Mortal Emotions, a Monster's Chessboard

Asuma leaned back in his chair, with no trace of pride on his face.

"When all these things are put together, the answer isn't hard to guess."

"You kept yourself in the Hokage's position for decades not because you couldn't see Konoha's decay."

"It was because you knew that if you stepped down now, the Council of Elders, Danzo, the shinobi clans, and the Hokage faction would immediately fight for power."

"Konoha would fall into internal conflict first."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke softly. "So you understand me now?"

"I understand."

Asuma raised his head.

"I finally understand why you endured all these years."

"And why you didn't directly kill Danzo."

"Because although Danzo is ruthless, he controls Konoha's filthiest and most dangerous forces."

"You need him to shield Konoha from certain things."

"But you also know that sooner or later, he'll lose control."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said nothing.

Asuma picked up the tea that had already gone cold and took a sip.

"You wanted to wait for Tsunade's return, wait for the new generation of civilian shinobi to truly mature, then hand over power."

"You wanted Konoha to recover slowly."

"But Lie Yang's appearance disrupted every arrangement."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him.

"Since you understand all this, why did you come back?"

Asuma set down his teacup.

"I only came back for Kurenai."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression suddenly froze.

Asuma looked at his father without the slightest hesitation in his eyes.

"How Konoha changes, who succeeds as the Fifth Hokage, and what becomes of Danzo in the end are not what I care about most right now."

"My only reason for returning to the village is to save Kurenai Yuhi."

"Even if Lie Yang has already taken her away, even if I have to pay any price."

For a long time, Hiruzen Sarutobi