The joint invasion of Konohagakure by Sunagakure and Otogakure had been carefully planned long before the Chūnin Exams ever began.
At its core, the mastermind behind the operation was none other than Orochimaru.
However, another figure had played an equally critical—yet far more concealed—role behind the scenes.
Shimura Danzō.
Without his covert cooperation, it would have been impossible for such a large number of Sunagakure shinobi and Sound operatives to infiltrate the Land of Fire so smoothly, let alone approach the outskirts of Konohagakure undetected. Patrol routes had been subtly altered, intelligence deliberately delayed, and Root operatives quietly withdrawn from key defensive sectors.
To put it bluntly, Danzō had served as the hidden accomplice to the invasion.
Although Root did not openly participate in the assault, every one of its members was an elite jōnin or higher—an invisible blade kept deliberately sheathed. Their absence alone spoke volumes.
In Danzō's eyes, this war was a necessary purge.
So long as the village survived, sacrifices were acceptable.
Even the loss of civilians and shinobi alike was, to him, an acceptable price—so long as it led to the elimination of Sarutobi Hiruzen and allowed Konoha to be reborn under "proper" leadership.
What he had never anticipated, however, was Menma Uzumaki.
The defection of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was never part of his calculations.
That single development shattered his composure.
Inside the underground Root headquarters, the atmosphere had grown unbearably cold.
Danzō sat in silence as his subordinates delivered the final report. His visible eye narrowed sharply the moment the words left their mouths.
"Menma… defected?"
The wooden armrest beneath his hand creaked as his grip tightened.
"So Orochimaru didn't just stir chaos," Danzō muttered darkly. "He stole my greatest asset."
For the first time since the invasion began, genuine anger flickered across his face.
The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was not merely a military asset—it was the ultimate deterrent, the foundation of Konoha's power balance. Losing him was equivalent to losing a living nuclear weapon.
"This was not part of the agreement…" Danzō said coldly. "That snake dares to go this far?"
He turned sharply toward the Root operative kneeling before him.
"Send word to Orochimaru immediately. Tell him to return the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki at once. If he refuses—"
Danzō's eye glinted with killing intent.
"—then he will become my enemy."
"Yes, Lord Danzō."
As the operative vanished, another Root shinobi appeared instantly, kneeling on one knee.
"Danzō-sama. A summons from the advisory council. The elders request your immediate presence."
Danzō's expression steadied once more.
"I understand."
Rising slowly, he took his cane and began walking toward the upper levels of the Hokage Tower.
By the time he arrived, several figures were already present.
Mitokado Homura.
Utatane Koharu.
Jiraiya of the Sannin.
And Nara Shikaku, acting as strategic advisor.
The atmosphere inside the room was heavy.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's seat at the center remained empty—an unspoken reminder of the cost of the invasion.
Danzō took his place calmly.
Mitokado Homura was the first to speak.
"Danzō, you arrived just in time. With the Third Hokage gone, we must immediately determine the next successor."
Koharu nodded in agreement. "The village is in chaos. Morale is unstable. We cannot afford indecision."
Jiraiya stood silently, arms crossed, his expression grim.
Homura continued, "After discussion, Koharu and I believe that Jiraiya is the most suitable candidate to assume the position of Fifth Hokage."
Jiraiya frowned slightly but did not interrupt.
"In terms of strength, experience, and reputation," Koharu added, "no one else commands the same level of authority."
The room fell silent.
Danzō's single visible eye narrowed.
So that was their decision.
He remained quiet for a long moment before speaking.
"…If that is your conclusion," he said slowly, "then so be it."
His tone was calm—too calm.
Only Danzō himself knew how violently his thoughts churned beneath the surface.
To be denied again.
To be pushed aside yet again.
Still, he showed no outward resistance.
Shikaku, watching carefully, exhaled subtly in relief.
For now, the balance held.
But deep within Danzō's heart, a single thought burned brighter than ever:
This is not over.