"Is that truly your word?!"
The Second Elder, Uchiha Yashi, nearly rose from his seat. His three-tomoe Sharingan spun blood-red as he stared at Shimura Danzō.
A seat among Konoha's elders.
That was the true core of village power.
Since Konoha's founding, only one Uchiha had ever sat in that circle—
Uchiha Madara.
But Madara's position had been born from the unique circumstances of the village's founding. And he had never acknowledged the title in earnest. In his eyes, the elder's seat had merely been compensation from Senju Hashirama for not becoming Hokage.
He had never exercised its authority.
After Madara's departure, the Uchiha gradually receded from Konoha's core decision-making body. Forget the council—outside the Military Police Force, they had not even held senior administrative posts.
No wonder Yashi's breathing had grown heavy.
Danzō's face showed no trace of deceit.
"A Hokage's word carries weight."
Yashi nearly accepted on the spot—but forced himself to look toward Uchiha Jin.
Fugaku and Setsuna did the same.
Jin, after the briefest flicker of surprise, had already regained his calm.
A single elder seat was not enough to shake his composure.
"Danzō," Jin said evenly, "you've offered that same promise to others, haven't you?"
Danzō did not deny it.
"I have extended the same proposal to the Hyūga. They stand firmly behind me now."
Sarutobi Hiruzen will not be able to stop me once I hold the backing of Konoha's two great noble clans."
Jin fell silent for a moment—then shook his head.
"The offer is generous. But words are wind."
"You and Hiruzen have fought for decades, yet your roots are intertwined. If you rise to power, reconciliation remains possible."
"And even if relations shatter completely, Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura stand united. Removing them will not be easy."
"There are only so many council seats."
"If they remain, how do the Uchiha and Hyūga enter?"
"And if you remove them… then Konoha becomes your personal domain."
"At that point, what prevents you from discarding today's promise?"
"Perhaps the Hyūga elders believe you. The Uchiha do not."
The elders behind Jin stiffened.
They had almost allowed themselves to be dazzled.
Danzō was calm.
"I anticipated your doubts."
"I will offer immediate benefits. And one decisive act that binds us beyond retreat."
Jin's eyes sharpened.
"What benefit?"
Danzō raised three fingers.
"Three forbidden techniques from the Scroll of Seals."
The room stilled.
The Scroll of Seals.
Namikaze Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique had come from it.
Its contents were restricted jutsu accumulated since Konoha's founding—techniques capable of producing Kage-level shinobi.
"These are not rewards handed out lightly," Danzō continued. "Choose any three."
Jin clicked his tongue internally.
Danzō truly had no sentimentality.
Techniques from that scroll were granted only after monumental service to the village. Years might pass without a single one being awarded.
And here he was, throwing out three at once.
If Hiruzen knew, he might cough blood.
Danzō continued before Jin could respond.
"You fear betrayal after I ascend."
"I fear betrayal once you receive your prize."
"Thus, we require a shared crime."
A point of no return.
Jin's gaze turned cold.
"What have you prepared?"
Instead of answering directly, Danzō asked:
"You are aware that Hiruzen departed today to report to the Fire Daimyō?"
Jin nodded.
"He still functions as acting Hokage. His movements are announced."
Danzō's lone eye gleamed with ruthless intent.
"Whether I claim the Fourth Hokage seat, or you claim a council seat—Hiruzen is the greatest obstacle."
"This time, he left the village with only two ANBU squads."
"A rare opportunity."
He leaned forward slightly.
"I propose cooperation."
"We contribute personnel together."
"Kill Hiruzen."
"And seize the funds."
Silence crashed down like a blade.
Even Fugaku's breathing faltered.
To assassinate the Third Hokage—
Not political maneuvering.
Not pressure.
Not leverage.
This was outright treason.
Jin did not speak immediately.
Inside, his thoughts were racing.
Kill Hiruzen… and seize the funds.
The moment Hiruzen died outside the village, chaos would erupt.
The treasury escort.
The Daimyō's route.
The power vacuum.
Everything would fracture at once.
And once blood was shared—
There would be no turning back.
Danzō had not merely offered power.
He had offered rebellion.
And demanded complicity.
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