Naruto: The Primal Hyuga Pierces the Shinobi World.

Early in the morning, Danzo, the advisor, came to the Hokage's office to give Minato "suggestions," which surprised Minato.

Since becoming Hokage, he had met Danzo several times. In Minato's eyes, Danzo would not usually appear in front of him unless it was something extremely important. Minato considered this a sign of good manners.

However, the attack on the Hyuga clan last night was not a big deal, and it shouldn't have alarmed Danzo. Minato was surprised that the advisor was so concerned about the Hyuga clan.

"Advisor Danzo, what brings you here?"

Would you like some tea?

Although Minato was young, he had cultivated the composure of a leader over the years since becoming Hokage. Instead of directly responding to Danzo's words, he slowly rose and went to the tea table to ask Danzo if he wanted some tea.

"Hmm?"

"Fourth Boss, let's get down to business."

Danzo's momentum faltered when Minato asked him a question, and he tried to steer the conversation in the right direction.

"This is a new tea that was just purchased from the Land of Tea this year. Lord Danzo, please have a taste as well."

Minato took out the tea set from under the coffee table, slowly sat down on the sofa, and greeted Danzo while rinsing the teacups.

Perhaps because his relationship with the Hyuga family had grown closer in recent years, and he often visited the Hyuga family, Minato gradually became accustomed to the tea ceremony.

He doesn't particularly enjoy drinking tea; it's just that when faced with certain situations, the tea ceremony allows him time to calm down and think things through.

Minato was puzzled by Danzo's sudden visit. As for Danzo's suggestion to send ANBU guards to the Hyuga clan, Minato was also unsure of what Danzo was up to. He needed some time to think it over before he could figure it out.

Danzo, this advisor, is not someone to be trifled with. Unlike the Hyuga clan's stance on Danzo, Minato and Danzo are political enemies. After all, Danzo once supported Orochimaru becoming the Fourth Hokage, and the two have been getting closer in recent years.

Minato was wary of Danzo.

Seeing Minato's actions, Danzo's eyes flashed with a sense of understanding. He coughed lightly, quickly adjusted his mindset, and then, at Minato's invitation, sat down opposite him on the sofa, quietly waiting for Minato to wash and brew the tea.

The two sat facing each other, neither of them bringing up the topic from earlier, and the atmosphere in the office became somewhat oppressive.

After a long while, having drunk a round of tea, Minato finally asked apologetically:

"What brings Lord Danzo to me?"

"Sorry, I was thinking about something else and didn't notice."

From the very first word, Minato firmly seized control of the conversation. This mastery of the discourse was, in fact, Minato's subtle reminder to Danzo... be mindful of your position!

Although Minato addressed Danzo as "Lord," he was also telling Danzo in this way that he was the true Hokage!

"It's becoming quite a force to be reckoned with..."

Minato Namikaze's calm and composed demeanor caused Danzo to sigh inwardly. Although, due to his and Hiruzen's refusal to relinquish power over the years, Minato's actual authority as Hokage remained limited.

However, his years as Hokage have made the young Minato increasingly shrewd and experienced. If the newly appointed Hokage was just a powerful but easily manipulated rookie, the current Minato has stabilized his position and begun to establish himself firmly in the Hokage role.

Although he hasn't cultivated many loyal followers and is currently unable to rival Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo, it's only a matter of time.

Among the outstanding young ninjas, talents like Kakashi and Might Guy were all promoted by Minato; while among the ninja clans, middle-aged talents like Shiki Aburame and Choza Akimichi were Minato's contemporaries.

Given time, people like Shiki Aburame will inevitably become leaders of their own ninja clans, and outstanding young people like Kakashi will gradually rise to high positions in Konoha and become Minato's right-hand men.

At that time, Minato will be the Hokage in the true sense!

Compared to the network of connections that Minato was developing, Danzo and Orochimaru were somewhat lacking.

Feeling the pressure from Minato, Danzo let out a soft sigh, adjusted his tone, and said in a slightly gentler voice:

"Fourth Hokage, was the Hyuga clan attacked by Kirigakure ninja last night?"

"We must take this matter seriously!"

"The Byakugan of the Hyuga clan is an indispensable fighting force for our Konoha. Hyuga Hiashi has just led his men to the battlefield, leaving only the elder and two children of the main family behind. We have a responsibility and an obligation to protect the Hyuga clan for him."

"I suggest we send someone to protect Hyuga. We can't be careless about this."

Danzo spoke gently, seemingly genuinely concerned for the Hyuga's safety. His words did not arouse Minato's suspicion, since from his perspective, protecting the Hyuga clan, consisting of only the elderly and children, during Hiashi's absence was indeed the right thing to do.

only...

"With Hiashi gone, we definitely need to strengthen the protection of the Hyuga clan."

"However... the Hyuga clan doesn't seem to have expressed any need for protection."

"I'm afraid I can't make a decision on this matter immediately. I need to discuss it with the Hyuga main family and see what their actual needs are."

Minato was a gentle person, and his policies, like himself, preferred to consult with the parties involved before taking any action.

Danzo frowned upon hearing this, his tone hardening slightly:

"You're the Hokage, why do you need to consult with them before making such a decision?!"

"Besides, this is for their own good. What terrible consequences would it have if such disdain were to spread to other villages?!"

"Fourth Hokage, this is not the time for indecisiveness. Give the order!"

"If there is a shortage of ANBU personnel, my Root can spare a small team to protect Hyuga's safety."

The true intentions of Danzo were finally revealed. Minato glanced at Danzo almost imperceptibly, picked up his teacup, and smiled:

"Lord Danzo, please have some tea first, don't rush."

"Even if we really need to protect Hyuga, there's no need for your Root to get involved."

"I trust Root's ninjas to carry out espionage and assassination missions, but as for protection missions, forget it."

"I will carefully consider your suggestion. If you have nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

"Please drink slowly."

Minato finished his tea and politely declined. Then he got up and returned to his desk to begin his work.

Danzo naturally understood the other party's subtext of "sending him away." His eyes flickered with uncertainty. After a short while, he didn't say anything more and got up to leave.

Minato Namikaze is different now; it's no longer so easy to plant your own spies under his nose.

Danzo could sense that Minato was becoming increasingly adept at controlling and using power, and he couldn't help but feel somewhat disheartened.

It seems that it's time for his generation of ninjas to retire.

However, Danzo regained his fighting spirit as soon as he reached the door:

"Even such a small decision requires thought and consultation with others."

"Minato Namikaze is too weak!"

"Not suited to be Hokage!!!"

"Neither Hiruzen nor Minato...these people are no good!"

"Only I can protect Konoha!"

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