Seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi unmoved, Danzo knew that his approach was no longer effective; Hiruzen had become immune to his performance.
Therefore, he dropped the pretense and laid his cards on the table. He stated his purpose directly. " Hiruzen, I need real helpers, whether it's Orochimaru, Jiraiya, or even Kōki Itō and Minato Namikaze. I need any one of them to help me. The Light Organization's strength has exceeded my expectations; I need strong individuals to assist me."
Faced with Danzo's blunt words, Hiruzen Sarutobi replied indifferently, " Danzo, are you confused? Orochimaru and the others are all fighting bravely on the battlefield right now. They don't have time to help you hunt down the Light Organization. Also, I'll say it again, if you don't have a way to deal with the Light Organization, then hand over the power of Root and obediently serve as your Hokage's assistant. Don't have any more disloyal thoughts."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude was extremely firm, giving Danzo no chance whatsoever. His stern refusal and arrogant demeanor fueled Danzo's resentment, making him secretly wish he could oust Hiruzen Sarutobi from the Hokage position right now. At the same time, he couldn't help but think that if he had stepped forward before Hiruzen Sarutobi, he would be the Hokage, and today he would be the one in a high position, while Hiruzen Sarutobi would only be able to bow down at his feet and listen to his scolding and reprimands.
The thought that he had missed out on the Hokage Position because of his hesitation made him wish he could travel back in time and be by his side then, to kill his cowardly self with a single blow.
Unfortunately, it's too late no matter how much I think about it now. The person sitting in the Hokage Position is now Hiruzen Sarutobi, while I am just a mere Hokage assistant, completely controlled by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
However, he will not give up; the Hokage Position will one day belong to him.
After adjusting his mindset and regaining his confidence, Danzo said to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was still refusing, "Since you're unwilling to lend Orochimaru and the others to me, the Uchiha Clan should be able to send people to help me. Hiruzen 've already analyzed the intelligence reports; that Ice Release user from the Light Organization is immune to physical attacks and has powerful Ninjutsu skills. So, Genjutsu might be her weakness."
" The Uchiha Clan happens to be very skilled at casting Genjutsu, and they are also adept at Fire Style, which effectively counters Ice Release Ice Release. Therefore, without the help of other powerful individuals, the Uchiha Clan is the best ally in dealing with the Light Organization."
"Furthermore, it's wartime now, Uchiha Clan can still behave themselves. But when peace comes, will the Uchiha Clan, having achieved considerable military exploits, remain as secure as they are now? Won't they use their achievements to demand better treatment? So, wouldn't it be better for me to lead the Uchiha Clan in a mutually destructive battle against the Light Organization, thus weakening the Uchiha Clan's fighting force? Hiruzen, don't forget your teacher's teachings: the Uchiha Clan cannot be trusted. Or, Hiruzen, do you really prefer Konoha's reputation to be damaged rather than eliminating potential threats within Konoha?"
That's right, Danzo's real purpose was to bring the Uchiha Clan onto the front lines against the Light Organization. Did he not know that getting Orochimaru and his group involved would cause unforeseen changes on the front lines? His true focus was on the Uchiha Clan. This clan, favored by heaven and envied by all, was his target.
To be honest, Hiruzen Sarutobi shaken after hearing Danzo's words, because he felt that Danzo made a lot of sense.
As one of the two founding clans of Konoha, the Uchiha Clan has always possessed a sense of superiority and pride. After the war, the Uchiha Clan Uchiha Clan, having achieved military merit, will only become more arrogant and seek greater power and status, which will inevitably affect the harmony within the village.
Harmony within Konoha was the issue that Hiruzen member of his faction, was most concerned about.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression became solemn. He didn't want Danzo's plan to succeed, but he also didn't want the Uchiha Clan to affect the stability of Konoha.
At this moment, he was caught in a dilemma.
Danzo, watching Hiruzen Sarutobi's dilemma, wore a smug smile, looking quite relaxed, as if he wasn't worried at all that Hiruzen Sarutobi would refuse his suggestion.
" Hiruzen, if I had to choose the person who understands you best, that person would definitely not be yourself, but me. I understand you better than you understand yourself," Danzo.
For many years, he had been observing Hiruzen Sarutobi, carefully searching for Hiruzen Sarutobi's personality traits, and mastering all information about Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Because he had been working hard in secret, vowing that one day he would definitely Hiruzen Sarutobi and take the Hokage Position for himself.
"So Hiruzen, agree. You can't escape my carefully laid plans."
Finally, under Danzo's confident gaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been looking conflicted, let out a heavy sigh, his expression softening once more. He then said, " Danzo, proceed according to your plan. However, the Uchiha Clan, as an independent ninja unit, is commanded by its own people. You are merely cooperating with each other. Also, don't go too far on the battlefield."
In the end, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not stick to his original order and agreed to Danzo's request for help.
However, this time Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't being soft-hearted; rather, it was due to the threat posed by the Uchiha Clan.
Because he is one of the few people who has witnessed the true power of the Uchiha Clan and is still alive.
He did not want that godlike power to reappear within the Uchiha Clan.
"Don't worry, Hiruzen. The Uchiha Clan is still a member of Konoha, after all. I won't go too far." Danzo said this, but his expression was completely unconcerned, showing that he didn't take Hiruzen Sarutobi's words to heart.
" Danzo, I must warn you, this is your last chance. Whether you succeed in destroying the Light Organization or not, I will not provide any support to Root afterward. Furthermore, your Root can only be used against the Light Organization; Root will not be involved in any other matters. Unless you successfully complete the mission or voluntarily relinquish Root's rights, I will take back Root immediately, and you will have no room for negotiation." Hiruzen Sarutobi warned with a stern expression.
His serious expression made Danzo realize that this was the last time he would seek help from Hiruzen Sarutobi. If the operation against the Light Organization succeeded, all would be well; if not, then Root would have to change hands.
Danzo nodded seriously, "I understand, Hiruzen."