Chapter 45 - 45: Change in Hiruzen's Mind

"Hiruzen, Kazuki's strength has already reached the Jonin level." Danzo rushed into the Hokage Office, speaking to Hiruzen with a somewhat displeased tone. "He's Jonin level? As expected of Kagami's child." Hiruzen's expression froze for a moment, then he said with joy. Kazuki's talent was outstanding, and with Mito's guidance, it felt miraculous for him to possess Jonin-level strength at seven or eight years old, but it wasn't entirely unacceptable. "Foolish! That's an Uchiha!" Danzo clearly hadn't expected such a reaction from Hiruzen, and he looked at Hiruzen irritably. How could he be happy about Kazuki's excellence? Did Hiruzen not remember how difficult the Uchiha made things for them when they returned to Konoha? Kazuki already had Jonin strength, wouldn't that mean he'd be Kage-level at ten and comparable to Madara at fifteen? Once that time came, would Konoha listen to Kazuki or belong to them? At that point, if Kazuki wanted to become Hokage, would they stop him or not? Danzo could tolerate Kazuki being a genius, but he couldn't tolerate him being a genius to this extent, affecting his own power, and even becoming an obstacle to him becoming Hokage. "What if he's an Uchiha? He's Kagami's child." Hiruzen was stunned for a moment, then understood what Danzo meant. He picked up his pipe, took a puff, and said earnestly, "No matter what, he is our nephew. He will become a pillar of Konoha in the future." "Moreover, the Great Ninja War is about to begin. The stronger Kazuki is, the better. I wish he were comparable to Madara right now, to see if other villages would dare to make a move." There was one point Hiruzen didn't mention. Kazuki was, after all, his grand-disciple, his own person. In the past year, Hiruzen had been quite good to Kazuki, sending him weapons and ninjutsu, not skimping on any benefits. If Kazuki could truly grow into a second Madara, then if he wanted to become Hokage, wouldn't he need to accumulate some war merits? Why not set a small goal first, like unifying the Ninja World? Then everyone would remember it as Kazuki's achievement, and also remember that it was accomplished during his, the Third Hokage's reign. Once Kazuki matured enough, he could hand the Hokage position over to him, and they could have a harmonious coexistence. This didn't seem entirely unacceptable either. However, judging by Danzo's expression, he seemed to have some prejudice against Kazuki. Kazuki was clearly very well-behaved and had even gained Mito's approval. Even if Kazuki was an Uchiha, his teachers, Tsunade and Mito, and even Hiruzen himself, occasionally went to teach Kazuki. If Kazuki still didn't have Konoha in his heart, didn't have the Will of Fire, then his own biological father, Sarutobi Sasuke, should just change his surname to Uchiha and be called Uchiha Sasuke. "The Uchiha are uncontrollable!" Danzo looked at Hiruzen, angry at his lack of concern. "This matter won't be kept secret for long, the Uchiha will definitely not be obedient afterward." "What if they use this to threaten us during wartime?" "And don't forget the Mangekyo Sharingan. Even Kagami once said that after awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan, an Uchiha's personality will undergo a huge change, and they will become increasingly radical." "So Kagami became increasingly fond of Konoha." Hiruzen gave Danzo a subtle look and said, "Don't worry, you are Kazuki's uncle after all. Even if he truly becomes Hokage in the future, he won't make things difficult for you." Damn it! Danzo was angered to laughter. Who wanted to see Kazuki become Hokage? That's mine, mine! Whoever competes with me for the Hokage position is my enemy! He felt like a clown. Finally, Danzo pulled out his trump card, "Then what about you using the village's resources to supply the Sarutobi clan? When the Senju clan disbanded, after you became Hokage, a lot of the resources that should have gone to the common people were taken by your Sarutobi clan." "Yes, you, Hiruzen, didn't take a single needle or thread from the people, but what about your clan members?" "What about your Sarutobi clan? Talented ninjas from your family were placed in important positions, while those without talent were arranged by you in safe positions like the Ministry of Finance, the Ninja Academy, and the Medical Department. Can you honestly say there are no problems with this?" "Not to mention anything else, even a dog kept by your second uncle, Sarutobi Kojiro, has a corresponding official position." Hiruzen's eyes instantly sharpened as he said, "Danzo, are you threatening me?" Danzo said coldly, "I'm not threatening you, I'm just telling you the truth. Kazuki has a good relationship with you, he won't threaten you or act against you, but what about your family?" "Don't forget, he'll have to take care of the entire Uchiha clan then. Where in Konoha are there so many positions? Do you think Kazuki will take action against them then?" "Hiruzen, ever since you became Hokage and your family benefited, we have had no way back. Don't just think about yourself, think about your family too." Hiruzen fell silent. If Kazuki hadn't been so outstanding, he would have wanted Orochimaru to be the next Hokage. Orochimaru was an orphan. Becoming Hokage wouldn't affect the Sarutobi clan, and the Sarutobi clan could even assist Orochimaru in becoming Hokage, with both sides helping each other. After Orochimaru became Hokage, he would then support a civilian ninja to become Hokage, and at that time, the Sarutobi clan would be able to rest easy. They would be the standard Hokage faction. Hiruzen theoretically could have realized such a thing himself, but the pressure of the war was simply too great on him, and he urgently hoped that Kazuki could grow stronger as soon as possible. Danzo spoke eloquently, "Hiruzen, Kazuki needs to be suppressed. He is no longer suitable to be the one to keep the Uchiha in check. Why not hand him over to me? My Root desperately needs excellent personnel like him." "I will cultivate him well, train him as Root's successor. This will also be worthy of Kagami." Hiruzen gazed at Danzo with deep eyes, which made Danzo feel as if he had daggers in his back. At this moment, he felt that Hiruzen seemed to have seen through him. After a long while, Hiruzen finally spoke, "Uchiha Kazuki will not join Root. He is Kagami's child, and I am willing to trust him." Although Hiruzen rejected Danzo, at this moment, he no longer referred to Kazuki affectionately but instead used his full name. Clearly, Danzo's words had left an impact on his mind.