After Danzo arrived at the Hokage office, he directly proposed to Namikaze Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen that Sora should be removed as captain of the Konoha Defense Force and dismissed from the organization entirely.
Meanwhile, Danzo remained confident that Namikaze Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen would agree to his proposal.
The two leaders exchanged glances, finally understanding what was happening.
It seemed that Danzo and Sora had completely fallen out.
Now Danzo wanted to expel Sora from the Konoha Defense Force and install one of his own people as the new captain.
The Konoha Defense Force was a department originally proposed by Danzo, consisting of 30 elite shinobi.
It could be said that the Defense Force was indeed under Root's control.
Had Danzo made this proposal before Sora's visit, Minato and Hiruzen might have agreed.
They genuinely hoped that Sora's resignation as captain would make life easier for the Uchiha clan.
With Sora in power, the Uchiha clan's situation remained difficult. Although Uchiha Fugaku supported Namikaze Minato, many Uchiha shinobi still harbored resentment toward the Fourth Hokage.
They believed it was Minato who had created this department that stripped the Konoha Police Force of two important functions and appointed Sora, who openly despised the Uchiha clan, as its captain—not Danzo.
So Minato found himself in a difficult position. If an opportunity arose for Sora to withdraw from the Konoha Defense Force, Sarutobi Hiruzen might have considered it, and Minato would certainly have agreed.
Now Minato and Hiruzen understood what Sora meant when he said he had done them a favor.
If Danzo had spoken to them first and they had agreed to his proposal, the next captain of the Konoha Defense Force would still have been Danzo's puppet.
But with Sora taking the initiative to resign, the situation changed completely.
The power to choose now rested in their hands, and they could select the next captain of the Konoha Defense Force themselves.
Minato suddenly felt as though a gift had fallen from the sky.
Looking at Danzo's confident expression, Minato said, "Councilor Danzo, your proposal is meaningless."
Danzo's brows furrowed. "What do you mean? Why is it meaningless?"
Minato explained, "Sora was here just moments ago and has voluntarily resigned from the Konoha Defense Force. Furthermore, Lord Third and I have already discussed a candidate for the next captain."
Danzo's face instantly darkened.
He hadn't expected Sora to act so decisively. After completely severing ties with him, Sora had gone directly to the Hokage Building and voluntarily resigned.
By taking the initiative to resign directly to Minato, Sora had ensured that Minato could choose the next captain without Danzo's interference.
After all, the Konoha Defense Force was officially under Minato's authority. With Sora voluntarily resigning to Minato, the Hokage was fully entitled to select the captain himself.
Danzo had been outmaneuvered by Sora!
Still, he attempted to salvage the situation: "Lord Fourth, the position of captain is extremely important. I believe it would be unwise to make a hasty decision. Let's discuss this matter thoroughly before deciding!"
Danzo planned to repeat his previous strategy—the same approach he had used to install Sora in the position—but now circumstances had changed. Before, they had been forced by the situation, but that was no longer the case.
The initiative had finally come to Minato, and he had no intention of relinquishing it.
With a seemingly harmless smile, Minato said, "Lord Third and I have naturally given this careful consideration. After thorough deliberation, we've decided to appoint Nara Shinsuke as the next captain of the Konoha Defense Force."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was certain to support Minato now, and Nara Shinsuke from the Nara clan was indeed an excellent candidate.
Hiruzen chimed in, "Yes, Danzo. After discussing with Lord Fourth, we've decided that Nara Shinsuke should be the captain.
Shinsuke distinguished himself during the Third Shinobi War and is known for his caution and thoroughness.
I believe he will excel as captain."
Danzo responded angrily, "Have you forgotten why the Konoha Defense Force was established? It exists to divide the power of the Konoha Police Force and prevent the Uchiha clan from gaining too much influence!
Do you think Nara Shinsuke can keep Deputy Captain Uchiha Shisui in check? Once Nara Shinsuke becomes captain, he'll be nothing more than a puppet. The Defense Force will once again become an Uchiha stronghold. What purpose would that serve?!"
Minato maintained his smile and said softly, "I understand your concerns, Councilor Danzo. Therefore, I've decided to eliminate the deputy captain position entirely, and Uchiha shinobi will no longer be permitted to join the Konoha Defense Force."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and added, "Danzo, this should address your concerns, shouldn't it? There's no need to worry. Regarding the Uchiha clan, Minato is sensible, and I will assist him as needed."
Danzo was fuming.
With the deputy captain position abolished and Uchiha shinobi barred from the Konoha Defense Force, Uchiha Shisui would naturally be removed from the organization.
Now Danzo's only excuse had been eliminated. Sora had outmaneuvered him completely.
"You'll regret this decision!" Danzo could only leave with a bitter threat.
After Danzo's departure, Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Sora really did us a favor this time. Now, Minato, you won't be caught in the middle of this conflict."
Minato nodded. "Indeed. Now we must address the Konoha Defense Force situation promptly."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stayed for a short while before leaving. Minato then summoned Uchiha Shisui.
When Shisui arrived, Minato informed him, "Shisui, Sora has resigned as captain."
"What?" Shisui was stunned. Why had Sora suddenly resigned?
Now he understood why Sora had behaved so strangely earlier, telling him he wouldn't need to worry anymore.
Minato briefly explained the situation to Shisui, then said, "To prevent Danzo from interfering further, I've decided to eliminate the deputy captain position and bar Uchiha shinobi from joining the Defense Force. I hope you understand, Shisui."
Shisui shook his head. "Of course I understand.
I'm grateful to you, Lord Fourth.
This way, my clansmen no longer need to live in fear.
That was my original purpose in joining the Defense Force, so I'm happy to leave if it helps achieve this goal."
Minato smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. I believe the Uchiha clan's situation will only improve from here."
Uchiha Shisui felt boundless hope. With Namikaze Minato as Hokage, the Uchiha clan would surely prosper.
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