Inside a top-secret meeting room in the Hokage Building.
The two elder advisers, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, pushed the door open and entered. Their brows furrowed slightly as they looked at Danzo seated at the head of the table.
"Danzo, what exactly is so urgent that you called us here?"
Danzo supported his chin on his clasped hands, his tone heavy. "Konoha is leaderless now, and Hiruzen's fate remains unknown. We may not need to choose the Fifth Hokage immediately, but someone must step forward to take charge."
The two advisers exchanged a glance, understanding what he meant.
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and said evenly, "Given your seniority and standing in the village, surely no one would object to you exercising authority as Acting Hokage?"
The implication was that if he wanted to seize power, there was no need to summon them specifically.
But Danzo shook his head. "An acting appointment is only temporary. What if Sarutobi never wakes up? Must Konoha remain in this uncertain state forever?"
"We should settle on a plan sooner rather than later."
Utatane Koharu looked somewhat puzzled. "If Hiruzen really... then we would naturally nominate a new Hokage. Konoha has plenty of talented people. Surely we could find someone."
Danzo suddenly asked in return, "Then who do you think is the most suitable?"
That stumped them both. Given Danzo's personality, shouldn't he have been putting himself forward at a time like this?
Utatane Koharu considered it for a moment. "In terms of reputation and strength, Jiraiya is the most suitable candidate. He's one of the Sannin and Hiruzen's direct disciple."
"I agree," Mitokado Homura added.
A meaningful smile curled Danzo's lips. "Indeed, Jiraiya is beyond reproach."
"Since you all think so highly of me, I'll be blunt-I refuse!"
The door suddenly swung