I Order You in the Name of the Hokage
In the quiet office, Hiruzen Sarutobi's Danzo mask, yet the ripples in his heart were filled with helplessness and heaviness.
He knew that once Danzo's will was formed, it was as unshakable as a rock, but as the Hokage and a friend who had gone through thick and thin with Danzo for many years, he felt obligated to try again.
His tone softened, no longer the firmness and directness of before, but containing a hint of pleading and consolation. "Danzo, listen to me, the elite of Root is already limited, and the tasks they undertake are so heavy and secretive. If we add the burden of the Konoha Military Police Force on top of that, it will be too much for them to bear."
Hiruzen Sarutobi attempted to reason with Danzo, appealing to his emotions and emotions.
"The work of the Military Police Force is complex and multifaceted, requiring tireless guard duty day and night, as well as addressing the various needs of the villagers. This demands not only manpower but also mental and emotional investment."
These words were all profound and insightful. The Root was already overwhelmed with dealing with the hidden affairs of Konoha, so how could they possibly have the energy to carry out other orders?
It's likely that the members of the Root have been running around non-stop lately.
Danzo stood there, his expression unchanged, as if Hiruzen Sarutobi's words had not touched the depths of his heart.
His eyes were firm, even a little cold, as if he had made up his mind and no reason could sway him.
Upon Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a surge of frustration, as if he were being blocked by an invisible wall.
He knew how obsessed Danzo was with power, and he continued, "Danzo, I'm not trying to strip you of your power. I just hope you can consider the interests of the entire village. If we can't allocate resources and manpower reasonably, every villager in Konoha will ultimately be affected."
Danzo finally spoke, his voice cold, "Hiruzen, I know what you're worried about, but you should also understand that the Root exists to protect Konoha. Our mission is arduous, but we have the ability and the determination to complete it."
"We will take care of all the affairs of the Military Police Force. We are willing to give everything as long as it benefits Konoha."
Anyone can act in a fake situation; anyone can say the right things.
No matter what Hiruzen says, he will absolutely not relinquish this right!
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat upright in his office chair, his brows furrowed like stars in the deep night sky.
His gaze pierced through the window, as if traversing the long river of time, gazing upon the other side of endless contemplation.
After a long silence, he turned to face Danzo, his voice filled with barely concealed helplessness and anxiety. "Danzo, how should we deal with the rumors circulating in the village? These gossips have begun to shake the very foundation of our village."
"The stability of the village?" Danzo sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly composed.
I think you're worried about your position being threatened, aren't you?
Danzo, whose figure remained calm, even indifferent, as always, stood in stark contrast to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He retorted, "Can't you handle this kind of public opinion? Where have all your former skillful methods gone? Do you really need someone like me, a man in the shadows, to guide you on how to manage our village?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.
He shook his head gently, his voice weary yet revealing a deep sorrow. "Danzo, you failed to understand that when the storm sweeps over others, they can choose to stand by and watch, or even mock and ridicule."
"But when the storm touches each and every villager, everything changes. The indifference of bystanders and the suffering of those directly involved are two completely different worlds."
"This matter is different from all the previous ones!"
Danzo silent. A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes for a moment, but it was quickly masked by indifference.
He said sarcastically, "Hiruzen, as Hokage, you must be omnipotent, whether dealing with seemingly insignificant rumors or facing greater challenges. If you can't even handle these things, how can you protect the entire Konoha?"
"Otherwise, you should step down and let me take on the responsibility of managing Konoha." Danzo's words were followed by a loud laugh, as if mocking all impossibilities.
On the edge of the abyss of endurance, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally reached the limit.
Looking at his former friend, now the leader of the Root, a raging fire of anger ignited in his heart.
Danzo's arrogant arrogance and unyielding attitude dealt him an unprecedented blow and fueled his anger.
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly stood up, his movements containing an undeniable power, as if the air in the entire space trembled under his imposing presence.
He slammed his hand on the table with a deafening thud, the sound like a storm raging through the office.
His tone was solemn and resolute. As the Hokage, he issued an unquestionable order to Danzo, "Danzo, in the name of the Hokage, I order you to immediately relinquish control of the Military Police Force! This is my final warning; you have no choice."
Danzo's eyes flashed with surprise and confusion as he faced Hiruzen Sarutobi's anger and orders.
He seemed surprised by Hiruzen Sarutobi's resolute and ruthless attitude. This Hiruzen Sarutobi, whom he had always been tolerant of, was now so firm and unyielding.
However, he still didn't realize the seriousness of the situation, and a cold smile appeared on his lips, as if mocking Hiruzen Sarutobi's powerlessness and naivety.
"Hiruzen, do you think you can make me submit like this? You're too naive."
Danzo's voice carried a hint of provocation, yet his body remained completely still, as if challenging Hiruzen Sarutobi's authority.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze was like a blade drawn from its sheath, piercing through Danzo's disguise with unparalleled sharpness. His voice was deep and firm.
"Danzo, this is no child's play; it is a solemn decision concerning the survival of Konoha. I will never allow you to continue to lead the Military Police Force and threaten the peace of the village. You must obey my will; otherwise, you will bear all the consequences."
Danzo was stunned by Hiruzen's unwavering gaze and fell into silence.
That tangible gaze seemed to pierce through his soul, causing subtle cracks to appear in his will.
He knew he was standing on the edge of a cliff, but an indomitable flame still burned within him.
Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's intense gaze, Danzo rapidly weighed his own interests deep within his heart, searching for any possible way out.
Time seemed to stand still. In the stifling office, Hiruzen Sarutobi's sharp gaze, like lightning, was fixed on Danzo's face, which appeared calm on the surface but was actually churning with undercurrents.
Although Danzo's words seemed like a well-considered concession, Hiruzen Sarutobi's years of experience told him that there must be a far more profound strategy behind them.
Danzo's lips curled into a faint smile, a smile that contained a hint of amusement and provocation.
He began to speak slowly, his voice revealing a subtle sharpness.
"Alright, Hiruzen, if I really relinquish control of the Military Police Force, then who will take over this crucial position? Do you intend to return this important task to the Uchiha Clan once again?"