Chapter 143 : Danzo's Perseverance!

As Kazuhiko stepped into the Uchiha clan in Konoha, a palpable restlessness swept through the village.

Inside the Hokage Building, within the Hokage Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to his familiar workspace after spending time with the Sarutobi clan.

Having arrived early that morning, numerous official matters awaited his attention. Though the Hokage hat lay aside, and the scar on his face remained, there was no need for concealment within these walls.

At that moment, both Hiruzen and Danzo wore frowns as they reviewed a report from an Anbu ninja standing before them.

"Kazuhiko has indeed entered the Uchiha clan?"

Hiruzen sought confirmation, unable to conceal his concern.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. We witnessed the Uzumaki clan's entrance into the Uchiha clan. He made no attempt to hide, proceeding naturally."

The Anbu ninja who provided the report hastened to add, "Simultaneously, we observed someone from the Uchiha clan guiding him, extending a respectful invitation."

Hiruzen and Danzo exchanged troubled glances upon hearing this information.

"Very well, I understand. You may leave, but maintain vigilant surveillance on the Uchiha clan. Report any developments promptly."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, holding his familiar pipe, pondered for a moment. Observing the Anbu ninja who had yet to depart, he issued a final directive.

"Yes!"

The Anbu ninja swiftly left.

Now alone in the Hokage office, Hiruzen and Danzo appeared oddly "fated."

Danzo's head was enveloped in bandages, concealing his right eye.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face, still unhealed from the stab wound, bore layers of bandages. His left side was entirely covered, presenting a more severe appearance compared to Danzo.

The two men, seemingly engrossed in their thoughts, gazed at each other. They observed the bandages, exchanging silent acknowledgment, as if tacitly agreeing to disregard the injuries they bore.

"What could the Uchiha clan and Kazuhiko be up to? Why would Kazuhiko suddenly visit the Uchiha clan? Throughout the years, I've never heard of any amicable relations between the Uzumaki and Uchiha clans..."

Hiruzen broke the silence, directing his suspicious gaze at Danzo. Evidently, he sought an explanation for the events that transpired while he was unconscious.

Danzo remained in a perpetual state of contemplation, unable to discern the connection between the Uchiha and Kazuhiko.

Shaking his head, he met Hiruzen's gaze and admitted, "I don't know what's happening. The relationship between the Uchiha clan and Kazuhiko is a mystery to me."

"Kazuhiko has kept to himself since arriving in Konoha. His interactions are primarily with the Senju clan, especially when he goes shopping with Tsunade. You're aware they reside in the Senju clan, so most of his social interactions occur within that circle."

"Contact with the Uchiha clan..."

Danzo contemplated this as he recalled something. Since Kazuhiko's arrival in Konoha, the only interaction with the Uchiha had taken place at the Konoha Military Police Force.

Yet, the matter seemed to be entangled with the Sarutobi clan and the Anbu ninjas.

This morning, Sarutobi Hiruzen, angered by the incident, engaged in heated arguments with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. Danzo learned of this later.

Avoiding Sarutobi Hiruzen's presence in recent days, Danzo hesitated to bring it up, attempting to handle it discreetly.

After all, he had reluctantly agreed to Kazuhiko's massacre.

However, only now did he realize that the incident had somehow linked the Uchiha clan to Kazuhiko.

Danzo's expression stiffened.

Knowing Danzo for many years, Sarutobi Hiruzen, a seasoned friend, sensed that he held crucial information.

"Danzo, are you aware of any news? The head of the Uzumaki clan having a secret meeting with the Uchiha is no small matter!"

Understanding the urgency, Danzo shared the events at the Konoha guardhouse with Sarutobi Hiruzen, emphasizing the connection between Kazuhiko and the Uchiha.

"I suspect that due to the Konoha Military Police Force incident, there is a connection between the Uzumaki clan and the Uchiha. The Uchiha are now inviting Kazuhiko, perhaps as a special gratitude for sparing them from the massacre."

Danzo voiced his suspicions, prompting a darkening expression on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face.

Aware that his clan had been systematically eradicated while he lay in a coma, including his son Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Sarutobi Hiruzen discerned the political machinations at play. Years of leadership experience told him that this must have occurred with the silent approval of certain elders.

Without this complicity, Konoha wouldn't have allowed such a ruthless massacre of Kazuhiko.

Despite the past dissatisfactions between the Sarutobi clan and other elders, including Danzo, Hiruzen had always been lenient.

He had cautioned his clansmen twice but, caught up in the duties of Hokage, had neglected to mentor Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

To his dismay, during his comatose state, the Sarutobi clan had been targeted directly.

The pain in Hiruzen's heart deepened, considering his childhood companions and his clan.

Moreover, this incident not only affected the Kazuhiko but also forged a connection between them and the Uchiha clan, further intensifying Hiruzen's dissatisfaction.

He glared angrily at Danzo, slamming the table with a resounding "Crack!"

"Danzo, this has gone too far! Do you still consider me your Hokage?"

Danzo had anticipated this confrontation. Despite avoiding provoking Sarutobi Hiruzen earlier, he was ready to face it now without regrets.

With a fixed gaze on Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo spoke slowly and deliberately, "Hiruzen, you are the Hokage of Konoha, not just the head of the Sarutobi clan."

"The Sarutobi clan has overstepped, and I will dismantle them if necessary. I'm merely using Kazuhiko to clean up the mess."

"If they dare to meddle with Anbu again, it won't be limited to that segment of the population."

Danzo's words were ruthless, and Sarutobi Hiruzen grew even angrier. Just as he was about to respond, Danzo seized the moment, squinting and adding with a stern expression,

"Anyone posing a threat to Konoha must be eliminated—be it the Sarutobi clan or even my Shimura clan."

"Everything is for the sake of Konoha!"

After these words, Danzo locked eyes with Sarutobi Hiruzen, his determination unwavering. He would not back down from his conviction.

********

Support me on my patreon and read upto 20 early chapters.

https://www.patreon.com/Unique_Writer