Chapter 175 - 70: Danzo’s Ambition
"Spineless fool! Acting so conservatively—when will you ever restore the glory of Lord Hashirama, the First Hokage, or Lord Tobirama, the Second Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi?! You are unworthy of being Hokage! Under your leadership, Konoha will only continue to decline!"
As he exited the Hokage's office, Danzo Shimura muttered these words of resentment under his breath, his voice filled with hatred.
Six years had passed, yet Danzo remained as lean as ever, his posture still upright and rigid. His right eye was now covered in thick white bandages, leaving only his left eye, sharp and piercing like a hawk's, gleaming with malice and making his overall demeanor even more sinister and terrifying.
At that moment, a group of ninjas approached, likely heading to the Hokage's office to receive their missions. Danzo quickly restrained his gaze, reverting to his usual composed demeanor as a high-ranking official, and deliberately slowed his pace.
The passing ninjas, upon seeing Danzo, all bowed in respect. Danzo nodded slightly in return, his face devoid of any expression, and continued walking slowly toward his office in the Anbu headquarters.
Danzo's Rise During the Peaceful Years
Over the past six peaceful years, Shimura Danzo had gained significant influence in Konoha. On one hand, this was due to his reputation as a "hero" of the Second Shinobi World War, as well as his achievements in intelligence work while overseeing the Anbu. Internally, he kept the rebellious Uchiha Clan under tight control, using both coercion and suppression. Externally, he utilized experts like Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga, who were skilled in genjutsu, to uncover numerous spies and infiltrators from enemy nations hidden within Konoha.
On the other hand, his rise was also due to Hiruzen Sarutobi's deliberate promotion and indulgence of him, aimed at curbing the influence of the "Advisor Faction," represented by Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
During the Iwa-Suna War, Homura Mitokado, acting as Konoha's mediator, successfully negotiated a resolution to a large-scale battle involving tens of thousands of troops. Following the second Five Kage Summit, he took charge of organizing the second "World Shinobi Tournament," achieving remarkable results and earning Konoha considerable wealth. His personal prestige in Konoha reached unprecedented heights, naturally elevating the status of the "Advisor Faction." Emboldened by their success, they began openly criticizing Hiruzen Sarutobi's policies, much to his displeasure.
"Advisors are meant to be consulted when I'm uncertain, not to act as 'living fathers' to hinder me!" Hiruzen thought to himself. However, his approach to political struggles was relatively mild. Instead of purging or suppressing dissent, he opted for a strategy of balancing power by supporting one faction while countering another.
Supporting Danzo proved to be an effective strategy. During Konoha's "Executive Council" meetings, Hiruzen gained an additional ally, quickly silencing the voices of the "Advisor Faction." Hiruzen was quite satisfied with this outcome and chose to turn a blind eye to some of Danzo's clandestine activities, such as smuggling and forming his own faction.