[Shimura Clan, Council Room]
The clan's elites had gathered in the council room. The patriarch, Danzo, presided the rectangular table. To his side, Byakuro and Itoru acted as his left and right hands respectively. The former was the commander of the Shimura Support Corps, whereas the other was the commander of the Shimura Wind Corps.
Then came Yukiko, his personal bodyguard and the clan's best sensor. Like Byakuro and Itoru, Yukiko held the title of 'elite jonin', a mark of strength that only a few shinobi could reach. The last showdown proved a golden era for the Shimura clan. Never before, there was a kage-level figure and three elite jonins at the same time. The lower ranks, too, were showing unprecedented strength, with more than fifty chunins and twenty jonins.
The last three elders, Himaru, Boku and Eiji, held different functions. Himaru was a middle-aged jonin and the leader of the Kenjutsu corps. Boku was an advisory and the main link to the Daimyo's court, with political ties and contacts all over the place. Lastly, Eiji was a researcher, and had contributed tremendously to Danzo's little experiments.
"Thank you for answering my call, elders", Danzo said. His eyes showed no gratitude, only acknowledgement, but this much was more than enough for the elders to be fully committed to the gathering.
In the past month, Danzo had mainly made decisions alone, and though there were some worries about this sudden change in leadership, the results proved them wrong. The Shimura clan had not just become stronger, the rate at which it was growing was unprecendented in history.
Danzo continued: "The Hokage has commanded the Shimura clan to support the Land of Wind borders. The Sungakure Puppetry Brigrade has been spotted in the land of fire, and the Hyugas are facing losses. Puppets can be rebuilt, but humans losses cannot be compensated so easily"
Itoru absorbed the information, before asking: "I assume you want our point of view on the battlefield. Summoning the whole clan in battle like we did against Iwagakure proved to be a boon for the clan, not just in terms of military supplies, but in our clansmen's growth"
Danzo shook his head: "No...I am here to discuss options. Hiruzen can mandate missions, but we can always refuse him. Currently, Hiruzen and I are the only kage-level figures. He might hold the seat of temporary Hokage, from Tobirama's nomination, but my achievements made me a candidate once the war stabilizes"
Yukiko exclaimed: "Does that mean you want to pursue the title of Hokage?"
Danzo grinned: "If it were three months ago, I might have given it some thoughts. However, Konohagakure is not aligned with our interests"
The elders frowned: "What do you mean?"
"The Uchiha clan has become independant. We did too. The rest of the noble clans are certainly powerful, but lack unity. If we want the Shimura clan to grow, we need to establish our own network, our own wealth, our own techniques rather than rely on the village. My point is that the seat of Hokage is not currently something I covet. I would rather train and solidify the clan's strength"
Yukiko smiled: "Thank you, Danzo-sama, for this decision. We all know how much it means to you. For this, on behalf on the six elders and the clan, we thank you"
Danzo smiled. If it were misinterpreted like that, then he would gladly take it. However, becoming Hokage truly was not a good time right now. First of all, it would tie him to Konohagakure. Secondly, he would lose even more of his freedom. Hiruzen's growth completely stopped upon becoming Hokage. Responsibilities, including administrative ones, were too hard on a shinobi, and Danzo was certainly not ready to waste his best years for some sort of glory.
"What is the mission's reward? Even if it means strengthening Hiruzen's legitimacy, it is not necessarily incompatible with the clan's interests, especially if the payout is high. With your close relationship with the Hokage, it could even further our economical and political influence on the village, right?", Boku spoke, like a true advisor and expert in the politics of Konohagakure
"You are right, Boku", Danzo nodded with acknowledgement, "If the payout was good and we were in a financial crisis, I would have accepted the offer on the spot. After all, Hiruzen has offered 60 million Ryô for this operation, as well as access to some high-rank jutsus. However, the Fire Daimyo has asked our services personally"
Boku frowned, startled that the information missed his network of spies in the Daimyo's court: "I am surprised. But for the old Daimyo to be asking for a favour, I believe this is a golden opportunity for the Shimura clan. Did he stated the details?"
Danzo smiled: "Sharp as always. Don't be disappointed, however. Not even Hiruzen knows about this favour. So it is only normal for you to have missed it. The Fire Daimyo's daughter has been married off to the Land of Rice's Daimyo. Their relationship is close, but the flames of war are destroying the Land of Rice as we speak. The Fire Daimyo, impressed by our performance on the Iwagakure front, asked us to support the Land of Rice"