Hiruzen Sarutobi suspected that the recent exposure of Naruto's status as a jinchuriki—the Nine-Tails' host—had something to do with Danzo.
After all, if someone in Konoha hated Minato Namikaze the most, aside from some Uchiha clansmen who had always opposed reforms, it would be Danzo.
Based on Hiruzen's speculation, this matter was unlikely the work of those Uchiha clansmen. A direct attack on Naruto might have made them more likely suspects, but this was a scheme far too subtle for their usual methods.
Given the almost completely undetectable nature of the plan, Danzo became the prime suspect.
Danzo glared at Hiruzen angrily. "If you think I was behind the Nine-Tails' attack back then and responsible for exposing the jinchuriki now, just say it outright! No need to beat around the bush like this!"
Hiruzen rapped his pipe against the edge of the table, scattering the ashes before speaking calmly. "I indeed suspect you because this is exactly the kind of thing you'd do. Also, although Root has been disbanded, those Root ninja were trained to suppress all sense of personal identity. You've molded them into unquestioning pawns who obey only your commands, which still hold supreme authority…"
Danzo started to protest, but Hiruzen didn't give him the chance. "You don't need to argue. I suspect you—but I admit I lack solid proof. Danzo, your past actions speak volumes against you. Don't forget about those documents we found inside Root.
As for what's written in them, I believe you understand better than me. There's no need for me to recount every lie and betrayal—you know exactly what those documents revealed."
Danzo immediately fell silent, his expression extremely grim.
Hiruzen stared fiercely at Danzo, issuing a warning. "Those documents alone would be enough to justify your execution. It was only because I risked my reputation and pleaded with Minato that you weren't dealt with. Danzo, don't do anything reckless. Otherwise, even without Minato stepping in, I will kill you myself! Konoha has finally achieved peace, and I won't allow anyone to endanger it or shatter that peace!"
After delivering his warning, Hiruzen stood up from his seat and walked toward the doorway. He paused and said, "Danzo, you'll never become Hokage. Give up on that idea once and for all. Even if Master Tobirama hadn't named me Hokage back then, the title still wouldn't have been yours. Because you were never meant to be Hokage—never had it in you."
Hiruzen left Danzo's house.
Danzo sat frozen in his chair, his entire body quaking with fury.
"Sarutobi! Hiruzen!"
Seething with rage, Danzo bellowed out the name—"Sarutobi! Hiruzen!"
"If you hadn't rushed forward and claimed the role of the sacrificial pawn back then, the Hokage title would have been mine! You merely stole my rightful place. If Konoha had been under my leadership, it would've prospered far more!"
Danzo remained furious for quite a while before finally calming down.
With a cold and dark expression, Danzo muttered, "Hiruzen, you say Hokage will never be mine? Then watch closely—I will seize the Hokage title with my own hands!"
Because the sound-emitting puppets created by Shindai had been broadcasting nonstop for seven days, everyone in Konoha now had a relatively clear understanding of the Tailed Beasts and their Jinchuriki. They no longer discriminated against or rejected baby Naruto at all, and had even begun to show him the respect usually reserved for heroes.
But fear still lingered.
After all, the Jinchuriki could lose control, and if that happened, it would unleash catastrophe.
This kind of fear couldn't be erased with just a few words. It would require Naruto himself to prove who he was in the future. Shindai had already done everything he could.
In the home of Minato Namikaze.
"Cheers!"
Shindai, Pakura, Hikaku Uchiha, Minato Namikaze, and Kushina Uzumaki raised their glasses to celebrate.
Half a month had passed, and although many people were still discussing Naruto, these were now positive conversations.
Kushina laughed joyfully, "Now nobody calls Naruto the incarnation of the demon fox anymore. That's really great."
Minato also smiled as he said, "Yeah, Shindai's propaganda campaign was pretty effective. Although... I wish those 'heartfelt words' hadn't been added in."
Kushina immediately countered, "I think they were great! It was a perfect touch! If not for considering Minato here, I'd have wanted to say a couple of heartfelt words myself and give those people a good scolding!"
Shindai quickly finished the drink in his glass before setting the empty cup in front of Minato Namikaze, saying, "Lord Minato~ Hurry up and refill me! This time Sister Kushina is on my side too!"
The corner of Minato's mouth twitched slightly. That kid Shindai really knew how to ride the wave.
After refilling Shindai's empty cup, Minato said, "Still, it's a pity we haven't found any clues about who exactly launched this propaganda campaign."
Kushina sounded annoyed as she said, "Minato is such a great Hokage, why are some people deliberately targeting him?"
Pakura looked puzzled as she asked, "If the enemy is targeting Lord Minato, there must be something profitable for them. But what benefit could they gain by targeting Minato through Naruto?"
Hikaku Uchiha shared his speculation, "The enemy clearly wants to incite opposition between the villagers and The Fourth. Right now the villagers love and respect The Fourth, but after Naruto's identity was revealed, some people started questioning The Fourth. It's possible the enemy is trying to remove The Fourth from the position of Hokage."
"Cough cough cough!"
Shindai, who was drinking at the moment, suddenly began coughing violently.
Pakura patted his back while scolding him, "Why are you drinking so fast? Nobody's competing with you for it!"
Shindai took a tissue to wipe his mouth, looking somewhat strange.
Hikaku's guess immediately made Shindai think of someone.
The hidden shadow of Konoha—Danzo Shimura.
Who hated Minato Namikaze the most? Shindai was almost certain—it was Danzo.
Once, Danzo had wanted Orochimaru to become the Hokage. Orochimaru loved research and wouldn't have handled actual affairs even if he did become Hokage. As the Hokage's advisor, Danzo could control all the power behind the scenes. When the time was right, he would have Orochimaru "step down gracefully" so he himself could take the Hokage seat.
But Danzo hadn't expected Orochimaru to back out, and Minato Namikaze became Hokage instead.
Minato performed exceptionally well as Hokage and even survived the Nine-Tails' attack. Danzo's opportunity grew increasingly slim.
If things continued this way, Danzo would never get his chance. That's why he started causing trouble for Minato, inciting villagers to oppose him by using Naruto as a scapegoat.
Thinking about it… hadn't Danzo recently sent puppets wandering around the village, ranting and cursing at anyone spreading rumors? Wishing they'd rot from the inside out! May sores fester on their heads and pus ooze from the soles of their feet! May food pass through their backside—and may they die suddenly the next day! Wasn't that practically cursing Danzo straight to his face?
Mr. Shindai suddenly felt a bit nervous. Could it be that he had caught Danzo's attention?
Damn it!
Shindai thought the most troublesome ones besides Black Zetsu were none other than Danzo. Both were devious schemers. And as a minor-league schemer himself, he probably couldn't outwit either of them.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ **4 bonus chapters** this weekend if I get kind comments.
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>