In the Hokage's office,
Danzo leaned on his cane as he reported the detailed state of the war with Kirigakure.
"It's better to stay in the village and let the younger generation pave the way outside."
The Third Hokage, puffing on his pipe, gazed at the aged Danzo. It was unclear whether he was speaking to himself or to his old comrade.
"We truly are old. If we go out now, we'd likely die on the battlefield," Danzo responded flatly, waiting for what Sarutobi would say next.
He didn't believe for a second that the Third had called him here just for small talk.
They both knew better.
"Indeed. We should consider retirement. After this war, I plan to step down. Who do you think should be the Fourth Hokage? How about Orochimaru?" The Third Hokage asked casually, as if merely chatting.
Danzo studied the man before him—the Hokage, smoking his pipe, devoid of any commanding presence.
"You're the Hokage. You make the decision. As long as they have enough prestige and the votes are in order, I'll support whoever you choose."
Danzo was well aware that his influence in Konoha was growing as Root's reputation expanded. He couldn't tell if Sarutobi was testing him or simply giving him advance notice.
But judging by the way things were going, Orochimaru's chances seemed slim.
Had the Third already set his sights on Namikaze Minato?
Minato was still a rising star. Compared to the legendary Sannin, his prestige was lacking.
"That works. When I retire, I can spend my time fishing and tending to flowers. That kind of life doesn't sound too bad," the Third mused, a fleeting look of longing in his eyes.
"Let's talk about this after the war," Danzo replied coldly, shattering the daydream. "At our age, we might not live to see that day."
Sarutobi didn't react much to his words. He simply tapped his pipe against the desk.
"Take a look at the letter the Tsuchikage sent in secret."
Here it is—the real reason for this meeting.
Danzo picked up the letter and skimmed through it. His brows gradually furrowed as he set it down and looked at Sarutobi.
"What are you thinking?"
"The Daimyo has already agreed to it, and I believe it's the right move. I need your support," the Third Hokage said, setting down his pipe. His usually unfocused eyes flickered with a trace of melancholy.
Silence filled the Hokage's office.
The Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, was demanding 50 billion ryō in reparations and the relinquishment of Konoha's influence over the Land of Grass. In exchange, Iwagakure would withdraw its forces.
It was an outright demand for territorial and financial concessions.
The money itself wasn't the worst part.
Giving up influence over the Land of Grass, however, would be disastrous. The surrounding small nations would immediately start distancing themselves from Konoha.
And without those buffer states, if war broke out again, the flames would reach the Land of Fire directly.
The village's shinobi and civilians would hardly accept such a decision. The war had already fostered too much resentment and pain. Ending it in this manner would bring doubt and criticism upon the leadership.
"If we sign a peace treaty with Iwagakure, Sunagakure won't hold out much longer. The war would be over soon," the Third Hokage broke the silence.
"If this is how it ends, we might as well keep fighting. I doubt they can last much longer," Danzo, usually silent on political matters, couldn't help but voice his thoughts.
Konoha had suffered, but Iwagakure was in an even worse state.
"The war has lasted four years. It's brought enough suffering. It should end."
"Sarutobi, peace gained through concession never lasts. If we push harder, Iwagakure might not even have the will to continue fighting."
Danzo could see that Sarutobi had already made up his mind, but he couldn't help feeling dissatisfied.
He had been on the battlefield.
He knew that for the shinobi who had fought and bled, this kind of peace was harder to accept than death.
Neither side could convince the other.
The meeting ended on a sour note.
...
Two Months Later
A strange rumor began circulating through Konoha.
Victory was near.
Iwagakure was collapsing and retreating. The heroes of the battlefield would soon return triumphant.
The villagers, eager for good news, embraced the rumors. The once-somber atmosphere in Konoha, heavy with war's toll, slowly brightened.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage was busy negotiating among the major clans, ensuring political stability.
...
Deep underground, in Root's headquarters,
Danzo had barely left since their last meeting.
"Kakashi, you performed well on this mission."
He glanced at the report in his hands. The efficiency of the boy's results even made Danzo pause to give rare praise.
Danzo had been closely monitoring Kakashi's progress. His strength was growing rapidly, and he was adapting well to Root's style.
"Don't rely too much on the Sharingan. Your father's path suits you better."
Kakashi seemed to be following the path of a "Copy Ninja," but with his limited chakra reserves, it wasn't sustainable.
"Yes."
Danzo could hear the indifference in his response.
Kakashi had been in Root for two months. His performance was impeccable, but his spirit remained dull—he was still trapped in his grief.
"The last wish of a dying friend isn't for you to punish yourself, Kakashi."
"The living should carry the wishes of the dead forward."
Seeing no response from Kakashi, Danzo simply let the troubled boy leave.
He was increasingly unable to grasp what the system valued in its chosen ones.
Minato was like this.
Kakashi was like this.
It always felt like there was something deeper than mere friendship at play.
Then why not Orochimaru...?
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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