"Now, let's discuss how we should repel Sunagakure's attack." Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed twice, then looked toward his old friend, Danzo.
After catching his best friend's eye, Shimura Danzō slowly walked to the front of the group. "Hiruzen, I volunteer to lead the troops and defeat the enemy from Sunagakure."
Who among those present wouldn't respectfully address Sarutobi Hiruzen as "Lord Hokage"? Only Danzo would—Lord Hokage's teammate and closest partner.
Shimura Danzō was in his prime, and his looks were at their peak, too. His face was resolute, his bangs fell evenly on either side of his Forehead Protector, and his handsome features were nearly flawless. Though he had a knife scar on his chin, it didn't detract from his looks; if anything, it added a cold air to his appearance.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled. Of all the Hokage's aides, the one he thought most highly of was his good brother, Shimura Danzō. He was loyal to Konoha, and he could fight.
The only problem was that he'd inherited their teacher's prejudice against the Uchiha. In private, he'd often said things like, "Those naturally evil Uchiha brats."
Now that the Uchiha had chosen a side, they were one of their own. Hiruzen would have to find a way to change his old friend's views. But first, they had to settle who would command the troops. Sunagakure had already mobilized, and war was imminent.
He couldn't be the one to directly appoint Danzo, so Sarutobi Hiruzen pretended to ponder while actually signaling Uchiha Hirotomo and Uchiha Xiao.
I gave you face just now. Now you need to return the favor, right?
Uchiha Xiao smiled faintly. "Lord Hokage, Lord Danzo is the only suitable choice to command this war. You need to remain at the rear and oversee the overall situation."
"Lord Danzo was your teammate and a direct disciple of the Second Hokage. No one is more qualified to lead the fight against Sunagakure!" Although Uchiha Xiao was somewhat wary of Danzo, Lord Hokage had given him a signal. He couldn't pretend not to notice.
Uchiha Hirotomo nodded as well. "That's right. I agree with Xiao."
The Ino-Shika-Cho Clans followed, then the shinobi clans that had been close to the Uchiha and the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans since the Warring States period spoke up.
Among them were the Kurama Clan, the Aburame Clan, the Inuzuka Clan, the Yūhi Clan, the Gekko Clan...
The Hyuga Clan and the clans close to them saw that more than half the clans present agreed, so they naturally spoke up as well.
And so, nearly every prominent clan present supported Danzo taking command of the troops.
Shimura Danzō gave Uchiha Xiao a long look, then turned to stare at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen paused as if in thought, then smiled. "Danzo, since everyone has recommended you as commander, I'll appoint you. But are you confident?"
It was only a formality. Appointing Danzo outright would make him seem too eager, so he wanted Danzo to state his intentions himself.
"I will lead Konoha's forces to crush Sunagakure's arrogance!" Shimura Danzō's lips curled up, and he exuded the bold spirit of a young man in his prime.
Seeing that the moment had come, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled. But the smile vanished almost instantly, and his expression turned stern.
He slapped the table and stood. "I hereby appoint Danzo as Konoha's supreme commander in the war against Sunagakure. Everyone, follow his orders and fight this battle well. When it's over, I'll celebrate your victory!"
"Anyone who disobeys orders or acts recklessly will face military discipline. No mercy!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice rang out, firm and resolute, making the shinobi present shiver.
Watching Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Xiao couldn't help reflecting. In the anime, the elderly Sarutobi Hiruzen was constantly making foolish decisions. He was timid toward outsiders but iron-fisted with his own people.
But the Sarutobi Hiruzen before him was a true Shinobi Hero. If he wanted to fight, he fought. If he wanted war, he went to war. If you dared come after them, they'd fight back! If they didn't make you hurt, you'd never know when to back down.
What had changed Sarutobi Hiruzen so much? Uchiha Xiao pondered, then suddenly realized: power and age.
Once people experienced the sweetness of power, they didn't want to step down. It corrupted them. And as they grew old, they feared death more and more, losing the drive they'd had when young.
How was that any different from Dong Zhuo of Xiliang? In his youth, he'd roamed Xiliang and made friends with heroes. Then he'd gone to the capital to quell the rebellion and tasted the benefits of power. With age, didn't he also make one foolish decision after another and lose his drive?
Uchiha Xiao shook his head and put those thoughts aside. The most important thing now was the coming battle with Sunagakure.
If he remembered correctly, many events were about to unfold during this war: Nawaki would stumble into Explosive Tags, Kato would be stabbed to death in camp, the White Fang would flash through the battlefield and leave Chiyo in tears, and Chiyo would launch a night raid on the medical camp...
He was still lost in thought when Sarutobi Hiruzen finished his lengthy speech and announced the meeting was over. Uchiha Xiao got up to leave, but Tsunade caught him by the arm.
"Xiao, why are you leaving already? The teacher just said he wanted you, me, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Lord Danzo to stay behind and discuss something." Tsunade looked puzzled, but seeing Uchiha Xiao's expression, she realized he'd been distracted.
Uchiha Xiao came back to himself. "Oh... right." He really had been thinking about a lot of things and had spent the whole meeting distracted.
Tsunade sighed at the sight. Uchiha Hirotomo chuckled as he walked over and bowed to her. "Lady Tsunade, I'll leave Xiao in your hands. I'm heading back first."
"Of course, Uncle Hirotomo. Don't worry!" Tsunade hadn't cared much for the Uchiha Clan before, but now Uchiha Xiao was one of its elders.
Since she liked Xiao, she figured she might as well call Uchiha Hirotomo uncle. It wasn't like it would cost her anything.
Uchiha Hirotomo chuckled and gave Uchiha Xiao a look that roughly meant, I'll be waiting for you back at the clan. Good luck!
Uchiha Xiao could only smile wryly. Orochimaru and Jiraiya were about his age, too, and they walked over to him and Tsunade. They were in the same year, after all, and had plenty to talk about.
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly, while Orochimaru remained calm. Only after most of the people had left the conference room did the Anbu close the doors again.
Sarutobi Hiruzen put an arm around Danzo's shoulder and looked at the four of them with a grin. "Old friend, these four will be your deputies."
Shimura Danzō frowned. "What, Sarutobi? You don't trust me? You're sending these brats to keep an eye on me?"
The three youngsters—Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya—looked displeased. Only Uchiha Xiao remained unfazed, smiling faintly.
"Of course I trust you, old friend! Tell me, haven't I always treated you well?" Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a laugh, patting Shimura Danzō on the shoulder.
Shimura Danzō snorted. He was a bit of a tsundere, and he knew perfectly well how Sarutobi Hiruzen treated him. He was just annoyed. Why had Hiruzen sent him a few green boys who still smelled of milk?