Danzo, don't expect me to take the fall for you
It's settled!
The Sandaime's words defined the tone of the meeting—no room for debate or change.
This is the Will of Fire in action.
Kyōichi thought to himself.
There's a reason the Nidaime chose Sarutobi Hiruzen.
When it came to decisive moments, the Sandaime could indeed be firm. It's just…
He doesn't show it often.
This time, the Sandaime had clearly been pushed too far.
From his tone, it was obvious he knew about Orochimaru and Danzo's dealings. This meeting was just the spark that ignited everything.
Danzo stood up expressionlessly and left.
He understood.
There was no point in arguing further.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, remained unfazed, still smiling—though his smile seemed oddly genuine this time.
"Old friend, they're right about one thing. We've been too far from the battlefield. Perhaps we should see it for ourselves to understand more."
"…"
Koharu and Homura left silently, leaving the room in disarray. But as the three elders departed, the atmosphere lightened considerably.
"Sensei, this is the real you! You're the Hokage. Why let them dictate terms?"
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, casual but with a newfound respect for the Sandaime.
At least she didn't call him "old man" this time.
"It's not that simple. Everyone has their own considerations. It's just… perhaps ours no longer suit Konoha's future."
The Sandaime sighed.
Years of leadership had not strengthened Konoha—it had only weakened. Yet, the methods of younger ninjas like Kyōichi had brought rapid improvement.
Lately, he often wondered:
Does fate truly favor the Senju?
But his conclusion was simple—
It doesn't matter.
As long as Konoha grows stronger.
"Sensei, I have a different opinion. While some forbidden techniques should be restricted, others shouldn't be abandoned entirely."
Orochimaru spoke up. "If the purpose of researching forbidden techniques is to ban them, why did the Nidaime develop so many in the first place?"
"Orochimaru, this is my bottom line."
The Sandaime's warning was almost a direct ultimatum.
"…"
Orochimaru fell silent for a moment, then stood and bowed slightly. "I understand. I have some research to attend to. Please inform me of your final decision."
Tsunade remained quiet, her mood somber.
Orochimaru is definitely up to something.
Her suspicions were correct.
But.
Why would he do this?
She knew Orochimaru well. If he didn't want others to know, he wouldn't have left such obvious clues.
What's his goal?
"Everyone, today's meeting was unexpected, and emotions ran high. I suggest we adjourn for now. The tone has been set, and we can reconvene in a few days to finalize the decision."
Minato stood up, breaking the tension.
The atmosphere was too heavy.
"Agreed. Let's pause here. Tsunade, stay behind."
The Sandaime waved tiredly, dismissing the others.
Once they were alone, Tsunade frowned. "What is it? I'm in a hurry."
"Won't you stay? I want you to succeed me as the Yondaime… I'm old, and as a sensei, I've failed."
Boom!
The response was the sound of the conference table shattering further.
"Only an idiot would want to be Hokage!"
With that, Tsunade leaped out the window.
The Sandaime sighed bitterly.
He wanted to step down.
But.
Among his three students, none seemed fit to succeed him—not even Tsunade, whose issues ran deeper than he'd realized.
---
Outside the building, Kyōichi spotted Tsunade landing gracefully from the window, with Shizune rushing over.
"Tsunade-sama, weren't you upstairs?"
"Nothing to talk about with that old man. Let's go to the bar! We're drinking till we drop!"
Tsunade was as blunt as ever, tossing her green haori over her shoulder and striding ahead.
"Tsunade-sama, I didn't expect you to come."
"Kid, if I hadn't, you'd have been eaten alive."
Tsunade smirked.
"It wouldn't have been that bad. Just more tedious."
Kyōichi shook his head.
Even without Tsunade, the Eight Gates and Breathing Activation Technique would've been approved—just with more arguing.
"Whatever. I got to vent, and it felt great."
Tsunade laughed.
Koharu, Homura, and Danzo—
She'd always wanted to tear into those three, and today she finally got the chance.
And they couldn't even argue back.
Of course, the Sandaime's performance had surprised her.
But…
She sighed softly, glancing at Kyōichi. "Have you tried the Yin Seal yet?"
"I have. It's not perfect, but it's usable."
Kyōichi explained his progress with the seal.
Tsunade pondered for a moment but couldn't find a solution.
The chakra pathways around the forehead were too complex.
Changing their flow is impossible.
Kyōichi had already optimized the Yin Seal as much as possible.
For now, this was the best they could do.
"Your idea about chakra application—I tried it. It's easy for me, but passing it on will be difficult."
Tsunade sighed.
The Strength of a Hundred Technique came naturally to her, thanks to her unparalleled chakra control and medical expertise.
For others, even with similar control, stabilizing chakra throughout the body would be a challenge.
"We'll take it step by step. Start with simpler chakra modes, like…"
Kyōichi activated his Wind Release Chakra Mode, the air around him swirling with energy.
Tsunade blinked, then nodded. "If we can build up from the basics, it's possible to reach our level. But the barrier to entry will still be high."
"Can't be helped. S-rank techniques aren't meant to be widespread."
---
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
"Forbidden techniques were never meant to be common. Only a select few are qualified to master them. First the Eight Gates and Breath Activation Technique, then what? Danzo, we must stop Hiruzen!"
"This requires a more subtle approach."
Danzo's tone was noncommittal.
Koharu and Homura grumbled a bit more before leaving in frustration.
Danzo narrowed his eyes and smirked.
They're all talk, no action.
Pathetic.
He vanished with Body Flicker.
Returning to a hidden lab, Danzo found Orochimaru packing up.
"Orochimaru, are you betraying me too?"
"Hmph, Danzo. I collaborated with you—I never pledged loyalty."
Orochimaru's voice was cold.
Danzo's expression darkened. "Do you think you can just walk away?"
"I know what I'm doing. I hope someone will stop me… But more importantly, this experiment is pointless. I've found a better path."
"Kanda Kyōichi?"
Danzo, usually calm and ruthless, was visibly agitated.
"Perhaps. Either way, our partnership is over."
Orochimaru turned to face Danzo, his gaze steady.
"Danzo, a man of shadows has no right to be Hokage."
"And you think you're any better?"
"No. I'm the same."
"…"
Danzo couldn't understand.
Does he really think Hiruzen will forgive him?
He growled in frustration, "There's no turning back for you! Only I can help you complete that technique!"
"I have a new direction, Danzo. Don't expect me to take the fall for you."