"Nothing complicated," Danzo Shimura replied, locking eyes with Hiruzen Sarutobi without the slightest retreat.
"I'm simply questioning whether Namikaze Minato is still suitable to become the Fourth Hokage."
Hiruzen answered immediately, without hesitation.
"There is no doubt."
"Minato Namikaze is the most suitable candidate for the position at present."
Danzo let out a faint snort.
"Then perhaps you truly are growing old, Hiruzen. Old enough to lose your judgment."
Hiruzen did not flare up this time. He only frowned slightly.
"If you have something to say, say it plainly. There's no need to circle around."
Koharu also stepped in.
"Danzo, have you discovered something?"
Long ago, the four of them had reached a tacit agreement regarding Minato's succession. Danzo had not openly endorsed it—but neither had he objected.
His current tone clearly suggested a change of heart.
Danzo spoke slowly.
"You seem to have overlooked one detail."
"Minato once had an excellent relationship with the Uchiha."
"Enough."
Hiruzen cut him off sharply.
"Let me correct you. Minato does not merely have a good relationship with the Uchiha—he has a good relationship with everyone."
"That is his nature."
"He treats all equally, like a small sun warming those around him."
"That is the embodiment of the Will of Fire."
"A leader should be like that."
"In this regard, even I do not surpass him."
He looked directly at Danzo.
"If you intend to use that as evidence against him, abandon the idea."
"I trust that even if Minato becomes Hokage, he will not grant the Uchiha any special treatment."
Mito Menyan nodded.
"Hiruzen is right. No one in the village dislikes Minato."
Danzo's eye narrowed.
"Do you take me for someone so short-sighted?"
"When Minato and Uchiha Fugaku were clearly on friendly terms before, I raised no objection."
"That is not my point."
Hiruzen gestured lightly.
"Then continue."
Danzo's voice grew colder.
"A few days ago, when the major clans visited Minato's residence, he openly expressed his intention to intervene in internal clan affairs."
"He even used the Uchiha and the Hyuga as examples."
Hiruzen frowned again.
"Yes, I admit he handled that poorly."
"But his intentions were pure. He acted for the sake of the village."
"He is simply inexperienced."
"With guidance, that can be corrected."
Danzo shook his head.
"Individually, neither of these incidents is alarming."
"But combined—with today's developments—they form a pattern."
The room fell into thoughtful silence.
Danzo pressed forward.
"Minato believes in equality."
"He wishes to grant fair treatment to all within the village."
"Even if doing so offends powerful clans."
"He does not hesitate."
"We saw this when he publicly criticized both the Uchiha and the Hyuga."
"And now consider this—"
"The Uchiha's proposal to reform the Military Police and revise village law aligns perfectly with Minato's ideals."
"He already maintains good relations with them."
"If he becomes Hokage…"
"Will he oppose them?"
"Or support them?"
He did not allow anyone to answer.
"Do not tell me you will restrain him."
"Minato respects you, yes."
"But if your ideology conflicts with his… he may not stand with you."
Koharu and Homura exchanged troubled looks.
Hiruzen remained silent for several moments.
Then a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"You are exaggerating."
"Because Minato acts impartially, he will never allow the Uchiha to revise law alone."
"He even proposed limiting the Uchiha's control over the Military Police."
"The scenario you suggest will not occur."
Danzo's voice turned faintly mocking.
"Are you certain?"
"Minato is politically inexperienced."
"That Uchiha Jin, however, is not."
"If Jin misleads him?"
Hiruzen let out a low laugh.
"Theoretically possible."
"But with us here, the probability is less than one percent."
He looked at Danzo steadily.
"Stop circling."
"State your true intention."
Koharu and Homura both turned to Danzo now.
They had almost followed his reasoning down a dangerous slope.
Danzo's expression did not change.
"Even if the probability is small, it remains a risk."
"To eliminate that risk entirely…"
"I propose selecting a more suitable candidate as the Fourth Hokage."
Koharu frowned.
"Is there anyone more suitable than Minato?"
Hiruzen's voice dropped several degrees.
"Danzo."
"The 'more suitable candidate' you speak of…"
"Wouldn't happen to be yourself?"
Danzo straightened.
"Correct."
"In terms of seniority, experience, ability—tell me where I fall short?"
"We four grew up together."
"We understand one another."
"If I assume the Hokage position, there will be no instability."
He paused, then added deliberately,
"I have personally visited numerous clans."
"They are willing to support me."
Then he looked straight at Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen."
"Do you support me becoming Hokage?"
The air thickened.
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened, cutting like a blade.
He was silent for a long time.
When he finally spoke, his voice was cold.
"You claim to have so many clans supporting you."
"Then perhaps… you do not require my support at all."
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