Everyone could hear a trace of anger in Tsunade's tone without paying special attention.
In fact, Tsunade was indeed angry.
She didn't expect Sarutobi Hiruzen to be as selfless as the previous Hokage.
But, look at what he had done since taking office.
A small to medium-sized ninja clan had seen its population multiply more than tenfold in just a few decades.
He even created a three-thousand-strong Sarutobi Army.
Tsunade didn't even dare to imagine how much of the people's wealth Sarutobi Hiruzen had plundered and how many of Konoha's interests he had usurped during his years as Hokage.
For a moment, Tsunade even wanted to say to the Uchiha clan: "Well done."
If Sarutobi Hiruzen were allowed to stay for a few more years, the entire Konoha would probably belong to the Sarutobi clan!
Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Sarutobi Asuma said nothing at this moment, choosing to remain silent.
Anyway, they were exposed. Further concealment was useless, so they might as well drop the act.
As long as I'm shameless, what can you do to me!
Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade. Knowing she was furious, he immediately changed the subject.
"The Uchiha clan has only recently taken Konoha, and the people's hearts have not yet submitted. When I raise the banner of justice, the villagers will not turn against us mid-battle. At the very least, they won't help the Uchiha.
So, the ones I truly have to face are the members of the Uchiha clan.
One thousand two hundred should be enough!
As long as I can take down Uchiha Shin, I can definitely bring Konoha back on the right track.
At that time, the Sarutobi clan's merits and demerits to Konoha can be offset!"
Hearing this, neither Tsunade nor Danzo refuted it.
After a while, Tsunade looked up at Danzo: "Danzo, is this your entire plan?"
Danzo shook his head and said: "No, after the army gathers, I need a legitimate reason. To crusade against the disloyal as a righteous army!"
"Drag the Daimyo into this?" Tsunade instantly understood Danzo's meaning!
"That's right, I need the Daimyo to publicly stand on my side!"
"I'm afraid the Daimyo might not get involved," Tsunade shook her head.
"No, he must get involved! Tsunade, you are the Daimyo's cousin. Please, I'll have to trouble you to persuade his lordship the Daimyo!" Danzo said.
"I refuse!!" Tsunade rejected him outright without a second thought.
"Tsunade, can't you have a little consideration for the bigger picture!" Danzo scolded angrily.
"Don't talk to me about the big picture. You messed things up, and I'm willing to help, that's already giving you face. Don't even think about making me do something I don't want to do! Otherwise, I'll just turn around and leave!" Tsunade didn't fall for Danzo's act and responded decisively.
"Hmph!" Danzo was completely stumped for a moment.
He really couldn't force Tsunade to do something she was unwilling to do, not like how he forced Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
"Fine, since you're unwilling, I'll go myself!" Danzo conceded.
"Whatever!" Tsunade said indifferently.
"Shinnosuke, when can the Sarutobi Army be ready?"
"One week!" Shinnosuke said in a deep voice.
"Two days. I can only give you two days!" Danzo said.
"The time is too short, I can't possibly make it!" Shinnosuke said in a deep voice.
"Three days, no more! On the fourth day, we will officially set out!" Danzo said with a determined expression.
"Alright!!" Shinnosuke pondered for a moment before finally agreeing.
The few of them reached an agreement and quickly dispersed.
"Let's go, Shizune, I'm going for a drink!"
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
With that, Tsunade led Shizune out of the mansion.
"Tsunade, wait for me! We haven't gotten together in a long time. Let's take this chance to catch up."
Jiraiya shamelessly followed them.
Meanwhile, after the meeting broke up, Danzo, along with two of his subordinates, headed straight for the Daimyo's Mansion without stopping.
As the Hokage's Advisor, Danzo held a high and powerful position. To see the Daimyo, he could go directly, unlike Sarutobi Shinnosuke who needed Asuma to introduce him.
··············
Capital of the Land of Fire!
Daimyo's Mansion.
The rear garden.
The Daimyo was playing hide-and-seek with a group of beautiful women.
Just then, a chamberlain walked over.
"Your Majesty, the Hokage's Advisor, Shimura Danzo, requests an audience!"
Hearing this, the Daimyo's steps faltered. He stopped and then removed the silk cloth covering his eyes.
"Isn't that guy on the run? He has time to see me?"
The Daimyo looked astonished.
The Daimyo had already received news about what happened in Konoha the night before last.
He was waiting for Uchiha Shin to report to him.
However, he didn't get Uchiha Shin, but Shimura Danzo instead.
"Summon him to the audience hall!"
"Hai!"
The chamberlain withdrew. The Daimyo also dismissed all the women in the rear garden and then headed towards the audience hall with a few chamberlains.
The audience hall.
Inside the great hall.
At this time, the Daimyo was seated there.
"Greetings, Lord Daimyo!"
As soon as Danzo entered, he bowed to the Daimyo.
"Danzo, for what matter do you wish to see me?" the Daimyo asked.
"I believe you are aware of what has happened in Konoha, Lord Daimyo!" Danzo didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"So what?!" the Daimyo said dismissively.
"Uchiha Shin launched a coup d'état. This rebellion and treason is a heinous crime. I am gathering a large army to counter-attack Konoha. I ask that you, Lord Daimyo, step forward and publicly express your support for us, while simultaneously denouncing the actions of the Uchiha clan!" Danzo said.
"Danzo, for me to get involved in Konoha's internal affairs at a time like this... that wouldn't be appropriate, would it?" The Daimyo did not agree directly, instead using a small fan to cover his mouth as he spoke calmly.
"Your Lordship, the Uchiha's treason is not just an internal matter for Konoha! The ninja world values legitimacy. Now, the Uchiha have committed treason, seizing the position of Hokage through improper means and occupying Konoha. If this is not dealt with promptly, everyone will learn from their example. Wouldn't the world fall into chaos? When those feudal lords and nobles start getting ideas that they can replace their superiors, I'm afraid your own position, Your Lordship, will not be stable!"
Danzo's words were nothing short of venomous. They pierced the Daimyo's heart like a sharp blade.
The Daimyo could no longer remain calm!
"Danzo, you have a point. Rebellion and treason are indeed heinous crimes. However, openly interfering in the internal struggles of ninja is also a major taboo. I cannot make a decision easily right now. How about you let me think it over and give you an answer tomorrow!" the Daimyo said in a deep voice.
"Very well!" Danzo responded calmly.
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