Chapter 117: Chapter 117
"There are many reasons, but mainly because it's all too easy," Tatsuya spoke.
Hiruzen and the elder duo on the opposite side fell into a deadly silence. Hiruzen had always suspected that Tatsuya wanted to trap them and then throw them into jail as he did Danzo. Since losing the position of Hokage, Hiruzen had remained in a state of cautious vigilance.
Unexpectedly, Tatsuya's intentions were completely different. In his eyes, killing them was something he could do at any time.
Hiruzen wanted to ask, "Then why not kill us now?" but he didn't dare to voice it.
Just then, Nawaki walked into the courtyard and, upon seeing the three members of the elders' group sitting opposite Tatsuya, his eyebrows twisted in distaste. He deliberately spoke up, "Before executing Danzo, I also want to arrange an interrogation trial to uncover any other dubious acts he committed without the knowledge of Third Hokage or Konoha. Maybe we can weed out some other trash like Danzo."
Nawaki's words were directed at the three sitting opposite Tatsuya. He aimed to use this opportunity to remove the four individuals who had held the highest power in Konoha for 30 years.
"Excuse us for today. We will take our leave," Hiruzen said, rising from the chair and walking away with his two old comrades.
"Ugh! I feel sick just looking at their old faces," Nawaki muttered in disgust, not caring if the three could hear him.
"Aniki, those old guys coming to see you can only mean trouble," Nawaki said, sitting opposite Tatsuya.
"It's no surprise they can't show me any goodwill. For them Shinobi are tools. A tool too strong to wield is just scrap metal to them. They just bury it or discard it entirely. Plus I don't need a few old relics to think well of me," Tatsuya replied with a smile. "Has Danzo's method of execution been decided?"
Mentioning this topic, Nawaki nodded eagerly and said with excitement, "Yes! It has been decided to hold a public trial in front of the Hokage Building and have the Uchiha clan use their Sharingan to put him under a strong genjutsu. Then, we will expose all the disgraceful acts committed by their group! At that point, not just Danzo, but the three of them will end up in the afterlife together."
As he spoke, Nawaki's hands clenched into fists, trembling with overexcitement. He continued, "Not only will we kill the old guys, but we'll also ruin their reputation, making them pay for all the shinobi and civilians' lives they sacrificed for his own greater good!"
Tatsuya tapped his finger on the stone table. If Nawaki's plan works, the best outcome for Hiruzen would be social death. Orochimaru's plan might be thwarted in advance. What a pity.
---
In Konoha Prison:
"Third Hokage, your repeated visits without Lord Fourth Hokage's orders put me in a difficult position," Minato said with a bitter smile, personally guarding Danzo as Hiruzen arrived for the second time.
As a Konoha shinobi, Minato knew he should be loyal to Tsunade, the current Hokage. But Hiruzen had done much for him, a civilian by birth, and he found it hard to be harsh with him.
"I know Danzo's execution date has been set. I only hope to have a heart-to-heart talk with my close friend before the end," Hiruzen said with a sad expression.
"You know Minato... I never got to have a final talk with my son, Asuma. Now, my best friend is about to die, and I don't want to have any more regrets."
Yes, it's time to play the emotional card again. But Asuma was part of Minato's team.
Minato had always felt guilty toward Hiruzen for failing to protect Asuma and allowing Orochimaru to kidnap his students. Hearing Hiruzen's plea, Minato's resolve began to waver.
"This... this..." Minato's face was conflicted.
"Minato, I promise, this is the last time. Please," Hiruzen pleaded sincerely. After a long struggle, Minato gritted his teeth and nodded.
"Okay, but please promise me this is the last time."
"Danzo's execution day is approaching. I just want to go talk with Danzo one last time, after his execution. It will be impossible to talk to him after today. Don't worry, Minato."
With Hiruzen's repeated assurances, Minato reluctantly relented and moved to the door of the cell. When only Hiruzen and Danzo were left facing each other in the cell, Danzo sneered:
"Another 'last talk'? You're as Persuasive as ever, Hiruzen. Perhaps only because of this quality sensei made you Hokage. Are you afraid I'll reveal what you've done over the past 30 years before you die? Otherwise, I can't fathom why you'd take such a risk to visit a dying man like me."
The person who knew Hiruzen best in the world wasn't his father, son, or wife—it was the man at the other end of the iron bars: Shimura Danzo. He was the Shadow of Hiruzen Sarutobi. The man who carried all of Hiruzen's shady work which the kind and amiable Hokage wouldn't dare to associate with his image.
Without any exaggeration, as soon as Hiruzen made a move, Danzo knew what he was planning. Conversely, Hiruzen's understanding of Danzo was equally deep. No words were needed between these two. Danzo knew why Hiruzen had come.
"On Judgment Day, Nawaki has decided to let the Uchiha use their Sharingan to control you and reveal to the world all we've done over the years," Hiruzen said, frowning deeply.
"With your mental strength, you won't be able to resist."
"In front of me, there's no need for more pointless tactful rhetoric, Hiruzen," Danzo replied coldly.
Danzo said coldly, "What do you want me to do, Hiruzen?"
"If Nawaki's plan succeeds, it won't just be the four of us who suffer. The clans behind us, including the Shimura clan, will be affected too, ending up worse off than the Senju."
After a brief silence, Hiruzen didn't answer Danzo's question directly. Instead, he circled the topic and said, "You have people you care about, your clan, don't you, Danzo?"
"What are you trying to say!?" Danzo growled impatiently.
"Help me one last time, Danzo. This way, it's beneficial for both of us," Hiruzen said, looking directly into Danzo's eyes with earnestness. "I will take care of your clan; don't worry about it."
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