The Hokage Building, top-floor conference room.
The atmosphere in the meeting room was so heavy it was almost palpable.
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat in the main seat, the embers of his pipe flickering, and the wrinkles on his face seemed even deeper.
He smoked his pipe, tapping the table in silence.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who were standing to the side, also looked rather grim.
" Hiruzen, your good disciple, that disrespectful Tsunade, his reputation has far surpassed the support that previous Hokage received during wartime."
Utatane Koharu:
"So many achievements are clearly not something Tsunade could have accomplished alone. Now the front lines are piling all the credit on her, which is definitely not unintentional."
This is creating a huge problem for Konoha! This is a malicious act, Hiruzen!
"Those whose achievements overshadow their superiors, using their accomplishments to force their way into power, are something we must guard against!"
Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses:
"What's more troublesome is that some discordant voices have begun to emerge in the village."
Now is the time we need Danzo's power. Hiruzen, stop suppressing him.
He would do many things better than we would.
As he spoke, he pushed several reports in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The above records the remarks that have been quietly circulating in taverns, markets, and even ninja gatherings recently:
"The Third Hokage is old; faced with the attacks from Kumogakure and Iwagakure, all he knows is to hold his ground and seek peace..."
"If it weren't for the Sunagakure's help, we would have been defeated at our doorstep long ago!"
"Look at Lady Tsunade, that's the spirit Hokage should have!"
Daring to fight and struggle, we will win real respect and benefits for Konoha!
"I heard the Third Hokage even considered ceding territory in exchange for peace? How weak!"
Every word and phrase was like a poisoned needle, piercing the core of Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule.
Have you found out the source?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was somewhat hoarse.
"Not yet. We lack the intelligence gathering capabilities for Danzo. Hiruzen, we cannot underestimate Danzo's abilities."
"Utatane Koharu said slowly.
" Danzo..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.
Since being stripped of his power, he has remained in seclusion, seemingly indifferent to power and much more subdued.
In this situation, is it really necessary to use him?
But back then Hatake Sakumo...
Danzo's sword is very sharp, but if not used properly, it can easily cause problems.
Compared to victory in battle, the stability of Konoha is the most important thing!
Tsunade, you are still too young. It's not the time for you to assume power.
You still need more experience...
After a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke:
" Danzo has reflected on his actions long enough; it's time for him to do his part for Konoha!"
Beneath the Konoha, deep within the root system.
The light from the oil lamp illuminated the figure of Shimura Danzō.
Unlike his haggard and gloomy appearance a few months ago, he now exudes a completely different aura, despite the bandages still covering his body and face.
He felt his own power and the youthful energy surging within him, and looked at the Root members before him with great satisfaction.
Among these people, many were missing-nin recommended by the Dawn Organization, with the majority being bloodline ninjas from Kirigakure.
Facing several Root elites shrouded in shadow kneeling on one knee, Danzo asked with a strong voice:
"How's the public opinion going? Has our strongest Third Hokage, made any moves?"
"Everything went well, Lord Danzo."
A Root ninja reported:
Theories that the Third Hokage was weak and avoided battle, and that Tsunade heroic and competent, have spread widely among lower-ranking ninjas and some commoners.
The reaction was particularly strong among families who lost loved ones in the war and were dissatisfied with the higher-ups.
The Third Hokage's authority is being steadily eroded.
"Very good."
Danzo eye flashed with a cold light:
"The foundation of Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule is what is known as balance and stability."
When external pressure is immense, and more aggressive and radical alternatives emerge internally, his balancing act becomes worthless.
Tsunade is now threatening Hiruzen Sarutobi's position.
Soon, the familiar scene will repeat itself, hahahaha...
As Shimura Danzō laughed wildly, a branch with a tender bud sprouted from his finger:
"Go add fuel to the fire, Hiruzen Sarutobi even more wary of Tsunade. I'm sure Tsunade dirty laundry will come out soon. Hopefully, when Tsunade returns to the village, she'll still be smiling..."
"Yes, sir!"
He waved for his men to leave, then turned to face the even deeper shadows in the depths of the stone chamber.
"How's the situation at Dawn?"
Tsunade has won a great victory at the border and will soon be returning to Konoha. My ally won't back down, will he?
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu slowly seeped from the ground.
Black Zetsu's tone carried a strange hint of satisfaction:
"Our adults are very satisfied with the offerings you provided."
Those few survivors of the Uzumaki Clan indeed possessed astonishingly abundant vitality, enough to serve as excellent fuel.
When Lord Danzo raises his voice to vie for the Hokage Position, our Lord will surely appear with an invincible ninja army to lift you to that position.
At that time, Lord Danzo will become the true master of Konoha, and we, as his lord, will only need a portion of the Tailed Beast, just a portion."
Danzo nodded expressionlessly.
His Sharingan and Hashirama Cells transplants went very smoothly, granting him unparalleled power.
Since the other party had taken this important step in demonstrating their sincerity in cooperation, he was not stingy in giving them what they wanted.
It's simply a matter of sharing a portion of the Tailed Beast's Chakra with the opponent; it's not like cutting off his own flesh, so what's there to be afraid of?
"Our master asked me to tell you: when Konoha needs to change, he will personally assist Lord Danzo."
Faced with external pressure and resistance from within Konoha,
For example, a crisis could arise that would leave the current Hokage helpless.
Alternatively, when it comes to helping you persuade certain wavering elders and families, we adults can all step in on behalf of Lord Danzo.
These are all free.
"Tell the person behind you that it's been a pleasant collaboration."
Danzo clenched his fist, feeling the abundant life force, and slowly said:
"The great tree of Konoha has reached the point where it must be pruned."
When I have fully taken control of Konoha, integrated all forces, and restored the true glory and tradition of the ninja, our cooperation will be even deeper.
That so-called new world could very well be built around Konoha as its core.
Even if we take back all the Tailed Beast, even if we only manage to seize a small portion of them, the other villages won't dare to resist!
"A wise choice, Lord Danzo."
Black Zetsu let out a low laugh:
"A storm will soon descend upon Konoha."
The Kirigakure has been intimidated by Konoha, Uchiha Clan will be back soon. Your stage is ready.
That will be the perfect opportunity for you to take center stage.
Congratulations in advance to the savior of Konoha, the great Lord Danzo Shimura Danzo!
The shadows writhed, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu vanished.
" Sarutobi has grown old and cowardly, allowing Tsunade to challenge your authority."
"Only by plunging deep into darkness and drawing nourishment, like I have, can a great tree be reborn."
I'm ready, Hiruzen, are you?
Just then, a Root ninja appeared Body Flicker Technique and knelt before Shimura Danzō:
"My lord, the Third Lord Hokage has lifted the restrictions on you and requests that you quickly quell the discordant voices in the village!"
"Ha ha ha ha..."