In a courtyard near the entrance of Konoha, the sound of children's laughter echoed.
"Slow down! Don't run so fast... Grandpa can't keep up!"
A small figure darted forward, glancing back occasionally.
"Grandpa! Grandpa!"
Maruboshi Kosuke caught the mischievous Naruto in his arms, a doting smile spreading across his face as he lifted him high into the air.
...
Watching the happy scene of the grandparent and grandchild from afar, Danzo couldn't help but allow a small smile to creep onto his lips.
"Kakashi, do you think Minato would blame me?"
"The reason Sensei entrusted Naruto to you… this may be it," Kakashi replied lazily, his tone relaxed and unconcerned.
"You've been on this assignment for two years now. Why not return to the Root?"
Danzo glanced at the carefree Kakashi beside him.
"This is fine. I can laze around in the sun every day, watching Sensei's kid…" Kakashi closed his single eye, a content expression appearing on his face.
"You've changed a lot, Kakashi…" Danzo observed, noting how different Kakashi was from two years ago—far more laid-back, almost unrecognizable.
"Not as much as you have, Elder. If you hadn't revealed your identity just now, I would've thought you were an enemy. It's going to take me some time to get used to it," Kakashi added with a slightly sheepish grin.
In the past, Kakashi had always seemed cold, distant, and logical. But now…
Danzo saw traces of others in him.
Thankfully, though Kakashi's personality had changed, his strength had not. The short blade on his back radiated a formidable aura—far more powerful than two years ago. Clearly, he hadn't slacked off.
His attitude toward Danzo had also improved, showing signs of respect. Though the system hadn't fully approved Kakashi yet, Danzo had no intention of forcing the issue.
"Very well…"
Danzo didn't push further. After exchanging a few more casual words, he left.
However, as he walked away, he clearly felt Kakashi's hesitation—like he had countless questions to ask but didn't know how to start.
Night blanketed Konoha, though the bustling village still gleamed with lights.
...
Inside the Hokage's office,
Hiruzen Sarutobi was working as usual, sorting through piles of documents.
The ashtray on his desk was filled with cigarette butts, evidence of hours of smoking.
"I hear you've been looking for me these past two years? That's rare, Sarutobi."
Hiruzen's head lifted at the familiar voice and name, though something about it felt… off.
A figure emerged from the shadows of the office.
"Danzo?"
The face from his memories now stood before him, younger and sharper than he remembered.
"It's undeniable. Your disciple truly was a genius…"
Wood sprouted from the floor, quickly forming into a chair. Danzo sat across from Hiruzen, meeting his gaze.
"Wood Release?"
"Don't be so surprised—you're the Hokage. Minato wouldn't react like this," Danzo said, throwing in a few teasing jabs.
Hiruzen's actions over the past two years had been deeply frustrating to Danzo. Always the martyr, sacrificing himself for the so-called peace of Konoha. Even the Seven-Tails had been returned to Takigakure a year ago.
"Get to the point. Why are you here? I don't have time to waste on idle chatter. I'm only indulging you because of Minato and Konoha."
Hiruzen suppressed his surprise, speaking seriously.
"Danzo, since you've regained your youth, would you consider returning as Administrative Elder? If you want the position of Hokage…"
Danzo chuckled and shook his head, cutting him off.
"You know, Sarutobi, you always make a mess of things and then shove the responsibility onto someone else, proclaiming, 'It's all for Konoha,' or 'For the Will of Fire.'"
"If you'd stepped down two years ago and given the Hokage title to Jiraiya, I might have respected you a little more."
In Danzo's eyes, Konoha was now little more than a decaying mess. Its surface still sparkled, but internally and externally, it was being boxed in—slowly crumbling from the inside out.
Though Danzo could fix it, he saw no reason to bother.
"Your vision is too narrow, Sarutobi. And now you're realizing the threat the Land of Fire poses far too late.
"Mark my words. If I take up the role of Administrative Elder, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire will immediately begin to suppress Konoha. You'll be forced to compromise, and then I'll hear the inevitable, 'Sorry, Danzo, it's all for Konoha.'"
"That won't happen…" Hiruzen's voice was uncertain, his mind clouded. Deep down, he knew Danzo wasn't entirely wrong.
The Raikage's recent fate had driven Hiruzen to review Minato's policies over and over. The more he studied them, the more fearful he became.
"Finally realized something, have you, Sarutobi?" Danzo's expression shifted as though he'd just stumbled upon something fascinating.
"But it's already too late."
Danzo's gaze swept over the disheartened Hokage, and a flicker of amusement rose in him.
"Konoha is now a caged dog. We're not at Kumogakure's level yet, but we're getting close.
"Konoha will decline under your leadership, and you'll be remembered as the village's greatest sinner.
"When you meet Hashirama, Tobirama, and Minato in the afterlife, I wonder what that will be like… Souls really do exist, after all."
By the time Hiruzen snapped out of his daze, Danzo was gone. Only the wooden chair remained as proof of his visit.
To Danzo, Konoha had never been his true goal.
The current Konoha could offer him neither protection nor support.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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