In the dimly lit confines of Konoha's Hokage building office, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, former students of the revered Second Hokage and now Elders of Konoha, gathered to delve into matters of utmost importance.
The discussion kicked off with the pressing topic of border security. They meticulously examined recent incidents and engaged in a spirited debate about the most appropriate measures to bolster Konoha's defenses. Sarutobi Hiruzen, widely known as the "Professor of Ninjutsu" and currently serving as the Third Hokage, shared his expertise and emphasized the importance of refraining from initiating attacks on other villages. He underscored the significance of preserving peace and safeguarding the interests of the village.
In the midst of their deliberations, Danzo, the Hokage's assistant and leader of the ANBU training subdivision known as Root, interjected with a sudden change in tone. He posed a seemingly innocent question that concealed a hidden agenda. "Are the majority of the Senju clan's arrangements in place?" The room fell into an uneasy silence, and the tension in the air became palpable.
However, even though Hiruzen was well aware of Danzo's intentions, he reprimanded him sternly. "What do you mean by 'arranged'? They are not our enemies. The Senju clan members are loyal shinobi of Konoha who are willing to make sacrifices for the peace established by the First Hokage."
"Hmph, don't pretend in front of me, Hiruzen," Danzo said in an irritating tone. "If the Senju clan members aren't arranged, then why do we receive death reports of them on missions more frequently than anyone else?" He asked this question directly because only Hiruzen, as the Third Hokage, had the power to assign more dangerous missions to them, even bordering on suicide missions.
"It was a mistake from the intelligence department. Although I have already punished them by removing their positions, it wasn't their fault after all. Who could have anticipated encountering ninjas from other villages in so many missions?" Despite being directly confronted, Hiruzen's expression remained unchanged as he responded with a serious and righteous tone. "And Danzo, do not slander me. As the number one clan of Konoha, the Senju clan wanted to contribute their power to the village, so they volunteered for these missions, fully aware of the risks involved."
"Tch," Danzo didn't respond much, but his irritation was evident. He was clearly annoyed by Hiruzen, who, like him, was hypocritical, yet managed to sound wise and benevolent.
Utatane Koharu, one of Konoha's advisors, interjected at this point. "Now, now, Danzo, there's no need to be angry. I'm sure it was just a coincidence that enemy shinobi attacked them on their missions."
Another advisor from Konoha, Mitokado Homura, smiled as he glanced at Danzo. Then his expression turned serious as he asked, "Danzo, do you have any idea how other villages have been getting information about their missions?"
"I don't know," Danzo replied in an emotionless tone, his face revealing no betrayal. He would not admit that he was the one responsible for leaking mission information to enemy villages, even though all three of them knew it deep down.
In that moment, their gazes met, silently acknowledging their shared understanding—a realization that they were part of a conspiracy aimed at weakening the Senju clan's influence within Konoha. Their true intentions were to replace key positions in various departments with members from their own clans, all while masking their actions under the guise of securing Konoha's prosperity and future.
However, the conversation quickly shifted to another pressing matter—the Uzumaki Clan of Uzushiogakure. "It has been over fifteen days since the delegation returned with the rejection letter," Koharu expressed her concern, her eyes searching for answers.
Homura, his expression grave, added, "Have they responded to our request for the safekeeping of their legacy and a suitable Uzumaki member for the next Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki?"
Hiruzen let out a heavy sigh. "No, they haven't. Even when Uzushiogakure finds itself besieged by the other four villages, they refuse to acknowledge defeat or relinquish their legacy."
Danzo, his voice filled with urgency and suspicion, added, "The other villages have mobilized their forces, surrounding them from all sides, poised to strike. It's baffling that despite their dire circumstances, they haven't sent forth a suitable candidate for the next Jinchuriki. Are they truly prepared to fight to the death, with no alternative but annihilation?"
A solemn silence enveloped the room as each person grappled with the gravity of the situation. Hiruzen, fueled by determination, made a resolute announcement. "In the midst of the chaos during the attack, I will dispatch Anbu Commander Hatake Sakumo and his unit on a covert mission to secure a member of the Uzumaki clan and protect their invaluable legacy to the best of their abilities."
The other three individuals present understood Hiruzen's underlying intentions. With Uzushiogakure and the shinobi from the other villages preoccupied, they could exploit the situation to abduct Uzumaki clan members and acquire their secret knowledge.
Furthermore, the annihilation of Uzushiogakure had become an implicit agreement among the villages, as they perceived the independent nation and its formidable sealing jutsu as a threat to their own power. Konoha's delayed response only solidified their belief that Konoha would not intervene in their planned assault.
"This wouldn't be an issue if you had demanded they surrender their fuinjutsu scrolls and someone capable of becoming Jinchuriki," Danzo scoffed at Hiruzen's words, his tone cold. "We can still capitalize on the situation and attack them from behind. Not to mention, we can obtain their entire legacy,we can also secure additional options for Jinchuriki."
"No, they are our allies," Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. "And don't forget, they are still related to Mito-sama."
Danzo's anger surged, and he responded sharply, "You're too soft-hearted, Hiruzen. Let me handle this matter."
Unyielding, Hiruzen held his ground. "I am the Hokage, Danzo. I have the final say in these decisions."
"You will regret this, Hiruzen," Danzo uttered, storming out of the office, leaving behind an aura of resentment and bitterness. Koharu and Homura, torn between their loyalty to the village and friendship, followed suit, their footsteps echoing the fracture in their unity.
...
On the other hand, Danzo, who stormed out of the office in a fit of anger, came to a halt and glanced at a specific corner. A shadow emerged from the corner, donning an animal mask and clad in black attire.
Kneeling before Danzo, the individual spoke in a monotonous and emotionless tone, "Danzo-sama, what are your orders?"
Danzo, gazing at one of his most loyal subordinates, expressed his chilling determination, his words seething with ruthlessness. "During the chaos, capture Uzumaki infants. And eliminate any escaping Uzumaki. Let none survive."
The kneeling figure didn't display any reaction to Danzo's cold words, merely bowing their head before departing. "As you order, Danzo-sama."
Danzo watched as his subordinate vanished into the shadows, then turned his gaze back to the Hokage building. "Hiruzen, your feeble heart is unfit for the role of Hokage. Only I can guide Konoha towards true prosperity," he declared with unwavering resolve in his tone.
…..
Simultaneously, within the office, if an observer were present, they would be taken aback by the sight of their Hokage-sama, typically adorned with a gentle and wise countenance, now staring out of the window with a frigid and impassive expression.
Hiruzen was well aware that Danzo would never adhere to his commands in the intended manner and would dispatch someone to intercept the Uzumaki clan members. His voice resonated softly, nearly fading into the emptiness of the room. "Danzo, you can never embody the light. You belong in the darkness, serving Konoha in your own way. Stay in the shadows, for that is where you truly belong."
Hiruzen's gaze drifted to the iconic Hokage Rock, where is the sculpted face of his teacher, the Second Hokage, stared back at him. "I'm sorry, Sensei," he murmured, his voice filled with inner turmoil. "It is all for the sake of Konoha."