Chapter 35:
Danzo truly was ruthless in his approach, always favoring the most extreme measures to solidify his influence.
As soon as Hiruzen assumed the mantle of Hokage, Danzo's thoughts immediately turned to eliminating dissenters.
"No, you can't do that!" Hiruzen said firmly, understanding the implication of Danzo's suggestion right away. His tone left no room for compromise.
Danzo's plan was simple and brutal: send the opposition on dangerous missions where the likelihood of survival was slim. They'd either die at the hands of enemies or through "unfortunate accidents" arranged by their own comrades. It would be clean and efficient—just as Danzo liked it.
Hiruzen, however, was the inheritor of the First Hokage's ideals. While he could be ruthless to enemies of the village, he found it difficult to condone the unnecessary deaths of his own people, especially over political disagreements.
"We are all ninjas of Konoha," Hiruzen said, his voice strained with frustration. "We must not turn on our own like this."
Danzo, unfazed by Hiruzen's moral objections, calmly replied, "Hiruzen, you are not suited for this position." His voice was steady, his gaze cold. "A village cannot survive on light alone. It must also have its darkness. You are too naïve to see that."
The two men long-time friends but now divided by ideals stood at an impasse once again. Hiruzen believed in a future for Konoha built on trust and cooperation, while Danzo saw only the need for control and fear to ensure the village's security.
Danzo, as always, was prepared to do whatever it took to maintain stability, even if that meant resorting to covert killings. In his mind, the ends justified the means. He had no qualms about creating a shadowy underbelly for the village if it ensured its survival.