In the now-empty office, only Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura remained. Seated across from each other at the desk, Hiruzen instinctively took a few puffs from his pipe before recounting the details of their earlier meeting to Danzō.
Danzō listened, a cold sneer forming in his heart. As he had suspected, his plans had been thwarted by Mito Uzumaki. Of course, he kept this to himself, instead furrowing his brow and adopting a disappointed expression.
Shifting the focus away from the war, Danzō redirected his criticism toward Mito:
"Tobirama-sensei entrusted you with the title of Hokage, yet you continue to heed the words of that old... Lady Mito. People might say you're spineless, merely a rubber stamp."
Hiruzen chuckled, "That's unlikely. Lady Mito herself has expressed no desire for the Hokage position. Her only wish is for young Tsunade to grow strong and protect the village.
Besides, her guidance is invaluable. The villagers hold her in high esteem. Why would anyone criticize me for seeking her counsel?"
Danzō felt a surge of frustration. Where was the assertiveness befitting a Hokage? Such weakness was unworthy of the title. Yet, maintaining his concerned facade, he pressed on:
"You believe her just like that? She claims disinterest in the Hokage role, but in reality, how much autonomy do you truly have in major decisions?"
Hiruzen sighed, "Danzō, after all these years, you remain so suspicious. Consider this: Lady Mito is the First Hokage's wife. With her reputation and strength, if she wanted to be Hokage, who would oppose her?
If she had expressed such a desire, I would have gladly stepped aside. Her capabilities surpass mine. Sometimes, I feel unworthy of this position."
Internally, Danzō cursed Hiruzen's naivety. Outwardly, he continued earnestly:
"It's not about suspicion; it's about clarity. Think about it: we're still young. With Lady Mito's presence in the village, why did Tobirama-sensei choose you as Hokage?
You've admitted her abilities surpass yours. If she were truly suitable, why didn't Tobirama-sensei appoint her directly?"
Hiruzen hesitated, "What issues could Lady Mito possibly have?"
Danzō smirked internally, channeling chakra into his bandaged eye. Beneath the wrappings, his Sharingan rotated slowly, consuming significant chakra. He continued:
"You're too trusting. Remember, Lady Mito is from the Uzumaki clan of the Land of Whirlpools.
She already possesses immense power, superior tactics, and the Nine-Tails' strength. The Senju clan has largely dispersed.
If she became Hokage, transforming Konoha into an Uzumaki village, who could stop her?"
"I... see," Hiruzen murmured, a sense of unease creeping in. Though something felt off, he couldn't help but consider Danzō's perspective.
His naturally indecisive nature made him susceptible to Danzō's manipulations. Combined with the subtle influence of the Sharingan, his once-clear image of the graceful and wise Lady Mito began to blur.
Seizing the moment, Danzō pressed further:
"Tobirama-sensei must have foreseen this, which is why he entrusted the village to us—to balance Lady Mito's power and prevent any single clan from dominating.
But by constantly deferring to her, you're undermining his final arrangements."
Danzō's words, like a devil's whisper, chipped away at Hiruzen's resolve. For a moment, he nearly succumbed to the deceit.
Suddenly, Danzō winced, clutching his eye in pain. The strain of the Sharingan's chakra consumption had taken its toll.
Hiruzen, feeling a sudden clarity, stood up and firmly interrupted:
"Enough, Danzō. These are baseless speculations without evidence. Discussing them here is one thing, but if such rumors spread, you might find yourself unwelcome in Konoha.
I refuse to believe Lady Mito harbors such malicious intentions. The Uzumaki and Senju clans are closely related; betrayal is unthinkable.
Moreover, with her current influence, if she wanted to be Hokage, a mere word to the Daimyō would suffice. There's no need for elaborate schemes.
She even entrusted me with Tsunade's tutelage. If she had ulterior motives, why place her granddaughter under my guidance?
Even if she intended harm to Konoha, I would stake my life to protect the village. Not just me—Koharu, Homura, and you would stand with me, wouldn't you?
Hmm? What's wrong with your eye?"
Danzō, overwhelmed by the Sharingan's backlash and Hiruzen's rebuttal, nearly coughed up blood. Fearing Hiruzen might notice his eye's condition, he forced a strained smile and changed the subject:
"It's nothing, just an old ailment. Perhaps some inflammation from improper treatment. I'll change the bandages and take some medicine.
I admit, my earlier comments were rash. Still, it's wise to remain cautious. Perhaps don't rely solely on her advice.
By the way, you mentioned she entrusted Tsunade to you? Isn't she only seven? How did she become your student?"
Relieved that Danzō seemed fine, Hiruzen relaxed and replied:
"Glad to hear it's nothing serious. Still, you should get it checked. These things shouldn't be taken lightly.
I've been preoccupied with the ceasefire negotiations and forgot to mention—Tsunade's cohort is exceptionally talented.
Despite only six months of enrollment, five students have already reached Genin level and passed the graduation assessment ahead of schedule."
Danzō's eyes widened, momentarily forgetting his discomfort. He leaned forward, asking:
"Such prodigies? Besides Tsunade, which clans are they from? Have instructors been assigned?"
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin