Shaking his head with a bitter smile, Homura explained:
"Koharu, think about it. Although Tsunade manages the logistics department, does she really pose a threat to us?"
"Not exactly. At most, she's an annoyance."
While she could withhold resources to inconvenience them, as long as they had the Third
Hokage's approval, Tsunade couldn't outright refuse them anything, though she would make things unpleasant.
Even though Koharu had yet to experience that particular frustration firsthand.
Koharu wasn't foolish enough to cross Tsunade and risk constant retaliation.
Without the support of the logistics department, it would be nearly impossible to develop the medical corps.
"Exactly. She's just a nuisance, but there's someone who could completely strip us of our power."
"Who!?"
"Sakumo Hatake?"
Koharu was taken aback.
Danzo sneered:
"During the Second Shinobi War, Sakumo Hatake made countless contributions and became a village hero. The Daimyo himself proposed giving him the qualification to wear the Hokage's cloak. Isn't that a significant signal?"
"Don't forget, the Hatake clan has its roots in a samurai family, with the utmost respect for the Daimyo. If the Daimyo continues to support Sakumo, do you think we'll still have a place in the village?" They wouldn't be in danger, but their power would be gone for sure.
If Sakumo Hatake truly became the Hokage, he would undoubtedly purge them and build his own faction. With Sakumo's strength and prestige, who could reduce him to a figurehead?
That's something they couldn't even dream of.
They had been elevated by the Third Hokage, but they weren't Sakumo Hatake's people.
If Sakumo became the Fourth Hokage, they would be relics of the past.
Sakumo Hatake absolutely couldn't become Hokage.
The Hokage position is mine!!
At this realization, Koharu's expression darkened, and even Homura felt a deep unease.
The thought of being ousted from power didn't sit well with Homura either.
As long as Koharu and Homura didn't want to lose their power, they would have to cooperate with Danzo.
Danzo could use them as pawns to get rid of Sakumo Hatake.
For someone with a bad reputation, becoming Hokage is almost impossible.
As long as we ruin Sakumo Hatake's reputation, the mission is basically accomplished.
"We need an opportunity, an opportunity to ruin Sakumo Hatake. His reputation is too high, his prestige too strong.
I'm sure you both don't want to see Sakumo Hatake become the Fourth Hokage, right?"
Sakumo Hatake may not be part of the inner circle of power, but with the Daimyo's support, he already has enough influence to affect the Hokage selection.
"We will cooperate with you."
After hearing Danzo's plan, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado considered for a moment before agreeing.
Ruin Sakumo Hatake's reputation? That's not a big deal, it's not like they're killing him.
This could be a worthwhile collaboration.