Akihiko's unexpected words left everyone in a state of shock. Even Hanzo and Aso, who were well-acquainted with Akihiko's abilities, were taken aback. After all, Akihiko had managed to outwit all five major ninja villages and even the enigmatic Darkness of Konoha, making Danzo seem like a mere novice in comparison.
Hanzo and Aso were fully aware of Akihiko's true strength. Despite being a Shinobi Demi-God himself, Hanzo didn't consider himself a match for Akihiko. Akihiko possessed both formidable intelligence and strength.
Given all these factors, it was highly unusual for someone of Akihiko's stature to express admiration for a defeated opponent, especially when that opponent's fate was now in their hands. There seemed to be no logical reason for such lavish praise. So, the question remained, was Akihiko being sincere when he praised Danzo?
Hanzo's contemplative gaze remained fixed on Danzo, who was currently their prisoner. He couldn't quite fathom what made this guy so special. Granted, Danzo had respectable abilities, but they were rather unremarkable in Hanzo's eyes. Moreover, he had a reputation for being cautious and self-centered. In their initial encounter, Danzo had even betrayed his own subordinates in an attempt to escape. If he had any other option, he probably wouldn't have fought so desperately.
Recalling the moment they had Danzo cornered, he seemed prepared to face death alongside his subordinates, fearing that his capture would lead to him becoming a hostage against Konoha. Nevertheless, their well-laid plans had thwarted his escape. In Hanzo's view, these actions didn't seem to warrant the lavish praise Akihiko was bestowing upon Danzo.
Though Hanzo didn't particularly like Akihiko, he still held a deep respect for him. Akihiko had managed to navigate the Land of Grass through the perilous straits of the five major ninja villages. He possessed an admirable spirit, had helped the Uzumaki Clan integrate into the Land of Grass, and had earned the respect of Rain Village's ninjas.
It could be said that Akihiko possessed both the intelligence and the heart that commanded respect. So why was he heaping such praise on a seemingly selfish and cowardly ninja like Danzo? Hanzo couldn't help but take another look at Danzo, his mind wrestling with the question, had he misunderstood this man?
The combination of Akihiko's profound praise and his unmistakable sincerity left Danzo shaken and deeply perplexed. Danzo was acutely aware of the terrifying depth of Akihiko's schemes. Now that he was completely at Akihiko's mercy, he had no means of resistance.
But the question that continued to plague Danzo's thoughts was why Akihiko would lavish such praise upon an enemy. Was Akihiko afraid of Konoha? That seemed unlikely, considering Akihiko's audacity in deceiving them and capitalizing on both Danzo and Konoha. So, could it be that Akihiko's praise was a facade, concealing a deeper motive?
Receiving such unexpected recognition from an enemy who had been bested by him, even the typically stern and formidable Danzo couldn't help but let his guard down slightly. Nonetheless, he maintained his calm demeanor and replied with a hint of coldness, "But, I was still defeated."
"No, your failure was solely due to a lack of adequate intelligence. If you had possessed the right information, you would have seen through this absurd scheme and escaped much earlier. It's just that..." Akihiko countered with a firm tone, countering Danzo's self-doubt, before letting out a regretful sigh. "It's a shame, a real misfortune."
With these words, Danzo lapsed into a contemplative silence. He pondered Akihiko's statement and concluded that Akihiko's analysis was indeed correct. His failure could be attributed to incomplete information and a series of unfortunate events. With the right intelligence, the outcome might have been different.
As these realizations sank in, Danzo's eyes twitched, and a bitter expression crossed his face. He finally admitted, "You're right... I haven't truly been defeated, have I?"
Danzo was still genuinely puzzled. He couldn't grasp the true meaning behind Akihiko's words. He maintained his stern posture, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, embodying the unwavering presence of Konoha's shadow. "What's there to regret? I lost, plain and simple. But don't think you can manipulate me to threaten the village. As a Konoha ninja, no one can use me against my own village."
Akihiko maintained his serious demeanor as he continued, "Having an enemy like you is genuinely terrifying. Konoha has reached its current state, often hailed as the strongest ninja village, and much of its success is thanks to your contributions."
Seeing Danzo taking the bait once more, Akihiko breathed a silent sigh of relief. He then met Danzo's gaze with a tone of bitterness. "I would love to eliminate you right now. However, regrettably..."
Akihiko's expression displayed a sense of bitterness as he elaborated, "The Grass Village is too weak. Even with your capture, we lack the strength to confront the most powerful ninja village. If I were to dispose of you, it would bring grave consequences. Konoha would never forgive Grass Village for losing such an important figure."
Danzo reacted with disbelief. Could it be that they weren't considering killing him? The thought was both surprising and relieving. He chuckled and raised an eyebrow, "Hahaha, Grass Village is nothing compared to Konoha. As the Assistant Hokage of Konoha, if something were to happen to me, Konoha would undoubtedly seek retribution against Grass Village!"
Danzo's aura as the Darkness of Konoha flared up once again. He gazed at Akihiko with a commanding presence and posed a challenge, "But would you dare to let me go?"
