章 257: Chapter 257: Koharu Utatane and Danzo's Nefarious Collaboration
The newly graduated young ninja were allowed to stay, with barely half remaining, but what's the deal with your constant killing sprees?
When did the Third Mizukage become so bloodthirsty?
No one would have ever thought that the courteous bodyguard who followed the First Mizukage during the First Hokage's era would end up like this.
It's only because the Third Mizukage's seniority and strength are formidable that he hasn't been overthrown yet.
In the Mist Village, assassination attempts on the Mizukage come one after another, and it's nothing short of a miracle that the Third Mizukage has survived until now.
"Regardless, the Blood Mist's reign has caused the Mist Village's strength to decline continuously, which is beneficial to us in Konoha."
Even though the Mist Village is across the sea, they've never been peaceful neighbors.
Over the years, they've clashed frequently with both the Cloud Village and the Sand Village.
One of their favorite activities is raiding other nations' resources by sea, and after plundering, they retreat.
In the vast sea, it's impossible to pursue them.
After all, the sea is the Mist Village's main battlefield, and fighting them at sea puts others at a disadvantage.
Looking back, during the Third Ninja War, sending the Uchiha clan to the coastline to battle the Mist Village was beyond foolish.
Sending Uchiha, who excel at fire jutsu, to fight on the ocean—one can only imagine how frustrating it must have been for the Uchiha Clan Leader, Fugaku.
It's a wonder he managed to endure and not explode in rage.
Danzo, who had been silent, suddenly spoke:
"At times like these, we must be more cautious. A madman is capable of anything, including war!"
"Stop talking nonsense," Tsunade snapped irritably, tapping her fingers on the table.
"The one handling matters in the Mist Village is their Elder, not the Third Mizukage."
Clearly, they too are worried about the Third Mizukage doing something reckless.
It's fortunate that the Elder holds significant power, or else no one knows what direction the Mist Village would be headed in.
Given the Third Mizukage's erratic behavior, he could easily provoke war with either the Cloud or Stone Village over the smallest dispute, dragging the Mist Village into the abyss.
"That may be true, but we still need to be prepared. I suggest we increase manpower at our outpost in the Land of Whirlpools."
"We should also send people to infiltrate the Mist Village to gather more intelligence."
"I second that."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances and supported Danzo's proposal.
Tsunade considered for a moment and didn't object.
It would be beneficial to Konoha; increasing the manpower at the outpost would allow them to keep a closer watch on the Mist Village.
Sending spies to gather intel from within the Mist Village was also a wise move, though the question remained—who should be sent?
Since no one objected, the Third Hokage made the decision and finalized the matter.
As for gathering information, that would take time.
"I'll handle the arrangements for the outpost. As for dealing with the Mist Village's envoys, that will be your responsibility, Tsunade."
"I'll take care of it," Tsunade said with a nod before rising and leaving the Hokage's office.
Danzo also stood and left but gave a look to Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado before departing.
The two exchanged a knowing glance, then bid farewell to the Third Hokage and left.
Arriving at their usual meeting spot, the impatient Koharu Utatane was the first to speak:
"Danzo, why did you call us here?"
Since Tsunade had taken over the logistics department, Danzo had mostly stayed in the Root Headquarters, rarely leaving.
After several years of silence, even Koharu and Homura had scarcely seen him.
As for the eerie Root Headquarters, neither Koharu nor Homura were eager to visit.
"What's the matter? Has Tsunade subdued you two?"
No one expected Danzo to open with a taunt.
"BANG!"
Koharu, trembling with rage, slammed the table and stood up, pointing a shaking finger at Danzo:
"What do you mean by that, Danzo? When have we ever been subdued by Tsunade?"
If they offended Tsunade, things would be tough for them—she could cut off their resources. But if Tsunade offended them, they would simply take their grievances to the Third Hokage.
Thus, everyone had been minding their own business for the past few years, with no one stirring up trouble.
But Danzo's words instantly enraged Koharu.
Homura's expression also darkened:
"Danzo, we've always had a mutual understanding with Tsunade. She doesn't provoke us, and we don't antagonize her. As for being subdued, the least assertive one here is you, Danzo."
We still cross paths with Tsunade often, but you've been hiding in the Root Headquarters for years—how dare you accuse us?
Ignoring their retorts, Danzo carried on as if he hadn't heard them:
"The greatest threat has already arrived, yet you two are acting as if nothing is wrong."
"What, should we go crying to Hiruzen and have him remove Tsunade?"
No wonder Tsunade thinks you're stupid—because you really are! Danzo's gaze at Koharu was full of disappointment, but Homura sensed that Danzo's provocation had nothing to do with Tsunade, but someone else.
"You mean… Sakumo Hatake?"
"Sakumo Hatake? What about him?" Koharu still hadn't caught on.
Danzo sneered, looking at her silently. Figure it out for yourself. If you can't understand this, then you really are foolish!
"Ugh!!"
Seeing that Koharu was about to explode again, Homura quickly intervened:
"Koharu, calm down. Danzo makes sense. The real threat has indeed arrived."
With Homura's words, Koharu gradually calmed down, though her expression was still grim as she sat back down.
She understood, but her mood was still foul!!
Danzo, was it really necessary to start with insults? If you had something to say, just say it. Are you trying to kick us out of this alliance?
Shaking his head with a bitter smile, Homura explained:
"Koharu, think about it. Although Tsunade manages the logistics department, does she really pose a threat to us?"
"Not exactly. At most, she's an annoyance."
While she could withhold resources to inconvenience them, as long as they had the Third Hokage's approval, Tsunade couldn't outright refuse them anything, though she would make things unpleasant.
Even though Koharu had yet to experience that particular frustration firsthand.
Koharu wasn't foolish enough to cross Tsunade and risk constant retaliation.
Without the support of the logistics department, it would be nearly impossible to develop the medical corps.
"Exactly. She's just a nuisance, but there's someone who could completely strip us of our power."
"Who!?"
"Sakumo Hatake?"
Koharu was taken aback.
Danzo sneered:
"During the Second Shinobi War, Sakumo Hatake made countless contributions and became a village hero. The Daimyo himself proposed giving him the qualification to wear the Hokage's cloak. Isn't that a significant signal?"
"Don't forget, the Hatake clan has its roots in a samurai family, with the utmost respect for the Daimyo. If the Daimyo continues to support Sakumo, do you think we'll still have a place in the village?"
They wouldn't be in danger, but their power would be gone for sure.
If Sakumo Hatake truly became the Hokage, he would undoubtedly purge them and build his own faction.
With Sakumo's strength and prestige, who could reduce him to a figurehead?
That's something they couldn't even dream of.
They had been elevated by the Third Hokage, but they weren't Sakumo Hatake's people.
If Sakumo became the Fourth Hokage, they would be relics of the past.
Sakumo Hatake absolutely couldn't become Hokage.
The Hokage position is mine!!
At this realization, Koharu's expression darkened, and even Homura felt a deep unease.
The thought of being ousted from power didn't sit well with Homura either.
As long as Koharu and Homura didn't want to lose their power, they would have to cooperate with Danzo.
Danzo could use them as pawns to get rid of Sakumo Hatake.
**************
Bonus Chapter ヽ༼◥▶ل͜◀◤༽ﾉ
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 320+ at patreon.com/ Emik01. ಥ‿ಥ
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