Danzo Is Isolated
The current situation had placed Hiruzen Sarutobi in a difficult position—an even heavier burden for Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado to share.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lingered on Chi Yu with a grave expression.
Chi Yu was no longer someone who could be manipulated or restrained. His "wings" had fully grown, and he had broken free from anyone's control. The doubts surrounding him—and the threat he represented—could no longer be ignored.
Hiruzen turned his gaze toward Danzo, seated beside him.
Danzo immediately noticed and clenched his fists, resentment flickering in his eyes.
Hiruzen's meaning was clear.
He wanted Danzo to take responsibility for the mess he had created.
But to calm the tension now, the conditions Chi Yu demanded would have to be accepted.
Disbanding Root was impossible—Danzo knew that—but the Hokage Assistant position…
To relinquish the title just to spite Chi Yu? That was an unnecessary loss. After all, Danzo's true influence came from Root. Even without the official title, he could still wield power behind the scenes. And with Koharu, Homura, and Hiruzen himself backing him, the position could always be reclaimed later.
Still, being singled out stung. Why should he bear this humiliation alone?
But there was no choice.
Danzo took a deep breath and said stiffly:
"Regarding Chi Yu, I admit I was merely suspicious and had no concrete evidence. Today, my judgment was imprecise. I have served as Hokage's Assistant long enough. I will take this opportunity to resign my post and yield it to a younger generation."
Hiruzen immediately followed, "Since Danzo has chosen to resign voluntarily and yield his position to a younger ninja, that is for the best. This matter is now settled. Let us continue this council by turning to the issue of selecting the next Hokage."
Danzo sat down heavily, joined by Koharu and Homura.
Hiruzen, however, remained standing. His eyes stayed fixed on Chi Yu.
Chi Yu smiled lightly and said, "Since the Third Hokage has declared the matter closed, then I naturally have nothing to add. After all, I am just an ordinary shinobi of Konoha, with little influence."
He returned to his seat.
Hiruzen watched him with a deep, unreadable gaze before finally sitting down.
The clan heads present all let out quiet sighs of relief.
Moments ago, they had nearly believed Chi Yu would resort to violence.
But when he spoke of having "little influence," many pursed their lips.
This was "little influence"?
He had just forced Danzo Shimura—Root's leader and Hokage's Assistant—to compromise and resign.
Everyone present understood clearly: Chi Yu's courage came from his strength.
In the shinobi world, only strength gave words weight.
If Chi Yu had only prestige and no power, he could never have spoken to the village elders this way—nor forced Danzo to yield.
Hiruzen glanced at Nara Shikaku.
The clan strategist immediately understood and spoke up:
"Perhaps we should entrust the future to the generation that comes after the Fourth Hokage."
Shikaku's true intent was clear. His first thought for the Fifth Hokage was actually Chi Yu—because among the current candidates, Chi Yu was the most qualified.
But after today's confrontation, such a proposal was unthinkable. Neither Hiruzen nor the council would risk placing Chi Yu in the Hokage's seat.
Similarly, Orochimaru was unsuitable—too dangerous, too unpredictable.
The younger generation—Kakashi's peers—were still too inexperienced.
As expected, Utatane Koharu added quickly, "There are indeed excellent jōnin among them, but their experience is far too shallow to lead the village."
Shikaku pressed, "Then, who else could it be?"
Danzo's eyes lit up. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for.
He had just stepped down as Assistant. Now, claiming the Hokage's seat made perfect sense. He was familiar with all village affairs, and could take over immediately.
But one concern gnawed at him—Chi Yu. If Chi Yu decided to oppose him again, things could unravel quickly.
Danzo hadn't even known the purpose of this council. If he had, he would never have picked a fight with Chi Yu earlier. Because in truth, among the qualified candidates, Chi Yu was unrivaled. Even Orochimaru could not compare.
Now, Danzo realized he had sabotaged himself.
But before he could act, Hiruzen rose again.
"As a last resort—these are extraordinary times. I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, will bear this heavy responsibility once more."
Homura immediately followed, "You are willing to come out of retirement."
Koharu echoed, "Since you are willing, then it must be so."
Danzo's face twisted in disbelief.
Once again, Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura had maneuvered together—excluding him completely.
This entire meeting had been nothing more than a stage for Hiruzen to retake the Hokage's mantle.
Then what had his earlier confrontation with Chi Yu been for? To block Chi Yu from becoming Hokage?
Had he been nothing but a pawn?
Every time—every single time—he was isolated.
Danzo clenched his teeth.
"Third… you relinquished the Hokage position once before. Are you truly capable of fulfilling it again?"
His words cut sharply.
"You rushed to the scene during the Nine-Tails' rampage," Danzo continued, "yet you were held outside the barrier and contributed nothing!"
"Danzo, that's too much!" Homura snapped. "You know full well the circumstances then!"
"And where were you, Danzo, at that time?" Koharu pressed.
"Koharu," Hiruzen said quietly, halting her.
That was not a wound he wanted reopened. Not now.
His eyes flicked briefly to Chi Yu, who watched the exchange with a mocking smile, as though viewing a farce.
Hiruzen's dissatisfaction with him deepened further.
Still, he forced a genial laugh. "It is merely this old man being stubborn. Until the next Hokage comes of age, consider me a transitional figure. Surely that is acceptable."
Danzo ground his teeth in frustration.
He had gained nothing—and lost the Assistant Hokage position for nothing.
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