Meanwhile, in Mito's room, the Third Hokage, elder Mitokado, elder Koharu, Uchiha Homura, and the Hyuga and aburame patriaches gathered. They sat on the tatami, listening intently as Tatsuma Aburame recounted the specific events surrounding the Root ninja's destruction of the Senju Clan's seal barrier tonight.
With Mito's mastery of sealing techniques, the Tongue Eradication Seal on him had been removed. Subsequently, under Homura Uchiha's control through his Sharingan and genjutsu, he divulged all he knew.
According to Tatsuma, Danzo's motive for destroying the Senju Clan's seal barrier was to lure Ebizo, the leader of the Sand Ninja spy network, into the open.
Danzo had indeed gone to great lengths to execute this plan.
One aspect involved using Sand Ninja spies discovered within the village and the academy to leak information about Uzumaki Kushina, along with intentionally spreading rumors on the black market regarding Mito's ailing health.
Additionally, Danzo had secretly cooperated with Orochimaru to allow Orochimaru to break the Senju Clan's seal barrier. Finally, Danzo had deliberately leaked the news that he intended to become the master of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, inadvertently sharing it with an anbu member who had been identified as a Sand Ninja spy.
The entire scheme was intricately designed, with each component seamlessly intertwined. Danzo had made use of various pawns at his disposal, all while exploiting his dark reputation.
the Sandaime and the others couldn't help but acknowledge that had they been in Ebizo's shoes, they might have fallen for the deception.
However, Danzo's meticulous plan had an unexpected flaw: he didn't anticipate the existence of Kirito, who had mastered the art of spiritualization and embarked on nightly excursions.
Danzo couldn't have foreseen that Kirito would grasp the art of spiritualization so quickly. He likely couldn't imagine that someone could master such a formidable S-rank soul ninjutsu in less than a month. Kirito's proficiency in the art had grown rapidly due to the ample training resources provided by the Senju Clan.
In short, Danzo had been outwitted by Kirito's exceptional talents.
The power of the plot
"Damn you, Danzo. How many vital pieces of information have you concealed from me?" the Sandaime expressed his shock and resentment upon hearing Tatsuma's account.
Danzo you bastard.
Danzo's concealment of important information, such as the presence of Sand Ninja spies within the Ninja Academy, had left the Sandaime both shocked and apprehensive.
The Ninja Academy was a critical institution for nurturing Konoha's future Shinobi and propagating the Will of Fire.
Having a Sand Ninja spy within the faculty posed an immense threat. If the spy were to cause havoc secretly, it could endanger the lives of countless students, most of whom were ordinary children with no greater than Chunin-level abilities.
the Sandaime was concerned that the repercussions of such a catastrophe could extend to the parents of the students, who viewed their children as the family's hope.
The grief and anger they would experience might lead to a backlash against him as Hokage. He felt responsible for safeguarding the village's future, and any failure to do so could tarnish his reputation.
The more the Sandaime thought about it, the more he despised Danzo for withholding crucial information. He couldn't help but regret underestimating the extent of Danzo's deviousness and ruthlessness.
The fear and mistrust he felt toward his old comrade-in-arms grew stronger with each passing moment.
Danzo you bastard, what are you hiding from your best buddy?
"Bastard, you're pushing your luck," Sandaime muttered, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
The third generation was seething with anger as he contemplated the situation.
He made up his mind that Danzo needed to face severe consequences this time. He reluctantly abandoned his initial plan to mediate on Danzo's behalf.
It's not that he has no desire to intervene on Danzo's behalf; it's just that Danzo's actions had gone way too far this time.
The same knife he usually wielded for his benefit had clearly started to turn against him.
He needed to seize this opportunity to once again assert his authority over Danzo.
"No matter what the purpose is, it is wrong to betray one's people. Danzo's actions this time are undoubtedly harming Mito-sama and the Senju clan, and must be severely punished," Homura Uchiha exclaimed, taking the lead in accusing Danzo of his crimes.
With the clear context of this incident, it was evident that Danzo would be removed from power. Homura Uchiha's goal was to exacerbate the situation, ensuring that Danzo could never regain his influence.
"That's right, while Danzo's actions were aimed at luring Ebizo, using betrayal against comrades to achieve his goal is unacceptable. Allowing him to continue unchecked will only lead to greater crises for Konoha in the future," agreed Hyuga Nejiro
The Hyuga Clan had adopted a policy of neutrality and keeping a low profile within the village.
However, Danzo's actions directly threatened the interests of the village's ninja and had crossed a line, especially with his audacious attack on the Senju Clan.
Facing such a bold and unruly figure, Hyuga Nejiro couldn't afford to let Danzo continue serving as the leader of the Root and Hokage consultant.
They couldn't risk him using the same methods to undermine the Hyuga Clan in the future. If they remained neutral now, they feared that if the Hyuga Clan faced any issues in the future, no one would come to their aid.
the Aburame gave up on defending Danzo, already having a grudge against him for taking such talented shinobi from them.
