Part of Root's authority?
Hiruzen had actually handed it over just like that?
What exactly was he trying to do?
"Hiruzen, this..."
Homura Mitokado spoke in shock.
"Take it!"
Hiruzen interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for refusal as obsession flickered in his eyes.
"I need both of you! I need you to use every resource available to monitor the Uchiha's movements and find their weaknesses!"
"Konoha's future depends on this!"
This display of "trust" had come far too suddenly.
It was far too heavy.
It even carried an ominous feeling.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane looked at the almost crazed Hiruzen, then at the authority scroll and communication device on the table that felt like burning hot iron.
Alarm bells rang loudly in their hearts.
But Hiruzen gave them no chance to refuse. He directly stuffed the items into Homura's hands.
"I'm counting on you! For Konoha!"
He spoke heavily before collapsing back into his chair as though all his strength had been drained away.
"You... go and make preparations."
Holding the Root authority scroll and communication device that felt as hot as branding irons, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane carried hearts weighed down with worry.
After taking one last look at Hiruzen, who seemed to have aged several more years in an instant, they silently turned and left the Hokage's office.
Walking through the cold and empty hallway, both of them could hear each other's heavy heartbeats.
"Homura, what do you think?"
Koharu Utatane lowered her voice, her face filled with concern.
Homura Mitokado's expression was solemn as he tightened his grip on the scroll.
"Hiruzen... he's almost been driven mad. This thing..."
He weighed the authority of Root in his hand.
"It's both a weapon and a deadly poison. If it's used poorly under these circumstances, it'll probably cause even greater chaos."
"And Danzo..."
Koharu reminded him.
"Danzo..."
A sharp light flashed through Homura's eyes.
"Hiruzen says Danzo can no longer be trusted. But after hearing what Danzo said that day... perhaps we should go speak with him."
"After all, this originally belonged to him."
"And he seemed... to have realized Hiruzen's condition long before we did."
The two immediately reached an agreement.
Rather than keeping this uncertain blessing or curse in their hands, they would rather speak with the person who might understand the truth better, and perhaps... have a better solution.
Instead of returning to the Advisory Department, they changed direction and headed straight toward Shimura Danzo's residence.
...
Shimura Danzo's residence was as gloomy and silent as ever.
When he saw Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane arrive together, especially after noticing the familiar scroll and communication device in Homura's hand...
A barely noticeable gleam flashed through his single eye.
"What rare guests."
Danzo's voice was hoarse and calm as he gestured for them to sit.
Without beating around the bush, Homura placed the scroll and communication device on the table.
"Danzo, Hiruzen just handed these to us."
"He said... you can no longer be trusted, and asked us to temporarily manage this portion of Root's authority."
Danzo's gaze fell upon those items.
The corner of his mouth seemed to lift ever so slightly, so quickly that it was almost impossible to notice.
He looked up and fixed his single eye on the two of them.
"Oh? So he's finally reached this point... He has placed his final wager on so-called trust."
His tone carried faint ridicule.
"Danzo, Hiruzen's condition isn't right."
Koharu spoke anxiously.
"He won't listen to any advice anymore."
"He's completely focused on suppressing the Uchiha and promoting Minato."
"He even... intends to use this kind of power. We're very worried. If this continues, the village will fall into great turmoil."
Danzo remained silent for a moment, as though carefully considering his response.
In reality, his thoughts were racing.
Hiruzen's anxiety and loss of control had exceeded even his expectations.
This Root authority was an unexpected gift. It was the final and most important piece of the puzzle delivered directly into his hands.
Public opinion had already reached its peak.
The Uchiha's prestige was at its highest.
Hiruzen had become isolated and mentally unstable.
The time was ripe.
All he needed to do now was take hold of this final authority...
Then ignite the fuse that had already been prepared. As for recommending Uchiha Chiya for the Hokage position?
No.
It was still too early to reveal that to these two advisors.
What they needed was a "just" reason.
An excuse they could tell themselves was "for Konoha."
And something like removing an incompetent and mentally declining Third Hokage...
Was the most natural and justifiable reason imaginable.
Danzo slowly raised his head. His single eye displayed heavy determination.
"Hiruzen's actions have already made him unfit to continue leading Konoha."
He slowly spoke.
"His anxiety and selfishness have blinded him. He's pushing the village toward the edge of civil war."
"For Konoha's survival, we can no longer stand by and watch."
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane's hearts trembled.
"Danzo... what are you suggesting?"
Danzo's sharp eye swept across both of them.
His voice dropped lower, yet exploded beside their ears like thunder.
"It's time to make a change. For Konoha, we must ask Hiruzen... to lay down the burden of being Hokage."
"What?!"
The two cried out simultaneously.
