(Read Chapter's Ahead in Patreon).
This time, the situation was different. The ghosts were directly targeting him. If he remained indifferent now, he would no longer be qualified to serve as Hokage.
Hiruzen believed that if he took this threat seriously, and if Konoha acted decisively, they would be able to follow the known rules, discover the means through which these ghosts invaded, and trace them back to their lair.
Sasuke, observing the Third Hokage closely, could sense his next course of action. Once he was certain of Hiruzen's plan, he summoned Yamanaka Torune to bring Danzo to him.
Sasuke then invaded Danzo's mental space with his Sharingan.
"Uchiha brat..." Danzo hissed through clenched teeth the moment he saw Sasuke.
Sasuke tilted his head slightly. "Has he behaved recently?"
"Yes," Torune answered respectfully. "He used to be quite noisy, but in the last few days, he's been much quieter."
"Hmph. If you're going to kill me, then hurry up. I'm tired of waiting. I'd prefer to enter the Pure Land as soon as possible," Danzo spat, trying to regain the pride of a former leader.
Sasuke stepped forward, opening the cell door. He walked up to Danzo, looking at his aging, bitter face, and smiled coldly.
"Danzo-sama, it's been a while," Sasuke said calmly.
"If I had my way, I wouldn't have seen you at all," Danzo muttered, his words dripping with venom.
"I completely understand your feelings," Sasuke replied. "Don't worry. Unless circumstances require it, I won't seek you out again. Today is an exception. I have a question for you... Do you still want to be Hokage?"
Danzo's breath quickened. "What do you mean?" he demanded.
Sasuke continued, a smirk on his face. "The Third Hokage is growing older, weaker. His decisions are slow, indecisive. Whether it's handling the Uchiha or dealing with these ghosts, he hesitates. I've grown tired of his leadership.
"And I'm not the only one. There are many in the village who feel the same way. We need a stronger Hokage, and I think you, Danzo-sama, are the perfect candidate."
Danzo's eyes narrowed, his mistrust evident. "You expect me to betray the village's interests? I may want to be Hokage, but I aim to strengthen the village, not weaken it."
Danzo's words carried a sense of resolve. Despite his ambitions, he still believed he could lead Konoha to a stronger future, and betraying the village was something he could never do.
"No, no," Sasuke shook his head. "You misunderstand, Danzo-sama. I'm a member of Konoha as well, and I want to see the village thrive. Most of my assets are in Konoha, so why would I harm my own interests just to get revenge? You're thinking too much."
"Am I?" Danzo sneered, clearly unconvinced.
"Of course," Sasuke replied smoothly. "I don't hold a grudge against Konoha itself. The only ones I truly despise are you and the Third Hokage."
"If you hate me, then why would you want me to be Hokage?" Danzo questioned, his suspicion deepening.
Sasuke's smirk widened. "Because I hate the Third Hokage even more. Wasn't the Uchiha clan's downfall largely his doing? If he had truly wanted to protect us, you would've had no opportunity to strike at the clan. He could've used countless methods to ease the conflict between the Uchiha and the village, but he chose not to. He wanted the Uchiha gone."
Sasuke's voice lowered. "He is the one I despise most. But I can't defeat him alone. I need your help, Danzo-sama. After all, you know him better than anyone."
Sasuke's tone grew more persuasive as he continued, his Sharingan flashing ever so slightly.
"And consider this—if you refuse me now, I won't let you leave here. The Third Hokage, despite his age, could easily live another ten years. That would be plenty of time for him to train and appoint a successor. The Fifth Hokage will undoubtedly be younger, stronger, and more capable. By then, Danzo-sama, your chances of becoming Hokage will be gone forever."
Sasuke's words slipped into Danzo's mind like poison, pulling him deeper into thought. His ambition, his lifelong desire to lead the village, was rekindled. Sasuke's offer was tempting, almost irresistible.
"If you miss this opportunity," Sasuke pressed, "you will never get another. This is your only chance."
Danzo, lost in his own thoughts, barely noticed the subtle flicker in Sasuke's eye. The Uchiha's words had already sunk deep into his mind, compelling him toward a decision that might change the fate of Konoha.
(End of the Chapter).
🖤Ye Qingtian| Patreon🖤
Visit our Patreon for more:
https://www.patreon.com/YeQingtian.
Extra Content Already Available.