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Root.
In a dimly lit room, Tobirama Danzo, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and a figure wearing an Anbu mask sat in silence. The current elders of Konoha, excluding the Third Hokage, had gathered in Root's secret chamber for a private meeting.
The mysterious Anbu ninja, clearly a woman despite her mask, was no stranger to the three. She was none other than the newly appointed Anbu Captain, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Third Hokage.
The four sat around a low table. Tobirama Danzo, who rarely showed emotion, sipped his tea with a slight squint, breaking the eerie silence. Finally, Koharu Utatane, eyes half-closed, spoke softly, "The village has become increasingly stable."
Homura Mitokado, upon hearing this, lowered his head and whispered, "Indeed, the village cannot afford any more turmoil."
Seeing the two old men reminiscing, Tobirama Danzo snorted in disdain and said darkly, "The Forbidden Jutsu data left by the Second Hokage has been given to Orochimaru. With Orochimaru's obsession with jutsu, he will surely be unable to resist researching it."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado frowned, their faces showing a hint of displeasure. It was as if they were saying, 'We are all high-ranking officials; how can you speak so bluntly, lowering our dignity.'
The Anbu Captain, also the eldest daughter-in-law of the Third Hokage, seeing the situation, lowered her voice and said solemnly, "The three of you are indispensable elders of Konoha, crucial for the village's stability. After the Third Great Shinobi War and the Nine-Tails disaster, the village, which has just stabilized, cannot afford any more storms."
"Although we haven't openly supported the Fifth Hokage, the village has gradually started to hear these voices. But if Orochimaru becomes the Fifth Hokage..."
At this point, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Third Hokage's eyes grew serious as she directly addressed the three, "Orochimaru is well-connected, with the Uchiha Clan and Hyuga Clan as his backing, along with the Inuzuka Clan and others. Once he becomes the Fifth Hokage, Konoha's peace will be shattered."
The message was clear. They were all part of the Third Hokage's political faction, a stable alliance. If Orochimaru were to take office, the village's resources would be at risk, as his supporters would surely try to seize them. This was a significant issue.
Tobirama Danzo's single visible eye showed a hint of concern. Although he disliked the Third Hokage, at least under Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule, Root had more power, and he could even threaten some of the major clans.
But what if Orochimaru were to take office? He knew Orochimaru's character well—completely driven by self-interest. With his backing, Root would likely face severe restrictions.
Thinking of this, Tobirama Danzo felt a twinge of apprehension. During the Fourth Hokage's reign, he had supported Orochimaru because most of Orochimaru's supporters were civilians. Even if some clans were involved, it wasn't deep. Unlike now, the Uchiha and Hyuga Clans were firmly behind him.
After all, the election of the Fourth Hokage was still close to the White Fang incident. At that time, the White Fang was almost unanimously seen as the future Hokage. Because it had only been five or six years, the election of the Fourth Hokage was a peculiar situation, with the major clans awkwardly not having enough time to take a stance. No one expected the Third Hokage to resign due to the incident.
"Orochimaru's power is already established, and he is not one to care about his reputation," Koharu Utatane said, frowning, highlighting a critical issue—Orochimaru was not as easy to deal with as the White Fang.
The White Fang was easy to handle because he cherished his reputation, as evident from his title, 'The Cold Lord.'
They were not against Orochimaru's ascension but were wary of the political power he would bring, which would threaten their interests. This was the crux of the matter.
Homura Mitokado, eyes half-closed, observed the situation. The eldest daughter-in-law of the Third Hokage, seeing this, inwardly cursed the three old foxes but had to speak up, as she wanted to gain the most from this.
"Elders, I remember that the Second Hokage researched a Forbidden Jutsu after the First Hokage's sacrifice." The Anbu Captain's voice grew steady as she looked at the three, "Regardless of who becomes the Hokage, Konoha's most pressing need is stability, a stability that will last for decades."
At this point, the Anbu Captain, aiming for the position of Hokage's wife, openly offered a temptation and a promise. Konoha needed stability, meaning that for the next few decades, Konoha would remain stable, maintaining everyone's interests.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, upon hearing this, narrowed their eyes. At their level, they no longer sought higher positions but rather the continued peaceful development of the village and the protection of their clan's interests. Why not have both? They looked at Tobirama Danzo.
Tobirama Danzo, with his visible eye calm, inwardly sneered. What a devious woman, using the same tactics against Orochimaru as they did against the White Fang. However, Orochimaru was not one to commit suicide.
Unlike Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, who no longer sought advancement, Tobirama Danzo had always aimed for the Hokage position.
The eldest son of the Third Hokage ascending to the Hokage position would mean this Anbu Captain would become the Hokage's wife, a position of supreme honor. A young Hokage and a stable Konoha for decades—Tobirama Danzo inwardly sneered at the thought.
The Sarutobi clan wanted to establish a hereditary rule, but they needed to consider their own strength. At Shinno's current age, his power was unlikely to improve.
If a Fifth Hokage lacked the necessary strength, Tobirama Danzo saw an opportunity. He could manipulate the young Hokage to reveal his true abilities, leading to a similar downfall as the White Fang.
At that time, with Orochimaru's reputation tarnished and Jiraiya and Tsunade absent from Konoha, the Third Hokage would not come out of retirement again. Even if he did, would anyone agree? Was the Hokage of Konoha truly a position for the Sarutobi family?
Understanding this, Tobirama Danzo nodded slightly and said solemnly, "Agreed. The village needs stability, and the Uchiha Clan is too dangerous."
Tobirama Danzo also presented his conditions. He could agree, but they must work together to deal with the Uchiha Clan. He coveted the Uchiha's power and feared it, and using a Hokage who lacked the necessary strength to deal with the Uchiha Clan would likely result in a lose-lose situation. Even if they won, he would not be at a disadvantage.
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