Chapter 251 : Danzo's Successor!!

"Then..." Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to agree, a voice suddenly emerged from among the elders.

"Could there be a conspiracy involving Kazuhiko? We should reconsider this."

Upon hearing these words, the expressions of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu suddenly shifted. The tranquil atmosphere of the Hokage's office was replaced by a tense aura.

Typically, decisions of this nature involved not only Sarutobi Hiruzen, but also Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo. However, Danzo was now "missing", presumed dead, yet some claimed he was merely absent.

The other elders present were usually silent bystanders, not accustomed to speaking out. Hence, the sudden intervention was unexpected.

A figure stepped forward from among the elders—a former supporter of Danzo. Since Danzo's "disappearance," he had taken over some of Danzo's responsibilities and had arrived at the meeting directly from his duties.

Observing the stoic figure before them, wearing dark sunglasses even indoors, with a distinctive purple mark tattooed on the right corner of his face, it was Aburame Ryoma, known for his silence.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged uneasy glances upon seeing him before redirecting their attention to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"They are within the Land of Fire's territory; any conspiracy would be swiftly detected," Sarutobi Hiruzen responded calmly to Aburame Ryoma. "Moreover, the refugee situation has proven beneficial to Konoha, albeit indirectly."

"Lord Hokage, it won't pose any trouble; they are merely common folk. Any disobedience can be swiftly dealt with," Aburame Ryoma remarked coolly, displaying a demeanor as though addressing a colony of ants.

The others present were chilled by his callous words delivered with such casual indifference.

"Ah..." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed upon hearing Aburame Ryoma's words. This mindset was typical of the "Root" division—even with Danzo gone, his successor shared the same ruthlessness.

Complete disregard for the lives of ordinary people; no mercy.

"Aburame Ryoma, your views are too extreme," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked, setting aside his pipe as he addressed him directly.

"As ninjas, how can you casually take the lives of civilians? If word gets out, it'll tarnish Konoha's reputation! Don't utter such remarks again!"

"And I believe their embassy is situated within the Fire Country's borders. If 'Root' remains unaware of a conspiracy within such an obvious embassy, then you've underestimated me..."

As he spoke, Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze remained fixed on Aburame Ryoma's... sunglasses, while Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement.

However, Utatane Koharu observed the exchange between them, sensing an unspoken understanding in Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze towards Aburame Ryoma.

Originally a medical ninja in the Second Hokage's team, Utatane Koharu's perceptiveness was renowned.

"Very well, we'll thoroughly investigate the Red Republic's embassy."

Aburame Ryoma, seemingly oblivious to any underlying implications, responded in his usual measured tone before retreating into the crowd, fading into obscurity once more.

"Agreed, we'll allow the Red Republic to lease borderland from the Land of Fire for ten years! The paperwork's already signed, and all that's left is the rent, which are these three glazed statues!"

With that, Sarutobi Hiruzen produced three glass figurines gifted by Kazuhiko: depictions of the First Hokage, Second Hokage, and Third Hokage.

Admiring the glazed likenesses for a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared quite pleased.

"I didn't expect the Red Republic to possess such treasures." The elders beside him also gazed at the glazed statues, their eyes glimmering with admiration.

Clearly, they too were captivated by the beauty of the statues and desired one for themselves.

"Alright, that's all for now, let's adjourn," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared, his eyes observing everything with a mixture of pride and concern. He waved his hands, gesturing for everyone to leave, intending to keep the glass ornament in his office. It would serve as a memento to be polished and admired during moments of respite.

The gathering dispersed, with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura walking together. Their thoughts lingered on Aburame Ryoma's unexpected intervention, leaving them disgruntled.

"What right does he have to speak in these meetings? He was merely one of Danzo's lackeys. Now he questions our decisions?" Utatane Koharu spoke up after a prolonged silence, receiving a nod of agreement from Mitokado Homura.

"A strange fellow, wearing sunglasses all day, daring to challenge our authority... He knows nothing of respect!" Mitokado Homura expressed his disdain. Danzo's disappearance had barely occurred, yet someone already presumed to share their authority. It was infuriating.

"Hiruzen must share our distaste for him. To openly challenge the Hokage, this oddball is utterly unfit! Next time, he should return to his roots and resume his duties as an intelligence officer!" Utatane Koharu added.

Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement, but Utatane Koharu couldn't shake the feeling that there was some tacit understanding between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Aburame Ryoma.

"What's on your mind, Koharu?" Mitokado Homura noticed her hesitation, giving her a puzzled look.

"It's nothing... Maybe I'm overthinking it..." Utatane Koharu shook her head, unwilling to voice her suspicions just yet.

"Koharu, speak your mind. We're allies, aren't we?" Mitokado Homura encouraged her.

After a moment of contemplation, Utatane Koharu turned to Mitokado Homura and uttered slowly, "Do you not find it odd that Aburame Ryoma's presence today might have been sanctioned by Hiruzen?"

Her words left Mitokado Homura stunned, as he replayed everything that occurred in the office in his mind. After a prolonged silence, he finally muttered, "If that's the case... it could complicate things..."

*****

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