In the headquarters of the medical corps, Takeshi finally saw Sakumo as he wished.
Only, it was through the glass across the corridor.
Right now, no one was allowed to visit Sakumo. Even Kakashi, like Takeshi, could only stand outside in the hallway and wait until Sakumo's condition improved before being allowed to enter.
"Alright, let's talk in the room next door."
Feeling that it was about time, Hiruzen spoke up, reminding Takeshi to follow him.
Takeshi slammed his fist against the corridor wall, his face dark and stormy.
He glanced at Kakashi, who sat on a bench in the corridor, his expression heavy with sorrow. Takeshi wanted to say something but in the end said nothing, simply following Hiruzen into a room.
"You've seen Sakumo's condition. In his state now, he's no longer capable of continuing the duties of Hokage."
In the tightly sealed room, Hiruzen faced his student directly. His wrinkled face now bore age spots.
"After discussion with the advisors, they've all agreed that you should take up the position of Acting Hokage."
Acting Hokage?
Takeshi instinctively wanted to refuse, but forcibly held himself back.
"I understand. I'll fulfill my duties properly."
Hearing his student's reply, Hiruzen was a little surprised.
He had caught that brief moment of hesitation on Takeshi's face. He had expected him to refuse and had even prepared a host of arguments to persuade him. He hadn't thought the final answer would actually be acceptance.
His disciple had truly grown into a ninja capable of shouldering great responsibility.
Hiruzen thought this with a touch of relief.
"In that case, tomorrow I'll summon the jōnin to explain the situation. If no one objects, I'll send word to the Daimyō."
Since Takeshi was only Acting Hokage, the Daimyō's office didn't need to issue an official statement. Of course, if Takeshi later truly became the Fifth Hokage, the advisors would still need to meet with the Daimyō to confirm it.
"The audience with the Daimyō can wait. For now, the paperwork will be handled by me, Koharu, and Homura. Your task is to rally the people's hearts and reorganize Konoha's military strength."
After assigning him the necessary short-term responsibilities, Hiruzen hurriedly left the room. He still needed to find the other two advisors to prepare the public announcement.
Watching Hiruzen's slightly hunched figure retreating, Takeshi let out a self-deprecating smile.
So he was going to be Hokage.
Even if the word "Acting" stood before it.
It didn't change the fact that he could now put his plans into motion.
Konoha still had many problems needing resolution, many things Takeshi couldn't stand. He would prune away those overgrown branches just like trimming a tree.
That was why he had accepted the position of Acting Hokage.
"I really don't want to go home."
Drafts of plans already forming in his mind, Takeshi scratched his head. He had the nagging feeling that going home meant facing that troublesome old man again.
Still, out of respect—and fear—for Danzō, he reluctantly left the medical corps and headed home.
...
"Hiruzen has already told you, hasn't he?"
As expected, the moment Takeshi stepped inside, before he even had time to take off his shoes, he heard his father's voice—tinged with excitement beneath its grim tone.
Looking up, he saw the living room, once spacious, now crowded with ninja who had once belonged to Root.
With Sakumo in a coma, Danzō had summoned all his former subordinates, just waiting for his son to become Hokage and rebuild Root.
"He said I'm to be Acting Hokage."
Takeshi repeated the situation honestly.
"Good, then you'll become the Fifth—Acting Hokage?!"
Danzō's voice almost broke from shock and outrage.
What was this? Not Fifth Hokage, but Acting?
His face shifted rapidly as he realized Hiruzen's ploy.
He had tricked him one last time.
Still, Acting or not, it didn't matter. It didn't stop him from rebuilding Root. It didn't stop him from being Hokage's father.
"You should know what the first order of business is after taking office."
Calming himself, Danzō looked at his son with faint pride.
"Reorganize Konoha and minimize the damage caused by this attack."
That wasn't the answer Danzō wanted.
He pressed on, unwilling to give up. "And then?"
"Mobilize Konoha's economy to fully support the Research Division's work."
"And then?"
"..."
Danzō asked again and again until he finally understood the look in his son's eyes.
This child… did not want to rebuild Root.
"Why?"
Danzō couldn't comprehend it. If Root was rebuilt, it would be the sharpest blade in Takeshi's hand. With it, he could declare himself Fifth Hokage at any moment.
"Root will exist in another form within Konoha, Father."
Takeshi stepped forward, lifting his head to look up at Danzō.
"But I will take over Root's assets in the Land of Fire. Only then can Konoha achieve rapid reconstruction without relying on the Daimyō's funds."
"Do as you wish."
Seeing his son's resolute expression, Danzō clenched his cane, suppressing the urge to strike him, and stormed out of the room.
With his departure, the former Root ninja who had gathered in the Shimura residence also dispersed. Only Aburame Tatsuma cast Takeshi a confused glance as he left, seemingly unable to understand why Takeshi refused to rebuild Root.
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Takeshi offered no explanation, only forcing a smile as he bid farewell.
"Takeshii!"
Only after the living room was empty did Haku and Kimimaro, who had been hiding at the staircase, rush out and throw themselves into Takeshi's arms.
"Alright, alright, you're squeezing too tight. Have you two been keeping up with your studies while I was away?"
...
The next morning.
After a night of thought, Takeshi yawned as he left home, spotting Danzō also setting out.
Their destination was the same—the Konoha assembly hall.
But Danzō clearly had no intention of waiting for his son. The moment he saw Takeshi step out, he snorted coldly and strode ahead with his two guards, not pausing in the slightest.
"Tch, I was even thinking of going together. But this is the path you chose yourself, Father."
Unbothered, Takeshi activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Why is it me again?"
Yamato wore a look of sheer misery.
He wanted to sleep in. He wanted to eat breakfast personally made by Haku. Why, why was he the only one standing here at sunrise, in front of the assembly hall, holding a Flying Thunder God kunai to await Takeshi's arrival?
"You're my most trusted junior, Yamato. Though, I admit, I may have relied on you a little too much lately. Perhaps…"
Takeshi patted Yamato on the shoulder. Before he could finish speaking, Yamato, who had looked dejected a moment ago, suddenly burst with renewed energy.
"Don't worry! I'll continue to be your support. I won't let you down!"
The ever-so-easy-to-handle wielder of Wood Release.
Inwardly, Takeshi gave him a thumbs up.