Chapter 176: Danzō – "He Will Die Without a Doubt"

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Since the alliance proposal came from Sunagakure, it seemed only natural for the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, to choose the meeting location.

But this desert—this was the same desert where the ruins of Loulan lay.

Without a doubt, Rasa was planning something with Shimura Danzō.

Sasame could understand his reluctance to remain a mere "gold miner."

But if he insisted on scheming, then he shouldn't blame Sasame for retaliating in kind.

"Spread the word," Sasame ordered. "And draft a list of delegates for the alliance ceremony. Ensure representatives from every major clan and shinobi faction are included."

This was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate strength.

And for that, the audience couldn't be too small—nor lacking in influence.

They would serve as his propagandists.

"Understood."

Yūhi Kurenai nodded. "The secretariat will convene immediately."

She turned and returned to the Hokage's administrative office.

Soon, news spread throughout Konoha.

The village was generally pleased with Sunagakure's initiative for an alliance.

The only hope now was securing favorable terms.

Konoha had participated in several wars before, but regardless of victory or defeat, the outcomes had never been satisfying.

Hyūga Compound

Hyūga Hiashi listened to the report, his expression pensive.

The delegation request was… unusual.

Normally, such matters would be handled by the Hokage's guard or ANBU.

Why involve every major clan?

Hiashi knew Sasame well enough to sense something unusual brewing.

"Is something wrong?"

Hyūga Rinka noticed his expression and poured him tea.

"Nothing serious."

Hiashi's expression softened slightly. "What do you think about sending Hizashi as part of the delegation to Sunagakure?"

"Hizashi?"

Rinka blinked. "But he's the Hokage's advisor now. Shouldn't someone else handle such a minor affair?"

In terms of rank, the Hokage's advisor stood above even the Hyūga clan head.

An alliance wasn't exactly a trivial matter, but the spotlight would inevitably fall on the Hokage.

The accompanying shinobi were merely for show.

"Truthfully, this is also the elders' suggestion."

Hiashi sighed. "Ever since Hizashi became advisor, the branch family's influence has grown. Some say they're overshadowing the main family."

"If that's the case, then let Hizashi go."

Rinka stood behind him, kneading his shoulders. "The elders are being unnecessarily fussy."

"Mind your words."

Hiashi patted her hand, his tone firm. "They have their reasons."

"Fine, I won't dwell on it."

Rinka changed the subject. "Hinata recently completed an S-rank mission—an unprecedented feat for a genin."

"Her team leader is Sasame."

Hiashi wasn't surprised in the slightest.

"Is Sasame really that remarkable?"

Rinka caught the implication—that Hinata's success was largely due to Sasame.

Though she agreed, Hiashi's attitude seemed unusually deferential.

She had sensed this before.

Logically, the Hyūga clan's strength was undeniable.

What did it matter if he was Hokage?

Every previous Hokage—the Third, Fourth, and Fifth—had relied on them.

Why would the Sixth be any different?

"He's… not just 'remarkable.'"

Hiashi naturally avoided explaining the real reason. He coughed lightly. "Sasame is young. He'll remain Hokage for a long time. And since he's our future son-in-law, it's best to maintain good relations."

Rinka smiled faintly. "You're usually so strict with Hinata. I didn't realize you cared so much."

"Are you implying I don't love my own daughter?"

Hiashi frowned. "My attitude toward Hanabi is no different."

"But what about Hanabi's Caged Bird Seal?"

Rinka's expression darkened.

"..."

Hiashi's brow furrowed. "I'll delay it as long as I can."

By tradition, Hanabi should have already received the seal. But Hiashi had resisted the pressure, using the excuse that the heir's status wasn't yet finalized.

"I don't want to see the sisters turn against each other."

Rinka knew how close Hinata and Hanabi were.

And she had witnessed firsthand how the bond between Hiashi and Hizashi had eroded under the weight of the Caged Bird.

Not even brothers could withstand its divisive power.

"Perhaps we can ask Sasame for help."

Hiashi steadied himself.

His reasoning was simple:

If Sasame was truly as formidable as he believed, then the elders' pressure meant nothing.

Rinka's eyes brightened.

Within the Hyūga clan, avoiding the Caged Bird Seal was nearly impossible—tradition was too deeply ingrained.

Even the clan head couldn't break it.

But Sasame was different. He was the Hokage.

Her only worry was whether he had the resolve to intervene.

"It's a shame Hanabi isn't a few years older," Rinka mused. "She could've been Sasame's student, like Hinata."

