Chapter 18
Danzo, with his sharp eyes and always calculating, was not shaken by Hiruzen's intervention. His frustration with the situation was evident, and he did not hold back in expressing his disagreement. "Hiruzen, are you getting old and dumb, is that it?" he shot, the irritation in his voice as sharp as a kunai. "Look at the situation in front of you. The other villages want what is ours, and we must defend it tooth and nail. And more, we must take what is theirs. The Stone Village is showing that it doesn't want to talk."
Danzo was clearly irritated, not just with the situation, but also with Hiruzen, who in his view should be more pragmatic and aggressive in the face of the dangers that surrounded the Leaf Village. "You should know this! You are the Hokage, or at least you were. You should lead with strength, not sentiments!"
Minato, who had until then maintained his calm and observant stance, could no longer contain himself. Danzo's provocation was a direct threat to the village's stability and could ignite an already tense situation with the powerful Kyuubi present.
"Danzo, shut up!" exclaimed Minato, his voice no longer soft, but laden with authority. The usual serenity of the Yondaime Hokage gave way to the severity necessary to face the challenge posed by Danzo. "I am the Hokage, not you. I have made my choice, and the consequences will fall on me, so stay quiet!"
The tension was high, and even after Minato's reprimand, the silence that followed carried the weight of unspoken words. Minato, realizing the need to ease the atmosphere before things escalated further, turned to the imposing presence of Kurama, who watched the discussion with impassive distance.
"Sorry, Danzo's words are not mine," said Minato, adopting a tone of sincere apology. "Please, do not think ill of us."
Kurama looked at Minato and, despite the power that emanated from his gigantic form and the anger he could feel for Danzo, he sighed with what seemed like ancient resignation.
"Don't worry about it," replied Kurama with a voice that sounded like contained thunder. "I'm leaving now."
Minato nodded, noting the calm with which Kurama dealt with the situation. "Sorry to ask, but what are you planning to do? Where will you stay?" he asked, aware that the information could be crucial.
Kurama gave Minato a look that said more than words. "I will leave this place, and where I go, you don't need to know for the safety of both of us."
"Very well," said Minato, extending a hand in a gesture of farewell. "Safe travels."
Meanwhile, Danzo, who was watching the scene with a mix of disbelief and anger, almost seemed to be having a heart attack. He could not understand how Minato could speak in that manner, how he could let the village's most powerful weapon go without even trying to force it to stay.
Hiruzen, on the other hand, watched Danzo's expression with a bitter smile. He knew well what went through his friend's mind and, although he did not agree with Minato's approach, chose not to interfere. It was a matter of trust in the judgment of the Yondaime Hokage.
"There's no problem," said Hiruzen, speaking more to Danzo than to the others. "We'll see what comes of it. Maybe something good will come out."
Hiruzen's words were measured, but they did not hide the underlying concern. After all, it was a time of uncertainties, and each decision could alter the fate of the Leaf Village in unpredictable ways.
Kurama, the immense nine-tailed fox, turned to leave but before doing so, he cast a glance at the impassive figure of Danzo. With a hint of a smile that few could imagine possible on his fierce face, the entity said mockingly, "Goodbye! Goodbye to you too, red eye, hehehe."
The only visible eye of Danzo widened in shock. The Kyuubi sped away, running with a speed that defied the eyes, disappearing into the horizon of the forest surrounding Konoha.
Hiruzen, who watched everything with a look that mixed amusement and concern, turned to Danzo. "Red eye?" he repeated, a mischievous smile touching his lips. "That nickname I've never heard for you, but it seems to affect you quite a bit. I think I'll use it."
Danzo, with a tense face and clenched fists, shot back, "You're not a child anymore, Hiruzen. Act like an adult. This is why the village is as it is now, weak!"
Minato, sensing the rise in tension, intervened before Hiruzen could respond. "Danzo," he said, firm and clear, "I'm not one for conflict, but if necessary, I'll face you. Are you challenging me? Do you want to learn why I was called the Yellow Flash?"
The veiled threat from Minato was palpable, and even Danzo, with all his obstinacy, knew that confronting the Yondaime Hokage would be a mistake. His hardened expression softened just a bit, and with a cold nod, he said, "I'm leaving."
With a fluid and coordinated movement, Danzo and his Root ninjas moved away, leaping nimbly from branch to branch, disappearing into the trees with silent efficiency.
Minato watched Danzo disappear among the trees, the atmosphere still vibrating with the tension of his departure. Turning to Hiruzen, the Yondaime Hokage sought wisdom in the eyes of his predecessor. "Hiruzen-sensei," began Minato, his expression serious and thoughtful, "how did you deal with Danzo during your time as Hokage? It seems he has always had a tendency for dissent."
Hiruzen sighed, a look of reminiscence crossing his face. "I had my ways," he said, looking in the direction Danzo had gone. "Danzo has always been difficult, but he would listen when I showed results. He's a pragmatist at heart, and that can be used to our advantage."
Minato nodded slightly, absorbing the words of the Third Hokage. "So the key is to demonstrate that the decisions taken are for the good of the village?"
"Exactly," confirmed Hiruzen. "Show results, and he won't stand against you, but he won't stand with you either. But it's better than him being against you. Danzo has a vision for Konoha,and if he sees that your actions also bring prosperity and security, he will stay, let's say, 'neutral'."
Minato looked into the distance, thoughtful. The responsibility of the title of Hokage weighed on his shoulders, and every choice had the potential to shape the future of Konoha. "Thank you for the advice," he said finally, "I hope my choices do not bring disastrous consequences."
Hiruzen placed a hand on Minato's shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. "You're a brilliant ninja, Minato. Your skill and judgment are exceptional. Remember that even the best decisions can have unexpected results. The important thing is to be prepared to deal with them and to protect the village above all else."
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