Konoha, Root Underground Base.
After a month of treatment, Danzo, who had regained most of his memories, finally calmed down following a day of emotional breakdowns and throwing things yesterday.
He began questioning the Medical Ninja, the only remaining companion who had been taking care of him during this trip to the Land of Rain, about the specific details of what had happened back then.
When asked about the incident, the Medical Ninja panicked—he never expected Danzo to recover his memories!
What if he asked how he got the injury on his head?
He had been part of it too!
"Danzo-sama, that day..."
The Medical Ninja's gaze grew profound, not just improvising a story on the spot but also delivering a full-blown performance!
To summarize, Danzo had been standing alone at the cave entrance that day, his expression grave, his eyes filled with complex and melancholic emotions as he gazed upon the turbulent Shinobi World.
Everyone knew that Danzo was deeply concerned about the Shinobi World, his thoughts entirely devoted to it! So no one dared to disturb him.
But then—disaster struck!
For some unknown reason, Danzo suddenly fell off the cliff from the cave entrance, hitting the very head that had been so full of plans for reforming the Shinobi World!
And then, Danzo lost his memory!
To avoid disrupting Danzo plans, all his companions—except for himself—chose to continue carrying out Danzo mission!
They tricked Hanzo into personally dealing with Akatsuki!
However...
Who could have imagined that Hanzo and Akatsuki would get lucky and see through Danzo flawless plan midway!
All those Root Ninja were brutally slaughtered, not a single one left alive!
But there was no need to worry—no one suspected Danzo-sama.
Everyone believed they were just a bunch of scheming villains working in the shadows!
As far as everyone was concerned, those people had secretly attacked Danzo-sama, then impersonated the Hidden Leaf's senior advisor, Danzo-sama, and the Hidden Leaf Anbu—all to reignite conflict and prolong the war!
Everyone believed they were the ones responsible for Danzo-sama's memory loss!
That Danzo-sama had been framed and wronged!
And as for that damned Hanzo—he had met his end the very next day, cursed by his own fate!
...
"Though it's a shame the plan failed..." Danzo mused for a moment before speaking slowly.
"At least we weren't exposed—that's damage control. The lost subordinates can always be replaced."
This entire plan had been ruined by one small mistake of his—he had failed to prevent the Hidden Leaf and Iwagakure from signing their ceasefire agreement.
But...
At least his memories had returned.
And he had heard that Hiruzen had voluntarily waived the compensation owed by Iwagakure in the treaty.
With that alone, he could drag Hiruzen down from the Hokage's seat!
But... who should succeed as Hokage?
Himself? Absolutely not.
Those two advisors were in cahoots with Hiruzen!
If he nominated himself now, they would never agree!
After some thought, Orochimaru—who had always cooperated smoothly with him—seemed like the perfect candidate for the next Hokage.
Together, their combined strength would bring about a great revolution to the Shinobi World sooner or later!
Danzo had no doubt about that.
"Where is Orochimaru?"
"He was summoned by the Hokage."
"Hmm?" Danzo frowned.
What could Orochimaru be summoned by Hiruzen for at this time? Could it be...
Had Hiruzen finally developed a conscience?
Without needing any push from him, was he planning to voluntarily step down and pass the title to his own disciple?
Feeling as though success had come effortlessly, Danzo allowed a faint smirk to curl his lips.
Who could have predicted such a turn of events?
Truly unpredictable!
"Danzo-sama, Otae-san has arrived."
Hearing the report from the Root Ninja who had suddenly appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee with head bowed, Danzo waved his hand dismissively.
"Mm. All of you, leave."
As soon as he spoke, the Root Ninja in the room vanished instantly.
At the same time, a bright, innocent child's voice, brimming with concern, reached his ears.
"Uncle, are you really alright now? The doctor said you should stay in the hospital for a few more days for observation. You mustn't risk any complications, Uncle!"
At the doorway stood a little girl, no more than four years old, dressed in a pink kimono with a short bob cut.
Carrying a lunchbox, she stepped over the threshold and entered.
"Hehe, Uncle is fine now."
Seeing little Otae's face filled with worry, Danzo felt a warmth in his heart.
Truly, this was what family was all about!
"I heard you were discharged, so I made some sandwiches as a get-well gift."
Danzo watched her approach with satisfaction.
This kind of familial affection was the best remedy to soothe his soul after all the schemes and treachery!
"Very well, then Uncle will have to taste it."
.....
After Otae left—
Watching Danzo, who had once again lost his memory, the Root Ninja present were utterly baffled.
Was Danzo-sama amnesia coming back?
"I've heard that applying the right amount of stimulation to the brain can treat amnesia!"
One earnest subordinate suddenly blurted out this suggestion, only to immediately face a torrent of criticism from the others!
"But what if it works?"
Another voice chimed in unexpectedly.
The Medical Ninja wanted to stop this madness and explain that such a method wouldn't work, but he feared exposing that he had once tried it on Danzo.
So, he silently took two steps back.
After all, if he said it wouldn't work, the others would surely ask: How do you know? Did you try it on Danzo?
How would he answer then? If he could talk his way out of it, fine—but if not, he'd be doomed!
And if he didn't stop them... well, they'd all be accomplices in the truest sense!
Just as he finished this thought, the Medical Ninja suddenly realized that the "stimulation" these men were talking about wasn't what he had imagined.
The stimulation they meant...
Was electricity!
...
Danzo had just regained his memory—only to lose it again?
And this time, because he was accidentally struck by lightning?
After reviewing the hospital's report, the three high-ranking officials, including the Third Hokage, exchanged bewildered glances, unable to make sense of the situation.
The Third Hokage, who had already prepared to resign today under Danzo's accusations, was now at a complete loss for words.
"It's true. All the Root Ninjas are consistent in their accounts. Danzo-sama was indeed suddenly struck by lightning, causing his amnesia to comeback!"
The elders: ...
"Hiruzen, since Danzo hasn't come to demand an explanation for this reason, your resignation..."
Before Koharu Utatane could finish, the Third Hokage shook his head and interrupted.
"No, it's just a matter of a few days sooner or later. After handing over the heavy burden of Hokage earlier, I can go visit and check on Danzo. After all, he was our comrade."
"Is it true that Danzo was struck so black by lightning that his hair stood on end?"
Koharu Utatane asked the kneeling ANBU.
"It's true."
"Alright, then I'll make time to visit him too."
Koharu Utatane suddenly wore an expression as if reminiscing about the past, filled with emotion.
Homura Mitokado also looked moved.
"Then I'll go take a look too. After all, we've known each other the longest and are the closest. Maybe it'll help with his memory recovery."
Watching the two sighing deeply, the Third knew they were just going to see the spectacle but didn't call them out.
After all, who doesn't love seeing Danzo make a fool of himself?