Although they had already sensed where this was heading, hearing Danzo utter such treasonous words still left them utterly shocked.
"Danzo... that's madness!"
Homura exclaimed.
"Madness?"
Danzo let out a cold laugh.
"More insane than Hiruzen trying to divide the village with historical rumors?"
"More insane than his willingness to use Root's power to wage internal political warfare?"
"Homura."
"Koharu."
"You are Konoha's advisors. Your duty is to preserve the village's stability."
"Not to blindly remain loyal to one individual."
"Look at Konoha today. Can it survive many more of his reckless actions?"
His words struck them like heavy hammers.
They remembered the recent chaos.
They remembered the obsession in Hiruzen's eyes.
They found themselves unable to refute him.
"But... without a proper reason... without enough support... it's impossible..."
Koharu spoke with difficulty.
"A reason? Support?"
Danzo rose to his feet.
An overwhelming pressure born from years of authority suddenly radiated from him.
"Hiruzen has governed poorly."
"He has grown old and senile."
"He is no longer fit to remain Hokage."
"That alone is the most legitimate reason."
"As for support..."
His single eye burned as he looked at the two of them.
He slowly extended one hand.
"Now that we possess the Root authority in your hands... and the portion of the Hokage Guard that still answers to me..."
"I'll personally contact everyone dissatisfied with the current situation."
"Everyone worried about Konoha's future. You need not concern yourselves with the Uchiha."
"They have their own objectives. What we must unite are the forces that truly desire stability."
"The forces that genuinely want Konoha to become stronger."
His words were irresistibly persuasive.
"This isn't a coup."
"It's for Konoha. It's to set things right."
"It's for Konoha's future. Once it's over, a new leader accepted by everyone will naturally emerge."
"Someone who can lead Konoha into a new era of glory."
He carefully concealed his true goal.
The goal of placing Uchiha Chiya on the Hokage's seat remained buried deep within his heart.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane's hearts pounded violently.
Their faces turned pale.
They looked at Danzo's outstretched hand.
Then at the authority scroll and communication device lying on the table.
On one side stood the Third Hokage, who had clearly lost control and might lead the village into disaster.
On the other stood Shimura Danzo, whose methods were aggressive, yet who appeared to genuinely be acting "for Konoha," while also possessing greater influence and decisive action.
It was an agonizing choice.
But remembering Hiruzen's recent actions...
And the turmoil threatening the village...
The hesitation in their eyes gradually transformed into reluctant determination.
Homura Mitokado took a deep breath.
As though making the hardest decision of his life...
His trembling hands slowly pushed the scroll and communication device back toward Danzo.
"Danzo... Konoha is in your hands."
His voice was dry beyond measure.
Koharu Utatane also nodded heavily.
At last, satisfaction appeared in Danzo's single eye.
A cold satisfaction born from seeing everything unfold exactly as planned.
He put away the scroll and communication device before speaking in a deep voice.
"Don't worry. Everything is for Konoha."
After seeing the two uneasy advisors off, Danzo stood alone inside the dim room.
He gently caressed the Root authority scroll that had returned to his hands with even greater authority than before.
As well as the authority representing partial command over the Hokage Guard.
A fanatical fire burned within his single eye.
The time had come.
The east wind had arrived.
Without any hesitation, he immediately used Root's special channels to issue the highest level emergency summons.
The target was not his former subordinates.
Instead...
Every major clan and influential figure within Konoha who had openly or secretly expressed support for Uchiha Chiya...
Or extreme dissatisfaction with the Third Hokage's recent policies.
...
That night, beneath a moonless sky.
Outside Konoha, within the underground headquarters beneath an extremely secluded abandoned training ground.
This had once been one of Root's abandoned bases.
Now, however, it was brightly lit and filled with people.
Representatives of every major clan and influential figure arrived in secret.
Each of them carried confusion, anxiety, and complicated emotions.
Aburame Shibi, representing the Aburame Clan, silently stood in one corner like part of the darkness itself.
Behind his sunglasses, his eyes carefully surveyed the room.
Hyuga Sakumasa, the current Clan Head of the Hyuga Main Family, had personally arrived.
His expression was solemn, and his pale Byakugan eyes appeared especially imposing beneath the lights.
Standing beside him was the equally serious Hyuga Hiashi.
Nara Shikaku, representing the Nara Clan and serving as the Jonin Commander, casually rubbed his forehead.
Though he appeared relaxed, intelligence gleamed within his eyes.
Standing beside him were the grim-faced Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza.
Kurama Souun, Clan Head of the Kurama Clan, wore an excited expression mixed with the determination to risk everything.
There were also representatives from several smaller clans.
As well as several respected civilian Jonin who had become dissatisfied with the Third Hokage's recent actions.
They exchanged glances with one another.
The air was filled with tension, confusion, and a trace of anticipation.
