Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado spoke without the slightest pretense.
They laid everything bare.
Yes.
They knew each other far too well—there was no need to play games.
Who didn't know the other's nature by now?
Hearing them, Danzo allowed himself a faint smile.
"So, you two finally came to your senses."
"Think about Hiruzen's arrangements over the years. Look at how the Sarutobi clan has developed."
"Nara Shikaku is chief Jounin commander, Anbu's squad captain is Sarutobi Shinnosuke, the Interrogation Division is under Morino Ibiki, and even the academy principal's post Hiruzen keeps in his own hands!"
"The true military power, the nurturing of the next generation—all firmly grasped by him."
"And you two?"
"Koharu, with the Konoha Hospital in your hands. Homura, you control the Mission Assignment Hall. Yes, both are real positions of power…"
"But in reality?"
"They're just administrative posts. If Hiruzen wanted to move against you, you wouldn't even be able to resist."
"Your authority isn't even on par with the Uchiha Police Force."
"As for Root—people think I hold vast power, but what does that have to do with Hiruzen? Root was nothing more than a training extension of Anbu."
"Only by clawing for authority bit by bit did I make Root into what it is today. And the only reason Hiruzen doesn't dare restrict me… is because he still needs me to handle his dirty work."
"So think about it."
"The three of us who fought beside him, who secured the Hokage seat for him—we're all left with empty titles and elder positions."
"He won't even grant us the dignity of being named Hokage's advisors."
"But… well."
"At least you've finally woken up. That much is worth celebrating."
"However, given your past behavior—if you want to truly ally with me, then I'll need a tribute worthy of the name."
"Have you prepared it?"
Danzo's tone was calm, his face expressionless.
Yes.
Why did he always covet the Hokage's seat?
It wasn't just bitterness over losing to Hiruzen all those years ago.
More than that, it was survival.
No one knew Sarutobi Hiruzen better than he did.
Behind that benevolent smile lay hands crueler than anyone's.
The only reason he hadn't moved against them yet was because he hadn't finished consolidating his grip on Konoha.
But once the Uchiha and Hyuga—the last great clans—were dealt with, then it would be time for "the rabbit dead, the hound cooked."
"You're right, Danzo." Homura nodded. "That's precisely why we must unite."
"Of course… we can't simply kill Hiruzen. Not yet. Our enemies remain."
"Until the Uchiha are destroyed, Hiruzen cannot die."
Koharu quickly agreed.
On this point, they both saw eye to eye.
But Danzo's expression darkened.
Good grief.
Did they think he didn't already know this?
"Enough. Shut your mouths."
"You don't need to remind me. I understand this matter better than either of you."
"So, hurry up."
"Hand over your tribute first. Then we'll discuss the rest."
Yes.
He wasn't stupid.
Until they produced something tangible, he had no interest in talking further.
An alliance without sincerity?
Utterly meaningless.
Forget friendship—none of them had any left to speak of.
Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, falling silent.
They understood as well as he did—without presenting something real, Danzo wouldn't even bother listening.
But now what?
Their original plan had been to trick Danzo into clashing head-on with Hiruzen, while they watched from the sidelines.
But who would have thought—Danzo had gotten smarter.
He wanted them to show sincerity first.
That made things tricky.
If they handed over a true tribute, they would be committed.
No more watching from the mountain while the tigers fought.
Seeing their hesitation, Danzo sneered.
"What now?"
"With all your cleverness, you came here without preparing a tribute?"
"Then why come at all? To trick me into fighting Hiruzen while you two play fence-sitters?"
"If that's the case, then leave."
He wasted no words.
For those without sincerity, he had no patience.
Koharu: "…"
Homura: "…"
The corners of their mouths twitched.
But they knew—
If they didn't offer something today, Danzo would never act.
After a pause, Koharu spoke first:
"I can provide Shinnosuke's movements. The Utatane clan will personally tail him, and we'll report his location to your Root at all times."
Homura remained silent a moment longer.
He really didn't want to hand over leverage to Danzo.
But he had no choice.
With Koharu already committing, he couldn't hold back.
After some thought, he spoke in a low voice.
"…Sarutobi Arashi."
"Hiruzen's nephew. He's long been resentful of Shinnosuke."
"As long as Shinnosuke lives, he'll never rise."
"I can contact him personally. Together, we can set a trap."
"Of course—"
"The one to kill Shinnosuke must be you, Danzo."
"That won't be a problem, will it?"
Yes.
Though reluctant, Homura too had presented a tribute.
But now that both he and Koharu had committed, naturally Danzo would have to as well.
Leverage only mattered when everyone held some.
Koharu nodded. "Homura's right. Since we've shown our sincerity, you can't be the exception, Danzo."
"No problem." Danzo gave a cold laugh. "You speak sense."
"Sarutobi Shinnosuke—the Anbu commander."
"He's a perfect target. Let's use him as the blade."
"That will give Hiruzen a lesson, remind him we are not to be trifled with."
"The sooner the better. Delay invites trouble."
"Go make your preparations. Tonight, we strike."
"I will kill Shinnosuke myself."
Yes.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen dared to move against.
What was one mere Anbu captain, even if he was the Hokage's son?
And by doing this, he would also bind the two elders to him.
If he wanted the Hokage's seat one day, their support would be necessary.
This deal was worth making.
Danzo was a man of action. Once he made his decision, he wasted no time.
Koharu and Homura exchanged another look, then nodded.
"Fine. No problem." Homura agreed.
Koharu added quietly:
"Then tonight it is. Let's send Sarutobi Shinnosuke to the Pure Land."
To read the full FanFic, head over to Patreon:
patreon.com/WhiteDevil7554