Consultant Danzō, rushing to the Hokage's office early in the morning to offer "advice," surprised Minato.
Since becoming Hokage, Minato had interacted with Danzō several times. In Minato's mind, unless the matter was extremely important, Danzō usually wouldn't appear before him, which Minato considered self-awareness on Danzō's part.
But the Hyūga Clan being attacked last night was not a major incident; it shouldn't have warranted Danzō's attention. Minato was naturally surprised that the Consultant was so concerned about the Hyūga Clan.
"Consultant Danzō, why have you come so early?"
"Would you care for some tea?"
Though young, Minato had developed the composure of a high-ranking official during his years as Hokage. Instead of directly addressing Danzō's proposal, he slowly rose and walked to the tea table, asking Danzō if he wanted tea.
"Hmm?"
"Fourth Hokage, let's discuss the serious matter at hand." Danzō tried to steer the conversation.
"This is a new tea purchased this year from the Land of Tea. Danzō-sama, you should try some." Minato retrieved the tea set from beneath the table and slowly sat down on the sofa, washing the cups while urging Danzō to sit.
Perhaps because his relationship with the Hyūga Clan had deepened in recent years and he often visited their compound, Minato had gradually grown accustomed to the ritual of the tea ceremony.
He didn't necessarily enjoy drinking tea, but the ceremony allowed him time to calm down and think when facing certain issues.
Minato didn't know the reason for Danzō's sudden visit. As for Danzō's suggestion to send Anbu guards to the Hyūga Clan, Minato couldn't immediately grasp the man's intentions. Before he could figure it out, he needed some time for careful deliberation.
Danzō was not an easy person to deal with. Unlike the Hyūga Clan's neutral stance towards Danzō, Minato and Danzō were political rivals.
After all, Danzō once actively supported Orochimaru for the position of Fourth Hokage, and the two had been very close in recent years. Minato was naturally wary of Danzō.
Observing Minato's actions, a flicker of understanding crossed Danzō's eyes. He cleared his throat, quickly adjusted his mindset, and sat across from Minato at the latter's invitation, quietly waiting for Minato to wash and steep the tea. They sat facing each other, neither bringing up the previous topic.
The atmosphere in the office became somewhat oppressive.
After a long time and a round of tea, Minato finally asked apologetically:
"Danzō-sama, did you need something from me?"
"I apologize, I was thinking about something else and wasn't paying attention."
With those words, Minato firmly seized control of the conversation. This control over the dialogue was Minato's subtle way of reminding Danzō... to be mindful of his status! Although Minato addressed Danzō as "Danzō-sama," he was simultaneously using his actions to tell Danzō that he was the Hokage!
"He has matured..."
Minato's composed and steady demeanor made Danzō sigh internally. Although Minato's authority was still somewhat limited because he and Hiruzen hadn't fully ceded power, Minato's experience as Hokage had made the young man increasingly shrewd.
If the Minato who first became Hokage was a strong but easily manipulated hothead, the current Minato had stabilized his position and begun to plant roots in the Hokage seat.
Although he hadn't cultivated many direct subordinates and couldn't yet contend with Hiruzen and himself, it was only a matter of time. The talented younger generation—Kakashi, Might Guy, and others—were promoted by Minato.
Among the ninja clans, middle-aged figures like Shibi Aburame and Chōza Akimichi were Minato's contemporaries and close allies.
Given time, these men would surely become the leaders of their respective clans, and talented youths like Kakashi would gradually assume high positions in Konoha, becoming Minato's most trusted aides.
At that point, Minato would truly be the Hokage! Compared to Minato's developing network, Danzō and Orochimaru's side was lacking.
Feeling the pressure Minato exerted, Danzō took a deep breath, adjusting his tone to sound slightly softer:
"Fourth Hokage, the Hyūga Clan suffered an attack from a Mist ninja last night, didn't they?"
"We must take this matter seriously!"
"The Hyūga Clan's Byakugan is an indispensable strategic asset for Konoha. Hiashi just left the Village with his elites, leaving only the elderly and two children of the Main Family. We have the responsibility and duty to protect the Hyūga Clan."
"I suggest dispatching personnel to guard the Hyūga Clan. We cannot be careless on this matter."
Danzō's tone was gentle, and his words seemed genuinely concerned for the Hyūga Clan's safety. His suggestion didn't immediately arouse Minato's suspicion. After all, from Danzō's perspective, protecting the Hyūga Clan, who were left with only the old and the young during Hiashi's absence, was indeed necessary.
However...
"Hiashi's absence does require us to strengthen the protection of the Hyūga Clan."
"But... the Hyūga Clan hasn't expressed any need for protection."
"I cannot make a final decision immediately on this matter, as I need to consult with the Hyūga Main Family about their actual needs."
Minato was a gentle person, and his policies reflected his personality. Before making a decision, he liked to consult with the people involved first. Hearing this, Danzō frowned, his tone hardening slightly:
"You are the Hokage! Why do you need to consult with them to make such a decision?!"
"Besides, this is for their own good! What kind of malicious impact would it have if the Byakugan were to fall into the hands of a foreign village?!"
"Fourth Hokage, this is not the time for indecision! Issue the order!"
"If Anbu personnel are stretched thin, my Root can spare a squad to protect the Hyūga Clan's safety."
The dagger was finally unsheathed. Danzō's true intention was finally revealed. Minato subtly glanced at Danzō, then raised his teacup and smiled:
"Consultant Danzō, please drink your tea. Don't rush."
"Even if we do need to protect the Hyūga, there's no need for your Root to be dispatched."
"I trust the Root ninjas with missions of espionage and assassination, but for a protection mission, I'll pass."
"I will carefully consider your suggestion. If you have no other business, I should get back to work now."
"Please enjoy your tea."
Minato finished his tea, politely rejecting Danzō's offer. With that, he rose and returned to his desk, resuming his official duties.
Danzō naturally understood the unspoken meaning behind Minato's dismissal. His eyes were clouded with frustration.
After a brief pause, he didn't say anything further and stood up to leave. Namikaze Minato was no longer the man he once was. Planting his own spies under Minato's nose had become increasingly difficult.
Danzō sensed that Minato was growing more proficient in controlling and wielding his power, and his heart sank. He felt that the time for his generation of ninjas to step down was approaching.
However, just as he reached the door, Danzō's fighting spirit returned:
"Such a small decision requires so much thought and consultation with others."
"Minato Namikaze is too weak!"
"He is unfit to be the Hokage!!!"
"Neither Hiruzen nor Minato... neither of them is capable!"
"Only I can protect Konoha!"
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