During the time they were in contact with Iwagakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi really did dispatch troops toward the Land of Lightning.
However, Danzo was not leading them.
Instead, it was the Nara Jōnin who had previously impersonated Danzo.
When Danzo received the news, he smiled faintly. This was within his expectations.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi let him serve as commander, that would suit Danzo perfectly.
He could take the opportunity to rack up some achievements.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi refused to make him commander, that meant Hiruzen Sarutobi feared his abilities.
As long as he proceeded steadily, he would become the Fourth Hokage someday.
Daddy Shinobi firmly believed that.
Kakuzu firmly believed it.
Now, Danzo himself firmly believed it too.
He was the future Fourth Hokage.
Konoha's troops had reached the border and already uprooted Kumogakure's outposts in several small countries.
Given the Third Raikage's temper, the two sides should have fought a battle.
But this time, the Third Raikage did not take the bait.
He was still embroiled in legal troubles himself and also had to face pressure from Iwagakure and Kirigakure.
Most importantly, the Third Raikage's thoughts now
were all on how to ransom his son back from Kirigakure,
and he had no desire whatsoever to bother with Konoha.
And so, before fighting had even officially begun, Kumogakure sent over a peace treaty.
Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally signed it with great delight.
Hiruzen Sarutobi signed a worthless scrap of paper, gaining neither any tangible benefits nor even a verbal apology or promise.
He simply signed the Konoha Kumogakure Non-Aggression Treaty, with nothing else to show for it.
Upon learning this, Danzo gave a cold smile.
Sure enough, he, Shimura Danzō, was the one best suited to be Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was too weak.
Danzo even compared Hiruzen Sarutobi with Bieshu Feifan in