Distrust rarely appears out of nowhere.
More often than not, it's built layer by layer—through betrayal, deception, and repeated negative experiences. Once doubt takes root, every action starts to look suspicious, every word sounds like it carries a second meaning.
Personality and profession only accelerate that process.
After returning to Konoha, Uchiha Ruka reported everything exactly as Uchiha Ran had anticipated.
Interestingly, Danzo Shimura found nothing strange about Ran choosing to inform him as well.
Isn't that how it should be?
In fact, Danzo even thought Ran was rather considerate—sharing such critical intelligence through Ruka instead of keeping him in the dark.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a very different emotion rising in his chest.
Since when did you, Shimura Danzo, start communicating with the Uchiha without going through me?
And then another thought followed—Orochimaru. Lately, hadn't Danzo been "donating" equipment to him?
What was this? Reaching into his disciples? Extending his hands further and further?
Still, Danzo was an old comrade. A former teammate. As long as he hadn't crossed a truly unforgivable line, Hiruzen decided not to pursue it—for now.
That was when Danzo suddenly slammed his cane against the floor, eyes blazing.
"Monkey, the opportunity is here! The Third Kazekage has vanished, and Scorch Release Pakura is in our hands. Sunagakure is leaderless, their top-tier combat power diminished. This is the perfect moment to stir chaos!"
Hiruzen frowned.
"And what benefit does chaos in the Land of Wind bring us?" he asked calmly.
"Do we need their land? Their wealth? Their population?"
From Hiruzen's perspective, Konoha already possessed the most fertile land in the shinobi world, the greatest pool of talent, and more missions than it could even process. Why provoke a war?
For what?
Half a country of desert?
That pitiful Sand treasury?
He truly didn't understand.
"Your vision is too narrow, Monkey!" Danzo snapped.
"War is about incremental gains—land, people, resources! If we move fast enough, seize the Land of Wind within ten days, we'll command the resources of two great nations! The Land of Earth, Lightning, and Water would be crushed beneath us. The unification of the shinobi world would be inevitable!"
He leaned forward, voice low and urgent.
"Trust me just once. I'm fully prepared."
"Fully prepared?" Hiruzen's eyes hardened.
"Danzo, you've gone too far. I will not approve this plan."
The refusal was immediate.
Instead, Hiruzen turned and called for the ANBU.
"Summon Minato Namikaze."
At that moment, a deep unease had already taken hold in Hiruzen's heart.
When did Danzo start acting this recklessly?
How far had Root expanded?
How many people did he control now—and could I, as Hokage, still command them if necessary?
Suspicion, once born, grew rapidly.
Soon, Minato appeared in the Hokage's office.
"Minato, you came quickly," Hiruzen said, briefing him on the situation.
Minato listened attentively, then asked, "What would you like me to do, Hokage-sama?"
"You'll need to make a trip," Hiruzen replied.
"The Land of Fire values peace, and Konoha will not be the one to ignite a war. The disappearance of Sunagakure's Third Kazekage is regrettable."
He paused, then laid out his decision.
Pakura's intrusion into the Land of Fire—even if motivated by the search for her Kazekage—was still a violation of borders. Konoha would demand compensation equivalent to five S-rank missions. In return, Konoha would be willing to assist in the search within its territory.
Minato nodded without hesitation.
"Understood. I'll depart immediately."
"Go," Hiruzen said. "Move quickly. Don't give the Land of Wind a chance to exploit the situation."
With that, Minato vanished in a flash of Flying Thunder God.
Hiruzen then turned to Ruka.
"You may leave. With Minato involved, Ran's safety won't be an issue. As fellow disciples of the Sannin, they'll cooperate and resolve this matter."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Once the office was empty save for the two old men, Danzo's voice turned cold.
"Monkey. You'll regret this when the chance slips away."
Hiruzen finally let his dissatisfaction surface.
"Shimura Danzo," he said firmly,
"obey the Hokage's decision. Do not bring forward proposals that contradict my authority. The safety of the Land of Fire—and the lives of a million people—rests on my shoulders."
His tone grew heavier with every word.
"In this country, no one else decides when storms rise or fall. Only I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, shield the Land of Fire from the wind and rain. You are the Hokage's advisor. Follow my orders."
"Monkey… you—"
"Work hours," Hiruzen cut in sharply.
"Use titles."
"…Monkey…"
"Hm?!"
Faced with Hiruzen's unyielding expression, Danzo felt only revulsion.
You were the one who once held my hand and told me Konoha needed darkness. And now you look at me like a stranger.
If I had made the same choice you did back then… what would things look like now?
"…Yes," Danzo said stiffly.
"Hokage-sama."
He turned to leave, then muttered at the doorway,
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen."
After he was gone, Hiruzen lit his pipe and took a long drag, lost in thought.
Have I… indulged him for too long?
Bang!
Bang!
Back in the depths of Root, Danzo's rage finally exploded.
"So now you remember you're the Hokage?" he snarled.
He summoned a subordinate.
"Ma. Go to the money exchange networks. Spread the news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance across the entire shinobi world."
He gripped his cane tightly.
"If the world doesn't descend into chaos, I can't move at all."
A cold smile crept across his face.
"I'll show you, Hiruzen. Whether the shinobi world burns or not… is decided by me, Shimura Danzo."
"Yes, Danzo-sama."
Far from Konoha, Uchiha Ran adjusted Pakura's weight on his shoulder and glanced at the darkening sky.
"…I wonder," he murmured quietly,
"will Danzo make his move?"
With that thought lingering, he began looking for a place to rest for the night.
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