"Now, let’s discuss how to defend against Sunagakure’s attack." Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed twice, then looked at his old friend Danzō.
Danzō Shimura understood his comrade’s gaze and slowly stepped forward. "Hiruzen, I am willing to lead the troops to repel the invading forces of Sunagakure."
Among those present, who wouldn’t address Hiruzen Sarutobi respectfully as "Hokage-sama"? Only Danzō, the Hokage’s teammate and closest companion.
At this ti, Danzō Shimura was in his pri, with his looks at their peak. His face was resolute, his bangs evenly parted on either side of his forehead protector. His handso face was nearly flawless, with only a scar on his chin that didn’t detract from his appearance but instead added a cold, stern aura.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. Among the current Hokage’s advisors, the one he valued most was his good friend Danzō Shimura—loyal to Konoha and formidable in battle.
The only downside was that he had inherited their teacher’s prejudice against the Uchiha, often saying things like "those inherently evil Uchiha brats" in private.
Now that the Uchiha had chosen to align with them, they were allies. Hiruzen needed to find a way to change his old friend’s mindset. But for now, the priority was appointing a commander for the army, as Sunagakure had already mobilized, and war was imminent.
However, he couldn’t directly propose Danzō for the position. So, Hiruzen pretended to ponder while subtly signaling to Uchiha Hirotomo and Uchiha Ryun with his eyes.
I gave you face earlier. Now it’s your turn to return the favor, right?
Uchiha Ryun smiled faintly. "Hokage-sama, no one is more suited to be the commander for this war than Lord Danzō. You need to oversee the overall situation from the rear."
"Lord Danzō was not only your teammate but also a direct disciple of the Second Hokage. No one is more qualified than him to lead this campaign against Sunagakure!" Though Ryun had so reservations about Danzō, he couldn’t ignore the Hokage’s hint.
Uchiha Hirotomo nodded in agreent. "That’s right. I support Ryun’s opinion."
Following them were the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, and then the clans that had been close to the Uchiha and Ino-Shika-Chō since the Warring States period.
The Kurama Clan, Abura Clan, Inuzuka Clan, Yūhi Clan, Gekkō Clan...
The Hyūga Clan and their allied clans, seeing that more than half of the major clans present had voiced their support, naturally didn’t remain silent.
Thus, nearly all the prominent clans present endorsed Danzō as the military commander.
Danzō Shimura gave Uchiha Ryun a deep look but then turned back to face Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen pretended to deliberate before smiling. "Danzō, since everyone recomnds you as the commander, I appoint you. But are you confident?"
This was just a formality. If he handed it over too quickly, it would seem rushed. So, he needed Danzō to make a declaration to everyone.
"I will lead Konoha’s forces to crush Sunagakure’s arrogance!" Danzō Shimura’s lips curled into a smile, exuding the vigor of his youthful days.
Seeing the timing was right, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s smile deepened, though he quickly schooled his expression into seriousness.
He slamd the table and stood up. "I hereby declare Danzō Shimura as Konoha’s commander-in-chief for the war against Sunagakure. All of you must follow his orders and fight well. When the ti cos, I will celebrate your achievents!"
"Anyone who disobeys orders or acts recklessly will face military punishnt—no exceptions!" Hiruzen’s voice was loud and firm, sending a shiver down the spines of those present.
Uchiha Ryun watched this version of Hiruzen Sarutobi with admiration. In the ani, the elderly Hiruzen made poor decisions, weak against external threats but harsh on internal dissent.
But the Hiruzen before him was a true Shinobi Monarch—decisive and unyielding. If you dared to attack, he would fight back without hesitation, ensuring you learned your lesson.
What had caused such a drastic change in Hiruzen Sarutobi? Ryun pondered before it hit him—power and age.
Once a person tasted the allure of power, they never wanted to let go. Corruption followed, and with old age ca fear of death, sapping the boldness of youth.
Uchiha Ryun shook his head, dismissing these thoughts. The imdiate priority was the war with Sunagakure.
If he rembered correctly, many significant events would unfold in this war: Nawaki stumbling into explosive tags, Kato Dan being assassinated in camp, the White Fang outshining Chiyo, Chiyo’s night raid on the dical camp...
He was montarily lost in thought. Just as Hiruzen finished his formal remarks and dismissed the eting, Ryun stood up to leave, but Tsunade grabbed his arm.
"Ryun, where are you going? Sensei just said you, , Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Lord Danzō need to stay for further discussion." Tsunade looked puzzled but realized he had been zoning out.
Ryun snapped back to attention. "Oh... right." He had been so deep in thought that he missed most of the eting.
Tsunade sighed. Uchiha Hirotomo walked over with a chuckle and bowed to her. "Lady Tsunade, I leave Ryun in your hands. I’ll head back first."
"Of course, Uncle Hirotomo. Don’t worry!" Though Tsunade hadn’t cared much for the Uchiha before, Ryun was now a clan elder.
Out of love for him, she could call Hirotomo "uncle"—it wasn’t like it cost her anything.
Hirotomo chuckled and gave Ryun a aningful look—"I’ll be waiting at the clan. Do your best!"
Ryun smiled wryly. Orochimaru and Jiraiya, who were around the sa age as Ryun, also approached Tsunade and Ryun, as they were classmates with plenty to talk about.
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly, while Orochimaru remained expressionless. Once the eting room had mostly cleared out, the ANBU closed the doors again.
Hiruzen slung an arm around Danzō’s shoulders and grinned at the four. "Old friend, these four are the deputies I’m leaving for you."
Danzō frowned. "What, Hiruzen? You don’t trust ? You’re sending these greenhorns to supervise ?"
The three—Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya—looked uncomfortable, while Uchiha Ryun remained calm, smiling faintly.
"Of course not! Tell , old friend, how have I treated you?" Hiruzen laughed and patted Danzō’s shoulder.
Danzō snorted. He was proud, but he knew exactly how Hiruzen had treated him. He was just annoyed at being assigned a bunch of inexperienced kids.
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