In the dimly lit cave, a pitcher plant slowly emerged from the wall.
As it opened, Zetsu, his face divided into black and white halves, peeked out, observing Uchiha Obito, who was meditating.
"Your teacher is truly capable. The Kumogakure and Iwagakure forces have both failed, and the trash from the Land of Fire has been dealt with as well."
"He's merely being guided by someone. If he were truly that powerful, back then..." Obito slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of gloom and hatred passing through them.
Over the years, Danzo's actions had been concealed well, but as Root and Danzo's reputation grew, Zetsu, who specialized in intelligence gathering, had uncovered quite a few of his secrets.
"Konoha is developing too fast. If I had known that old man would become such a problem, I should have taken the risk and eliminated him… Then we wouldn't be dealing with this mess now."
Black Zetsu was also puzzled by Danzo's ability to defeat the Raikage and the Eight-Tails.
"The Rinnegan still needs time to grow… Konoha is too strong. This is bad for our future plans…" Obito's twisted face curved into a cold smirk.
Victory and glory enveloped all of Konoha.
Taking advantage of the moment, the Fourth Hokage implemented several policies that had been previously discussed with Danzo, aimed at elevating the status of civilian-born shinobi.
The Ninja Academy was expanded once again, increasing the enrollment of civilian students.
At the same time, the clan shinobi who had contributed to the war effort were generously rewarded.
In particular, the Uchiha and Hyuga clans saw many of their members secure prominent positions in various departments throughout Konoha.
With ample financial backing, Konoha was far from lacking funds. Its foundation was solid enough to support an even larger ninja force.
Additionally, taxes were reduced for villages within Konoha's jurisdiction, strengthening their sense of belonging to the village.
During this period, Sunagakure, as an ally, sent emissaries to extend their congratulations.
Among them was a newly promoted elder, who carried a handwritten letter from the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
The letter proposed a joint military campaign against the Land of Earth, with Sunagakure offering to take the lead by seizing the Land of Birds to draw out Iwagakure's main forces.
"Elder Danzo, what are your thoughts?"
Danzo, summoned by Minato, took a look at the letter in his hands.
"The Fourth Kazekage is an ambitious man. This could also be a test of Konoha's intentions—after all, Konoha has grown too powerful."
Danzo understood his ally's ambition well.
Much like his own past self, Rasa was a pure opportunist.
Someone who would sacrifice anything for personal gain.
"Power that is too great will always invite fear."
"Then we must become even stronger, until they don't even dare to entertain such thoughts—until opposing Konoha is unthinkable."
"That day isn't far off…" A hint of anticipation flickered in Minato's eyes.
The two chose not to continue discussing the Kazekage's proposal.
While a future war with Iwagakure was possible, now was not the time.
Konoha still had vast potential for development within the Land of Fire, and there was no immediate need to expand beyond its borders.
"Iwagakure's envoy is already on their way. Have Shikaku handle the reception, and make sure to settle the debts from the Third Great War properly."
Danzo still harbored resentment toward the Third Hokage for compromising with Iwagakure during the war.
As the victorious side, Konoha had been taken advantage of by Iwagakure.
This time, he would ensure Iwagakure paid in full.
After a bit more idle conversation, Danzo once again declined Minato's invitation to dinner with his family and took his leave.
By the time he stepped out of the Hokage Office, the sun was already setting.
Walking alone through the streets of Konoha, he was met with respectful nods from the villagers.
Unlike Minato, Danzo found it difficult to return their gestures, maintaining his usual stern expression as he passed through the crowd. Still, this did not diminish the villagers' respect for him.
As he walked, he reflected on recent events.
Regarding the issue of Wood Release, Minato had not pressed for details, as if it had never happened.
Instead, he had shown full trust in Danzo, even going so far as to elevate his status and influence within Konoha.
There were, of course, subtle political maneuvers aimed at binding Root more closely to Konoha.
Funding for Root had been significantly increased…
During the grand memorial service, Root's adherence to the "Will of Fire" was openly acknowledged and praised.
Even the fallen members of Root were honored separately, granted a dedicated burial site deep within the forest above the Hokage Rock, symbolizing their eternal watch over Konoha, much like the past Hokage.
Compared to being buried in anonymity, resting in such a place was clearly more aligned with the ideals of Root's members. It was a request Danzo could not refuse.
Everything had fallen into place seamlessly, as if it had always been meant to be this way.
Even though he fully understood Minato's intentions, Danzo felt no resentment.
A bitter smile tugged at his lips.
He hadn't even completed his strategy to win Minato over, yet somehow, he was the one being drawn in instead.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had made countless mistakes in his lifetime, but he had certainly chosen the right successor.
Gazing up at the Hokage Rock, Danzo watched as the crimson sunset bathed Konoha in its glow.
The bustling streets, filled with shinobi and civilians alike, painted a picture of prosperity and stability.
Even Danzo couldn't help but appreciate the peace, though in the ninja world, such tranquility was always fleeting…
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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