"Huh!" Shimura Danzo paused heavily on his crutches after hearing the words of Koharu Utatane, then walked out of the Hokage's office with a gloomy expression.
At this time, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was powerful and highly respected. His disciples, the Legendary Sannin Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru were even more famous across the shinobi world. The disciples of the Sannin were also beginning to make their mark. A faction like Danzo's Root, hidden within Konoha, simply couldn't compete with the influence of the Hokage.
Given this situation, the two other village elders and advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, remained firmly on the Third Hokage's side.
As he walked to the door, Shimura Danzo glanced sideways at Chao Yanqian, and a smirk curled at the corner of his mouth.
Although Shimura Danzo lacked political charm, he was extremely patient and calculating. Moreover, he was dedicated to Konoha in his own way, often helping Hiruzen with dirty work behind the scenes. Because of this, Hiruzen was very tolerant of Danzo's actions, often turning a blind eye to his questionable methods.
This tolerance allowed Danzo to operate under the Third Hokage's watch, even going so far as to cooperate with Orochimaru in experiments involving the First Hokage's cells.
But all of this was part of Danzo's greater plan.
In Konoha's current landscape, the most promising candidates to become the Fourth Hokage were clearly the Sannin.
Danzo had allied with Orochimaru for the purpose of developing new power through the First Hokage's DNA. But once Orochimaru's research produced results, Danzo no longer had any use for him. At that point, Danzo intended to sell out Orochimaru and brand him a traitor to the village.
With Orochimaru out of the picture, only Tsunade and Jiraiya would remain as potential successors.
However, Jiraiya's carefree nature made him unsuited for the Hokage role he had no interest in politics. Tsunade, meanwhile, was still plagued by her hemophobia and deep trauma from past losses. Hiruzen would never appoint someone in her mental state as Hokage.
From Danzo's perspective, if Orochimaru was forced to flee, the Hokage seat would be his for the taking.
Of course, Danzo also planned to use the chaos of the Third Great Ninja War to undermine Hiruzen's prestige.
Originally, with Iwagakure and Sunagakure besieging Konoha, the village was expected to suffer greatly. If Konoha were to face heavy losses in the war, Hiruzen would bear direct responsibility. To appease the village's morale, the appointment of a Fourth Hokage would become inevitable.
Unfortunately, that entire scenario was disrupted by Chao Yanqian.
The withdrawal of Sunagakure meant that Konoha now had only one active enemy lwagakure. Given Konoha's strength at the time, defeating Iwagakure became a matter of when, not if.
Danzo harbored deep resentment toward Chao Yanqian for this, but at the same time, he also considered recruiting him.
Chao Yanqian was a recognized prodigy of Konoha. Now that he had become Tsunade's student, his potential was undeniable he might one day reach or even surpass her level.
But to bring Chao Yanqian into his fold, Danzo would need to identify weaknesses or flaws in his character.
After returning to the Root headquarters, Danzo immediately summoned his subordinates and ordered them to secretly monitor Chao Yanqian, reporting his daily actions directly to Danzo.
After Danzo left the Hokage's office, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado also departed with him.
The Third Hokage looked at Chao Yanqian with a kind face and said softly, "Chao Yanqian, this was just a routine inquiry. It's not that the village suspects you, so don't take it to heart."
"Understood. I'm a ninja I know how these things work," Chao Yanqian replied respectfully.
"You're Tsunade's student and also like a grandson to me. It's just the two of us here you don't have to be so formal," Hiruzen said kindly.
Had he not read the original work and understood the Third Hokage's character, Chao Yanqian might have really believed the elderly man before him was just a kind grandfather.
But anyone in the Hokage's seat must contend with political schemes, and power struggles are often veiled in darkness.
Hiruzen had held the Hokage title for decades. His enduring prestige both in the village and among the clans was largely due to Danzo doing the village's dirty work.
Outwardly, Hiruzen and Danzo competed for power. But secretly, they cooperated frequently.
"Yes," Chao Yanqian responded. His tone softened, but inwardly he remained cautious.
Sensing that Chao Yanqian had relaxed slightly, Hiruzen smiled and asked, "You've done a great service to the village. What kind of reward would you like?"
This was a critical question and a test of character.
For someone as politically seasoned as Hiruzen, no matter what Chao Yanqian requested, he would use it to judge his temperament.
Chao Yanqian was aware of this. But this was likely his only chance to obtain the Flying Thunder God Technique, and he couldn't afford to miss it.
"My life was given by the village. Serving it is my honor," Chao Yanqian said modestly. Then, shyly, he added, "When I first saw Minato-senpai use the Flying Thunder God Technique on the battlefield, I was filled with admiration. I've always hoped to learn it, if that's possible."
Chao Yanqian's background was clean, and as long as he wasn't swayed by enemy villages, he would certainly become a pillar of Konoha's future. This was his greatest advantage.
Especially since he had become Tsunade's disciple someone who would never betray Konoha. With Tsunade guiding him, it was unlikely he'd ever defect.
Hiruzen had only two concerns about Chao Yanqian.
First, he worried that Yanqian might resent Konoha for previously treating him as disposable. Chao Yanqian was not a simple-minded shinobib he was thoughtful and mature. If he harbored any resentment, it could become a future risk.
Second, his intense training regimen raised suspicions. Hiruzen wondered if beneath his youthful appearance lay a hidden ambition.
But aside from these concerns, Chao Yanqian was a hardworking, talented ninja from a loyal lineage there was no reason not to support his growth.
Moreover, he had worked alongside Sarutobi Asuma for over a year and developed a deep friendship. Nara Shikaku also gave Chao Yanqian high praise, assuring Hiruzen that he held no grudge against the village.
For all these reasons, after hearing Chao Yanqian's request, Hiruzen only hesitated briefly before smiling and saying, "The Flying Thunder God Technique has very high requirements even I haven't mastered it. Are you sure this is what you want to learn?"
"Yes," Chao Yanqian nodded with clear determination. "Ever since I saw Minato-senpai use it, I've dreamed of mastering it. No matter how difficult it is, I want to try."
"Very well. Come with me," said the Third Hokage.
Following Hiruzen into a secret chamber, the Third Hokage opened a hidden compartment and took out the Sealed Book. After unrolling it, he located the section on the Flying Thunder God Technique, formed several hand seals, and dispelled its protective seal.
Chao Yanqian had seen the Sealed Book in the original series the one Naruto had stolen.
But now, seeing it with his own eyes, Chao Yanqian immediately realized that the version Naruto stole had to be a fake.