The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima [Vol. 02]

Chapter 333 - Opposing Philosophies

The Root commander felt severe pain radiating throughout his body. He slowly moved the rubble atop him and took several deep breaths of air. At that moment he noticed the last remaining root ninja being killed by Hiruzen's Anbu from the corner of his eyes. "To think I would be reduced to such a state within the span of an hour..."

"It was much more than an hour." Hiruzen replied as he recalled the day he assigned his agents with the task to infiltrate Root.

Danzo's jaws clenched as he looked up at his rival. "Yes... You've been studying me for some time now haven't you?"

Hiruzen nodded. "It took years but I've compiled a detailed list of your men, your assets inside and outside the village, your contacts in the capital and the structure of your Root... The more I learned, the more I knew you would become a problem one day. But I couldn't act rashly."

"That's why you've waited until now. You've been looking for an opportunity to get me while I was at my weakest.(Cough)" Danzo coughed up some blood and he felt his vision blurr for a moment. 'It looks like this arm isn't as good as the one Orochimaru gave me. The power of Hashirama's cells is much weaker in this.'

Hiruzen let go of his staff and it turned back to its monkey form. Enma understood why Hiruzen did such a thing. "Are you sure you don't need me here?" He still asked.

"I'm sure. This is between me and him now. Thank you for the assistance Enma."

The summoning creature nodded and gazed at Danzo. A moment later it vanished in a puff of smoke.

Danzo looked up at the Hokage and saw a hint of regret in his eyes. "Hmph. Even now after everything, you feel pity for me... Well, I don't need it."

Danzo slowly got to his feet. The two veteran ninjas of the Leaf village stood with neither one intending to give in to the other. "You're right... It's too late for me now Hiruzen."

The Hokage sighed as he looked at the stubborn man. "Danzo, that's enough. Stop. Just surrender. You've lost too much already."

Danzo's expression twisted with rage and despair. "Never... The village... must be protected... I have to become Hokage. I'm the only one... who can unify the shinobi world and bring peace. I can't fail now."

The Hokage frowned after he heard that goal. "Do you really think your methods will unify the world? You can't be that naive. It will only cause more chaos."

The one eyed old ninja sneered. "You're the one who's naive Hiruzen!" Danzo roared in anger.

"This peace you enjoy is because of the sacrifices of dozens of my shinobi. Self sacrifice. Never seeing the light of day. Toiling in the shadows. That's the way of the Root. This world won't function on your ideals and pleasantries. No. It needs people like me to keep this fragile peace."

Hiruzen was silent for several seconds before speaking in a low tone.

"Danzo, I won't deny the sacrifices made by those who work in the shadows. You are right... Your contributions, the Root's efforts, they've played a role in maintaining our village's security. But that doesn't justify the lengths you've gone to. The ends do not always justify the means."

Danzo's eye glinted with fierce determination. "You always were too soft, Hiruzen. Do you think mercy and understanding can lead to true peace? The world is a harsh place, full of threats. Only through strength and control can we achieve peace. The other villages, the other nations—they need to be shown strength, not coddled with kindness."

Hiruzen sighed. At that moment his shoulders felt heavy with the weight of their shared history and his position as the Hokage. "Strength isn't just about force, Danzo. It's also about compassion, understanding, and the willingness to seek out a better path. The methods you've used... they don't lead to true peace. They lead to fear, distrust, and eventually, rebellion."