Konoha: This Uchiha is extremely sneaky

Chapter 275 Innocence

"Danzo, what exactly are you trying to do?"

He invited his old partner over, and seeing the other's cold expression, the Third Hokage was furious.

"What for? For the prosperity of Konoha, of course."

Faced with Hiruzen Sarutobi's rage, Danzo Shimura remained remarkably calm. He knew his comrade all too well and aspired to become a Hokage like the First Hokage, one who could bring peace to everyone.

However, in terms of strength, demeanor, and magnanimity, he was far inferior to that of the God of Shinobi. In the end, he could only console himself with the boasted title of the strongest Hokage.

It's like trying to draw a tiger but ending up with a dog instead.

He didn't see that his old friend across from him was also looking at him with the same gaze, and their thoughts were surprisingly similar.

The only difference is that one is learning from the first generation, and the other is learning from the second generation.

Just then, a person dressed in an Anbu uniform appeared next to the Third Hokage. However, after glancing at Danzo beside him, he hesitated for a moment and said nothing.

"What happened? Danzo isn't an outsider~"

"The 19th Anbu squad monitoring Nohara Rin has been attacked, and Nohara Rin has gone missing."

After a moment's hesitation, the ANBU member who had suddenly appeared reported the news to the Third Hokage.

"What?"

"Nohara Rin is missing now?"

Upon hearing this news, the Third Hokage was shocked and immediately began to inquire about the details, while also glancing at Shimura Danzo standing to the side.

"There were no injuries, but nearly twenty minutes have passed since the incident."

"You can go down now!"

Having already grasped the general situation, the Third Hokage, seeing that there were no casualties, simply waved his hand, dismissing the ANBU member.

"Remember to pay attention to Kushina's emotions!"

The Third Hokage twitched his lips, thinking of how Kushina had acted when she lost her temper last time. He had a headache. This time, Minato Namikaze wouldn't be there to help him calm her down.

"Danzo, what exactly are you trying to do? Don't you know that the Three-Tails' matter is of great importance?"

Looking up at his white gloves, the Third Hokage questioned him sharply, his expression more serious than ever before.

"If this matter causes any unforeseen circumstances in the war against the Mist Ninja, I..."

"What?" the Third Hokage didn't say.

"If you don't have the Three-Tails in your possession, what do you plan to use to restrain Minato Namikaze after he becomes Hokage?"

Danzo had plenty of ways to deal with the Third Hokage's rage; with just a casual remark, he made the Third Hokage's expression change several times.

"Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, Jiraiya, although they are all your students and disciples, in the end, they are all outsiders."

"Furthermore, Minato Namikaze has very close relationships with the Ino, Shika, Cho, Aburame, and Inuzuka clans. Even Kushina Uzumaki is a close confidante of the Uchiha clan head's wife."

"Only I, only Xiaochun, Yan and I are your most steadfast comrades-in-arms, and we will always stand behind you and support you no matter what."

Seeing the Third Hokage's expression, Danzo Shimura quickly pressed his advantage, adding a pointed question afterward: "Can they do it?"

He knew better than anyone what Hiruzen Sarutobi was planning.

Isn't it just because Minato Namikaze is young and doesn't have much of a foundation, and needs time to slowly cultivate his supporters, so that he can take advantage of this gap to continue to control Konoha?

Although Sarutobi will eventually hand over his power to Minato Namikaze peacefully, it is unknown how long that will take.

Five years? Ten years? Or longer?

Seeing that the Third Hokage did not refute his words, Danzo Shimura felt extremely pleased. He had gone to such lengths to plant a thorn in the other's side, not just to do so.

Whether it's Nohara Rin or the Three-Tailed Fox, none of that matters. What truly matters is Minato Namikaze, who is currently at the Land of Water's camp.

I must seize this opportunity to remove her from the list of Hokage candidates. And the breakthrough point is Kushina Uzumaki, who remains in the village.

This is truly a godsend opportunity. If I make good use of it, I can take another step closer to my dream.

The Third Hokage, unsettled by Danzo Shimura's words, did not change his goal of ending the war because of the other party's remarks.

"No matter what, we can't keep the Three-Tails in our hands; it would put too much pressure on us."

He did indeed intend to maintain control of Konoha for a few more years after Minato Namikaze became Hokage, partly due to his own attachment to power, and partly to observe whether Namikaze was truly a worthy candidate to entrust with such a heavy responsibility.

In some ways, the other party is just like the First Generation: powerful, talented, and able to gain everyone's recognition, and sometimes just as naive (especially when it comes to naming).

He really can't rest easy without observing the situation carefully.

"Pressure? When is there no pressure? What we need to do is face the challenges head-on. Konoha's potential has not yet been fully realized, and we have plenty of manpower."

There are still many clans in Konoha that have not been fully mobilized. Those clans like the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Kurama have sent all the members who are able to go to the battlefield.

However, a large number of young people from the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, Mitomon, and even the Ino, Shika, and Cho clans, which are affiliated with the Hokage lineage, did not go to the battlefield.

Or, like Minato's disciples, they could play ninja games in the village, perform simple tasks, raise funds for the village, and accumulate experience.

Or they might just coast along in government logistics departments.

It's time for them to play their part for the sake of the Three-Tails.

"you……"

Hearing what the other person said, the Third Hokage was speechless.

"No, these people are the cornerstone of Konoha's stability. They must not be sent to the battlefield unless absolutely necessary!"

To maintain control over a village and keep those ruthless ninjas under one's command, the Will of Fire alone is not enough.

These seemingly insignificant individuals, protected by the Hokage lineage, form the cornerstone of their rule over Konoha. While their individual strength may not be exceptional, their sheer numbers are formidable. If they were all sacrificed, how could they possibly maintain control over powerful clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga?

Moreover, why would the pigs, deer, butterflies, and other families attach themselves to us? Is it merely because of their alliance? If there were no real benefits, would they all listen to us?

We're all ninjas, don't be so naive, okay? The Will of Fire can only fool those teenagers.

You're so old and you still don't understand this principle?

(End of this chapter)