Chapter 334: Hiruzen, Danzo u0026 Tobirama
Hearing Danzo's question, Hiruzen recalled the reports his agent had given him about the incident. "Kabuto Yakushi. Adopted son of Nono Yakushi. Remember her?"
Danzo's attention sharpened after hearing her name. "What do they have to do with this?"
"You sent them to kill each other after they became a liability to you and you had Orochimaru waiting to clean up the survivor. Except all you did was force Kabuto to kill his mother and make him turn against the village. He's now working for Orochimaru. He's still alive."
Danzo's first clenched in anger. "My mistake was trusting that snake. I should have sent someone else to finish the job."
"You shouldn't have forced them to kill each other to begin with." Hiruzen was angered that Danzo learned the wrong lesson from his mistake. "You still don't understand! You don't value the lives of the people who serve this village. Your paranoia got the better of you and now we have a powerful enemy because of that. This is exactly why I can't let you become Hokage. You'll only create more enemies than allies."
Danzo was silent for a while as his mind recalled all the things he had done as the leader of the Root forces. He looked at his rival and a small smile grew on his face which took the Hokage by surprise.
"It wasn't easy, you know… Being number two." Danzo's words felt heavy to the old Kage. "You are the leaf glowing in the light… while I was the foundation hidden in darkness… I had to go far to protect this village. And that meant plunging my hands into the filth to do what needed to be done."
Hiruzen's eyes slightly softened. "I'm sorry I couldn't share your burdens... I regret so many things. But I can't let you continue with your work."
Danzo looked at his old rival and gave a small nod. "Let me end it on my terms. Will you give me that, Hiruzen?"