Hokage's Office
The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was tense. Danzo Shimura, with his usual stoic expression, sat on the sofa. Across from him were Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Kagami Uchiha, all silent and contemplative.
Behind the desk sat Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, his face grim and his lips tightly pursed.
In just over a week, things had spiraled out of control, and the root cause of it all was none other than the silent man sitting before them—Danzo Shimura.
Danzo's gaze swept across the room, lingering momentarily on each person present. His thoughts, however, were fixated on one individual—Rinjin Shokuhō. The more he pondered, the more wary he became of this man.
To Danzo, conspiracies had always meant assassination, poisoning, sowing discord, or speaking ill behind someone's back. But now, he had come to realize that praising someone to death was far more effective than any of those schemes.
In the ninja world, the strong were always lauded—this was an undeniable truth. The Senju brothers, the Kage of various villages, all were revered for their strength.
Yet, ninjas excelled in combat and assassination, not politics. This was precisely why, despite their immense power, they still retained the feudal lords of their respective nations.
When accustomed to solving problems through brute force, one gradually develops a tendency to rely solely on it. Over generations, this dependence on chakra and physical strength dulls the mind.
The difference between humans and most animals lies in their larger brain-to-body ratio, enabling them to think critically. But for ninjas, this advantage often seemed underutilized.
Breaking the Silence
After what felt like an eternity, Hiruzen's stern voice finally broke the silence.
"Danzo, what is your perspective on the Uchiha matter?"
Though phrased as a question, the undertone of blame was unmistakable to Danzo.
Surprisingly, Danzo did not retort or offer excuses. Instead, he pondered deeply, imagining what Rinjin Shokuhō would do in this situation.
After a moment's thought, Danzo stood up expressionlessly, bowed slightly to Hiruzen, and said in a low voice:
"My apologies. This is my fault for not identifying and preventing this situation in time.
As such, I propose resigning from my position as the overseer of the ANBU Training Facility—also known as the Root Organization."
A Strategic Resignation
The room fell into stunned silence. Everyone's eyes turned to Danzo, their gazes laden with subtle meaning.
Hiruzen, however, felt as though he had punched air—a deeply frustrating sensation.
Well played, Danzo! Hiruzen thought bitterly. I wanted you to take the blame, but instead, you're throwing in the towel! You know I can't just fire you...
Just as impulsive words threatened to escape his lips, Hiruzen forced himself to calm down, his mind racing.
In mere moments, he reached a conclusion: Danzo could not be dismissed.
For one, regardless of Danzo's flaws, his presence acted as a lightning rod, diverting blame and scandal away from Hiruzen himself.
Secondly, if Danzo were removed, who would replace him?
The Hyuga clan leader? Too concerned with their reputation to accept.
Kagami Uchiha? A joke—who would trust him?
Koharu and Homura? Those two sycophants were only good for echoing "yes" and "well said."
As for Shikaku Nara? He wasn't foolish enough to take the role, which would alienate the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans.
Moreover, the Root Organization was already a cesspool of bad reputation. Anyone stepping in would inevitably get their hands dirty.
When all factors were considered, Danzo, despite his myriad faults, was somehow indispensable.
Hiruzen's Response
"No!" Hiruzen shook his head firmly, rejecting Danzo's resignation.
"The ANBU Training Facility is crucial and cannot have its leadership changed so casually!"
Danzo's expression remained neutral, but his eyes flicked briefly toward Kagami Uchiha, who was frowning in thought. In a low voice, Danzo replied:
"Then don't ask me about the Uchiha matter anymore. I have no answers."
The implication was clear: I'm washing my hands of the Uchiha problem. Whoever wants to handle it can go ahead.
Hiruzen understood the message all too well. Taking a deep drag from his pipe, he exhaled a long plume of smoke, his mind troubled.
If Danzo were to intervene, the issue could be resolved quickly. The Root ninjas could deliver a harsh warning to the troublemakers within the Uchiha clan, and Danzo could then swagger through the streets, cementing his dominance.
But now, this stubborn old man was refusing to act, leaving Hiruzen in a bind.
Sending the Hyuga clan to confront the Uchiha? That would be outright foolish.
Danzo's Subtle Victory
As Hiruzen sat in frustrated silence, Danzo maintained his cold, impassive demeanor, though inwardly, he was delighted.
The meeting eventually concluded without any meaningful resolution. Unlike Danzo, who had long since grown indifferent to his reputation, the others were still cautious about preserving their political careers.
They were not like Rinjin Shokuhō, who acted without fear or desire, challenging anyone without hesitation.
The Uchiha clan, tainted by internal corruption, had become a pariah. The high-ranking officials, eager to protect their own reputations, were unwilling to get involved.
Danzo's Visit to the Naka Shrine
Leaving the Hokage's office, Danzo, escorted by Root operatives, made his way across Konoha's Naka River to a secluded shrine.
The sign above the entrance read: Naka Shrine.
This was the true domain of the Uchiha clan, where they held their gatherings and discussions.
The shrine was eerily quiet, with only one man present—a figure dressed in a yukata adorned with the Uchiha fan crest.
It was none other than the Uchiha clan leader, who had been thoroughly humiliated by Rinjin Shokuhō.
Danzo stood politely at the shrine's entrance, refraining from stepping inside.
A Tense Exchange
A cold, aloof voice rang out:
"Danzo Shimura, what brings you here?"
Suppressing his inner disgust, Danzo forced a cordial smile and replied in a low tone:
"I come with no ill intent, only to discuss peace with you."
"Peace? There is no war. What is there to discuss?"
The arrogant response stoked Danzo's simmering anger, but he kept his emotions in check, responding with a forced laugh:
"Previously, the Root Organization monitored the Uchiha clan and acted with bias in handling your affairs.
However, as you may have noticed, last week, the Root ceased all surveillance of the Uchiha and has stopped interfering in your matters."
Danzo's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, his tone seemingly sincere:
"And I assure you, as long as I remain in charge of the Root, its operatives will never oppose the Uchiha clan.
Though, unfortunately..."
Mid-sentence, Danzo chuckled softly, abruptly turning away and leaving with his subordinates.
Danzo's Inner Satisfaction
Despite the unpleasantness of conversing with the Uchiha leader, Danzo found a perverse sense of satisfaction in outmaneuvering him intellectually.
Go ahead, revel in your pride! Danzo thought smugly. *You've forced the Root Organization to back down with your strength.
If you throw a banquet to celebrate, I'll be even happier.
Better yet, I hope you replace Kagami and take the reins yourself.*
As Danzo basked in his own cleverness, he remained oblivious to the pair of blood-red Sharingan eyes silently watching his retreating figure from the shadows.
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