Under the intimidating presence of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo involuntarily took a step back.
But after realizing his reaction, Shimura Danzo became even more furious.
What does Mito-sama mean?
How is that possible!
Would Mito-sama allow you to undertake such deceitful actions to control the power of the Hokage?
This kind of action, masquerading under seemingly righteous pretexts to oppress others, is something Shimura Danzo is very familiar with. He often uses this tactic when recruiting the village's geniuses into the Root...
Shimura Danzo gave a silent, cold laugh: "Monkey, you truly have gone mad!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen squinted his eyes: "Danzo, don't give me a reason to clean house. Just focus on being a good Hokage Assistant."
Shimura Danzo took a deep breath, staring intently at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He had already decided that once he gathered evidence against Aomi and Sarutobi Hiruzen, he would ensure they would never recover, and permanently nail them to Konoha's pillar of shame!
"Hiruzen, you are too extreme!"
Shimura Danzo shouted, "Konoha isn't your personal dictatorship! For your own power, you're even using your apprentices, and letting your son get close to Uchiha Aomi. You should reflect, step down as Hokage!"
"Danzo, you're too conservative!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen shouted back, "You don't understand Mito-sama's considerations or Tobirama-sensei's thoughts. The Uchiha Clan, if used properly, is a sharp blade. You, as the Hokage Assistant, have too narrow a mindset!"
At this moment, the situation seemed to reverse.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the dove, considered Shimura Danzo too conservative...
Shimura Danzo, the hawk, considered Sarutobi Hiruzen too radical...
In a flash of thought, Shimura Danzo, staring at Sarutobi Hiruzen who refused to budge, suddenly realized something, and a great joy slowly rose within him, enveloping his entire being.
Though Sarutobi Hiruzen's strategy seemed to make him lose the Hokage's position, it actually planted a huge mine!
The weight of this mine was enough to blow away Sarutobi Hiruzen, as well as Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and any ninja close to this Third Hokage!
Originally, Shimura Danzo was contemplating how to deal with each of Sarutobi Hiruzen's apprentices one by one...
But now, the situation suddenly became clear.
As long as he gathered evidence against Aomi, Sarutobi Hiruzen's faction could all be taken out!
The only one left would be Hatake Sakumo.
Thinking of this, Shimura Danzo, looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen who was about to speak, suddenly changed his expression.
"Hiruzen, if you insist on doing this, then I can only support you..."
Shimura Danzo forced a helpless smile, "Since it's Mito-sama's meaning, I understand, I'll just go and do my job."
"Just, still be cautious, Hiruzen."
Sarutobi Hiruzen gave Shimura Danzo a suspicious look.
Why is he so obedient today?
He originally thought, if Shimura Danzo argued further, it would be a good opportunity to strip him of his Hokage Assistant position for a few more months, to confine him in the small black room for reflection, avoiding any big incidents.
But for the first time in decades, Shimura Danzo backed down, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen in a bit of a dilemma.
"Go on, Danzo, just do your job well..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment and let Shimura Danzo go without punishing him.
After all, with Uzumaki Mito's passing, the winds of the Ninja World had already started to surge, and there was still a need for the Root to act.
And Kushina's performance was not satisfactory. If not for Aomi, there would have been a big incident on the day of the funeral.
If the Ninja World war truly breaks out, even though Sarutobi Hiruzen kept saying they would fight, he wasn't truly confident…
After Shimura Danzo left, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and muttered to himself:
"Sensei, I've really taken the fall for you, you really are something..."
But immediately, after taking a puff of his pipe, Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed again.
He recalled what Shimura Danzo had said about even sending Asuma to get close to Aomi.
Previously, Sarutobi Hiruzen was still somewhat worried about Asuma's future.
When he initially chose Aomi, Sarutobi Hiruzen's thought was to let Aomi ignite Asuma's potential, guiding this rebellious young son back on track, so he, as the Hokage father, could maneuver things to arrange a good position for Asuma.
Unexpectedly, Asuma seemed to obey Aomi to the extent that even as the Hokage who favored Aomi, felt it was somewhat excessive.
But since uncovering Aomi's secrets, Sarutobi Hiruzen was at ease.
His young son could associate with Tobirama-sama, what a blessing!
As long as Asuma could slightly keep pace with Aomi, without falling too far behind, his life would be stable!
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a contented draw of his pipe, marveling, "Tobirama-sensei, you always make me respect you!"
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen felt he took the blame for Tobirama, he felt he redeemed it with Asuma.
It was quite satisfying…
And just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was contemplating Asuma and Aomi.
At Aomi's home, many guests arrived unexpectedly.
Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Chouza, Yamanaka Inoichi, along with Kurama Kurokumo from the Kurama Clan, and Hyuga Hizashi from the Hyuga Clan.
At this moment, they all came to visit Aomi's home, carrying gifts in hand, awkwardly facing Shisui who was preventing them from entering, feeling rather helpless.
Shisui looked at them dissatisfied, thinking about how his rare day off was disturbed by so many people visiting his brother.
"Shisui, let the guests in..."
Aomi's voice came, and Shisui reluctantly shook his head, "Please come in, everyone!"