Chapter 116

While Konoha's new higher-ups were deliberating Danzō's disposal in the executive meeting room, on the other side, within the residence of the Sarutobi clan's patriarch, the three members of the former higher-ups are engrossed in a similar discussion.

"Hiruzen, although Danzō has messed up this matter, you mustn't remain passive. Think about our decades-long friendship!" Koharu urged, her voice firm.

She continued," Plus Danzo is your shadow."

"Indeed, if Tsunade and the others intend to publicly execute Danzō, then..." Homura added, echoing Koharu's sentiment.

Their persuasion of Hiruzen continued unabated, and their viewpoints aligned. They implored the former Hokage to intercede with Tsunade, advocating for Danzō's livelihood.

Yet, they harbored no illusions of Danzo seeing the sun again; they aspired to secure at least a life sentence. Their motivation extended beyond the bonds of decades-old friendship; Danzō's collusion in their past actions demanded settlement. Should he divulge their collective crimes on the day of his execution, they might become Danzo's neighbors in Konoha's prison. Tsunade could readily implicate them all.

Initially inclined to disregard Danzō's fate due to his betrayal, which resulted in Asuma's capture, Hiruzen found himself torn.

In the original timeline, the Senju clan had faded, the White Fang had committed suicide suddenly, and Uchiha had vanished. Asuma was the Sensei of Ino-Shika-Cho while Kurenai was the sensei of Aburama, Inazuka, and Hyuga heirs. If Asuma hadn't died at the hands of Hidan perhaps, with the support of 6 Shinobi clans, he might have chance to be Hokage.

Forgiveness for Danzo eluded him; only his son's absence gnawed at his soul. When Homura broached the possibility of Danzō's public execution implicating them, Hiruzen's eyelids quivered violently, betraying his inner turmoil. Sensing his distress, Koharu and Homura hastened to remind him of the broader implications.

"Hiruzen, consider the welfare of our entire clans, if not for us or yourself," Koharu urged, her tone urgent.

Homura echoed her sentiment, "Without your protection, the clan... could meet the same fate as the Senju, or worse."

Hiruzen could not remain impassive. The loss of his son was grievous enough; the prospect of the entire family's demise was unthinkable. He had painstakingly elevated them from obscurity during the Sengoku period to a major clan in Konoha. To fall beneath the Senju's shadow would be an irreparable blow.

"Appealing to Tsunade is futile," Hiruzen finally declared, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "If we seek to spare Danzō, we must enlist the aid of that man."

His proclamation jolted Koharu and Homura. The image of a white-haired figure flashed in their minds. Seek him out? Was it too possible?

Hiruzen was acutely aware of the risks. Yet, he knew that only that man possessed the influence to sway Tsunade and the entirety of Konoha's leadership.

...

On the Senju clan grounds, within Tatsuya's residence, the trio huddled on the opposite side of the vegetable garden, their keen ears attuned to the conversation unfolding nearby. Like diminutive statues, they remained motionless, observing Tatsuya seated across from the trio who once wielded the highest authority in Konoha.

Tatsuya's lips curled into a derisive smirk. Hiruzen's unexpected visit was not to exchange pleasantries but to plead for Danzō's sake.

"Tatsuya, I am aware of your desire to eliminate Danzō," Hiruzen began, his voice betraying a hint of trepidation. Though his feet remained steadfast, the clenched fists atop his knees revealed his inner turmoil.

"But Danzō, like the hidden root of a towering tree, has silently safeguarded Konoha for three decades," Hiruzen continued, his words laden with hesitation.

Tatsuya raised a hand to forestall further speech, a look of disdain crossing his features. "Whether Danzō protects or undermines Konoha's interests, I have no interest in his motives."

"But your plea on his behalf isn't solely rooted in friendship, is it?" Tatsuya interjected, his gaze piercing. "It's also to prevent him from exposing the blackmail material Danzo must have collected over the years, am I correct?"

The trio of Hiruzen tensed visibly at Tatsuya's astute observation.

"I do not incline your brand of politics," Tatsuya declared, his tone firm.

With a gentle stroke of the husky dog beside him, Tatsuya leaned back, resting his cheek in his palm. "As you said, I do indeed wish to kill him. And not just him, but all three of you as well."

Large beads of sweat continued to trickle down the brows of Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura. Despite mentally steeling themselves, they were ill-prepared for Tatsuya's brazen declarations.

"Imagine I barged into your home under cover of night, killed you, and vanished without a trace. The following day, it'd be a mere footnote to announce your collective demise," Tatsuya mused, his words dripping with chilling nonchalance. "But I'm not inclined toward such simplicity."

With each word, Tatsuya's audience grew increasingly uneasy.

"Why refrain, then?" Hiruzen's voice quavered slightly, betraying his composure.

"Various reasons, but chiefly because it's all too easy," Tatsuya replied coolly. Before attaining Kage-level prowess, he had distanced himself from Konoha, repulsed by its dark political machinations. Though there were valid reasons to avoid entanglement with the Konoha elders, Tatsuya viewed them as insignificant now.

Indeed, the group seemed as harmless as small, squirming fish in his grasp. Tatsuya saw no urgency in killing them. Besides, their upcoming end was insignificant in his eyes.

Yet, there was another motive behind his attendance at the assembly regarding Danzō's execution: curiosity about Orochimaru's response to the dilemma of his former mentor and Danzo who betrayed him.

The show should be quite entertaining, shouldn't it?

--

Read 40 chapters ahead on P*treon.c*m/Marioni and Ko*fi.c*m/Marioni.