------
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane fell silent.
Danzo had always been the embodiment of Konoha's darker side. Many of the village's covert operations and morally questionable decisions were executed under his command.
During past conflicts, such ruthless measures were sometimes necessary, and the higher-ups turned a blind eye for the sake of Konoha's security. But times were changing. The world was moving towards an era of peace. The five great nations were on the verge of forming an alliance against a common enemy.
Danzo, as the symbol of Konoha's shadows, was becoming a liability. His past actions, once ignored, could no longer be tolerated.
Shikaku Nara broke the silence.
"So, from a different perspective, Naruto's actions could be seen as an effort to weaken Konoha's darker side—to eliminate the remnants of an outdated system. He left the village but continues to protect it from the outside. Doesn't this remind you of someone? I believe you both know who I'm referring to."
Homura and Koharu exchanged glances, immediately understanding the implication.
Uchiha Itachi.
Although the truth about Itachi had been classified, certain details had surfaced after his death. Many within Konoha's leadership now knew that Danzo had played a significant role in the Uchiha massacre. Otherwise, how else would he have acquired so many Sharingan for his arm and eye?
From the perspective of Konoha's clans, it was a terrifying precedent.
Danzo had exploited the Uchiha's downfall to amass their Sharingan. What would stop him from targeting another powerful clan next? The Hyūga Clan, for instance?
If the village tolerated such actions once, what would prevent history from repeating itself?
Homura sighed. "We will no longer involve ourselves in Danzo's matters. Our stance is neutral."
Koharu nodded. "Yes, Hokage-sama, we leave it in your hands."
Shikaku smirked subtly. He had successfully swayed them.
Tsunade, observing the exchange, was satisfied. Finally, these two old relics were seeing reason.
She had long been frustrated with Danzo and the older council members, but she had limited power to act.
After all, these were the advisors of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
They had also served under the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
And now, during her tenure as the Fifth Hokage, they were still here.
Their influence ran deep. Even the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had been cautious around them.
However, Tsunade had an undeniable advantage—her lineage.
She was the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, and the niece of Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had been her sensei, and Minato had called her aunt out of respect.
If anyone had the authority to reshape Konoha's leadership, it was her.
Tsunade stood up.
"I believe Naruto's intel is credible."
Jiraiya nodded in agreement. "From everything I've observed, Naruto has done nothing to harm the village. On the contrary, he continues to protect it, just in a way we don't fully understand yet."
Tsunade continued, "I've also received reports from Anbu. There have been multiple disappearances—shinobi who never returned from their missions. This confirms Naruto's claims."
She turned to Shikaku.
"You will oversee the strategic planning."
Shikaku bowed slightly. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade then looked at Shizune.
"You will manage the medical support and logistics for the upcoming battle."
Shizune nodded. "Yes, Hokage-sama."
Homura and Koharu said nothing. Perhaps they understood that their era was fading—that their influence over Konoha's future was dwindling.
Just as the meeting was about to conclude, the doors to the Hokage's office burst open.
A deep, familiar voice echoed through the room.
"Tsunade, have you stopped calling me to meetings now?"
The room fell silent.
Homura and Koharu's eyes widened in shock.
"Danzo?!" Koharu gasped. "How are you here?!"
Danzo stood at the doorway, his one visible eye cold and piercing.
"What? Am I not welcome?"
Homura stammered, "N-No, that's not what we meant! We tried to contact you, but—"
Koharu's voice faltered as she looked at Danzo's right arm and eye.
Both had been severed by Naruto.
Yet now, Danzo's right eye had returned.
His right hand was restored.
"How is this possible…?" Koharu whispered.
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes. "What kind of experiment did you undergo?"
Everyone knew Danzo had past connections with Orochimaru. Their cooperation had once been sanctioned by the Third Hokage for Konoha's "security."
But that was long ago.
Danzo smirked. "I don't believe I need to report my medical procedures to you."
Tsunade's eyes darkened. He's mocking us openly.
Her tone was sharp.
"Danzo, where have you been? Why couldn't the village contact you?"
Danzo stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
"Oh? Hokage-sama, are you concerned about my well-being?" His voice carried a mocking undertone. "Perhaps if you had taken action when Naruto gouged out my eye and cut off my arm, I wouldn't have had to leave the village to handle my own recovery."
Tsunade's fists clenched.
Danzo's words were calculated. He was challenging her authority while simultaneously making himself the victim.
He was implying that Tsunade had failed as Hokage by allowing Naruto to attack a Konoha elder.
Clever.
If she pressed him about his absence, he could turn the blame onto her.
Jiraiya frowned. Something about Danzo felt off. His chakra… it wasn't the same. It felt colder.
Danzo turned, changing the subject.
"I hear you were discussing battle strategies?"
Tsunade leaned forward, gripping the desk.
"This meeting has concluded. You were absent, so your input is irrelevant."
Danzo's lips curled into a slight smirk. "I see. Then I won't interfere."
He turned to leave but paused at the doorway.
His gaze met Tsunade's.
A dark, knowing look.
Then, without another word, Danzo disappeared from the office, leaving behind an unsettling silence.
Jiraiya
exhaled slowly.
"Something's wrong with him."
Tsunade's eyes remained fixed on the door.
"Yes," she murmured. "Something is definitely wrong."
---
---
Check out other novels
Naruto: l Aspire To Become Hokage Man
🚨🆕Haikyuu: To The Top 🆕🚨
To Get This Week Bonus Chapter - 100 Power Stones
Dear Readers
For 120 Advance Chapters Join My Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/NF25
-------
Please Support My Patreon 🥺