A World Where Only Danzo Gets Hurt!

Konoha Hokage Building.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu—the Konoha F4—were once again gathered in the Hokage's office.

Snap!

Sparks crackled and smoke billowed, centering on the pipe in Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand, drifting toward the three equally silent figures beside him.

Yet, even Utatane Koharu, the environmentalist of the Medical Department, had no heart to lecture her old friend on his unhealthy habits, let alone Mitokado Homura, who remained silent, or Shimura Danzo, whose expression was chillingly grim.

Susanoo!

After more than thirty years, they had finally witnessed it once again: the evil power hidden deep within the bloodline of the Uchiha Clan.

Even after such a long passage of time, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu could not forget the day Uchiha Madara returned to Konoha.

The Nine-Tails Fox acting like a puppet, the mountain-sized giant of Susanoo, the countless comrades who fell in the aftermath of that battle—all of it...

The Konoha F4, who had been in their twenties back then, now reached retirement age. Yet, even now, when they visited the Valley of the End to witness the scars of that fierce battle, a nameless shock still stirred in their hearts.

Clatter!

The Third Hokage's pipe slipped from his hand and hit the floor. As if triggered by the sound, the four people in the room finally struggled free from the terror of their memories.

Uchiha Madara possessed a Mangekyo, but the Mangekyo did not define Uchiha Madara. For the Konoha F4, who had inherited the legacy of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, this was a clear realization.

However, an Uchiha with a Mangekyo and an Uchiha without one were two entirely different existences to the Konoha F4.

After all, with power comparable to a Tailed Beast like Susanoo, combined with the Uchiha Clan's formidable combat techniques, it was a sharp dagger capable of tearing through any battlefield.

And even though such a dagger was currently relegated to the edge of the village, the cold wind emanating from its blade remained bone-chilling.

"Hiruzen, let's act. Root is ready!"

Shimura Danzo's cold voice rang out, his face twisted into a sneer as he looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Among those silent in the Hokage's office, Shimura Danzo was likely the only one secretly feeling a hint of glee.

As long as he could rally all of Konoha's strength to annihilate the Uchiha, then Konoha was destined to belong to him, Shimura Danzo.

After all, one who ordered the destruction of a noble Konoha clan could no longer serve as Hokage, not to mention that Sarutobi Hiruzen was only holding the position temporarily.

When that time came!

As the greatest contributor to leading this civil war, he, the "Darkness of the Ninja World," Shimura Danzo, would surely receive a promotion and a raise (siphoning war funds), become the CEO (Commander of the Anti-Uchiha Coalition), and ascend to Chairman (Hokage of Konoha), from then on leading Konoha to the pinnacle of his life (and the ninja world)!

"Shimura Danzo!"

The sorrow on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face vanished in an instant, and an aura of unprovoked authority surged forth.

"I am the Hokage!"

The "Ninja Bear," dormant for over a decade, awakened before Shimura Danzo's eyes. That powerful pressure made him shudder, as if he had returned to those lonely years when he was suppressed by Sarutobi Hiruzen at every turn.

But!

As his gaze swept over the wrinkles on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face, a smile crept back onto Danzo's old face, and an inexplicable sense of confidence welled up in his heart.

"You will regret this..."

Shimura Danzo turned his head away in disdain, the flames of ambition and cold murderous intent in his heart growing ever more rampant.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, you are old!

Your heart is filled with hesitation and uncertainty.

You are the Konoha that bathes in the sunlight, but while I am the Root in the darkness, only the Root in the darkness can absorb the nutrients to strengthen the towering tree that is Konoha!

Seeing this, a deep gloom flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes. With political wisdom far exceeding that of "ordinary people," he naturally saw through Danzo's petty schemes at a glance.

However!

As long as he did not express his stance, everything Shimura Danzo did was nothing more than the antics of a clown.

And based on his understanding of Danzo's personality, Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that even if that "painful" day truly arrived, certain people would inevitably be unable to resist acting "ahead of time" in their own self-righteousness!

"Hmph!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen snorted coldly again. After dismissing Danzo with disdain in his heart, he looked once more toward the direction of the Uchiha compound.

There!

Even from such a distance, the thunderous roars of fire and lightning clashing were enough to convey just how intense the battle was.

Initially, Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't paid much attention to such farce-like activities, but the appearance of a Mangekyo was completely beyond his expectations.

Sarutobi Hiruzen desperately wanted to obtain intelligence on that newly emerged Mangekyo, but the Uchiha compound had sealed off all outgoing information; there were no channels to gather data other than visual observation.

What?

Telescope Technique?

Aside from peeking into women's bathhouses, did that thing have any other use? Was chakra really such a convenient tool?

Not to mention the Uchiha, who were already exceptionally sensitive to chakra!

So, for now!

Sarutobi Hiruzen could only wait while making necessary defensive preparations. As long as he stabilized his own foundation, neither the Uchiha nor Danzo were anything to fear.

According to the intelligence Shisui sent back, this so-called martial arts tournament would only last for three days; such a short duration was unlikely to lead to any uncontrollable incidents.

Once those three days had passed and the information regarding the newly emerged Mangekyo was obtained, there would no longer be a need to remain as passive as they were now.

As Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered this, he bent down to pick up his pipe and spoke indifferently to the other three people in the Hokage office.

"You may leave."

"Hiruzen, what do you mean by that?"

Shimura Danzo suddenly sensed a familiar malice and glared at the Third Hokage in front of him, demanding an answer in anger.

"Konoha must not fall into chaos. Put away your petty schemes!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed at Danzo calmly, then suddenly raised his voice by three octaves.

"I am the Hokage!"

"You will..."

Shimura Danzo's words faltered. Under the piercing, aggressive gaze of the "Ninja Hero," he shut his single eye in resentment.

Shimura Danzo stood up abruptly, then swung his arm and strode out of the office.

I will solve this in my own way!

As Danzo kicked the door open and left with a bang, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who had been silent for a long time, exchanged glances. Without a single word, they understood each other's intentions perfectly.

Foolish Danzo.

He has been like this for so many years—shrewd in small matters but muddled in the big picture. How could he ever be fit for a great responsibility?

"Hiruzen, leave the coordination with the various ninja clans to Koharu and me. For the Will of Fire!"

Mitokado Homura slowly stood up, bowed slightly to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and resolutely declared his loyalty.

From the brief conversation earlier, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had already grasped the Third Hokage's stance. Having operated in their positions for many years, they naturally would not be blinded by power like Danzo.

Although they felt a twinge of "pity" that their old friend of many years was about to step into a trap, it was truly most appropriate for Danzo to shoulder the blame alone.

All they could do was stand firmly at the pinnacle of power and continue to wield the supreme authority of the Ninja World; only in this way could they live up to the great sacrifice Shimura Danzo was about to make.

In an instant!

A smile as bright as the spring sun once again spread across the gloomy Hokage office!

"For the Will of Fire!"