The darkened corridor leading to the Root base was eerily quiet, save for the faint echoes of footsteps reverberating against the stone walls. Danzo led Homura and Koharu down the narrow passage, his figure barely discernible in the dim torchlight. The faint scent of earth and stone permeated the air, mingling with the underlying metallic tang of lingering chakra.
Unlike the standard ANBU headquarters, the Root base exuded an oppressive aura. The walls were devoid of the faint insignias of camaraderie found in ANBU bases, replaced by angular, utilitarian designs etched into the stone—a stark reminder of the organization's clandestine nature.
Torches burned low, casting shadows that seemed to writhe and shift, while the faint hum of anti-spying seals created an almost imperceptible vibration in the air.
As they entered the central chamber, a circular room with a high, vaulted ceiling, Koharu crossed her arms, her sharp gaze darting around. "You could've chosen anywhere else to meet, Danzo," she said, her tone clipped. "Why bring us here if you said this discussion would be brief?"
Homura frowned, his aged features drawn tight in irritation. "Indeed, this feels excessive, even for you."
Danzo paused in the centre of the room, his lone visible eye flicking between the two of them. The shadows deepened around his face, obscuring his expression. "This is the only place where I can ensure our conversation remains private," he said evenly. "These walls are outfitted with anti-spying seals of my own design. No one—ANBU, not even the Hokage—can eavesdrop here."
Koharu's eyebrows rose slightly, though she said nothing. Homura, however, sighed. "Very well, then. Speak. What matter requires such secrecy?"
Danzo clasped his hands behind his back, his voice low but deliberate. "It concerns Hiruzen and his ability to lead this village. His decision to shield Renjiro, even at the risk of inciting conflict with Kumogakure, reveals his growing weakness. A Hokage must prioritize the village above all else, yet Hiruzen is letting sentiment cloud his judgment."
Koharu's lips thinned into a line as she exchanged a glance with Homura. "Are you suggesting that Hiruzen is unfit to continue as Hokage?" she asked, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
Danzo met her gaze, his tone carefully measured. "I am stating that his actions jeopardize Konoha's stability. A leader who places the safety of one shinobi above the well-being of the entire village is a liability."
Homura's frown deepened. "You've always been critical of Hiruzen, Danzo, but this is a grave accusation. Protecting Renjiro isn't weakness—it's strategy. Konoha cannot afford to appear weak to the other villages. If we abandon one of our own, what message does that send?"
Koharu nodded in agreement. "Not to mention, it reinforces loyalty within our ranks. If the shinobi see that the village is willing to go to great lengths to protect them, their faith in Konoha will only strengthen."
Danzo's expression remained impassive, though a flicker of irritation crossed his mind. "Sentiments like that will lead to our undoing," he said coldly. "Hiruzen's so-called strategy invites recklessness. Kumogakure will see his actions as a provocation, and the other villages will take it as a sign of weakness disguised as bravado. We must act decisively to prevent further deterioration."
Koharu's gaze sharpened. "Act decisively? And how exactly do you propose we do that? Are you implying we should remove Hiruzen from his position?"
Danzo allowed the question to hang in the air for a moment before replying. "It is the only logical course of action. If Hiruzen continues on this path, he will drag Konoha into ruin. We must intervene before it's too late."
Homura's eyes narrowed. "And how do you plan to accomplish such a feat, Danzo? An outright coup is out of the question. Hiruzen alone is formidable, and he commands the loyalty of most clan heads and the Sannin. Even if we agreed with you, it would be impossible."
Danzo's visible eye gleamed with a cold determination. "I do not intend to stage a coup. That would be reckless and counterproductive. Instead, I plan to bring this matter before the Fire Daimyo. His authority supersedes Hiruzen's, and with the right persuasion, he could be convinced to support a change in leadership."
Both Koharu and Homura stiffened at this revelation. "The Fire Daimyo?" Koharu said sharply. "Do you truly believe he would turn against Hiruzen? They've known each other for years—his trust in Hiruzen is unwavering."
Homura crossed his arms, his tone laced with skepticism. "Even if you managed to sway the Daimyo, who would you propose as Hiruzen's replacement? Yourself? Don't delude yourself, Danzo. You may have influence, but you lack the charisma and public support to become Hokage."
Danzo's lips thinned, but he remained composed. "I am not naive, Homura. I know my limitations. That is why I intend to nominate Orochimaru as the next Hokage."
For a moment, silence filled the chamber. Koharu and Homura exchanged surprised glances, their earlier skepticism replaced by cautious intrigue.
"Orochimaru?" Koharu said slowly. "That is... an unexpected choice. But not without merit."
Homura nodded, though his expression remained guarded. "He is undoubtedly powerful and intelligent. His reputation alone would deter our enemies. But even so, this plan is fraught with risk."
Danzo inclined his head slightly. "I understand your concerns, but consider the alternative. If we do nothing, Hiruzen will lead us to disaster. Orochimaru is the most logical choice to succeed him—a leader who can command respect and ensure Konoha's survival."
Despite the faint glimmers of agreement in their expressions, Koharu and Homura's hesitance lingered. Koharu spoke first, her tone resolute. "Even if your arguments hold some validity, Danzo, this plan is far too precarious. We cannot afford to gamble with the future of the village on such uncertain grounds."
Homura nodded in agreement. "Hiruzen may have his flaws, but he is still the Hokage. Without overwhelming support from the council and the clans, any attempt to remove him will only sow division and weaken Konoha further, especially in these tense times."
Danzo's jaw tightened, but he did not argue. He knew better than to push too hard. Instead, he inclined his head slightly, masking his disappointment. "I see. Thank you for hearing me out, even if we cannot agree on this matter."
Koharu and Homura exchanged one last glance before turning to leave. As they reached the doorway, Koharu paused, looking back at Danzo with a piercing gaze. "Be careful, Danzo. Ambition is a dangerous thing. Don't let it consume you."
With that, the two elders disappeared into the corridor, their footsteps fading into the distance.
For a long moment, Danzo remained still, his lone eye fixed on the shadows that seemed to creep closer in the dim light. Slowly, he turned and walked to the centre of the room, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. The silence of the Root base was deafening, broken only by the faint hum of the seals embedded in the walls.
His thoughts churned with frustration and disappointment. "Fools," he muttered under his breath. "They cling to sentiment and tradition, blind to the reality of the world around them."
Danzo's mind raced, considering his next move. Homura and Koharu's refusal was a setback, but not an insurmountable one. If he could not gain their support—or the support of the Daimyo—then he would have to explore... alternative methods.
His gaze darkened, and a cold resolve settled over him. "If Hiruzen cannot be removed through diplomacy or persuasion, then I will have no choice but to eliminate him entirely. For the good of Konoha."
The words echoed in his mind, a chilling mantra that solidified his determination.
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