The Third Hokage had another concern. What if they pushed Hanzō too far? Would he resort to something desperate, like joining forces with Sunagakure to stand against Konoha? That was a scenario he couldn't afford to let happen.
When people are backed into a corner, they tend to do crazy things.
Upon hearing this, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado fell silent.
Starting a new war was out of the question. The current situation didn't allow for it, and Konoha wasn't about to engage in another conflict with Amegakure over this.
But if war wasn't an option, what else could they do to resolve this?
"We'll likely need to send someone to meet with Hanzō directly," Homura suggested after a long pause.
"Who?" The Third Hokage looked up.
"Well..." Homura hesitated.
That was indeed the question. Whoever they sent would have to be strong enough. Sending someone weak would only anger Hanzō further, and the consequences could be worse than what Danzō had faced.
At least Danzō had his Root operatives to shield him, buying time to escape. But most other candidates wouldn't have such loyal, fearless subordinates.
Konoha couldn't afford such a loss.
"How about recalling Sakumo Hatake?" Koharu suggested after some thought.
When it came to strength among the new generation, no one could surpass Sakumo, also known as Konoha's White Fang. The ongoing success in the Land of Rivers was largely thanks to Sakumo, who had slain many enemies and kept the Third Kazekage at bay.
"Sakumo can't leave," Hiruzen responded.
The war was at a critical point. With just a bit more effort, they might force Sunagakure into surrendering. Pulling Sakumo out now would only give the enemy time to recover.
The Third Hokage wasn't about to accept that.
"Send Takuya Yagami!" Danzō, though reluctant and at odds with Takuya, had to admit that Takuya was the only person besides Sakumo who had the guts to face Hanzō—and could even force Hanzō to compromise.
In fact, Takuya might even be more suited than Sakumo.
Hanzō had dared to attack him only because Danzō's strength had been severely diminished. If Sakumo couldn't be deployed, sending Takuya was the next best option.
Upon hearing Takuya's name, the Third Hokage furrowed his brow. He recalled how Takuya had refused his previous mission. What made them think Takuya would accept this time?
"Regardless of what happened before, Takuya Yagami is still a member of Konoha. He should contribute in times like these," Danzō pressed.
They needed a solid reason, or Takuya would likely reject the mission again—just like last time.
"I'll think about it," Hiruzen said, neither agreeing nor refusing outright.
But Koharu and Homura exchanged knowing glances. They could tell that Hiruzen was leaning toward accepting. His non-committal response was a clear sign. If he wasn't outright rejecting the idea, he was likely to go along with it.
"I need your support in getting the remaining chakra metal, as well as some key equipment and tools," Danzō demanded.
"Are you insane?" Koharu's eyes widened, her wrinkled face tensing.
She couldn't believe Danzō was still after the chakra metal. He had already taken plenty before, so why was he asking for more now?
The supply hadn't even been replenished yet. If the Hokage ever needed that metal and found it missing, they'd all be in deep trouble. There'd be an investigation, and the consequences could be dire.
"We need this. You don't have to help me, but if you don't, don't expect me to help you when the time comes," Danzō threatened.
They were all in this together, having done things they'd rather not see the light of day. If they refused him now, they could forget about his help when their own problems arose.
"You..." Koharu was furious.
When persuasion didn't work, Danzō turned to threats, leaving her speechless. Homura could only give a helpless smile.
"Danzō, why do you need chakra metal so badly? Isn't there something else you could use?" Homura asked, trying to defuse the situation.
"We really can't touch the remaining supply. It would cause too many problems."
"If Hiruzen found out, it might uncover a lot of past issues, and all three of us—myself, Koharu, and you—could lose our positions. Do you want to risk that?"
The stakes were too high. If one part of their scheme unraveled, the entire thing could collapse.
Danzō understood this well.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Then we'll each contribute some from our personal stores. Don't refuse—I know you've kept plenty for yourselves. If you don't agree, I'll take this straight to the Hokage and confront him."
You bastard!
Koharu was speechless with rage, and Homura's face darkened.
Like you're any better, Danzō. You have no shame.
The Shimura and Sarutobi clans had taken the most, and now he had the audacity to criticize them.
"Fine, fine!" Koharu snapped, her voice shaking with anger. "Take it. But this is the last time. Don't expect our help again. If you pull this stunt one more time, we'll go straight to Hiruzen."
Danzō didn't care.
He knew that once Koharu calmed down, they'd still come to his aid.
They were all rotting from the same tree. If their corruption were exposed, none of them would escape punishment. Their crimes would be enough to strip them of their positions and land them in prison for life.
Even if the Third Hokage showed mercy, others would jump at the chance to destroy them.
Danzō knew Koharu and Homura wouldn't take that risk.
"Make sure to deliver it to the Foundation as soon as possible. I need it urgently," Danzō said as he brushed past them, leaving without another word.
Koharu trembled with fury, pointing after him. "Can you believe him? He's completely out of control!"
Homura could only smile bitterly.
Yelling at him wasn't going to change anything. They had allowed him to get away with too much for too long.
"Knock knock."
"Come in."
The Third Hokage put his thoughts aside as he tidied up his desk.
The door to the office opened, and Minato walked in, bowing respectfully to the Hokage.
"Ah, Minato. What brings you here?" Hiruzen's face softened as he greeted him with a warm smile, clearly pleased to see him.
Minato smiled back, looking a bit shy. "Hokage-sama, Takuya is planning to take his team on a mission outside the village. I've been feeling a bit stuck in my training lately, so I was hoping to join him, maybe clear my mind. I'd like your permission to go."
"Oh?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow.
He hadn't expected Takuya to be planning a mission outside the village. Curious, he asked, "Where is Takuya planning to take his team?"
"It seems like they're heading to the Land of Rain and the Land of Iron. He said he wants his team to experience the dangers of the shinobi world and the harsh realities of war. I don't know exactly what mission he'll choose, though."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. He would be informed of any mission Takuya accepted, so Minato had no reason to hide anything.
The Land of Rain and the Land of Iron, huh?
Minato looked at the Hokage, clearly hoping for his approval.
After a moment of consideration, Hiruzen smiled and said, "Very well. I'll allow it. But have Takuya come to my office before he leaves. There's something I need to discuss with him."
"Right away, Hokage-sama," Minato said, smiling as he received permission. He quickly left, eager to share the news.
"Wants to see me, huh?" Takuya muttered, surprised at how easily Minato's request had been approved. What did the Hokage want with him? Was it about Hyuga Suzune's safety?
That seemed like an overreaction.
Even if Hyuga Suzune was a member of the Hyuga Clan's main family, who could possibly take her away from Takuya?
"Did Minato say why he wanted to see me?" Takuya asked.
Do I look like I'd know that? Minato's eyes seemed to say, giving Takuya an amused look.
"You're so useless!" Takuya laughed.
"Go to hell," Minato shot back with a grin.
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 260+ at patreon.com/ Emik01. Don't forget to give a power stone for many bonus chapters
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