With the three major ninja clans of Konoha and the Senju Clan, who were the victims, expressing their views, Danzo had no chance.
Mitokado and Koharu belonged to smaller ninja clans and were essentially aligned with the three major clans. Given that the three major clans had joined forces, it would be difficult for them to oppose this alliance.
In less severe situations, they might have helped out of camaraderie and as Hokage consultants, but in this case, their positions were too precarious. They couldn't afford to assist Danzo; doing so could endanger their own status.
Danzo had the root and Shimura clans behind him, but their ninja clans couldn't provide much support.
Their roles as Hokage consultants were largely due to their positions as third-generation help and second-generation Hokage disciples. In terms of contributions to the village, they were no different from the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga clans.
In the past, when the position of Hokage consultant wasn't as influential, they hadn't bothered to compete for it. However, the situation had changed. To counterbalance the influence of the Root, the third generation had delegated more power to their position, allowing it to have a say in village decisions. This newfound influence had made the three clans envious.
To maintain their status, both of them could only follow the crowd and nod in agreement.
With the Uchiha Clan, the Hyuga Clan, and the two Hokage consultants expressing their views, all eyes now turned to the third generation.
"I have no objection. Danzo should indeed be severely punished. I have decided to strip Danzo of all his positions immediately," the third generation declared firmly.
Everyone agreed; there was no way to shield Danzo any longer.
"Is dismissal enough? He committed an unforgivable act by endangering Mito-sama and the Senju Clan. I suggest that he be executed," Uchiha Homura asserted aggressively.
To Homura Uchiha, there was only one thought: Danzo must die.
"Chief Uchiha, as you've mentioned before, while Danzo employed the wrong methods in this matter, he has made significant contributions to Konoha. The Root, which he led, played a crucial role on the battlefield during this ninja war. These facts are evident to all. Danzo doesn't deserve the death penalty," Mitokado countered.
While Danzo's actions warranted punishment, execution seemed excessive. Apart from Danzo's contributions, his role as the leader of the Root was essential for its functioning. The Root consisted of extreme fighters, and only Danzo could effectively command them. Moreover, executing Danzo would weaken Konoha's strength during the ongoing war, making the village vulnerable to other ninja villages' attacks.
koharu shared the same viewpoint. "Yes, Danzo is still one of the few strong shadow-level ninjas in the village. Executing him would only diminish Konoha's strength and amuse other villages. Rather than execution, it might be better to send him to the battlefield to perform both his penance and meritorious deeds."
When Uchiha Homura heard their opinions, he cursed silently, then turned his attention to the Hyuuga and aburame.
However, both Hyuga and aburame avoided eye contact and acted disinterested, reluctant to take a stand.
"Mito-sama, you know Danzo's character well. What do you think?" Uchiha Homura asked, trying to gain her support.
Sandaime, Mitokado, and koharu looked at Mito with bated breath.
While they understood Danzo's character, they also knew that surviving this ordeal would likely lead to future retaliation.
As long as Mito lived, Danzo wouldn't dare to harm the Senju Clan. However, given Mito's limited remaining years, her passing would leave a significant problem for the Senju Clan and Tsunade in the future.
"Danzo has indeed made substantial contributions to the village, and he may not deserve the death penalty. However, considering the gravity of his crimes, I suggest that, in addition to removing him from all positions, he be sentenced to life imprisonment and permanently stripped of all political rights," Mito proposed, revealing her prepared response.
This outcome didn't align with Uchiha Homura's expectations, but it fell within an acceptable range. Hyuga and Aburame silently nodded in agreement, considering it a favorable outcome.
Mitokado and Koharu wore grim expressions. While Danzo wouldn't face execution, this result effectively rendered him powerless and extinguished any hope of a future resurgence.
Since Danzo didn't have to face execution, there was no more they could say on the matter. Even the third generation's expression was not entirely favorable, but he realized that it might be for the best that Danzo survived this ordeal.
After a sigh, Sandaime spoke, "I believe Master Mito's suggestion is very reasonable. Let's proceed as she suggested."
"By the way, Sandaime-same, what's going on with Orochimaru?" Mito asked casually.
Orochimaru was an important ally in Danzo's plan, and it was unclear whether this situation was connected to the third generation.
All eyes turned to the third generation, awaiting his response.
"Master Mito, you know me well. If I had known that Danzo would resort to such actions, I would have been the first to oppose it. Regarding Orochimaru's involvement, I am unaware of it. However, based on my understanding of Orochimaru, he must have been deceived by Danzo into participating. If Orochimaru had known that the seal barrier belonged to the Senju Clan, he would never have helped Danzo," the third generation explained.
While Orochimaru's participation was unexpected, the third generation held a different perspective on his apprentice compared to Danzo. Orochimaru's punishment would be dealt with once this situation was resolved or after the ongoing war.
"I see. I trust your judgment. Orochimaru is a skilled ninja who has been praised in Tsunade's letters for his remarkable battlefield performance. If he was deceived while assisting Danzo, his merits and demerits should be considered equal," Mito replied.
