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

Chapter 334 - Hiruzen, Danzo & Tobirama

Hearing Danzo's question, Hiruzen recalled the reports his agent had given him about the incident. "Kabuto Yakushi. Adopted son of Nono Yakushi. Remember her?"

Danzo's attention sharpened after hearing her name. "What do they have to do with this?"

"You sent them to kill each other after they became a liability to you and you had Orochimaru waiting to clean up the survivor. Except all you did was force Kabuto to kill his mother and make him turn against the village. He's now working for Orochimaru. He's still alive."

Danzo's first clenched in anger. "My mistake was trusting that snake. I should have sent someone else to finish the job."

"You shouldn't have forced them to kill each other to begin with." Hiruzen was angered that Danzo learned the wrong lesson from his mistake. "You still don't understand! You don't value the lives of the people who serve this village. Your paranoia got the better of you and now we have a powerful enemy because of that. This is exactly why I can't let you become Hokage. You'll only create more enemies than allies."

Danzo was silent for a while as his mind recalled all the things he had done as the leader of the Root forces. He looked at his rival and a small smile grew on his face which took the Hokage by surprise.

"It wasn't easy, you know... Being number two." Danzo's words felt heavy to the old Kage. "You are the leaf glowing in the light... while I was the foundation hidden in darkness... I had to go far to protect this village. And that meant plunging my hands into the filth to do what needed to be done."

Hiruzen's eyes slightly softened. "I'm sorry I couldn't share your burdens... I regret so many things. But I can't let you continue with your work."

Danzo looked at his old rival and gave a small nod. "Let me end it on my terms. Will you give me that, Hiruzen?"

The Hokage was relieved and saddened as he heard those words. "Yes. But before that there are a few things I need to know. And there is someone you need to meet. He insisted."

"Who?" Danzo was sure that whoever it was wouldn't be anyone ordinary.

"It's a bit of a complicated answer. He'll be joining us soon."

"Hmph!" Danzo lightly snorted. Danzo's face remained impassive, but a flicker of curiosity crossed his eyes.

At that moment three Anbu appeared near them. The three masked ninjas were weary but seeing as the fight between the Hokage and the Root leader ended they internally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Go inform the others that the battle has ended. The Root ninjas that surrender, take them into custody. And make sure we're not interrupted." Hiruzen ordered, looking at his old rival.

"Yes sir." The three loyal followers of Hiruzen took another glance at Danzo and vanished with the body flicker jutsu. They respectfully left the room, giving space to their Hokage and his old friend turned foe.

Danzo sighed as he knew his end had come. "I have to give you credit."

"Hm?"

"You had your men infiltrate my organization, you studied me, identified my strengths and weaknesses and you waited patiently to exploit it... At the last moment, just when I thought I had the upper hand, you redirected my forces away from the village and launched your attack... Tobirama sensei would certainly approve." Danzo spoke with a soft sigh.

"I do."

The suddenly familiar voice that came from the shadows startled Danzo. 'It can't be...'