Human nature inherently leans toward compromise.
For example, if you directly say you want to open a window, others in the room are bound to disagree.
But if you say you want to remove the entire roof, they'll politely ask, "How about just opening a window?"
The decision-making process among Konoha's leadership follows a similar logic.
With Danzo's years of experience observing them, he had already anticipated their reactions while drafting his letter.
First, Hiruzen Sarutobi would inevitably explode in anger. Then, he'd show the letter to Koharu and Homura, who would also fly into a rage. Together, they'd come up with numerous reasons to outright reject Danzo's request.
In such scenarios, Sarutobi, unwilling to appear biased, would strive for balance.
He would partially approve some of Danzo's requests while denying others.
This way, neither Danzo nor the advisors could push their grievances too far.
It's all about balance.
If there were a religion devoted to balance in the ninja world, Hiruzen Sarutobi would undoubtedly be its leader.
Ultimately, the outcome wasn't far from what Danzo had predicted.
Just as he was nearing Kikyo Mountain, Aburame Tatsuma delivered the Hokage's orders.
Orochimaru was reassigned to the battlefield in the Land of Lightning to face the A-B Combination, while Mitokado Homura took over as commander in the Land of Water.
Danzo's request for 2,000 ninjas was reduced to 800, with supplies cut by 40%. Only two squads of Anbu were dispatched—better than nothing.
The only pleasant surprise was that his requests for Kakashi and Shisui had been approved.
They would arrive soon.
"Old monkey, does power taste that sweet?" Danzo muttered with a smirk, unable to stop Orochimaru's reassignment despite his efforts.
The reason, of course, lay in Orochimaru's immense prestige gained during the war.
Orochimaru had deep ties with the Root division and maintained good relationships with Konoha's various ninja clans.
Had things gone as expected, he was practically guaranteed to become the Fourth Hokage.
Unfortunately, only Danzo, as a transmigrator, knew the truth: Orochimaru had already become consumed by forbidden experiments.
Combined with Minato Namikaze's sudden rise and Sarutobi's overwhelming control, Orochimaru's chances of becoming Hokage were slim to none.
This was likely one of the reasons Orochimaru would eventually choose to defect.
Danzo sighed at the thought.
In any case, the priority now was to end this war as quickly as possible.
A few hours later, Danzo finally arrived at Kikyo Castle.
The fortress, built halfway up a mountain, served as a key military stronghold. With mountains flanking both sides, it controlled access to the Fire Country's interior.
It was no wonder that both Sunagakure and Kumogakure had targeted Kikyo Castle as a priority.
If they breached this stronghold, they could occupy the western territories of the Fire Country or even launch an assault on Konoha and its capital.
The village's leadership, overconfident in the stronghold's natural defenses, had diverted their limited forces to other fronts, leaving an opening for the alliance between the Lands of Wind and Lightning.
If not for the timely intervention of the Yellow Flash, the war might have taken a drastically different turn.
Now, however, the situation was under control—because Lord Danzo had arrived.
The commander of Kikyo Castle, a middle-aged man named Nara Shikai, awaited Danzo's arrival at the gates alongside senior officials.
Shikai carried a folding fan, his hair tied in the signature pineapple style of the Nara clan, complemented by a neatly trimmed beard.
"Lord Danzo, thank you for your hard journey," Shikai greeted calmly, neither fawning nor tense, but composed and steady.
"Ah, Shikai, you've worked hard as well," Danzo replied with a smile.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Shikai said, "Lord Danzo, we've prepared sumptuous dinner to welcome you. Please join us for the banquet."
The officials echoed his invitation.
Though the common folk might not recognize Danzo, the ninja clans and their members were well aware of his influence.
This man was the Hokage's closest confidant, a shadowy figure who controlled Root with an iron fist and wielded extraordinary authority, even being able to conscript ninja from clans and civilians alike.
In Konoha, only the Hokage outranked him.
But Danzo declined the invitation.
"Shikai, bring me the defense maps of Kikyo Mountain. The rest of you, organize the reception of 500 ninjas who will be arriving in the next few days," he ordered decisively.
His commands left no room for argument. Though surprised, the officials exchanged glances and quickly complied.
Such was the advantage of Danzo's reputation.
For others, assuming command of a new base might require considerable effort to win hearts and establish authority.
But Danzo needed none of that. His fearsome reputation in Konoha ensured that his orders were followed without question.
"Lord Danzo, here are the maps of Kikyo Mountain's terrain, defense layout, and a list of ninja and officials," Shikai reported within ten minutes.
"Impressive, you were well-prepared," Danzo remarked, casting an approving glance at Shikai.
Shikai had not only refrained from obstructing Danzo but had also ensured he could swiftly take command.
Such efficiency and insight were hallmarks of the Nara clan's intelligence.
If Shikai knew what Danzo was thinking, he might have retorted:
"A Nara trying to challenge Danzo's authority? Do I look like I have a death wish?"
After all, the Nara clan's nature was dispassionate about power.
In truth, Shikai had even been looking forward to Danzo's arrival.
With someone as commanding as Danzo taking charge, Shikai could finally enjoy a bit of leisure.
Being the regional commander was, after all, exhausting work...
It was as if Danzo could read his thoughts.
Just as Shikai was about to excuse himself, Danzo spoke up.
"Shikai, you're familiar with the situation here. Why don't you stay and help me with a briefing?"
Shikai froze, his expression stiffening. He was just about to politely decline when Danzo added,
"You're not going to be like those foolish types who use flimsy excuses to undermine their new superior's authority, are you?"
Those words carried significant weight.
Even with a hundred lives, Shikai wouldn't dare try to undermine Danzo's authority!
With no choice, Shikai forced a bitter smile and replied, "It is my duty, Lord Danzo. I'd be more than happy to assist you."