Inside the Hokage Office—
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked a question that cut deep:
"Even if I caused the Senju's decline… what does that have to do with you?"
Drake leaned back calmly.
"In the past? Nothing."
He paused.
"But now I am the Fourth Hokage."
"That makes it my business."
Hiruzen fell silent.
It was clearly an excuse—
Yet an airtight one.
As Hokage, Drake could frame the Senju's decline as historical injustice. And the Sarutobi, as the beneficiaries of that era, became a convenient political target.
"So you insist on destroying my clan?"
"Yes."
Drake didn't even hesitate.
"There's no room for compromise?"
"None."
He leaned forward slightly.
"I want you to watch, with your own eyes, how your clan declines."
"After all… didn't you do the same to your teacher's clan?"
For a split second, Hiruzen nearly summoned Enma and struck.
But he restrained himself.
He knew the outcome.
If he moved—
He would die.
"You will regret this."
He turned to leave—
BANG.
The office door shut on its own.
Drake's eyes narrowed.
"Did I say you could leave?"
"Are you planning to kill me here?" Hiruzen demanded.
Drake waved dismissively.
"I would never execute a former Hokage."
"Unless under special circumstances."
He pulled out a blank scroll and dipped his brush.
"Since your previous mission failed, your reward is void."
"Now… your next assignment."
Hiruzen felt bile rise in his throat.
He had just returned—
And now another mission?
Worse—
What would happen to his clan while he was away?
Drake wrote quickly and tossed the scroll over.
Hiruzen read it.
His pupils trembled.
"You want the Sarutobi clan to attack Kumogakure?"
"That's correct."
According to Hiruzen's report, Cloud shinobi had destroyed hot spring facilities in the Land of Hot Water during withdrawal.
Drake had decided—
The Sarutobi would "seek justice."
"You're sending my clan to die," Hiruzen said coldly.
"Address me properly."
Drake tapped the desk.
"Fourth Hokage."
Hiruzen forced the words through clenched teeth.
"…Fourth Hokage."
"Aren't you worried other clans will grow uneasy?" he pressed.
Drake looked puzzled.
"I assigned your clan a military operation."
"Why would other clans worry?"
He waved a hand impatiently.
"Prepare immediately. Depart today."
"…Understood."
Hiruzen left without further protest.
Back in his chair, Drake smiled faintly.
"Let's see how long you endure."
He had left only one viable option:
Rebellion.
If Hiruzen stayed—
The Sarutobi would be crushed in Kumogakure.
If he fled—
He would become a traitor.
Either path weakened him beyond recovery.
Sarutobi Compound
Hiruzen's face darkened completely once outside.
The intent was obvious.
Drake was using Kumogakure as a blade.
If the Sarutobi were destroyed, Drake would then "avenge" them—
And elevate his prestige even further.
Twelve years old.
And this calculating.
A clan member hurried forward.
"Clan head. A confidential letter."
Hiruzen opened it.
It was from Danzō.
The contents were blunt:
Drake had usurped the position.
Hiruzen should have eliminated him sooner.
Danzō had completed a transplantation—his strength greatly increased.
Wood Release meant little now.
Madara's time was limited.
Join him.
Rebuild together.
Also—funds were still owed.
Hidden hot spring assets in the Land of Hot Water awaited transfer.
Hiruzen crushed the letter into ash.
He gave immediate orders:
"Notify everyone."
"Bring all banknotes. Assemble at the clan square."
The subordinate hesitated.
"…Only banknotes?"
"Yes."
Weapons were irrelevant.
They weren't going to war.
They were leaving.
Hiruzen stood alone briefly.
Rescuing Asuma was impossible.
It was a trap.
Drake was waiting for that.
"…Forgive me, Asuma."
He exhaled slowly.
There was no path left inside the village.
Only one path remained.
Defection.
"Danzō."
He looked toward the horizon.
"I'll be joining you soon."
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus (KH)Chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus (KH)Chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 (KH)Chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage