Chapter 75: Become Hokage!

Root ninja, Danzo!

Fujinaka Genma glanced, and wasn’t particularly surprised.

I’m this outstanding, and Danzo only now comes to recruit me—how rare!

“Lead the way!”

Fujinaka Genma nodded.

The Advisor Elder, the second most powerful figure in Konoha—some respect must be shown.

Immediately.

The Root ninja walked ahead; Fujinaka Genma followed leisurely behind.

But.

As soon as the two left, a shadow clone of Fujinaka Genma rose from beneath the ground where he had stood, turned, and returned to the Hokage Tower, where he met Hiruzen Sarutobi again and recounted everything.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled warmly and reassuringly: “Don’t worry—Danzo means no harm. I’ve already decided that after this mission, Itachi’ll join the Anbu.”

“Understood!”

Fujinaka Genma’s shadow clone nodded, then dissolved.

Watching the mist disperse, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s gaze grew deep.

He was satisfied with Fujinaka Genma’s attitude.

Not because Fujinaka Genma stood by him—but because of the purity and wisdom Fujinaka Genma displayed.

He sees the village’s struggles clearly, yet refuses to get involved, choosing instead to firmly carry out the Hokage’s orders.

Standing with the Hokage means standing with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

At this moment.

A series of figures flashed through his mind.

Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru… then Minato Namikaze.

…

On the other side.

Fujinaka Genma followed the Root ninja to a river at Konoha’s edge, where Danzo, his single eye visible, stood by the water. Sensing their arrival, he turned around.

“Genma, your achievements are truly astonishing.”

Danzo’s tone brimmed with praise and admiration as he looked at Fujinaka Genma. “I should have insisted Itachi join Root back then—Itachi would have achieved even greater things than today!”

Danzo couldn’t help but still harbor resentment over that past moment.

Ordinary geniuses wouldn’t provoke such a reaction from him.

But Fujinaka Genma’s performance was simply too astonishing.

That’s why he took time to return from the Land of Rain—to meet Fujinaka Genma in person.

“Danzo-sama, whether I’m in Root or not, I serve Konoha all the same, don’t I?”

Fujinaka Genma said.

He didn’t care about Danzo’s praise or admiration.

He knew better than anyone how outstanding he was.

Moreover, frankly—

Danzo now had no right to look down on him or admire him from above.

Only after Danzo’s transformation would he have even a sliver of grounds to do so.

If not for Danzo’s status and the traditional virtue of respecting the elderly, Fujinaka Genma wouldn’t have bothered coming at all.

So, looking at Danzo, Fujinaka Genma said directly: “Danzo-sama, what is it Itachi want?”

“The mission is urgent—I need to see Master Minato!”

Danzo’s heart tightened at once, his gaze darkening slightly. “Genma, your talent belongs in Root—only Root can unlock your full potential!”

“And—”

“Itachi know what Sarutobi’s goal is, don’t Itachi?”

“We now hold absolute advantage, yet he wants to negotiate peace with the Mist ninja?”

“How can such a cowardly peace policy lead Konoha to total victory in this war?”

Danzo fixed his gaze on Fujinaka Genma. “How can Itachi honor your own sacrifices this way?”

“How can Itachi honor those who died for Konoha?”

Listening to Danzo’s passionate voice, Fujinaka Genma felt a slight shift in his perception of him.

This man still had something to him.

Perhaps he hadn’t yet gone mad over the Hokage position?

Quietly shaking his head, Fujinaka Genma said: “The Third Hokage’s decision may not be optimal, but his goal is to end the war quickly and reduce casualties—it’s not wrong.”

Danzo frowned, his voice low. “Then what of all the sacrifices made so far?”

“Then, Danzo-sama, what do Itachi want?”

Fujinaka Genma asked.

“Naturally, to make the invaders pay the price they deserve and seize the gains we’re entitled to.”

Danzo declared firmly: “Only through force can Itachi make the enemy fear Itachi!”

“If Itachi retreat now, Itachi only expose your weakness!”

At this moment, Fujinaka Genma had to admit—Danzo really had a point.

He even agreed Danzo was right.

Against enemies, Itachi must be firm—or they’ll keep pushing.

Mercy toward the enemy is cruelty toward yourself!

But—

Itachi must also consider Konoha’s current situation.

Surrounded by enemies, one misstep could bring collapse.

So—

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s choice was to break free from one, even two, enemies, so Konoha’s war machine could catch its breath.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn’t purely cowardly—he used war to force peace.

Of course, with age, he’d grown conservative, losing the ambition of his youth.

His ultimate goal was to end the war as soon as possible, preserving Konoha’s strength.

This much Fujinaka Genma could see from the original timeline, where he kept young ninja like Kakashi from joining the Nine-Tails assault.

The Nine-Tails was terrifying—Kakashi and the others would die if they went.

If the Nine-Tails Rebellion wiped out Kakashi’s generation, Konoha would face a generational void—its collapse plan would succeed for certain.

So, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s policy wasn’t wrong either.

He was cautious, even a little weary.

Danzo, by contrast, was more aggressive and ambitious.

Fujinaka Genma himself had passion—he too wanted to be the victor, fight to the end, return in full strength.

Even crush all Four Great Ninja Villages.

But it was impossible now.

And even if it were, how many would die for his satisfaction?

Would Hyuga Mio die?

Would Ebisu die?

Would Guy die?

So even though he personally preferred Danzo’s strategy, Fujinaka Genma still wouldn’t support it.

Besides—

Danzo wasn’t a good ally—he was a trap!

He had ambition, but his methods, luck, and strength were all far too lacking.

“Danzo-sama, perhaps Itachi’re right.”

“But at what cost?”

Fujinaka Genma asked.

Danzo snorted. “Womanly mercy—this sacrifice is necessary!”

“What if the sacrifice were Itachi?”

Fujinaka Genma countered.

Danzo replied gravely: “I’ve already prepared myself!”

What could Fujinaka Genma say?

Words sounded noble, but actions might not match.

“Danzo-sama, for me, whether I’m a team leader, an Anbu ninja, or a Root ninja—it changes nothing.”

“I will only obey the Hokage’s orders!”

“If the Third Hokage approves my transfer to Root, I will become your blade without hesitation!”

The meaning was clear.

Enough talk—become Hokage!

Become Hokage, and I’m yours!

Danzō naturally understood Fujinaka Genma’s meaning, but this time he did not grow angry; instead, he admired Fujinaka Genma even more.

Such a man is hard to conquer and bring under one’s control, yet one cannot help but respect him.

But what a pity!

Danzō sighed.