The Third Hokage took a deep look at Danzo and warned:
"Although this is a rare opportunity, it will put Konoha in a dangerous situation.
I don't allow you to do this, do you understand? I absolutely don't agree with you doing this kind of thing."
"Now I have to negotiate with Elder Genji from Kirigakure. I will be busy arguing with him for a long time.
Don't be idle. You will be responsible for the personnel transfers in Konoha and the frontline army."
After saying this, the Third Hokage picked up his pipe, took a puff, and waved his hand for Danzo to leave.
A gloomy smile appeared on Danzo's face. He turned around and walked out of the Third Hokage's office.
Sarutobi, am I a joke to you? Danzo cursed in his heart. It was obvious that the Third Hokage wanted to betray him.
Damn it!
Fortunately, Danzo was used to this kind of thing, and he wasn't too disappointed.
If other shinobi were to take the blame in such a situation, they'd likely be doomed.
But Shimura Danzo wasn't like others. Sarutobi Hiruzen was never willing to let Danzo die.
Even in the original timeline, Danzo made countless mistakes, yet Hiruzen chose to forgive him.
Even when Danzo tried to assassinate Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage still forgave him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi truly had deep affection for Danzo Shimura.
---
"All personnel transfers within Konoha and the frontline troops will be handed over to Danzo? Isn't this basically giving him free rein?"
In the Konoha guest house, Zenkichi, who had been basking in the sun with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.
He hadn't expected the Third Hokage to release a mad dog like Shimura Danzo.
Zenkichi groaned.
If he wanted to leave, he, Elder Genji and the others could escape before Konoha finished preparing.
But… leaving like that felt like running away with his tail between his legs. Zenkichi felt reluctant.
He imitated Kizaru, but he wasn't truly Kizaru.
The imitation depended on his intent—partial or full.
He wasn't controlled by the template and didn't follow Kizaru's mindset.
"How about staying here and enjoying myself for a while?"
"With so many strong ninja in Konoha, they might help me unlock a higher level of the template, right?"
The corner of Zenkichi's mouth curled up with a playful smile.
The Third Hokage and Shimura Danzo had no idea that Zenkichi's Observation Haki could cover the entire village, easily eavesdropping on their plans.
(Hehe..)
---
"Elder Genji!"
Zenkichi approached the elder, who had just returned from negotiating with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Zenkichi, what is it? I've been busy arguing with Hiruzen lately. If there's nothing urgent, you and Terumi Mei can enjoy yourselves."
Elder Genji smiled, looking as kind as an ordinary old man.
But in truth, he didn't dare treat Zenkichi like a normal ninja anymore.
Zenkichi said seriously, "According to the intel I received, Konoha is planning to attack us."
Elder Genji was shocked. "What did you say? That's impossible. Where did you learn this?"
Zenkichi replied firmly, "Don't ask how. Just know that the intel is accurate."
"Hiruzen is negotiating with you on the surface, but Danzo is secretly moving troops."
"They haven't acted yet only because the forces meant to deal with me are still returning from the front lines."
"Of course, my threat is also a big reason they're rushing to act."
After listening, Elder Genji's expression turned grim. He said with urgency, "If that's true, we must leave immediately."
Zenkichi shook his head. "Not we—you. You go first. I'll stay behind."
Elder Genji's face hardened. "No! If someone must stay behind, it'll be the three of us, not just you."
"You may not understand your value, but I'll tell you clearly—Lord Mizukage sees you as the key to Kirigakure's future."
"Your strength, your potential—you're the one who must be protected."
Zenkichi replied calmly, "Don't be ridiculous. Why would I need protection? I'm staying because I know I can get out."
"If I want to leave, no one in this world can stop me. Not even Konoha."
"Don't mention that they're focused on Sunagakure and Iwagakure. Even if they mobilized their entire army, they still couldn't touch me."
Zenkichi spoke with confidence—and he had every right to.
His ability to transform into light made him immune to nearly all attacks in the shinobi world. His speed was unmatched.
Combined with his Haki, which allowed him to sense and predict opponents' movements, Zenkichi was nearly untouchable.
He smiled. "Tell Sarutobi Hiruzen that Kirigakure will let me handle negotiations.
Also, let me be clear: based on my strength, I'm more than capable of eliminating any enemy that comes."
Zenkichi's tone was unshakable, and Gen could see the truth in it.
After a moment of thought, Elder Genji finally nodded in reluctant agreement.
Let's see how this unfolds. Let's see how Zenkichi fights his way out of this.
Just a mere Konoha dares to oppose him?
---
"You take Terumi Mei and the others with you. I'll send a clone to escort you and make sure no one tries to intercept you."
"They're after me, not you. You'll be fine."
Elder Genji nodded silently and left the guest house.
Shortly after, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at him in shock.
"Elder Genji, are you serious?"
Elder Genji replied calmly, "What's the issue? With Zenkichi's strength, he's more than qualified to negotiate on behalf of Kirigakure."
"To be honest, he's the best candidate to become the next Mizukage. His words hold weight."
"As for us… something has come up in the village. We must return. We leave tomorrow."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said nothing more. At this point, he had no room to argue.
At least Zenkichi would remain.
Still, Hiruzen couldn't shake a growing unease, a feeling that all his plans had been seen through.
No… it's just my imagination, he tried to reassure himself.
---
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