The Third Hokage had another concern. What if they pushed Hanzo too far? Would he resort to sothing desperate, like joining forces with Sunagakure to stand against Konoha? That was a scenario he couldn't afford to let happen.
When people are backed into a corner, they tend to do crazy things.
Upon hearing this, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado fell silent.
Starting a new war was out of the question. The current situation didn't allow for it, and Konoha wasn't about to engage in another conflict with Agakure over this.
But if war wasn't an option, what else could they do to resolve this?
"We'll likely need to send soone to et with Hanzo directly," Homura suggested after a long pause.
"Who?" The Third Hokage looked up.
"Well..." Homura hesitated.
That was indeed the question. Whoever they sent would have to be strong enough. Sending soone weak would only anger Hanzo further, and the consequences could be worse than what Danzō had faced.
At least Danzō had his Root operatives to shield him, buying ti to escape. But most other candidates wouldn't have such loyal, fearless subordinates.
Konoha couldn't afford such a loss.
"How about recalling Sakumo Hatake?" Koharu suggested after so thought.
When it ca to strength among the new generation, no one could surpass Sakumo, also known as Konoha's White Fang. The ongoing success in the Land of Rivers was largely thanks to Sakumo, who had slain many enemies and kept the Third Kazekage at bay.
"Sakumo can't leave," Hiruzen responded.
The war was at a critical point. With just a bit more effort, they might force Sunagakure into surrendering. Pulling Sakumo out now would only give the enemy ti to recover.
The Third Hokage wasn't about to accept that.
"Send Takuya Yagami!" Danzō, though reluctant and at odds with Takuya, had to admit that Takuya was the only person besides Sakumo who had the guts to face Hanzō-and could even force Hanzo to compromise.
In fact, Takuya might even be more suited than Sakumo.
Hanzō had dared to attack him only because Danzō's strength had been severely diminished. If Sakumo couldn't be deployed, sending Takuya was the next best option.
Upon hearing Takuya's na, the Third Hokage furrowed his brow. He recalled how Takuya had refused his previous mission. What made them think Takuya would accept this ti?
"Regardless of what happened before, Takuya Yagami is still a mber of Konoha. He should contribute in tis like these," Danzō pressed.
They needed a solid reason, or Takuya would likely reject the mission again-just like last ti.
"I'll think about it," Hiruzen said, neither agreeing nor refusing outright.
But Koharu and Homura exchanged knowing glances. They could tell that Hiruzen was leaning toward accepting. His non-committal response was a clear sign. If he wasn't outright rejecting the idea, he was likely to go along with it.
"I need your support in getting the remaining chakra tal, as well as so key equipnt and tools," Danzō demanded.
"Are you insane?" Koharu's eyes widened, her wrinkled face tensing.
She couldn't believe Danzō was still after the chakra tal. He had already taken plenty before, so why was he asking for more now?
The supply hadn't even been replenished yet. If the Hokage ever needed that tal and found it missing, they'd all be in deep trouble. There'd be an investigation, and the consequences could be dire.
"We need this. You don't have to help , but if you don't, don't expect to help you when the ti cos," Danzō threatened.
They were all in this together, having done things they'd rather not see the light of day. If they refused him now, they could forget about his help when their own problems arose.
"You..." Koharu was furious.
When persuasion didn't work, Danzo turned to threats, leaving her speechless. Homura could only give a helpless smile.
"Danzō, why do you need chakra tal so badly? Isn't there sothing else you could use?" Homura asked, trying to defuse the situation.
"We really can't touch the remaining supply. It would cause too many problems."
"If Hiruzen found out, it might uncover a lot of past issues, and all three of us-myself, Koharu, and you could lose our positions. Do you want to risk that?"
The stakes were too high. If one part of their sche unraveled, the entire thing could collapse.
Danzō understood this well.
After thinking for a mont, he said, "Then we'll each contribute so from our personal stores. Don't refuse-I know you've kept plenty for yourselves. If you don't agree, I'll take this straight to the Hokage and confront him."
You bastard!
Koharu was speechless with rage, and Homura's face darkened.
Like you're any better, Danzō. You have no sha.
The Shimura and Sarutobi clans had taken the most, and now he had the audacity to criticize them.
"Fine, fine!" Koharu snapped, her voice shaking with anger. "Take it. But this is the last ti. Don't expect our help again. If you pull this stunt one more ti, we'll go straight to Hiruzen."
Danzō didn't care.
He knew that once Koharu cald down, they'd still co to his aid.
They were all rotting from the sa tree. If their corruption were exposed, none of them would escape punishnt. Their cris would be enough to strip them of their positions and land them in prison for life.
Even if the Third Hokage showed rcy, others would jump at the chance to destroy them.
Danzō knew Koharu and Homura wouldn't take that risk.
"Make sure to deliver it to the Foundation as soon as possible. I need it urgently," Danzō said as he brushed past them, leaving without another word.
Koharu trembled with fury, pointing after him. "Can you believe him? He's completely out of
control!"
Homura could only smile bitterly.
Yelling at him wasn't going to change anything. They had allowed him to get away with too
much for too long.
"Knock knock."
"Co in."
The Third Hokage put his thoughts aside as he tidied up his desk.
The door to the office opened, and Minato walked in, bowing respectfully to the Hokage.
"Ah, Minato. What brings you here?" Hiruzen's face softened as he greeted him with a warm smile, clearly pleased to see him.
Minato smiled back, looking a bit shy. "Hokage-sama, Takuya is planning to take his team on a mission outside the village. I've been feeling a bit stuck in my training lately, so I was hoping to join him, maybe clear my mind. I'd like your permission to go."
"Oh?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow.
He hadn't expected Takuya to be planning a mission outside the village. Curious, he asked, "Where is Takuya planning to take his team?"
"It seems like they're heading to the Land of Rain and the Land of Iron. He said he wants his team to experience the dangers of the shinobi world and the harsh realities of war. I don't
know exactly what mission he'll choose, though."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. He would be inford of any mission Takuya accepted, so Minato had no reason to hide anything.
The Land of Rain and the Land of Iron, huh?
Minato looked at the Hokage, clearly hoping for his approval.
After a mont of consideration, Hiruzen smiled and said, "Very well. I'll allow it. But have Takuya co to my office before he leaves. There's sothing I need to discuss with him."
"Right away, Hokage-sama," Minato said, smiling as he received permission. He quickly left, eager to share the news.
"Wants to see , huh?" Takuya muttered, surprised at how easily Minato's request had been approved. What did the Hokage want with him? Was it about Hyuga Suzune's safety?
That seed like an overreaction.
Even if Hyuga Suzune was a mber of the Hyuga Clan's main family, who could possibly
take her away from Takuya?
"Did Minato say why he wanted to see ?" Takuya asked.
Do I look like I'd know that? Minato's eyes seed to say, giving Takuya an amused look.
"You're so useless!" Takuya laughed.
"Go to hell," Minato shot back with a grin.
***************
(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 260 at patreon/ Emiko1. Don't
forget to give a power stone for many bonus chapters
**********************
Reviews
All reviews (0)