No one knew the true purpose behind this emergency gathering.
But Danzo's name...
Along with Root's invitation...
Made everyone realize that something earth-shattering was about to happen.
Finally...
Shimura Danzo stepped onto the raised platform at the front of the underground base.
Leaning upon his cane, his single eye swept across the gathered crowd like that of a hawk.
His cane struck the ground with a dull thud.
The sound instantly drew everyone's attention.
The entire underground base fell completely silent.
Every eye focused upon Danzo.
He slowly began to speak.
His hoarse voice carried the unwavering firmness of solid stone, echoing clearly throughout the underground chamber.
"The fact that all of you have come tonight tells me one thing. You are all deeply worried about Konoha's current situation."
He paused.
A sharp light flashed through his eye.
"The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi... has governed poorly."
"He has grown old and senile. For the sake of his own selfish desires, he has ignored the village's interests."
"He manipulates politics. He spreads rumors. He creates internal conflict."
"He drives away heroes. He throws the village into turmoil."
"Such a man is no longer worthy of serving as Hokage."
Boom!
It was like thunder exploding overhead.
Although everyone had already made countless guesses...
Actually hearing Danzo accuse the Third Hokage so directly and so harshly still sent enormous shockwaves through the crowd.
"Danzo... are these words true?!"
Hyuga Sakumasa asked in a deep voice, unable to hide his disbelief.
Nara Shikaku narrowed his eyes.
"Advisor Danzo."
"Do you realize what you're saying?"
"Those are extremely serious accusations."
"Serious?"
Danzo's voice suddenly rose.
"What could possibly be more serious than a village leader dividing his own people..."
"Suppressing heroes..."
"Simply to protect his own position?"
"Look at the recent public opinion. Look at what the Uchiha have endured. Look at the fear and suspicion that have been deliberately stirred up."
"Is that truly the behavior expected of a Hokage?"
His words struck everyone's hearts like heavy hammers.
The events of recent days flashed through their minds.
The shock on their faces slowly turned into contemplation... and agreement.
The Kurama Clan Head shouted emotionally.
"That's right!"
"Lord Chiya ended the war, yet this is how he's treated!"
"It's heartbreaking!"
"Today it happened to Lord Chiya. Tomorrow it could happen to any one of us!"
One of the Jonin could no longer stay silent.
"The Third Hokage's recent actions... I truly can't understand them anymore."
Danzo seized the momentum.
His voice was filled with righteous anger and passionate conviction.
"Konoha has reached the point where its very survival hangs in the balance!"
"We cannot simply watch our village be destroyed by a man blinded by power!"
"For Konoha's future... We must stand up!"
He suddenly raised the scroll and authority token in his hand.
"This is the authority to command part of the Hokage Guard."
"And the authority of Root."
"Today... I, Shimura Danzo..."
"Ask all of you to stand together with me."
"For Konoha!"
His single eye erupted with astonishing determination.
His voice rang through the entire underground chamber like an oath.
"Hiruzen has governed poorly. He has grown old and senile!"
"We request that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi..."
"Step down and relinquish his position!"
Those earth-shattering words exploded like sparks thrown into boiling oil.
In an instant, they ignited every emotion that had been building within the gathered crowd.
Shock.
Passion.
Determination.
Fear of the unknown.
And the thrilling excitement of participating in history itself.
All those emotions merged into an overwhelming force.
Hyuga Sakumasa's Byakugan narrowed as he stared intently at Danzo.
Then he nodded heavily.
"The Hyuga Clan agrees."
"For the future of our clan... We must make a choice."
"If the Uchiha become the first clan crushed by public opinion... Then the Hyuga Clan will be the second."
Nara Shikaku drew a deep breath.
After exchanging glances with Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza...
He slowly nodded as well.
"We agree."
Reason told them...
This was the best possible solution to minimize further losses.
Aburame Shibi silently adjusted his sunglasses.
His silence itself was agreement.
The Kurama Clan Head was nearly in tears.
"The Kurama Clan is willing to give everything we have!"
"We agree!"
"We agree!"
"For Konoha!"
"..."
The passionate cries echoed throughout the underground base.
Everyone's emotions had been pushed to their peak.
Their reasons might all have been different.
But regarding one thing...
Removing the unworthy Third Hokage...
At this moment, they had achieved astonishing unity.
Watching the crowd below, Danzo's single eye revealed a cold look of satisfaction.
Everything remained under his control.
The pieces were already in place.
The stage had already been prepared.
Now...
It was time for the confrontation to begin.
Time to welcome the arrival of a new era and as for the master of Konoha's new era...
Danzo sneered inwardly.
Who else could it possibly be?
Naturally...
It could only be the man everyone had placed their hopes upon.
Uchiha Chiya.