"...?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu all looked at Shimura Danzō in surprise.
Weren't they discussing the Uchiha issue?
How had the topic suddenly shifted to Minato Namikaze?
Danzō coughed lightly.
"Well… even if we decide not to take action against the Uchiha right now, what if the Uchiha decide to move against us?"
"We must prepare for the worst."
"The war between Konohagakure and Kumogakure has already ended. There's no need for Minato to remain stationed there any longer."
"It would be better to recall him—and several powerful shinobi—back to the village as a precaution."
"As for the remaining forces at the front line, leave them to Jiraiya. He can withdraw them according to the usual procedure."
Danzō's reasoning was solid and well-structured. Hearing it, Homura and Koharu both nodded in agreement.
Koharu spoke first.
"Danzō is right. Even if the chances are small, we must still be prepared."
Homura added,
"Right now the village only has Orochimaru as a top-tier combat power. Our defenses are indeed somewhat weak. Recalling Minato is necessary."
Hiruzen frowned slightly.
Although Danzō's argument sounded reasonable, something about it still felt wrong.
Danzō's true objective did not seem so simple.
Seeing Hiruzen hesitate, Danzō continued.
"Besides, don't you intend to pass the position of Fourth Hokage to Minato?"
"He's still young. This would be a good opportunity for you to personally teach him how to become a qualified Hokage."
Hiruzen's suspicion deepened.
Since when had Danzō suddenly changed his personality?
Recalling Minato to deal with the Uchiha would at least fit Danzō's usual style. But talking about guiding Minato to become a good Hokage—that was absolutely not something the pragmatic and ruthless "Darkness of the Shinobi World" would normally say.
When had Danzō ever started caring about the next generation?
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
Danzō realized he had been too eager earlier and had aroused Hiruzen's suspicion. So he stopped pressing and instead threw the question back.
Hiruzen thought for a moment.
"No."
Since he couldn't figure out Danzō's intentions for now, he decided to set the matter aside. After giving Danzō a deep look, he said:
"As it happens, I was already considering recalling Minato as well."
Seeing his objective achieved, Danzō smoothly shifted the topic.
"If we're not going to use force, how do you plan to resolve the Uchiha issue?"
"This time they're serious."
Hiruzen took a deep puff of his pipe.
"The Uchiha matter should naturally be resolved by the Uchiha themselves."
"Later, I will summon Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Ya to speak with them."
"Based on my understanding of Fugaku, this incident shouldn't be his doing."
"Once they learn that this matter was orchestrated by their own people, they will no longer blame the village."
"They still have a sense of the bigger picture. I believe they will restrain those within the Uchiha who are trying to cause trouble."
"At the same time, we must also act quickly to suppress the rumors spreading through the village."
"This is an extraordinary time. Stability must be our highest priority."
In Hiruzen's view, if the village leadership personally handled the matter, it might instead provoke a stronger reaction from the Uchiha.
The best approach was to let the Uchiha clan resolve the problem internally.
Fortunately, the Uchiha were not a monolithic group. Most of them still supported the village.
Especially Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Ya, both of whom held significant authority within the clan and were not extremists.
With the village's support, it should be easy for them to suppress the radical faction inside the Uchiha.
Danzō frowned.
"And what about the compensation payments and rewards?"
"Will we still continue targeting the Uchiha?"
Hiruzen glared at him.
"Have you lost your mind? Continuing to target them at a time like this—are you trying to force them into rebellion?"
Danzō opened his mouth to continue arguing, but Koharu interrupted him.
"That's enough, Danzō."
"After this incident, even if the rumors eventually die down, the Uchiha's reputation in the village has already been severely damaged. Our objective has essentially been achieved."
Homura also spoke.
"The compensation payments were meant for them in the first place. Let's distribute them now as a form of restitution."
"Have Fugaku and Uchiha Ya use them to calm the clan."
Danzō's eyes flickered.
Of course, he had no intention of letting the matter end so easily.
But arguing here was meaningless.
Let them say what they wanted. He would simply do what he intended.
Hiruzen then concluded the meeting.
"That settles it."
He turned toward Koharu.
"Koharu, travel to the Amegakure front and finalize the peace negotiations with Iwagakure as soon as possible."
"Since this matter wasn't orchestrated by Ōnoki, we should sign the treaty before he realizes the situation—otherwise he may seize the opportunity to make excessive demands."
"Even if we must concede some resources, it's worth it."
"After that, I will personally visit the Fire Daimyō's court."
"While recommending Minato Namikaze as the Fourth Hokage, I will also request funds from the Daimyō for post-war reconstruction."
"With a new Hokage taking office, I doubt the Daimyō will refuse."
To prevent further complications, Hiruzen had already decided to sacrifice a portion of the village's resources to resolve the situation quickly.
The resulting financial gap would then be filled using the funds provided by the Daimyō.
That way, the village could finally stabilize and recover.
Danzō almost spoke up to object.
But after remembering his own plans, he forced the words back down his throat.
His face alternated between pale and flushed with frustration.
Hiruzen noticed his unusual expression and calmly blew out a ring of smoke.
"Danzō, do you have any objections?"
Danzō replied coldly,
"If I object, will you accept it?"
"No."
Hiruzen shook his head calmly.
"I am the Hokage. The affairs of this village are decided by me."
"You—!"
Danzō clenched his teeth in fury.
"Hiruzen… you will regret this!"
With that, he stormed out of the office, slamming the door against the wall with a loud bang.
Hiruzen sighed and shook his head.
"Honestly… the older Danzō gets, the worse his temper becomes."
Then he turned to Homura.
"I'll leave the matter of suppressing the village rumors to you. Handle it as quickly as possible."
Homura smiled confidently.
"Leave it to me. Isn't Minato Namikaze returning soon? I'll use the opportunity to build momentum for him."
Hiruzen nodded.
He then turned his gaze toward the dark sky outside the window.
His eyes flickered with uncertainty.
These were truly turbulent times.
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