Chapter 12: Danzo: The Fifth Hokage Must Be Me!
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"Boom!" With a loud pop, Uchiha Yi's shadow clone dissipated into a puff of white smoke.
For now, Uchiha Yi decided to retreat. He understood that he lacked the strength to overthrow Konoha at the moment. Instead, he opted for patience, planning his revenge for a later time.
Although Uchiha Yi had left, the impact of his words lingered, casting a shadow over Konoha.
The Hyuga clan, Kakashi, and young Sasuke were particularly troubled by his remarks.
Hyuga Hiashi, known for his composed and steady nature, maintained his usual calm exterior, revealing no emotions on his face. Kakashi, as always, wore his mask, making it impossible for anyone to gauge his expressions.
However, the young and inexperienced Uchiha Sasuke displayed his emotions clearly. Anyone could see that he had been influenced by Uchiha Yi's words, which planted seeds of doubt toward Konoha's leadership.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, noticed Sasuke's shifting demeanor. His expression darkened, his calm face hiding the storm of thoughts brewing within.
Still, Hiruzen realized he couldn't act against Sasuke now—not with so many eyes on him. Taking action would play directly into the hands of Uchiha Yi's schemes, solidifying the rumors of Hiruzen's involvement in the Uchiha massacre.
Thus, Hiruzen decided that instead of targeting Sasuke, he would protect him for the time being. It was the only way to safeguard his reputation and maintain the fragile trust of the village.
As for the Hyuga clan and Kakashi, Hiruzen couldn't discern any immediate issues but resolved to keep a close watch on them.
In the span of a few moments, the Third Hokage crafted a plan. What initially seemed like a blow to his authority could now be turned into an opportunity to strengthen alliances and uncover true loyalties.
"Hmph!"
Meanwhile, Danzo Shimura, the leader of Root, expressed his impatience with a disdainful snort. Accompanied by his loyal operatives, he turned and walked away.
To Danzo, the entire situation was nothing but a farce.
"If we had acted with overwhelming force from the beginning, none of this would have happened," he muttered under his breath.
Instead, Hiruzen allowed Uchiha Yi to spew his rhetoric without interruption, poisoning the minds of Konoha's people.
Danzo's frustration with his old comrade was evident. Despite their long-standing partnership, he couldn't understand Hiruzen's hesitation.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi has grown old and weak!"
"He no longer has the strength or resolve to be Hokage!"
"If that's the case, he should step aside and let me take the reins!"
Back at Root's headquarters, Danzo sat in his dimly lit chamber, a contemplative expression on his face.
"Perhaps this is my chance," he muttered to himself.
The recent scandal had undoubtedly damaged Hiruzen's reputation, making him unfit to continue as Hokage.
But Konoha couldn't function without a leader. The position of Fifth Hokage needed to be filled.
Danzo began to assess the competition.
The first name that came to mind was Jiraiya. As one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya's reputation was impeccable. However, Danzo knew Jiraiya well enough to dismiss him as a serious threat.
"Jiraiya is too preoccupied with his so-called 'Child of Prophecy' and his childish indulgence in hot springs. He won't bother with the responsibilities of Hokage," Danzo scoffed.
The next candidate was Tsunade. Danzo sneered at the thought.
"Tsunade is crippled by her fear of blood—a laughable weakness for someone who aspires to lead a village!"
Allowing someone like Tsunade to become Hokage would only invite ridicule from the other ninja villages. Konoha's reputation would crumble if the Hokage was afraid of the sight of blood.
"Absolutely not," Danzo said firmly, crossing her off his mental list.
As for Orochimaru, Danzo dismissed him without a second thought. Orochimaru's status as a rogue ninja and his tainted past made him an impossible candidate.
Danzo then turned his attention to Hiashi Hyuga, the leader of the Hyuga clan. While Hiashi was a strong and capable figure, Uchiha Yi's interference had likely planted doubts about his loyalty.
"Even if Hiashi harbors no ill will, the current Hokage faction won't trust him fully. He's not a threat to me," Danzo concluded.
Kakashi Hatake was another potential candidate, but Danzo scoffed at the very idea.
"Hatake Kakashi? A mere child compared to me. He's not worth worrying about," Danzo said, shaking his head.
"If it were his father, Hatake Sakumo, then perhaps I'd be concerned. But Kakashi? He's not ready to compete for the Hokage seat."
Finally, Danzo considered the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans. These families had always pledged to support the Hokage rather than compete for the title.
Having reviewed all the possibilities, Danzo reached a simple conclusion:
"No one in Konoha is more qualified to become Hokage than I am."
A smile crept onto Danzo's face as he envisioned himself sitting in the Hokage's chair.
"The position is mine," he declared with unwavering confidence.
Danzo quickly summoned one of his Root operatives.
"Find Konoha's best tailor and have them prepare a Hokage robe for me. Tell them to work quickly—I want it ready for my inauguration ceremony."
"Yes, Lord Danzo," the operative replied.
Although the Root ninja didn't understand where Danzo's confidence came from, they were trained to follow orders without question.
Satisfied, Danzo leaned back in his chair.
"Now, it's time to discuss Hiruzen's retirement."
"I hope he sees reason. Otherwise, he'll leave me no choice but to force his hand."
Danzo wasted no time. Leaving his headquarters, he marched toward the Hokage's office, his steps purposeful and unyielding.
As he walked, he couldn't help but smirk.
"Hiruzen, your time is over. Konoha doesn't need a weak and indecisive leader. It needs someone with vision, someone with strength. Someone like me."
Danzo's eyes gleamed with ambition. The Fifth Hokage position was within his grasp, and he would stop at nothing to claim it.
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