As Akihiko appeared to contemplate, his internal thoughts were far less indecisive. He held a deep disdain for Danzo. Of course, he'd dare let Danzo go. Danzo was nothing to him, and he was confident he could capture him again if necessary. Akihiko had perfected the art of shamelessness and manipulation, and he found Danzo's so-called 'darkness' laughable.
However, If he had been a Konoha ninja, his first move would have been to eliminate Danzo. But Akihiko was not affiliated with Konoha, and letting this problematic individual loose would serve the dual purpose of weakening Konoha and causing internal strife within the village.
Nonetheless, despite his internal contempt for Danzo, Akihiko maintained a facade of deep contemplation. He had mastered the art of deception. Finally, he sighed, as though coming to a resolution. He remarked calmly, "Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, you have a fatal weakness."
Danzo was taken aback by Akihiko's mention of a 'fatal weakness.' He couldn't fathom what this weakness might be. His heart raced as he pondered various possibilities, wondering if his failure to become Hokage was this supposed weakness.
Before he could voice his question, Akihiko turned away, his hands still tucked behind his back. "While your intelligence and methods are on par with mine, your strength... is simply insufficient. Far too weak."
Akihiko sighed and shook his head with a tinge of disappointment in his voice. "If only you possessed the Wood Style of the First Hokage or the Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha, today, as the leader of the Grass Village, I would have had no choice but to eliminate you. I wouldn't have allowed you to return to Konoha."
With these words, Akihiko continued to make his way towards the exit, maintaining his posture with his hands behind his back. As he left, he spoke for all to hear. "We must keep a vigilant eye on him. His cunning and intellect are a source of concern for me. We cannot afford to let him slip away again. Once the war subsides, we shall negotiate with Konoha. They won't forsake such an essential figure."
With that, Akihiko departed from the room, he left Danzo alone with his thoughts. In Danzo's gaze, there was a hint of regret and self-criticism. Yes, his weakness was undeniable. Not to mention the mighty power of the First Hokage or even his teacher's strength, he couldn't even compare to his friend Hiruzen. If only he possessed Hiruzen's power, he might have at least managed to escape the Demi-God's grasp.
Danzo hung his head, his hands grasping his own arms as the weight of his powerlessness finally dawned on him. "Am I truly this weak?"
Meanwhile, Aso and Hanzo listened to Akihiko's words, initially puzzled, then growing cautious. Hanzo's gaze shifted back to Danzo, a sense of doubt creeping in. He began to wonder if he had underestimated Danzo in some way. Gathering his resolve, Hanzo hurriedly caught up to Akihiko and, after a moment of hesitation, questioned, "Is that guy truly that fearsome?"
"Fearsome? Who are you referring to?" Akihiko turned to face Hanzo, prompting him to clarify.
"Shimura Danzo," Hanzo responded, his gaze lingering in the direction where Danzo was confined.
Akihiko sighed and nodded, his expression reflecting the deeds Danzo had perpetrated against Konoha's ninjas. "Yes, he is truly terrifying."
"I see... If you can't handle him, I can eliminate him for you. As long as the Land of Rain can..." Hanzo, upon hearing the confirmed response, appeared to reach a decision and started to convey his intentions to Akihiko. However, he was abruptly interrupted.
"Eliminate who? Danzo? Absolutely not!" AAkihiko reacted strongly, as though he had heard something unacceptable. He quickly raised his head, fixing Hanzo with a resolute gaze. "No one can harm him in my presence!"
Hanzo's heart quivered upon hearing Akihiko's words delivered with such seriousness. He couldn't believe that Akihiko held Danzo in such high regard.
Hanzo earnestly responded, "Rest assured, if I were to eliminate him, I would defect from the Rain Village and personally declare war on Konoha. I'd meet my end at Konoha's hands, but it wouldn't implicate the Grass Village or the Rain Village."
"Defect? Declare war on your own? Are you planning to commit suicide?" Akihiko's expression shifted as he listened to Hanzo's seemingly outlandish words.
Hanzo shook his head and replied with emotional determination, "That's the responsibility of the leader of the Rain Village."
"No, I mean, is it necessary to bother with such a fool? Can't you just ignore him?" Akihiko was baffled as to how this conversation had escalated into a life-or-death situation and why Hanzo was so concerned about Danzo's fate.
"A fool? What do you mean? Didn't you just call him terrifying?" Hanzo was equally perplexed, not comprehending the sudden shift in Akihiko's perspective.
Continuing with his confusion, Hanzo inquired, "Furthermore, you mentioned that his life was valuable, right?"
Akihiko shook his head, sighing deeply. "He is indeed invaluable, but not in the way you're thinking. Although, while he's certainly terrifying, that's a problem for Konoha, not us. We shouldn't get entangled with his affairs. Just let him be."
"What?!" Hanzo was further puzzled. What did Akihiko mean by 'Konoha's problem'? Wasn't Danzo considered one of the the most crucial figure within Konoha?
Yet Akihiko didn't offer further explanation. As the one person who understood, he kept it to himself, deeming it best for Danzo to remain within Konoha. Left in confusion, Hanzo pondered, 'So, Is Danzo a threat or not?'
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