To be honest, Danzo's personal reputation in Konoha was pretty damn high—second only to Hiruzen Sarutobi. Running the intelligence network gave him an aura of mystery, ruthlessness, and power. Add to that his perpetually icy expression, like everyone owed him a fortune, and you had a man that the whole village—from top brass to genin—feared for reasons they couldn't even explain.
But flip the perspective, and Danzo Shimura was the ultimate "hawk." With Konoha battered and desperate, plenty of villagers thought a tough, iron-fisted leader was exactly what they needed.
With no real competition, the motion to appoint Danzo as the Fourth Hokage sailed through. He got the nod from the daimyo's representatives and Konoha's civilian delegates in record time. Political vetting? Aside from the obvious "burning of Hidden Rain Village"—which, as an atrocity committed in another country, was spun by Danzo's people as a "military success"—there was nothing else on record. The rest of his dirty work was so deep in the shadows, nobody could pin anything on him.
And so, Danzo Shimura officially became Konoha's Fourth Hokage.
Normally, a new Hokage would get a full-on "coronation ceremony." But with war raging, that was completely out of the question. A big public event would be a perfect target for the Wind-Cloud Alliance's air raids—guaranteed casualties, guaranteed humiliation for Konoha.
Koharu Utatane suggested keeping things low-key: meet a few civilian reps in the Hokage building's underground shelter, celebrate quietly, and throw a proper ceremony when things settled down.
Sounded logical. But Danzo wasn't having it.
Why should he settle for less? When Hiruzen took up the mantle, it was all fireworks and banners. Now he's supposed to sneak around like some black market dealer? Hell no. Whatever Hiruzen got, Danzo deserved too.
Of course, he couldn't say it quite like that.
"I disagree!"
Danzo's spine snapped straight as an arrow, giving the daimyo's representative and Koharu a view of his most heroic profile.
"My philosophy is simple: in good times, keep your head down. In bad times, stand tall!"
He turned, eyes blazing.
"The enemy is at our gates. As Hokage, I should send a message to every ninja and citizen—Konoha will never surrender!"
He practically shouted those last words.
"We're holding a grand succession ceremony. We're going to revive this village's spirit! I'll give a speech to show my unbreakable resolve and our will to fight to the end. I want everyone in Konoha to believe—we can turn this around!"
The passion in his voice was undeniable. Koharu and the daimyo's rep exchanged glances.
"Actually, that makes sense," the daimyo's rep admitted.
"But what if the Wind-Cloud Alliance launches an air raid?" Koharu pressed.
"I don't think that's a big problem," said Uchiha Fugaku, newly promoted to Konoha's top council.
For the record, as Danzo's old subordinate—and the hero of the Three-Tails jinchūriki incident—Uchiha Fugaku had just joined Konoha's leadership, making him the second Uchiha after Madara to reach the highest ranks. (And no, Uchiha Kagami doesn't count—he died before getting there.)
Also promoted: Chief Strategist Nara Shikaku.
"We just pick a day with clear skies, mobilize the Hyuga and Uchiha clans to set up observation posts, and move all the heavy crossbows onto the walls. We should be able to intercept any flying puppet bombers. Paired with Lord Hokage's speech, it could be a real morale booster."
Danzo's eyes lit up—now that was a scene. Him giving an epic speech, the walls bristling with weapons, enemy puppets dropping from the sky. He could already taste the glory.
Shikaku looked like he wanted to say something, but Koharu tugged his sleeve, so he kept quiet.
They checked the calendar—tomorrow was an auspicious day for everything.
Fortune smiled. The next day dawned cloudless and bright. With ninja mobilizing the population, people of all ages and ranks gathered in front of the Hokage building.
Danzo looked out at the sea of faces, heart pounding.
Tobirama-sensei, are you watching? Your choice back then was wrong. It's not the fastest talker who's the most capable!
Danzo climbed to the rooftop, bowed slightly to make room for the daimyo's rep, who solemnly placed the red Hokage hat on his head.
Danzo had, of course, seeded the crowd with loyal "hype men." With just a little prompting, thunderous applause broke out.
He cleared his throat, strode to the front, grabbed the chakra microphone, and began the speech of his life.
"Citizens of Konoha, darkness has fallen over the land our ancestors entrusted to us. We have nowhere left to retreat—"
Before he could get rolling, a piercing air raid siren split the air. Instinctively, the crowd began to panic, searching for the nearest shelter.
But Danzo's emergency plan kicked in—his "hype men" instantly became anchors, working with security ninja to stabilize the crowd.
"My fellow citizens! Do not panic!"
Danzo's roar cut through the noise, silencing the chaos.
People looked up, startled, at their new Hokage.
Danzo spoke with absolute confidence.
"We are fully prepared. Watch as Konoha's sons fight bravely! Fugaku! Activate Plan One!"
Uchiha Fugaku nodded.
From the walls came the synchronized clatter of machinery. Rows of giant crossbows swung skyward, arrowheads gleaming in the sunlight.
Ninja manning the crossbows stared into the sky, ready to strike at any threat.
Finally, a black dot appeared in the distance, growing larger by the second.
"Ready!" shouted Kuroha Sei, the ninja in charge of one section of the wall, raising his small flag nervously.
"Boss, ready for what? It's just one puppet, flying way too high—the crossbows can't reach it."
"Just get ready! What if it dives down?!"
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