Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 73: The Root of Konoha Who Wants to Be Villains – The Unsettled Ninja World (4/10)

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in confusion, "Why?"

Danzo Shimura calmly replied, "I have indeed been learning from your strengths, but that was after I became Hokage—"

"As an assistant, this is my duty. In a hidden village, there must be someone standing in the spotlight and someone behind the scenes doing things. Where there is light, there is darkness."

"Not only you and me, but also the First and Second Hokage, weren't they? And the Second Hokage eventually became Hokage."

"You can see my achievements, and I believe you are fair."

"As long as you, the Hokage, are fair, I don't care what others think—"

"Besides—" Shimura Danzo's voice trembled with annoyance, "That Kakuzu is indeed one of those rare people who really infuriates me. I can't be bothered to talk to him anymore; he's not worthy!"

Leaving aside his role as an assistant...

Clearly, some of Kakuzu's words had a significant impact on Danzo Shimura's mind.

The older generation's observations were indeed remarkably sharp.

What do you mean by saying that his existence damaged the reputation of the First Lord?

That hat is way too big!

Am I the Dark One of Endurance, or are you the Dark One of Endurance?

Even Danzo Shimura, who prided himself on sacrificing himself for Konoha, couldn't accept such words—

After all, he's always the one labeling others.

Suddenly being put on such a hat by Kakuzu is definitely not something I'm used to—

"So that's what you think?" Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed. "You're right. Merits hidden in the shadows may be misunderstood, but I'll write them down for you, one by one. You won't suffer any losses—"

"But as I said before, ruthless methods are fine, but they cannot cross the bottom line of the Will of Fire."

Danzo Shimura's expression softened slightly, and he nodded: "I know, Hiruzen—"

The pendant around his neck gently tapped against his chest as he moved along.

This is one of the reasons why he has such confidence.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, his old friend, truly treated his Hokage rivalry with Orochimaru fairly.

He was taught by example how to be a Hokage and was also given adequate treatment.

Wasn't this collaboration with the daimyo something you brought along?

Danzo Shimura thought he hadn't done anything wrong, only said a few words, something Orochimaru could have done too—

The key was Hiruzen's skill; with just a few words, he got the daimyo to swear an oath and call him "elder brother," and even smoothly arranged for them to become in-laws.

Such methods impressed Danzo Shimura.

From a conspiracy theory perspective, Hiruzen's grandchildren all had the potential to become daimyo—

While most of the benefits come from Hiruzen Sarutobi's direct command, being able to participate in the process is itself a form of recognition and qualification.

The fact that he brought him instead of Orochimaru says it all!

When Konoha benefits from this, the ninjas, filled with gratitude, will naturally trace the source and discover the shadow of Shimura Danzo.

Furthermore, during the twenty-four hours that Shimura Danzo spent researching Hiruzen Sarutobi—

I've also come to realize a truth!

When becoming Hokage, is it more important to gain the approval of the entire village or to gain the approval of Hiruzen Sarutobi?

In Shimura Danzo's view, Hiruzen was still the most important.

Because if Hiruzen approves of him, with Hiruzen's influence, he has his own way of gaining the approval of the entire village—

Moreover, he gradually came to realize his own advantages.

Orochimaru's advantage lies in his research capabilities. Although Shimura Danzo secretly resented Orochimaru for embezzling funds, he could not find fault with him in this regard.

They are indeed capable.

His core advantage lies in his so-called reputation!

His seemingly terrible reputation, ruthless and unyielding behavior, combined with his superb intelligence capabilities, made him a loyal retainer of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

If Hiruzen Sarutobi were a mean and ungrateful person, someone who would be treated like a chamber pot, filled with trash and then thrown away, then such a thought would be incredibly foolish.

But clearly, Hiruzen is not like that; he is different.

As for Hiruzen Sarutobi's statement that one cannot violate the Will of Fire—

Danzo Shimura wasn't particularly interested, but Orochimaru, whom he viewed as a venomous snake, was watching him closely.

He really didn't dare to do anything too outrageous, because if he were caught doing something wrong and the matter was blown out of proportion, it would be troublesome.

Danzo Shimura had a vague feeling—

In the past, although Hiruzen Sarutobi kept him behind the scenes, not giving him a chance to appear in public or teaching him how to become Hokage, he was indeed quite indulgent towards him.

Hiruzen now treats him with complete honesty, but if he crosses any line that Hiruzen has explicitly forbidden—

I'm afraid they won't treat him as leniently as they used to.

"Hiruzen, I know, you know what I'm thinking—" Shimura Danzo suddenly said, "The tasks you assigned me were all things I could complete and that would benefit me."

"For example, the source of funds for the 'Inspection of the Sacred Land Maru' series, and taking me to talk to the daimyo, were all to link me to this massive project, so I wouldn't fall behind Orochimaru, right?"

"If you're fair, then I certainly won't fall behind you. Don't underestimate me."

"I don't care what others think of me; it doesn't matter if they think I'm wrong yesterday, today, or tomorrow—"

Danzo Shimura gave an awkward laugh: "This is my ninja way, and I'm enjoying it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, was somewhat bewildered.

What do you know, I know? It's a tongue twister—

Is it both the way of ninjutsu and something that benefits him?

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't deliberately arrange what Danzo Shimura said; he simply arranged it based on the idea that "the right people should do the right things."

Occasionally, we'll reminisce about our old friendship, crack jokes, and strengthen our bonds.

How did things turn into such a special heart-to-heart talk?

"The ninja's mental state is indeed too beautiful—" Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself, but on the surface, he patted Danzo Shimura's shoulder vigorously: "Between us, there's no need for further words—"

"With your help, it's like the first generation gaining the second!"

Although I don't know why Danzo suddenly acted this way, it's always good to praise him anyway.

"Comparing yourself to the First Hokage? Hiruzen, you certainly have ambition!"

Danzo Shimura puffed out his chest slightly and said with a serious expression, "Comparing me to a teacher is too much of a compliment. Tobirama-sama is the role model I have always strived for!"

For this ninja in darkness.

When others praise him as the first generation, he may not say anything on the surface, but he must be unhappy inside.

But if one were to praise him for having the style of Tobirama—

That hits the nail on the head.

The two marched rapidly toward Konoha, chatting about village affairs as they went.

Soon, they arrived at Konoha.

Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a soft breath.

The preparations for reviving the teacher are now basically complete.

Upon returning to the Hokage Building, Sakumo Hatake brought new news.

"Lord Hokage, the patrol and Anbu have captured several spies from Kusagakure—"

"They were employed by Kumogakure and Iwagakure. After some were sent to the analysis team, they discovered some unusual intelligence," Hatake Sakumo said in a deep voice. "There are actually Uzumaki clan members in Kusagakure, and they are in a precarious situation—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened.

What audacity!

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