Hiruzen asked in confusion, "Why?"
Danzō replied calmly, "I have indeed been constantly learning your strengths, but that is for after I become Hokage…"
"As your advisor, this is my duty. In a hidden village, someone must stand in front of the stage, and someone must stand behind it to do certain things. Where there is light, there is darkness."
"It was not only you and me. Were not the First and the Second the same? And in the end, the Second-sama also became Hokage."
"You can see my achievements, and I believe you are fair."
"As long as you, as Hokage, are fair, I do not care about other people's opinions…"
"Besides…" Danzō's voice carried a trace of irritation: "That Kakuzu is indeed a rare kind who truly infuriates people. I cannot be bothered to say much to him. He is not worthy!"
Setting aside his duty as an advisor.
It was clear that some of Kakuzu's words had indeed struck a nerve within Danzō.
The observations of the older generation were truly sharp…
What did it mean that his existence had tarnished the reputation of the First-sama?
That accusation was far too heavy!
Am I the darkness of the shinobi, or are you the darkness of the shinobi?
Even Danzō, who prided himself on being the Root that sacrificed itself for Konohagakure, found such words difficult to accept.
After all, he was always the one putting labels on others.
To suddenly have one placed upon him by Kakuzu—it was indeed not something he was accustomed to…
"So that is what you think?" Hiruzen laughed.
"You are right. Achievements buried in the shadows may indeed be misunderstood, but I will record them for you, one by one. I will not let you suffer a loss…"
"But I will say it again: ruthless methods are not a problem, but you must not cross the bottom line of the Will of Fire."
Danzō's expression eased slightly, and he nodded. "I understand, Hiruzen…"
The pendant at his neck lightly struck against his chest as they traveled.
This was one of the reasons he had such confidence.
Hiruzen—his old comrade—was indeed fair in handling the contest between him and Orochimaru over the position of Hokage.
Through words and personal example, he guided him on how to be a Hokage, and he also gave him sufficient treatment.
For example, this cooperation with the Daimyō—was he not brought along?
Danzō believed he had not done much, merely spoken a few sentences. Orochimaru could have done the same.
The important thing was still Hiruzen's finesse. In just a few sentences, he got the Daimyō to swear oaths and call him "Hiruzen-ani," and he even used the momentum to become in-laws…
Such methods made Danzō admire him.
If one looked at it from a conspiracy-theory angle, even Hiruzen's grandchildren might have the possibility of becoming Daimyō…
And although most of the benefits went to Hiruzen's direct authority, being able to participate in itself was a kind of recognition and seniority…
He did not bring Orochimaru—he brought him. That alone explained everything!
When Konohagakure profited from this, and when the ninja were grateful, they would naturally trace it back to the source. They would discover the shadow of Danzō behind it.
Moreover, during this period in which Danzō studied Hiruzen twenty-four hours a day…
He also realized a truth!
When becoming Hokage, what mattered more: gaining the entire village's recognition, or gaining Hiruzen's recognition?
In Danzō's view, Hiruzen's was more important.
Because if Hiruzen recognized him, then with Hiruzen's finesse, he would have ways to obtain the entire village's recognition…
Besides, he had gradually come to understand his own advantages.
Orochimaru's advantage lay in his scientific research ability. On this point, although Danzō inwardly complained that Orochimaru swallowed up funds, there was nothing to criticize.
He truly had the ability.
And his own core advantage lay in this so-called reputation of his!
His seemingly terrible reputation, his ruthless and rigid mode of conduct, combined with his formidable intelligence capabilities, was enough to allow him to serve as Hiruzen's minister without a faction…
If Hiruzen were a harsh and ungrateful person, using him like a chamber pot—filling it with filth and then throwing it away—then such thinking would naturally be utterly foolish…
But clearly, Hiruzen was not that kind of person. He was different.
As for what Hiruzen said about not violating the Will of Fire…
Danzō did not take it too much to heart. But with Orochimaru—like a venomous snake in his mind—watching him…
He truly did not dare to do anything too excessive. If he were seized on a pretext and blown out of proportion because of it, it would be troublesome.
Danzō faintly had a feeling…
In the past, although Hiruzen kept him behind the scenes, did not give him a chance to show himself, and did not teach him how to be Hokage, he really had been rather indulgent toward him.
Now Hiruzen was speaking with him heart-to-heart, but if he touched a bottom line that Hiruzen had explicitly forbidden…
He probably would not handle him as lightly as before, when he made a show of severity but dealt with it gently.
"Hiruzen, I know—you know what I am thinking…" Danzō suddenly spoke: "Those tasks you assigned me are all things I can accomplish, and they are beneficial to me."
"For example, supervising the source of funds for the 'Sage Region Pills' series, taking me along to negotiate with the Daimyō—was that not to link me to this major project as well, so that I would not fall behind Orochimaru?"
"You are fair, so naturally I will not fall behind you. Do not underestimate me."
"I do not care how others see me. Whether they misjudge me yesterday, today, or tomorrow—it does not matter…"
Danzō gave an unpleasant smile. "This is my ninja way. I enjoy it."
Hiruzen, however, was somewhat bewildered.
What did you know that I knew? Was this a tongue twister…
Ninja way, beneficial to him?
None of what Danzō said had been deliberately arranged by Hiruzen. He had merely adhered to the idea of "the right person doing the right thing" when making his arrangements.
Occasionally, he would also draw on the sentiment between old comrades—crack a joke or two and strengthen their relationship…
How had this suddenly turned into a special heart-to-heart exchange?
'The mental state of ninja is indeed overly beautiful…' Hiruzen silently complained in his heart, yet on the surface he vigorously patted Danzō's shoulder: "Between us, there is no need for many words…"
"With your assistance, I am as the First-sama was with the Second-sama!"
Although he did not know why Danzō had suddenly become like this, praising him was certainly not wrong…
'Comparing yourself to the First? Hiruzen, you truly are ambitious!'
Danzō slightly straightened his chest and said with a serious expression, "Comparing me to sensei is also excessive praise. Tobirama-sensei has always been the goal I pursue!"
For this so-called darkness of the shinobi—
If others praised him as the First Hokage, he could not say much on the surface, but inwardly he would certainly be displeased.
But if they praised him as having Tobirama's style…
That would hit the itch precisely.
The two hurried back toward Konohagakure while discussing village affairs.
Before long, they arrived at Konohagakure.
Hiruzen let out a light breath.
The preparations to revive his sensei were now basically complete…
Just after returning to the Hokage Building, Sakumo brought new information.
"Hokage-sama, the patrol unit and the Anbu have captured several spies from Kusagakure…"
"They were hired by Kumogakure and Iwagakure. After some were sent to the Analysis Division, special intelligence was discovered," Sakumo said in a low voice: "In Kusagakure, there are actually members of the Uzumaki clan present, and their situation is not good…"
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
Such audacity!
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