
"In that case, those formerly neutral factions will naturally stand in your camp. And they absolutely will not have any doubts about you! Wouldn't that mean you have successfully brought them under your command, Teacher?"
"Then, as long as you contact those clans that have remained neutral, as