Only after the tobacco in Hiruzen Sarutobi's pipe burned out did he finally speak.
"Danzo, for the sake of the years you've given this village—whether credit or toil—I'll warn you one last time. Do not provoke Konosuke. That child is not as patient as I am."
"You saw his temper today. If I'm gone one day, he will truly strike you down. The other clans will do the same. You should start thinking about a way out."
"As for the secrets in your body—if you don't wish to explain, I won't ask. This is the last time I indulge you. Go."
Danzo trembled.
The words shattered something inside him.
He roared hoarsely, like a wounded animal.
"Hiruzen! You stand above everyone, praised and revered as Hokage. And me? I've been your shadow for decades! I did everything you couldn't! And now you allow a child to step on my head? You think you're noble?"
"If sensei hadn't been biased, I would have done better than you! I would have led Konoha to new heights!"
He ranted for nearly half an hour—spilling every grievance buried over decades.
Hiruzen did not interrupt.
He listened.
Their bond deserved that much.
When Danzo's voice grew hoarse and he finally collapsed to the floor, Hiruzen stepped forward.
"Danzo… I know you've never let go of the fact that sensei chose me."
"He was wrong," Danzo rasped.
Hiruzen sighed.
"Then let's assume he was wrong. If I step down today, do you believe anyone would support you?"
"You pit clan shinobi against each other like breeding insects. Only two remain now, don't they?"
"They endure you only because of your title. The moment you lose your authority, you will die quietly in some corner of Konoha."
"For the sake of our years together, I say this one last time—do not provoke Konosuke. And stay out of the Uchiha affair. Don't think I'm unaware of your little tricks."
"If anything goes wrong this time, I will not protect you."
He paused.
"And one more thing. Konosuke is my chosen successor. He will become the Fifth Hokage."
Danzo's head snapped up.
"I'm telling you this so you don't make a foolish mistake. As long as you behave, I can ensure he doesn't target you. Otherwise… even I won't be able to save you."
With that, Hiruzen left the office, ordering ANBU to escort Danzo away.
He had another matter to settle.
Konosuke.
If he hadn't intervened earlier, Danzo would be dead.
No matter Danzo's flaws, Hiruzen still wanted him alive.
Of the old comrades, only five remained.
He did not wish for the next Hokage to shed their blood.
—
Meanwhile, Konosuke sat at home, contemplating how best to eliminate Danzo.
As long as that man breathed, the village would never know peace.
Danzo was like a rat—never learning, always scheming.
Truthfully, if Danzo had left him alone, Konosuke wouldn't have bothered.
For the old man's sake, he could have tolerated it.
But now?
Danzo had targeted him directly.
That crossed the line.
And considering Danzo's history, Konosuke felt no guilt about removing him.
Just as he was mapping out a silent method of disposal—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
He didn't need to guess.
Hiruzen.
The topic would be obvious—peaceful coexistence with Danzo.
Konosuke opened the door and walked back to the sofa without greeting him.
Hiruzen followed calmly and sat down.
He touched the sofa curiously.
Comfortable.
Konosuke had it custom-made because he disliked kneeling.
After a moment, Hiruzen spoke.
"That kick earlier… it was fierce. My hand still aches. You truly intended to kill him."
"Of course. Removing a scourge isn't a loss. Worst case, you exile me. I can live as a rogue shinobi."
Hiruzen almost laughed.
Konosuke becoming a rogue shinobi?
The laziest man in Konoha? Impossible.
He picked up a cigarette pack from the table and tossed it over.
"Smoke one. Then forget today."
Konosuke caught it, studying him.
"Old man, do you know what I was thinking before you arrived?"
"What?"
"How to kill Danzo without leaving a trace."
Hiruzen did not flinch.
"Konosuke. You are my designated successor. I intend for you to take my place."
"I came for a promise. After I'm gone, you will not target Danzo… or Koharu and the others."
Konosuke nearly fell off the sofa.
"You've gone senile! The Hokage position won't land on my head, and I don't want it. Find someone else."
"As for your old comrades—if they don't provoke me, I won't bother them."
"Now go home."
He stood and ushered Hiruzen to the door.
Hokage?
Wake earlier than a rooster, sleep later than a dog, work harder than an ox?
Not happening.
Only Danzo treasured that seat like a jewel.
Konosuke had no interest.
As Hiruzen left, a faint smile curved his lips.
Konosuke's indifference only strengthened his resolve.
Those who crave power are unfit for it.
Those who treat it lightly…
Are the most suitable to bear it.
And there was another reason.
The Sarutobi clan had grown enormous.
The Hokage must be one of their own.
Otherwise… certain buried matters might surface.
Inside, Konosuke exhaled in relief.
What nonsense.
Making him Hokage.
Over his dead body.