Chapter 1: Danzo, you’re coming with me

"We're surrounded."

"The enemy numbers twenty. Judging by their tracking abilities, they must be the elite squad under the Gold and Silver Brothers of the Hidden Cloud Village."

Deep within the forests of the Land of Fire.

A man clad in blue armor stood unfazed, his cold expression betraying no panic.

The Second Hokage pressed two fingers to the ground, taking only a few seconds to sense the enemy's movements behind them.

Around him, six figures stood, their expressions varied.

"The Hidden Cloud was supposed to form an alliance with Konoha, but the Gold and Silver Brothers betrayed the agreement, assassinated the Second Raikage, and launched a relentless assault against us. If not for your Flying Thunder God Technique, we wouldn't have escaped."

Mitokado Homura spoke grimly. "The Gold and Silver Brothers are terrifyingly strong, and we only have seven people while they have twenty elite Jonin. At this rate… we have no chance of winning."

Before he could finish,

Koharu Utatane cut in. "How can you be so pessimistic? The enemy hasn't pinpointed our exact location yet. If we set up an ambush and wait for the right moment, we might be able to break through unexpectedly."

"That's impossible!"

Akimichi Torifu said solemnly, "In this situation, someone has to act as bait to hold off the Gold and Silver Brothers, or we won't stand a chance of breaking through. But that also means…"

At that moment,

They fell silent.

They all understood that being the bait was a death sentence.

"Should I volunteer? Say it, damn it! Why can't I bring myself to say it?! Am I afraid of death? I—Shimura Danzo—am a proud ninja of Konoha. I've always been prepared to die for the village on the battlefield!"

Yet, his hand trembled slightly on his knee, his heart trapped in turmoil.

"Do I not even have the resolve to sacrifice myself? But if I die… then I'll never become Hokage. Hiruzen, what are you thinking right now? Are you hesitating too? Are you afraid of death just like me?"

"I'll do it!! I'll be the bait!"

Before Danzo could sort out his thoughts,

Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward, his expression firm, showing not the slightest fear of sacrifice.

Shimura Danzo: "?!!"

Akimichi Torifu: "Hiruzen…"

Mitokado Homura: "Hiruzen, you—"

Koharu Utatane: "That's just like you, my friend."

Everyone was both shocked and unsurprised—they all knew their comrade well.

Even at this stage, Sarutobi Hiruzen was someone who took responsibility, always moving forward without hesitation.

No one in this world is truly unafraid of death.

But to step forward despite fearing death—that is a courage few possess.

Seeing this, Danzo's fear dissipated, and his trembling hands steadied.

Hiruzen patted Danzo's shoulder casually.

"I'll leave the rest to you, Danzo."

"..."

Danzo instantly flared up. "Shut up! I was just about to take on this mission! What's the big deal about sacrifice? My father and grandfather both died on the battlefield for Konoha. I can do the same!"

"Don't think you're the only one who can do this! I, Danzo, can too! I'm not a coward, monkey! You're not stealing the spotlight from me!"

"..."

Hiruzen was speechless.

Why was Danzo suddenly so worked up?

Tobirama Senju observed the scene quietly. However, he had no intention of letting either Hiruzen or Danzo act as bait. This had merely been a test.

"Danzo, you and Monkey are always competing. That's fine in daily life, but when the village faces a true crisis, you must put aside your personal grievances and unite.

If you let your rivalry consume you, Konoha will decline because of it.

Sacrifice is never an easy choice. I understand your hesitation. But you are the pillars of Konoha—the ones who will guide the next generation to inherit the Will of Fire.

There's no need for you to die here.

That's why the one to act as bait… will be me."

"No! You're the Second Hokage! You're the most important ninja in the village—how can you sacrifice yourself?!" Danzo protested anxiously.

"Danzo, no one is above sacrifice."

Tobirama's voice was steady. "For Konoha, we must all be prepared for the day when we lay down our lives.

Only when that moment comes will you understand… whether the path you walked had meaning."

"…Understood, Lord Tobirama."

Tobirama paused, then turned to Hiruzen.

"As for you, Monkey… Protect the villagers who admire and trust you. Nurture the next generation—those with responsibility, courage, and the Will of Fire."

"From tomorrow onward… you will be the Hokage."

"..."

Hiruzen froze.

He was at a loss for words. The others were equally stunned.

Danzo's face twisted in disbelief. A flash of jealousy and regret crossed his eyes—once again, he had lost to Monkey.

With his final orders given, Tobirama departed.

Hiruzen and the others watched as the Second Hokage walked away, while Homura and Koharu quickly formulated a strategy.

"We can't move just yet. The enemy still doesn't know we've split up. Once Lord Tobirama engages the Gold and Silver Brothers, the enemy will send reinforcements.

But don't think we can just slip away without a fight. The enemy isn't stupid—they might realize this is a diversion. We have to be ready for the worst."

"Understood."

Hiruzen and the others nodded slightly.

Homura and Koharu were skilled strategists, and no one objected to their plan.

However, among them, a young Uchiha remained silent, not responding at all.

Koharu glanced at him curiously. "Kagami, why aren't you saying anything? Do you think there's a problem with the plan?"

Uchiha Kagami shook his head, his expression calm.

"No, your plan is fine. But I won't be joining the breakout—I have another plan."

"What plan?"

"I'm going to save Lord Tobirama."

"What?!"

Everyone was stunned, thinking Kagami had lost his mind.

Hiruzen grabbed his shoulders, his face filled with urgency and concern.

"Kagami, don't be reckless! Even Lord Tobirama decided to sacrifice himself for us. If you go after him, you'll just be throwing your life away!"

"Hiruzen, you know me. I wouldn't do this without confidence."

"…I know. You're not the reckless type. If you've decided this, you must have a reason."

"But the Gold and Silver Brothers are formidable—almost on par with Kage. Going alone is too dangerous. Let Torifu cover you."

Hiruzen grit his teeth.

He wanted to help, but as the newly appointed Third Hokage, he had a duty to the village.

His life was no longer just his own.

Kagami shook his head.

"Torifu's Multi-Size Jutsu will be crucial in drawing enemy fire. Those eighteen elite Cloud ninjas aren't pushovers. If Torifu doesn't stay, your chances of breaking through will drop significantly."

"Then what? We can't just let you run into danger alone."

Hiruzen's conscience wouldn't allow it.

Kagami smiled and turned to another person.

"You're right—one person would be too risky. Koharu and Homura aren't strong enough to help. Hiruzen, you need to lead. Torifu must cover the escape.

Which means the choice is obvious.

Danzo, you're coming with me to rescue Lord Tobirama."

"..."

Shimura Danzo: "?_?!!"