In the Root Division base of Konoha.
Danzo sat facing the wall, with his direct subordinate, Tatsuma Aburame, standing behind him. Beside Danzo stood a boy around sixteen years old.
Danzo seemed to speak both to Tatsuma Aburame and to himself, "This Joint Chunin Examinations will be my final opportunity. Once the exams conclude, even if Hiruzen is unwilling to hand authority to Minato Namikaze, he will have no choice but to begin transferring power due to external pressures.
Once he starts relinquishing control to Minato Namikaze, it's only a matter of time before Minato seizes full power. After all, Minato is still very young, while Hiruzen is already old. Even if he desires to maintain his hold over the Hokage's authority, he lacks the strength to do so."
Tatsuma Aburame asked in confusion, "If that's the case, why would he allow the Fourth to awaken?"
Danzo snorted coldly, "Hiruzen feels both hope and helplessness about Minato Namikaze's awakening. Because he never truly considered who should become the Fifth Hokage. But given his age, he has no other choice. Even though he dislikes it, others will decide for him who the next Fifth Hokage should be.
In that scenario, the selection of the Fifth won't remain in Hiruzen's hands, but instead in the hands of others.
Minato Namikaze was his disciple's student. Even as Hokage, he followed the policies set forth by Hiruzen. Compared to whoever others might choose for the Fifth Hokage, Minato still better serves Hiruzen's interests.
Don't be fooled by Hiruzen's gentle demeanor; it's nothing more than an act. No, more accurately, it's the mask of a Hokage. Someone who has attained the position of Hokage could never truly be kind-hearted.
He's a master at manipulating others with the Will of Fire, pushing them to sacrifice themselves for his sake. His methods are far harsher than mine, and when it comes to deception, I admit defeat.
Although Minato Namikaze suits Hiruzen's interests better than others, this is only relative. When Minato first took office, he established the Hokage Bodyguards, attempting to restructure the Anbu and marginalize Hiruzen's influence. He also sought reconciliation with the Uchiha clan—these actions clearly threatened Hiruzen's own interests.
However, since Minato was the one Hiruzen personally chose, and because Minato believed he was carrying out Hiruzen's vision, there was nothing Hiruzen could directly say or do.
Now that Minato has finally awakened, Hiruzen still clings to power. Yet even if he tries suppressing it under the excuse that Minato Namikaze has been unconscious for twelve years and knows nothing of present-day Konoha, he can't keep doing this forever.
The "Joint Chunin Examinations" have attracted many spectators eager to see Minato Namikaze. Compared to an aged old man serving as Hokage, wouldn't a strong young leader be more appealing for building alliances?
Despite Hiruzen's reluctance, no one can deny that Minato Namikaze is indeed the Fourth Hokage. Thus, toward Minato's awakening, Hiruzen feels both hope and frustration.
Because once Minato awakens, he will retain full control for some time longer. But on the other hand, no matter how hard he struggles, time cannot turn back. He has grown old, and soon, he will no longer be able to hold onto this power.
After listening to Danzo's analysis, Tatsuma Aburame also understood the reasoning behind it.
Danzo took a deep breath, his eyes filled with ruthlessness.
He continued speaking to Tatsuma Aburame, "If Hiruzen successfully transfers power to Minato Namikaze and he fully controls Konoha, then I will lose my last chance. I'd be eliminated by him for sure.
If Minato ever discovers the truth about Naruto Uzumaki, my life would definitely be in danger. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi tries to hide this, there are others who know these things, which means there is always a risk of exposure.
To prevent such scenarios from happening, I must take action.
Right now, Hiruzen is old, and Minato still needs some time before fully recovering. Moreover, according to intelligence received from my spy in Sunagakure Village, it has recently been gathering its Ninja Force. The timing of this mobilization strongly suggests they're planning to cause trouble during this year's Chunin Exams here in Konoha.
It seems Sunagakure also understands that this Chunin Exam represents their opportunity. Therefore, all we need is to wait for Sunagakure to make the first move—and then strike accordingly.
The target of this operation will be Minato Namikaze! Only after eliminating Minato can I feel secure, perhaps even forcibly seize control of Konoha.
Tatsuma, secretly notify the other Root Ninjas. Let them prepare themselves. Before the operation begins, they must remain hidden. Once the operation starts, they should immediately strike down Minato Namikaze and seize Konoha's leadership!"
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Then Danzo turned toward a nearby youth: "Umara, you are the key to killing Minato Namikaze. Now is the time for you to prove your worth."
The boy addressed as Umara responded in an expressionless tone, his voice showing no emotion whatsoever: "Yes, Lord Danzo."
This young boy, Umara, was stolen from Sunagakure by one of Danzo's spies and then trained to eliminate his own sense of self under Danzo's personal instruction.
Of course, without possessing special abilities, Danzo wouldn't have gone through so much effort or claimed that Umara was crucial to killing Minato Namikaze.
Umara is a Kekkei Genkai ninja, and his bloodline limit ability is [Magnet Release].
Minato usually employs the Flying Thunder God Technique, throwing Flying Thunder God Kunai inscribed with Flying Thunder God Technical Formations.
As long as Minato's Flying Thunder God Kunai can be neutralized, preventing him from using the Flying Thunder God Technique freely, the chances of successfully assassinating Minato would become very high.
[Magnet Release] users can endow objects with magnetism.
In Danzo's opinion, the type of ninja best suited to counteract Minato Namikaze is one who possesses Magnet Release.
However, this relies on the premise that Minato's Flying Thunder God Kunai are made of metal. That is why Danzo has concealed Umara's existence for many years—to avoid others learning that Umara is a Magnet Release user.
After Minato fell into a coma, Danzo was certain he would awaken sooner or later. Waiting until then to take action would have been too late.
Therefore, Danzo remained constantly inside the Root Base. This demonstrated to Hiruzen Sarutobi that Danzo had no ill intentions. Meanwhile, Danzo could dispatch subordinates to handle tasks for him, while having enough time to personally train Umara.
Now, it proved that his approach had been correct.
After Tatsuma Aburame left, the flame of the oil lamp on the table flickered gently, casting Danzo's face into shifting patterns of light and shadow, giving his expression a dark and mysterious air.
The Joint Chunin Examinations marked Danzo's last chance within Konoha.
Naturally, he considered what he'd do if he failed.
If he failed, there'd be no place left for him in Konoha. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't be able to protect him then. Then leaving the village would be his only option.
Danzo had already prepared a backup plan. He would never leave himself without a fallback option.
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