Chapter 288: You'll Regret it, My Shadow
"So what do you say we do?", Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly and took a puff from his pipe.
Mitokado Homura looked at him and finally revealed his true intention: "How about we temporarily remove Sasuke from his position as commander? This not only shows our respect for the daimyō, but also serves as a warning and punishment, making him understand the seriousness of the matter. Once the investigation is clear, it won't be too late to reinstate him."
"Remove the commander?", Utatane Koharu frowned. She understood Homura's intentions; without a doubt, this was a hard blow to Sasuke's prestige. However, she did not directly oppose it. She looked at Hiruzen: "That elite force was created by him and has great prestige. If you change generals hastily, I'm afraid the morale of the front-line ninjas will be affected. What's more, if he is replaced, who will take his place?"
Upon hearing the word "place," Homura rejoiced. "The support force is an elite force. Without a doubt, it will be difficult to convince people if you appoint a veteran ninja. Why not let Chōza, the commander-in-chief, take temporary command?"
Hiruzen was a shrewd man. He knew Homura very well. The suggestion was just what he wanted. It would curb Sasuke's momentum and weaken his influence in the army.
"Until the matter is thoroughly investigated, Sasuke is no longer fit to serve as commander," he spoke, making the final decision. "The order is issued: immediately remove Sasuke, and the unit will be temporarily under the command of Akimichi Chōza. In addition, Sasuke and Sakumo are ordered to hand over all matters and return to Konoha as soon as possible for questioning."
Upon hearing this, Homura lowered his head and a slight curve appeared at the corner of his lips.
Witnessing the whole situation, Koharu sighed to herself, feeling a slight unease. After leaving the office, she sent a letter to her clan, urging them to stay away from Sasuke. Sakumo was easy to manipulate, but Sasuke was not a softy.
Homura, on the other hand, went into action after leaving the office. Worried about the purge of his own ninjas, he went to the leader of the mission squad and requested a transfer order for the Mitokado clan to support the front, preparing them for the future command of the unit.
Shortly after, the door to the Hokage's office burst open. "Monkey! What kind of stupid order did you just give?!", Danzō entered with uncontrollable fury. "Recalling Sakumo and Sasuke?!"
Hiruzen seemed to have foreseen it. "Danzō, you are the advisor after all. You should pay attention to the rules of etiquette."
"Etiquette? Haha!", Danzō scoffed. "You're talking to me about etiquette. Do you know that the situation has reached its most critical point? Those two have upset Suna's logistics, and their morale is on the verge of collapse! With a little more effort, we can completely defeat them and end this war! And you! You really called them back? You're giving the Sand Village a breather! You are betraying Konoha's interests!"
Hiruzen's face darkened. "Betray Konoha? Danzo, please watch your words! Withdrawing them is a strict order from the Daimyō. Both of them preached treacherous words like 'overthrow the power of the aristocracy.' I did this to appease the Daimyō's anger and for Konoha's future. Just because I made my utmost effort to protect them, I only removed Sasuke from his position and did not directly arrest them!"
"A severe punishment is a severe punishment! Withdrawing is withdrawing! They are two different things!", Danzō's voice rose. "The daimyō gave the order, so what? Does he understand the rhythm of the battlefield better than us? We can delay it, we can be superficial!"
Hiruzen looked at Danzō, who seemed both familiar and unknown. When had he become so astute?
He shook his head. "Danzo, your thinking is too utilitarian. Konoha's pillars are not tools that can be discarded after use! They have made great contributions. How can we stand by and watch them fall into the Daimyō's anger? I called them to protect them! This is what it means to rise to the occasion, this is the true Will of Fire! Have you forgotten Master Tobirama's teachings?"
"Protect? Will of Fire?", Danzō felt deeply stimulated. "You call that protecting, giving up on victory? You call that will of fire, bowing to the daimyō? Who has forgotten Master Tobirama's teachings?!"
Hiruzen's face became extremely ugly. "Danzō! How dare you! Everything I have done is for Konoha's stability. The Daimyō's support is the basis of our existence. You are playing with fire!"
"Playing with fire? I think you are the one putting Konoha in danger!", Danzō replied. "To please the Daimyō, you give up a unique opportunity for victory? Immediately! Withdraw your stupid order! I will manage to explain it to the Daimyō!"
"The order has been given. No changes!", Hiruzen refused outright. "Konoha's prestige cannot be changed overnight. My decision is made!"
"Victory was destroyed by your single whim!", Danzō said, feeling deeply disappointed. "You will regret this!"
"I am the Hokage!", Hiruzen replied without hesitation.
"Hmph!", Danzō snorted, and slammed the heavy office door shut.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the prized paintings and calligraphy that had fallen from the wall and said calmly to the air: "The losses will be deducted from Root's funds."
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