Chapter 453: A Hokage’s Tough Call

"Senior, this is all I can do. From here on, it's up to you."

Killing Danzō outright was simply not an option.

The Third Hokage would never agree to it. Even if it meant creating a rift with Tsunade, he would not allow it to happen.

At this time, no one else would be foolish or reckless enough to attempt Danzō's assassination, either.

Except for Takuya. Only he would harbor such thoughts.

As long as Danzō ended up locked in prison, how long would it really take before the chance to finish him off presented itself?

Not long at all.

While Danzō was certainly capable of patience, he wouldn't sit quietly and wait for death in a cell. He would find a way to escape. And when he did, wouldn't that create the perfect justification to end him?

"Hmm."

Tsunade had already shown the utmost sincerity. Hatake Sakumo understood that from now on, his only path was to stand behind her.

Danzō being thrown into prison was already satisfying. With such a compelling offer laid out before him, what reason did he have to hesitate?

"You all…"

"You all…"

With just a few words, Tsunade had outlined and arranged everything. The Third Hokage's objections held no weight, and he trembled with suppressed fury.

Konoha was about to change.

Yet, perhaps that wasn't entirely a bad thing. Danzō and Sarutobi had indeed gone too far over the years.

Chōza Akimichi decided he would enjoy watching the drama unfold to its conclusion.

After all, he had no intention of supporting anyone or taking a side. He would let the master and apprentice sort out their conflict in their own time.

Although he thought this way, Chōza knew deep down that the Third Hokage was on the verge of conceding.

His bond with Danzō was indeed profound, but when weighed against the future of the village, even the strongest bonds would feel insubstantial and inconsequential.

If Tsunade had sought to imprison Danzō without just cause, the Third Hokage would have fought tooth and nail to stop her.

However, Tsunade was offering the village's future in exchange. This left the Third Hokage with no choice but to make a decision.

Which was more important—Danzō or the village?

"Old man, that's enough."

Tsunade's expression was stern.

"Are you really willing to gamble the village's future for the sake of Danzō?"

"Danzō has bled for the village and contributed countless merits…"

The Third Hokage still tried to reason with her.

"Pfft~~~"

Takuya couldn't help but laugh aloud.

Everyone immediately turned their attention to him.

Takuya quickly raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. I just suddenly felt a tickle in my throat."

"Yes, just a tickle. After all, I'm nothing more than a mixed-blood sinner who's neither bled for the village nor achieved anything. Please, continue."

Tickle, my foot!

It was clearly mockery. Why bother making excuses?

The Third Hokage's face turned dark, his expression like a storm cloud. His words of defense for Danzō were stuck in his throat, unable to be voiced.

Yes, Danzō had bled for the village and made significant contributions. But among those present, who hadn't done the same?

Why did Danzō get to stand above everyone else, scheming and manipulating, while others who had similarly contributed were left to endure his machinations?

What kind of logic was that?

How could he even say such things? It was absurd to hear and even more absurd to defend.

Tsunade continued to stare at the Third Hokage, her expression unwavering.

As for Takuya's deliberate provocation, Tsunade acted as if nothing had happened.

Would this escalate?

Minato rubbed his forehead in exasperation and gently tugged at Takuya's sleeve.

"Brother, can you stop now? If you keep this up, everything's going to explode."

In this situation, only Takuya dared to stir the pot. If it were him, Minato wouldn't have dared, not even with ten times the courage.

"We can only imprison him. His crimes cannot be made public."

A concession.

Forced into a corner, the Third Hokage finally gave in. Despite the deep bond he shared with Danzō, the village ultimately took precedence. The Third Hokage chose the village over his personal ties.

However, he required Tsunade to promise not to reveal Danzō's crimes or target him further.

"As long as he behaves himself and quietly lives out his days in prison, I won't pursue him further."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and nodded in agreement.

"Sigh~~~"

The Third Hokage let out a heavy sigh, slumping back into his chair. His gaze became distant as he stared at the ceiling.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado sat silently, their heads lowered in tacit understanding.

"Well then, I will handle the remaining matters directly with Yagura. This meeting is adjourned. Senior, you can prepare accordingly. Takuya and Minato, come with me."

Since the Third Hokage lacked the resolve to act decisively, Tsunade pocketed the Hokage's seal and left the meeting room with Takuya and Minato.

Sakumo left without a word.

Chōza Akimichi pushed back his chair and stood, his rotund belly jiggling as he smiled.

"Hiruzen, there's no need to be like this. Danzō brought this on himself. He has to bear the consequences of his actions. I've said it before—his ambition would be his undoing sooner or later."

"Tsunade is a good choice. Much better than Orochimaru. I have high hopes for her."

With that, Chōza chuckled and walked away.

After bowing to the Third Hokage and the elders, Shikashige Nara followed Chōza out.

Did he really need to say that?

If the Third Hokage didn't believe in Tsunade, would he have chosen her?

Would he have handed over authority to her so quickly?

Chōza's words stung, leaving the Third Hokage with an urge to curse aloud.

"Hmph, crafty old fox!"

"Hiruzen…"

Koharu opened her mouth to speak.

The Third Hokage sighed deeply.

"Enough. Spare me the comforting words. As long as he stays in Konoha and retires peacefully, there's nothing more I can ask for."

He looked at the two of them, adding, "You two should assist Tsunade as much as possible in the future. If you both focus on doing your jobs well, she won't try to remove you because the village still needs you."

Though Koharu and Homura hadn't done much good over the years and often acted out of self-interest, the Third Hokage's words rang true. Without suitable replacements, Tsunade wouldn't rashly remove them or strip them of their power.

After all, she needed them to stabilize the medical division and other key departments.

"We'll do our best to support her, as long as she's willing."

The two sighed in relief, their relaxation not escaping the Third Hokage's notice. He nearly choked on his own frustration.

Forget it.

It was time to hand over the reins to Tsunade. All the scheming and power struggles had worn him down. Perhaps taking a break wouldn't be so bad.

At this point, even the elder council no longer wanted to side with or support Danzō. What else could the Third Hokage say?

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You were very close to reaching 500 power stones, so I'll give you 5 chapters instead. The deal remains the same until tomorrow—if we reach 1000 power stones, I'll release 10 chapters. So, give me 500 power stones for 10 chapters by tomorrow!

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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 550+ at Patreon com/ Emik01.