Chapter 37: Danzo’s Fury

"Is she really that strong?" Hiruzen asked with a deep frown.

"What do you think?" Mito replied, her tone sharp. "You know she quelled the entire Uchiha civil war on her own. Do you really think that was possible without immense strength?"

She let that hang in the air, her gaze unwavering.

"As for Gin becoming Tsunade's apprentice—don't overthink it. Hikari simply wants her son protected. Backing, prestige… and security. So that rats crawling in the shadows won't dare to touch him."

She arched an eyebrow.

"If a child becomes Hokage just for being Tsunade's student—the granddaughter of the First Hokage—then he must have earned it. You can't blame others just because your own clan is too mediocre."

Her words struck deep.

In truth, Mito would prefer to see Gin as Hokage over Hiruzen now. Given his link to Tsunade, the Uchiha alliance, and future marriage ties, his rule would be far more beneficial to the Senju and Uzumaki clans.

The Uchiha didn't need to suppress large clans to secure power. Only insecure clans like the Sarutobi, lacking strength or exceptional traits, resorted to such measures.

Though the Sarutobi clan was not small—technically mid-sized due to population—it was ultimately mediocre: no Kekkei Genkai, no sacred arts, no unique traits. Their historical value lay in obedience and virtue, which the First and Second Hokage respected.

But all that changed once Hiruzen became Hokage.

He didn't realize it yet, but Mito's opinion of him had completely changed.

Hearing her words, Hiruzen mistakenly assumed she was referring to Danzo.

"You're right," he nodded. "I'll rein Danzo in—and I'll be more cautious with the Uchiha from now on. If that's all, I'll take my leave."

He didn't believe Gin could truly become Hokage—at least not through mere mentorship. He would make sure of that.

"Then go," Mito said curtly, waving him off.

Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen was quickly surrounded by the impatient Danzo, Homura, and Koharu.

"Well?" Danzo demanded. "What happened? Did she really recover?"

"She did," Hiruzen confirmed. He relayed Mito's message, carefully and without embellishment.

Danzo's face darkened with each word.

"What?!" he exploded. "That damned woman! She gave away the Flying Thunder God Technique, the Water Release secrets of Tobirama, and even fūinjutsu scrolls?! To the Uchiha?! That's treason!"

His fists slammed the table.

"This will make the Uchiha even harder to control! Especially with fūinjutsu—once they apply those techniques to their territory, we'll never know what's going on in there again! And the Flying Thunder God? That's a strategic jutsu! If they master it, forget wiping them out—it'll be a nightmare just to keep up!"

Koharu finally spoke, her voice cold but measured.

"Lady Mito has the right," she said. "Those techniques belonged to Tobirama, her brother-in-law. And though some were made public, official copies still belong to the Senju clan. She's well within her rights."

She stared Danzo down.

"Besides… are you even listening to yourself? If Uzumaki Mito can't make these decisions—who can?"

Danzo sputtered, caught off guard.

"You're siding with her now?! Have you lost your mind, Koharu? This isn't about rights—this is about helping the enemy! Have the Senju forgotten that the Uchiha were once their sworn rivals for a thousand years?!"

"Tch," Koharu scoffed, folding her arms. "I'm just stating facts. Mito already made the deal. Complaining now is pointless."

"You—!" Danzo seethed, fists trembling. Koharu's calm words felt like daggers dipped in honey—infuriating.

"Enough, Danzo!" Hiruzen cut in sharply. "This is the situation: Mito has recovered significantly. She may live for several more years. We'll have to reconsider our approach—not just to the Uchiha, but to the Senju as well."

He looked Danzo dead in the eye.

"Uchiha Gin is now Tsunade's student. Don't touch him. Don't even think about it. If you provoke either Hikari or Mito, I won't be able to protect you."

"Is it really that serious?" Danzo muttered bitterly.

"It is," Hiruzen snapped. "It was part of their agreement. If anything happens to Gin, both women will hold us accountable. Consider this your final warning."

"…Fine," Danzo growled. "I won't lay a hand on the boy."

But deep down, Danzo was seething. From the moment he'd heard rumors of Hikari's recovery, he'd been devising ways to strike at her—indirectly. Gin had been the perfect target.

But Hikari had outmaneuvered him. Again.

He gritted his teeth.

"That woman… no wonder she held the Uchiha clan under her control for so long. If she doesn't die soon… it'll be impossible to get more Sharingan. Curse it all."

His thoughts were interrupted by Hiruzen slamming the phone receiver down.

"Back to the other issue," he said. "We need to reassess our stance on the Uzumaki clan. Now that Mito has regained so much vitality, do we still follow through with our original plan? Or do we shift strategies?"

He fell silent for a moment, deep in thought.

Although Mito's recovery appeared partial, Hiruzen wasn't so sure. Knowing her strength, her mastery of fūinjutsu, and her cunning… it was very likely she was hiding her full restoration.

If they acted recklessly and Mito struck back in her prime—none of them would survive it.

And her prestige in the village remained formidable. It might be exaggerated to say a hundred would answer her call, but… it wouldn't be far from the truth.

The Senju's influence had not faded.

And if Mito willed it—she could remove him from office.

Force him to resign.

And no one could stop her.