Danzo: The Fifth Hokage Must Be Me!
With a loud bang, Uchiha Yi's shadow clone turned into a cloud of white smoke and vanished on the spot.
At present, he did not yet possess the strength to sweep through Konoha, so revenge would have to wait for another day.
Although Uchiha Yi had already left, the words he spoke left an enormous shockwave throughout Konoha.
Especially for the Hyūga clan, Hatake Kakashi, and Uchiha Sasuke each of them was deeply troubled by what Uchiha Yi had revealed.
However, Hyūga Hiashi had always been calm, rational, and steady. He rarely allowed his emotions to show on his face, so there were no obvious changes in his expression.
Kakashi was still wearing his ANBU mask, making it impossible for outsiders to discern his emotional state.
But the reaction of the young Uchiha Sasuke was extremely obvious.
Anyone with eyes could tell that he had most likely believed Uchiha Yi's words and had begun to harbor deep suspicion toward Konoha's upper leadership.
This caused the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who noticed Sasuke's emotional fluctuations, to frown slightly. His aged yet stern face concealed thoughts that were difficult to read.
But with so many eyes watching
If he were to take any action against Uchiha Sasuke now, it would be equivalent to jumping straight into the Uchiha Avenger's trap.
It would completely confirm the suspicion that he had indeed been involved in the extermination of the Uchiha clan.
Therefore, even if Sarutobi Hiruzen knew something was wrong with Sasuke's mental state, not only could he not touch him
He had to protect him!
As for the Hyūga clan… and Kakashi…
There were no obvious signs of rebellion or abnormal behavior for the time being.
The only option was to observe them quietly for a while longer.
In an instant, Sarutobi Hiruzen sorted through the key issues and possible solutions in his mind.
This incident had dealt a heavy blow to his prestige and seriously damaged his reputation as Hokage.
But at the same time
Wasn't this also an opportunity to demonstrate sincerity and leadership during a crisis?
"Hmph!"
While Sarutobi Hiruzen was still deep in thought, Shimura Danzo snorted coldly, turned around, and left with his Root subordinates.
In Danzo's eyes, this entire situation was nothing but a farce.
If decisive action had been taken from the very beginning swift and merciless none of this trouble would have happened.
Now that dangerous criminal was allowed to escape freely, spreading rumors, shaking people's faith, and misleading the village without restraint.
Even Danzo Shimura, Sarutobi Hiruzen's longtime companion and political partner, could not understand such weakness.
"Sure enough… Sarutobi Hiruzen is old."
"You no longer possess the decisiveness of the former 'Professor' and Ninja Hero."
"If that's the case"
"Then you should step down."
"And let me take over."
"I, Shimura Danzo, am the one most suited to become Hokage!"
After returning to the Root headquarters deep underground
Danzo Shimura could not help but mutter to himself, openly criticizing Sarutobi Hiruzen without restraint.
"Perhaps… this is an opportunity."
After brooding for a long time, Danzo suddenly realized that this situation might actually benefit him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's authority as Hokage had been severely weakened.
Clearly, he was no longer suitable to continue holding the position.
And Konoha
Could not be without a Hokage.
So the question became
Who would succeed as the Fifth Hokage?
At present, the individual with the greatest reputation was Jiraiya.
But Danzo knew that man far too well.
That old fool cared only about his so-called Child of Prophecy and sneaking peeks at women's bathhouses.
There was an extremely high probability that Jiraiya would refuse the position outright.
That left only Senju Tsunade.
But Tsunade suffered from severe hemophobia an absurd weakness that had completely destroyed her ninja career.
As a high-ranking official of Konoha, Danzo was well aware of this.
How could someone so fragile be allowed to become Hokage?
Wouldn't that turn Konoha into a laughingstock among the Five Great Nations?
The Hokage of Konoha afraid of the sight of blood?
Ridiculous!
Without hesitation, Danzo directly crossed Tsunade Senju off his list of threats.
As for Orochimaru
That was even more laughable.
A traitor, a criminal, a man tainted beyond redemption.
There was absolutely no chance he could ever become Hokage.
After careful consideration, Danzo realized
There was no one left in Konoha who could truly threaten him.
Hyūga Hiashi, whom Danzo had once kept a wary eye on, now seemed unreliable.
Due to the influence of the Uchiha remnants and the Hyūga incident, his loyalty to Konoha could easily be questioned.
Even if that were not the case, the higher-ups would never fully trust him.
Thus, Hyūga Hiashi posed no real danger.
The only remaining person was Hatake Kakashi, who possessed some reputation.
It wasn't that Danzo underestimated him
He genuinely looked down on him.
How could a brat who hadn't even fully grown up compete with Shimura Danzo for the Hokage position?
If it were Hatake Sakumo the White Fang of Konoha Danzo might have felt threatened.
But Kakashi?
Not even close.
At the very least, it was not his turn yet.
As for the Ino–Shika–Chō clans
They had long declared, since the founding of the village, that they would never compete for the position of Hokage.
They existed solely to assist the Hokage.
After thinking everything through
Danzo Shimura came to a single conclusion.
In the entire village of Konoha, the most qualified candidate to become the Fifth Hokage
Was him.
And only him.
Shimura Danzo!
"Hahahahaha!"
The more Danzo thought about it, the more excited he became.
He could no longer restrain himself and burst into loud laughter.
Never before had the Hokage's seat felt so close.
"But I know Hiruzen."
"Even now, with his credibility in crisis"
"He will never step down willingly."
"I have to take action."
Once his excitement subsided, Danzo quickly realized the crucial problem he had overlooked.
As an opponent of many decades, he understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's character far too well.
If Hiruzen dragged things out long enough, public opinion would eventually stabilize.
By then, he would once again become the benevolent Hokage in the hearts of the people.
"What a shame… what a shame indeed."
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, I've already seen through your tricks."
"You'd better abdicate obediently."
"Konoha doesn't need two old men."
"It only needs me"
"The Fifth Hokage, Shimura Danzo!"
While sighing, Danzo quickly summoned a Root operative.
"Go."
"Find the best tailor in Konoha."
"Tell him to immediately prepare a Godaime Hokage robe custom-made for me."
"Speed is essential."
"Do not delay my Hokage inauguration."
"Yes!"
The Root operative did not question the order.
Although he had no idea where Danzo's certainty came from, Root's rule was simple
Follow orders.
Ask nothing.
"Now…"
"It's time for a proper discussion with Sarutobi Hiruzen about abdication."
"I hope he makes the right choice."
"Otherwise"
"Don't blame me for being ruthless."
With that, Shimura Danzo strode out of the Root headquarters
Heading straight toward the Hokage's office.