The third generation was relieved to see Mito sparing Orochimaru any severe punishment. He had been concerned that she might request a harsh penalty for his apprentice.
However, Mito continued, "The position of Hokage Advisor is crucial and cannot remain vacant. Sandaime-sama, who do you believe would be suitable for this role in the village?"
It was a case of replacing one with another. With Danzo being removed from his position, the role of Hokage Advisor was now available. This position held significant authority, allowing direct meetings with the Hokage and participation in major village matters. It was a prominent position within the village's leadership.
As Mito posed the question, Homura Uchiha immediately fixed his gaze on Sandaime, while even Hyuga and aburame couldn't help but display hopeful expressions.
Mitokado and koharu appeared anxious, as they already grasped the significance of Danzo's dismissal and the ensuing power struggle.
The third generation felt increasingly troubled. While he may not possess strong political acumen, his many years in leadership have given him a certain level of political experience. He could see that this situation was evolving into a core power struggle.
Naturally, Mito-sama held him accountable for the events involving Danzo and Orochimaru, and this move was aimed at challenging his position. Both Danzo and Orochimaru were connected to him, and he would likely be held responsible for their negligence and inadequate guidance.
"Who do you believe, Mito-sama, would be a suitable candidate?" the third generation asked bitterly.
"I think Momoka would be an excellent choice," Mito replied, looking at her candidate.
All eyes in the room shifted to Momoka, who had been silently standing by Mito's side since bringing in Sandai and the others.
Momoka had maintained a low profile and remained silent, attending to Mito's needs and responsibilities in various Senju clan matters. Though surprised by Mito's nomination, she managed to maintain her composure and appeared calm on the surface.
Senju Momoka, an elite Jōnin of the Senju clan, had assisted the First and Second Hokages and made significant contributions to the village's establishment.
She had led the Senju clan in bloody battles during the First Great Ninja War, achieving numerous victories and displaying her prowess as a commander.
Momoka's experience and prestige made her an excellent candidate for the Hokage Advisor position. Her qualifications were unquestionable, and she could easily garner public support.
Sandaime and the others turned their attention to Momoka, and their expressions varied. Mitokado Yan and koharu wore grim expressions but didn't voice their objections, instead looking to the Sandaime.
Uchiha Homura's face also soured, and he glanced at Mito. Seeing her ignoring him, he chose to remain silent.
Hyuga and Aburame, on the other hand, seemed more interested in the ceiling.
Ultimately, all four opted to abstain from making a decision, placing the burden squarely on the third generation.
"I believe it's a good choice, then. It's settled," Sandaime reluctantly accepted Mito's suggestion, realizing that rejecting it would jeopardize the previous decisions. The consequences could potentially extend beyond the punishment of Danzo and Orochimaru and involve himself.
Politics often involves compromise and balance, and Sandaime had learned this during his tenure as Hokage. When mistakes were made, they had to be acknowledged and rectified through compromise, sometimes in exchange for significant benefits.
Moreover, he recognized that Mito's decision was motivated by a desire to restore the Senju clan's influence and to pave the way for Tsunade, the future Hokage.
With the considerable sacrifices the Senju clan had made during the First Great Ninja War and their steadfast support over the years, The Sandaime believed that appointing Senju Momoka as the Hokage Advisor was a reasonable choice, especially compared to the prospect of Uchiha or Hyuga clan members assuming the position.
"Very well, let's continue discussing the fate of the Root ninjas involved," Mito said kindly.
In a short span, the fate of Aburame Tatsuma and the other Root ninjas who had participated in the destruction of the Senju Clan's seal barrier was determined through a brief discussion with Mito and the others.
The verdict was execution.
Someone had to pay with their life for the actions, as it was necessary to appease the Senju clan's anger and restore the honor that had been tarnished when they were humiliated.
When the main instigator, Danzo, had been spared, the fate of these individuals had already been sealed.
With the conclusion of the high-level meeting in Konoha, the discussions came to an end.
Meanwhile, in the basement of Senju's house, Kirito received two notifications from the mysterious system:
- [You successfully changed the fate of Aburame Tatsuma and earned 1 enhancement point.]
- [You successfully changed the fate of Senju Momoka and earned 1 strengthening point.]
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whelp, that's it. hope you liked it. you know the usual, stones, comments, be lively and kind to each other.
Maybe release is slow, but I hope you understand it, I only do it so I could share the story with you all, and it's free.
I'm not making any money from it. there are a lot of funny or cool stories that come from mtl that I would like to share later too, but it is slow progress with work and trying to survive in this shitty economy. I do this so we all have a fun read together and to vent some stress, but if one day I require some help to push me up, it would be nice of you guys to support me in easy ways, like social media ^_^.
Anyway, I'll try to make a quicker release but no promess for now, i usually just use my phone to work, and occasionally use the work PC to make some quick changes.
ENJOY!