Ch-71 Everyone's shock.

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...

After Uchiha Karan and every other Jonin who had come to congratulate Minato left the Hokage Office, the spacious room grew eerily silent. The ceremonial bustle had faded into the background, and now it was just Minato, the newly appointed Hokage, and his predecessor, the venerable Hiruzen Sarutobi. The sun's warm rays streamed through the open window, casting long shadows across the room.

Hiruzen, coming to Minato's side, broke the silence with a question that had lingered in the air like a storm cloud. He leaned in, his voice a low, contemplative murmur. "Do you also think that I am keeping powers to myself?"

Minato, a man of few words but deep contemplation, considered the weight of the question. He met Hiruzen's wise gaze and replied, his words measured and respectful, "Not at all, Hiruzen. On the contrary, I believe that what you are doing is necessary. After all, I am very new to the intricacies of politics and don't know much about it. Your guidance will be invaluable to me."

A warm smile crept across Hiruzen's face, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of his years. "I am very happy that you understand this," he said with genuine relief. With that understanding, a seamless transition of power took place, as Minato took the helm as the Hokage, and Hiruzen assumed the role of the trusted assistant to the village's leader.

The Hokage Office, now under Minato's capable leadership, thrummed with newfound energy and promise. The legacy of the Hidden Leaf Village continued to evolve, guided by the passing of the torch from one leader to the next, ensuring a bright and secure future for all its inhabitants.

----

In the Sarutobi Clan Compound, nestled under the cloak of night, a gathering of notable figures took place within Hiruzen's residence. Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, stood alongside the enigmatic Danzo, the ever-observant Homura, the discerning Koharu, and the silent yet formidable presence of Biwa, Hiruzen's wife, who sat in quiet support behind her husband.

Curiosity and concern hung heavy in the air, and it was Koharu who decided to break the silence, her voice laced with urgency. "Danzo, for what reason did you call for this emergency meeting?"

Danzo's gaze remained fixed on the matter at hand. "It's about Uchiha Karan," he replied, his voice carrying a grave tone.

At the mere mention of Uchiha Karan, a storm of emotions erupted within Biwa. She clenched her fist in anger, her memories of her fallen sons resurfacing, a painful reminder of the chaos associated with that name.

"Uchiha Karan? What about him?" Hiruzen inquired, his voice calm yet inquisitive.

Danzo wasted no time in delivering the disconcerting news. "Uchiha Karan has taken control of Amegakure."

A collective gasp swept through the room, leaving not only Homura but Koharu as well in a state of shock.

"But isn't there Hanzo? How did he allow such a thing?" Koharu questioned, her disbelief evident in her voice.

"Hanzo is dead," Danzo revealed, adding a layer of grim finality to the situation.

"Uchiha Karan killed him?" Homura inquired, trying to make sense of the dire turn of events.

Danzo shook his head, revealing more intricate details. "No, it was his subordinates who killed Hanzo."

Koharu's frustration could no longer be contained. "At such a late hour of the night, did you call us here to jest with us?"

Homura shared her sentiment, casting doubt on the severity of the situation. "Yes, I accept that Uchiha Karan's subordinates are powerful, but are they truly capable of such an audacious act as killing Hanzo?"

Danzo's stern expression betrayed no hint of jest. "Do you really think I would joke, especially when an Uchiha is involved?"

Silenced by the gravity of the situation, Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that the threat posed by Uchiha Karan and his forces was far more formidable than they had initially comprehended.

"How did you get this news? Because if this news got leaked, then the Anbu should have also received the news," Hiruzen inquired, a tinge of suspicion lacing his words.

Danzo, a master of secrets and shadowy dealings, responded with a measured tone. "Because when this happened, I was present in the Rain Country."

Hiruzen's keen mind immediately picked up on the discrepancy. "This means that you didn't go to the Thunder Country as you stated. You had mentioned your mission was to eliminate the Daimyo of Thunder Country, but instead, you went to the Rain Country."

Danzo did not flinch at the revelation. He offered an explanation, shrouded in layers of intent. "I went to Amegakure for the benefit of Konoha. I wanted to eliminate the threat of Akatsuki on behalf of Hanzo and gain his favor. This was to ensure that Hanzo would not turn his forces against Konoha and would be more inclined to support us in the upcoming battles."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, his mind racing to make sense of Danzo's intricate web of schemes. "But, according to my information, Akatsuki works for Hanzo. Why would he need your help in eliminating Akatsuki?"

Danzo's self-assured demeanor remained unshaken. "Hmph, Hiruzen, you underestimate me. While there might not be a direct conflict between them, I believe that conflicts can be created and manipulated in our favor."

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