At the same time—
Inside the Kumogakure diplomatic delegation's inn in Konoha.
"The operation failed."
Shimura Danzō stared coldly at the two people sitting across from him—Tsuchidai (Dodai) and Samui. His voice was icy.
Dodai merely frowned slightly before replying calmly.
"I know."
Not long after Hiruzen Sarutobi escaped with Tenzō, both Danzō and Dodai had received intelligence through their respective channels.
They now had a rough understanding of what had happened.
And both of them were furious.
Danzō spoke again, his tone sharp.
"Shouldn't Lord Dodai give me an explanation?"
"As far as I know, if your Kumogakure shinobi hadn't suddenly attacked my men, Hiruzen Sarutobi would never have escaped."
"Now look what happened."
"Not only did Hiruzen survive, but your people exposed their identities."
"How exactly do you plan to clean up this mess?"
Dodai was equally angry.
He already knew what had happened and did not agree with the decision made by the Kumogakure field commander.
Yes—Wood Release was incredibly valuable.
But under those circumstances, the Kumogakure commander could have simply cooperated with Tenzō first, killed Hiruzen Sarutobi, and only then captured Tenzō afterward.
Instead, the man's arrogance had clouded his judgment.
He believed he had the situation completely under control—
And made the wrong decision.
Worse still, the Kumogakure commander had exposed his identity in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, completely disregarding the safety of their diplomatic mission in Konoha.
Danzō had originally been brooding inside the Root headquarters, but rushed here immediately after hearing that the Kumogakure delegation had begun packing their luggage.
If he had arrived any later—
They might already have been preparing to flee Konoha overnight.
Danzō sneered.
"Clean up the mess? Judging by the luggage packed in the corner, you're not thinking about cleaning anything up."
"You're thinking about running away."
Dodai shook his head and smiled faintly.
"You misunderstand, Elder Danzō."
"We only packed our things to draw you here."
"Every move we make is under Konoha's surveillance. It would be inconvenient to contact you directly."
"So we had to resort to this method."
Of course—
That was only part of the truth.
They had indeed prepared to escape if necessary.
After all, once the news spread that Hiruzen Sarutobi had been ambushed by Kumogakure shinobi, both the diplomatic delegation in Konoha and the imprisoned Eight-Tails jinchuriki, Killer B, would be in serious danger.
Dodai continued calmly:
"Now is not the time to assign blame."
"We should think about how to deal with the aftermath."
Danzō laughed coldly.
"You want me to fulfill our agreement?"
"But did your side fulfill your part?"
Dodai ignored the sarcasm.
"Victory and defeat are common in warfare."
"Hiruzen Sarutobi is the Hokage of a major village. It's normal that things didn't go as planned."
He then spoke slowly:
"More importantly… we are now in the same boat."
"If we fall into Konoha's hands, do you think you can escape responsibility?"
Danzō narrowed his eyes.
"What exactly are you implying?"
Dodai replied calmly.
"If we are captured by Konoha, they won't kill us easily."
"We're still diplomatic envoys of Kumogakure."
"When Konoha selects its new Hokage…"
"Kumogakure can simply lower its head, admit fault, and pay compensation."
"Would Konoha really kill us then?"
"But you, Elder Danzō…"
"If the news spreads that you colluded with Kumogakure to assassinate your own Hokage…"
"Do you think you'll still have a place in Konoha?"
Danzō gritted his teeth.
"So this is a threat?"
Dodai shook his head calmly.
"No."
"I'm just stating a fact."
"We can afford to lose."
"But whether you can afford to lose…"
"That's something only you know."
Danzō's expression shifted repeatedly.
Despite his anger, he had to admit—
Dodai's words made sense.
Dodai then took out a storage scroll he had prepared earlier and handed it to Danzō.
"There aren't many resources inside."
"But it's a sign of our sincerity."
"These resources should be enough to help you win over several minor clans in Konoha."
Dodai then added another sentence.
"Compared to Namikaze Minato, Kumogakure would actually prefer that you become the Fourth Hokage."
"If you succeed…"
"As you once said, a few rumors won't matter. Your reputation can handle a little more dirt."
"But if you fail to become Hokage…"
Dodai shrugged.
"Then that would simply be your own problem."
Danzō fell silent for a long time.
Finally—
He reached out and took the storage scroll.
Dodai smiled faintly and added:
"As long as you handle that subordinate of yours who escaped with Hiruzen Sarutobi…"
"Even if Hiruzen learns the truth, he will have no evidence to accuse you."
"Also—"
"Find an opportunity to release Killer B and escort us out of Konoha."
"If everything goes smoothly…"
"When we return to Kumogakure, the Hokage election in Konoha should already be finished."
"And then…"
"Everyone wins."
Danzō clenched the scroll tightly in his hand.
"Impossible."
"That would mean placing my fate in Kumogakure's hands."
"I will never allow myself to be controlled."
Dodai only smiled calmly.
"Elder Danzō."
"You misunderstand."
"We're not controlling you."
"We're simply giving you a chance."
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 + chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789