Orochimaru's words had all but crushed Danzo's ambition to rule Konoha and dominate the Shinobi World with Wood Release. Yet they had also given him hope.
At the very least, his approach to the experiments had been sound. First-Generation Cells really could be used to cultivate powerful Wood Release users.
They might never possess the First Hokage's strength to keep the Shinobi World in check, but producing Ninja with a Kekkei Genkai would still be a considerable achievement.
As long as the Land of Fire forgot about the matter in a few years, there was still a good chance he would be released.
Uchiha Tenjo entered the Hokage's Office in Konoha.
"Lord Hokage."
The Hokage nodded. "Tenjo, it's been a long time since you last came by. I hear you've handed most of the Security Force's work over to Fugaku."
"Yes. The Security Force will have to be handed over to him sooner or later. He might as well get more practice while I'm still around."
The Hokage smiled. "Young people do need experience. We came up the same way, step by step.
"No one in Konoha can deny how capable Fugaku is. You've raised a fine son. The Uchiha have a worthy successor."
Uchiha Tenjo laughed. "He still has a long way to go. I hope you'll offer him plenty of guidance, Lord Hokage. Young people aren't always mature.
"They can get carried away by youthful passion."
The Third Hokage smiled faintly. "Konoha will eventually belong to the young. We will grow old. Giving them more opportunities means giving ourselves—and Konoha—more opportunities as well.
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. Its light will illuminate the village and let new leaves sprout.
"Protecting the next generation was the Will of Fire the First Hokage taught us. Only if they