"Nothing can be done about that."

Hiashi sipped his tea, contemplating how to tie Hanabi to Sasame in a way that would silence the clan's traditionalists.

Compared to the Hyūga clan's deliberations, other clans responded swiftly.

Except for the Shimura.

In a dimly lit chamber, the current Shimura clan head, Shimura Tadamichi, paced anxiously.

He had recently received a secret missive from Danzō, announcing a clandestine meeting tonight.

Truthfully, while he wished for Danzō's return to Konoha, he knew it was unlikely.

So he had thrown the Shimura clan's support behind Sarutobi Asuma, hoping for a resurgence.

But fate had other plans.

Sasame, that upstart, had seized the Hokage's seat instead.

Still, the Shimura had always kept a low profile, leaving no openings for retaliation.

Just as he resigned himself to weathering the storm, Danzō resurfaced.

It left him torn—between hope and dread.

He knew Danzō too well.

This return wasn't for a family reunion.

It was for a scheme.

Success would be glorious.

Failure would drag the Shimura into the abyss.

Time crawled by.

Then—tap, tap, tap—the sound of a cane echoed outside.

Tadamichi stiffened, then hurried to open the door.

"Uncle, it's been too long."

Yes, he and Danzō were distantly related by blood.

Very distantly.

Danzō had spent his entire life chasing the Hokage's title, never sparing a thought for women—let alone heirs.

Frankly, Tadamichi found it baffling.

To him, the obvious path was: if you fail, raise a son to succeed where you couldn't.

"Hn."

Danzō acknowledged him with a grunt and took the seat of honor.

"Uncle, what brings you back tonight?"

Tadamichi suppressed his unease and poured tea.

"I heard you supported Sarutobi Asuma for Hokage during the Jonin Council vote."

Danzō ignored the tea, his grip tightening on his cane.

"...Yes."

Tadamichi's pulse quickened. "After your… departure, we lost our pillar. Supporting Asuma was our only option."

"Fool. That boy isn't fit to lick Hiruzen's boots, let alone defeat Sasame."

Danzō's lip curled.

He might despise Sasame, but that night's display of Sage Mode and Water Release had left an impression.

In raw power, Sasame surpassed even elite jonin.

His alliance with Rasa—and their plan to unseal the Dragon Vein—was born of respect for that strength.

And, more importantly, insurance.

Miss this chance, and there might never be another.

"Of course, you're right."

Tadamichi forced a smile.

"Hiruzen is past his prime. Asuma is incompetent. If you want to overthrow Sasame, your only hope is me."

Danzō straightened, his voice icy. "And he will die."

Tadamichi shuddered under that gaze. "What do you propose?"

"I've been in Sunagakure these past months."

Danzō's smile was razor-thin. "Do you understand now?"

"You orchestrated this alliance?"

Tadamichi's eyes widened.

He hadn't imagined Danzō could maneuver so deftly—colluding with the Kazekage himself to reclaim the Hokage's seat.

Shock gave way to exhilaration.

He dropped to one knee. "The Shimura clan is at your command."

"Good."

Danzō nodded, pleased. "Select clansmen skilled in sealing and barrier techniques. When the time comes, they will trap Sasame. We strike from within and without."

"Yes!"

Tadamichi's excitement flared.

He had waited so long for this.

And Danzō's plan was flawless.

With Rasa's cooperation, the One-Tail's Jinchūriki would also be mobilized.

How could they possibly lose?

The next day, Sasame reviewed the delegation list.

The Shimura clan's inclusion was… interesting.

Four members, all jonin.

Not as weighty as the Hyūga sending Hizashi, but still suspicious.

Had he not known of Danzō's schemes, he might've mistaken this for a gesture of loyalty.

But instead of anger, he felt only amusement.

Oh, Danzō.

His dearest friend.

Truly touching.

He was almost moved enough to carve the man a memorial stone.

"Any changes needed?"

Kurenai watched him thoughtfully.

"No. Notify them to prepare as planned."

Once she left, Sasame sought out Tsunade.

The Dragon Vein's involvement meant he might disappear for a time.

And that would cause unrest.

Especially for Tsunade.

If she acted rashly in distress, the consequences could be dire.

He decided to explain everything—to reassure her and entrust her with Konoha's temporary oversight in his absence.

As for how he knew of the Dragon Vein, he attributed it to Namikaze Minato.

Tsunade wouldn't question it.

Besides, the records did exist.

Convincing her took time, but eventually, she relented.

Mainly because she had personally witnessed Sasame's strength.

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