The next day.
Danzo Shimura led the Root members straight to Hiruzen Sarutobi's office.
At Danzo's signal, Fu Yamanaka stepped forward and knocked on the door.
Knock. Knock.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had not returned home all night, was sitting alone in the office, smoking and deep in thought. Hearing the knock, his eyes lit up. He opened the window, letting the smoke disperse, then walked over and opened the door.
Standing outside were Danzo Shimura, Fu Yamanaka, and Aburame Torune.
"Danzo, you're finally here," Hiruzen said, stepping forward and giving him a firm hug.
Danzo's voice carried barely concealed excitement. "Hiruzen, are you certain? You've truly decided to nominate me as the Fifth Hokage?"
He had waited more than thirty years for this moment. Any doubts about traps or shifting blame had long been crushed under the weight of ambition. The Hokage seat was finally within reach.
Danzo hadn't slept at all the previous night. He had tried on the ceremonial Hokage robes he had secretly commissioned more than once, even asking his subordinates repeatedly whether they fit properly.
Now, standing before Hiruzen, his face was radiant.
Hiruzen patted him on the shoulder. "For Konoha, and for our teacher, I've thought it through carefully. You are the most suitable choice for Fifth Hokage."
"I can finally rest easy, leaving Konoha in your hands."
He guided Danzo toward the Hokage's seat.
Danzo smiled, then asked, "And you? After stepping down, what do you plan to do?"
"I will retire completely," Hiruzen replied calmly. "I won't involve myself in Konoha's affairs anymore."
This was exactly what Danzo wanted to hear, yet hearing it still stirred mixed feelings. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Sarutobi, as long as you say the word, the position of Hokage Advisor is yours."
Hiruzen waved his hands at once. "No, no. I'm old and tired. You're different. Your ambition and capability are enough to shoulder all of Konoha."
In times like these, taking a single wrong step meant total ruin. Lying low was the safest option.
Danzo nodded. "Very well. Rest assured—if you ever change your mind, the position will still be waiting for you."
Hiruzen then summoned ANBU.
"From this day forward," he declared, "I appoint Danzo Shimura as the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure. Announce this to the entire village. The inauguration ceremony will be held in three days."
"Yes!" The ANBU acknowledged and immediately departed to spread the news alongside Root operatives.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hiruzen left the Hokage Building and returned to the Sarutobi clan compound, declaring complete seclusion.
Thirty minutes later.
One ninja clan after another arrived at the Uchiha Clan Compound, their expressions grim.
Uchiha Ran let them in and closed the gates.
Hyūga Hiashi was the first to speak, his face cold. "Ran, Hiruzen Sarutobi has gone too far. He announced Danzo Shimura as Hokage without convening any council at all."
Nara Shikaku's eyes were dark. "They contacted the daimyo last night. The inauguration has already been approved."
Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi radiated hostility—not toward Ran, but toward Danzo and Hiruzen.
Kakashi, Minato Namikaze, and the ANBU remained silent, all watching Ran.
A sharp glint flashed through Ran's eyes.
"So this is Hiruzen Sarutobi's solution," he said coldly. "Instead of extinguishing the fire, he handed the burning coal to Danzo."
"If Danzo officially becomes Hokage, then our actions will be labeled rebellion. History won't record this as overthrowing a corrupt regime—but as the Uchiha leading a revolt against the Hokage."
"What a perfect move."
The Uchiha shinobi immediately drew their weapons, Sharingan blazing.
"To hell with this—let's fight!"
"They've gone too far!"
"Clan Chief, declare the coup!"
The air was thick with killing intent.
Hyūga Hiashi nodded. "The situation has changed. There's no room to wait anymore."
Shikaku followed up immediately. "We must seize Danzo as soon as possible, expose his crimes, and force Hiruzen to appear and admit that Danzo usurped power."
Ran closed his eyes briefly.
When he opened them, his killing intent swept across the compound like a storm.
"Since Hiruzen Sarutobi insists on this path, and Danzo Shimura has no shame left," Ran said flatly, "then we rebel."
The response was immediate.
Even Itachi's expression sharpened, while Shisui's lips curved into a faint smile.
Fugaku stood among the crowd, pride flickering in his eyes as he looked at his son.
Ran scanned everyone present.
"This battle will decide Konoha's future for the next hundred years. I swear—everyone who participates will be rewarded according to their contribution."
"Together, we will restore clarity to Konoha."
He raised his hand.
"Prepare yourselves. In twenty minutes, we march on the Hokage Building."
"Uchiha Fugaku. Uchiha Shisui. Uchiha Itachi—await orders."
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