After arriving at Root headquarters, Sora made his way to Danzo's office.
Sora bowed respectfully and said, "Lord Danzo."
Danzo looked up and greeted him with a smile, "Ah, Sora. You've arrived."
Sora explained, "Lord Danzo, regarding yesterday's wedding, I must clarify that Namikaze Minato was invited at Lord Third's insistence. I couldn't refuse. I know you're displeased with this, and I sincerely apologize."
Danzo gritted his teeth and said, "That Hiruzen! Even after forcing the Hokage position onto his student, he tries to poach my people! He's using your wedding as an opportunity to improve relations between you and Minato!
Sora, you must remember that it was Namikaze Minato who usurped your master's rightful position as Hokage. If Hiruzen hadn't been so stubborn, Orochimaru would be the Hokage now, and as his disciple, you would likely have been in line to become the Fifth Hokage.
Because Hiruzen ignored my advice and chose a naive young man who is completely inferior to Orochimaru in both accomplishments and qualifications to become Hokage, it will be nearly impossible for either Orochimaru or you to claim that position in the future!"
Sora almost laughed out loud but managed to maintain his composure.
Danzo was clearly concerned that Sora might align with Hiruzen and Minato, and was trying to provoke his anger toward them.
He even dangled the prospect of Sora becoming the Fifth Hokage—a transparent manipulation. Danzo must have calculated that after Orochimaru hypothetically became Hokage, Sora would be next in line.
If Danzo wanted to stir up Sora's resentment against Hiruzen and Minato, Sora was willing to play along.
Sora had merely mentioned that Hiruzen asked him to invite Minato, and Danzo had immediately taken the bait.
With a serious expression, Sora nodded and said, "Lord Danzo, I understand completely. In truth, I'm quite angry as well. If Jiraiya-sama had become Hokage, I would have no objections, but Lord Third's selection of Namikaze Minato makes me question his motives."
Danzo said angrily, "Orochimaru is right—Hiruzen's intent is to use Minato as a puppet so that master and student can control Konoha together!"
Sora paused momentarily before saying, "Lord Danzo, we cannot change what has already happened. I would like to ask how we should proceed with the Uchiha clan situation now.
Since we're no longer at war, it's difficult for me to continue targeting the Uchiha clan as aggressively. Furthermore, it seems that since Uchiha Fugaku became clan leader, the Uchiha shinobi have shown more restraint."
Danzo was silent for a moment before responding, "You're right—now that peacetime has returned, we cannot target the Uchiha clan as we did during the war. Though Hiruzen and I have significant disagreements, we share similar views regarding the Uchiha clan. Let me discuss the matter with him."
Sora interjected, "Lord Danzo, with all due respect, I don't believe you and Lord Third will reach a productive conclusion."
Danzo frowned and asked, "Why do you say that?"
Sora explained, "Lord Danzo, you understand Lord Third's intentions and character better than I do. Before the Third Shinobi War, the Uchiha clan was widely resented, and their behavior was perceived as arrogant and domineering.
At that time, Uchiha Masaki realized that if the clan continued on that path, Konoha might eliminate them entirely. He saw the war as an opportunity—if the Uchiha could achieve enough acclaim during the conflict, Konoha would be unable to move against them.
Because of this, Lord Third selected me, knowing my deep resentment toward the Uchiha clan, to counter Masaki's plan.
During wartime, aggressive measures against the Uchiha could be attributed to the conflict, but that excuse no longer exists.
Moreover, under Uchiha Fugaku's leadership, the clan has become significantly more restrained.
Given Lord Third's character, he's likely to adopt a conciliatory approach toward the Uchiha clan and may even suspend any plans against them.
Lord Third fears that placing too much pressure on the Uchiha clan might push them toward extreme measures, reigniting conflict within our peaceful village."
Danzo's frown deepened.
His attitude toward the Uchiha reflected the teachings of Senju Tobirama, the mentor he shared with Hiruzen.
Concerned that the Uchiha might threaten Konoha, Tobirama had deployed numerous ANBU to monitor the clan during his time as Hokage.
Although Danzo resented Hiruzen, he hadn't expected they might diverge on the Uchiha issue.
Noticing Danzo's internal conflict, Sora continued, "Lord Danzo, to maintain stability, despite Konoha's victory in the war, we only required minimal reparations from Sunagakure, a token payment from Kirigakure, and demanded nothing from Iwagakure or Kumogakure."
Danzo's eyes sharpened.
He realized Sora was right. For the sake of stability, Hiruzen might indeed abandon their plans against the Uchiha clan.
If those plans were shelved and the Uchiha allowed to regain their strength, it might become impossible to contain them later.
Sora added, "There's one more consideration—I've encountered an Uchiha named Shisui. I believe you've heard of him."
Danzo nodded, "Yes, I've heard that after you, he was the second person to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. He's the son of a good friend of mine."
Sora replied, "I met him once on the battlefield. He's unique among the Uchiha. While most prioritize their clan above the village, Uchiha Shisui is one of the few not bound by narrow clan loyalty. He truly embodies the Will of Fire.
Similarly, I've also interacted with Uchiha Fugaku.
He's an intelligent man who seeks to change the clan's current situation.
It's highly likely that Uchiha Shisui will establish contact with Minato and Lord Third to build a bridge of communication between the village leadership and the Uchiha clan."
Danzo's expression grew uncertain. After hearing Sora's analysis, he recognized this was indeed a plausible scenario.
Yet even if it came to pass, he seemed powerless to prevent it.
Danzo looked directly at Sora and asked, "If this does happen, what do you suggest we do to prevent it?"
Danzo sensed that since Sora had analyzed the situation so thoroughly, he might have a solution in mind.
Sora shook his head and said, "I believe if it happens, direct prevention is impossible. The Fourth Hokage shares Lord Third's conservative approach. However, we might find compensation elsewhere."
Danzo's eyes grew serious, "What do you mean by 'compensation elsewhere'?"
Sora looked at Danzo earnestly and said, "When you discuss this with Lord Third or Namikaze Minato, if they reject your concerns, you could propose establishing a new department that would counterbalance the Konoha Military Police Force. Through this department, we could continue to monitor and check the Uchiha clan!"
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