"You've done well, Shisui. The Uchiha need more of your guidance, or they may stray onto the wrong path."
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a long stream of smoke before continuing in a calm, measured tone.
"As a Hokage candidate, Fugaku is indeed suitable. I would even welcome the day he becomes Hokage—because that would mean the rift between the Uchiha and the village has truly been resolved.
"But at present… many within the village still harbor dissatisfaction toward the Uchiha."
Shisui's expression grew solemn. "Lord Third, I understand."
With that, his figure blurred, vanishing in a Body Flicker.
After Shisui left, the man who had remained silent all this time finally spoke.
Danzō let out a cold laugh. "Hiruzen… you are truly hypocritical."
Hiruzen said nothing. He merely tapped his pipe and continued smoking.
Danzō understood perfectly well that everything Hiruzen had just told Shisui was a lie.
They would never allow the Uchiha to seize the Hokage's seat.
Koharu Utatane spoke next, her voice thoughtful. "Hiruzen, do you think the Uchiha will withdraw from the Hokage race and instead support Orochimaru?"
Homura Mitokado added, "If the Uchiha are willing to back Orochimaru, that may not be a bad thing. It would reduce internal conflict within the village."
In Homura's eyes, Orochimaru was the most suitable candidate for the Fifth Hokage.
Hiruzen remained silent.
Smoke continued to curl around his face, obscuring his expression.
"Hmph."
Danzō's eyes turned cold.
"That brat Uchiha Yuan chose to support Orochimaru. Their relationship is closer than we realized."
Koharu narrowed her eyes slightly. "If that child is willing to set aside his clan's interests to support Orochimaru, perhaps he, like Shisui, places the village first."
Danzō sneered.
"Koharu, you think too kindly. That boy doesn't favor the village—he favors Orochimaru.
"And we both know Orochimaru's prestige within Konoha has long surpassed ours. Youngsters like Uchiha Yuan practically worship him."
As Danzō considered the matter further, a thought formed in the depths of his mind.
Orochimaru…
Is that boy one of your experimental subjects?
It would explain much.
After some time, the room fell silent. Koharu and Homura took their leave, leaving only Hiruzen and Danzō behind.
Hiruzen continued smoking without pause.
Across from him, Danzō sat with eyes closed, wordless.
Suddenly, Danzō stood and turned toward the door.
Just as he pulled it open—
Hiruzen's voice echoed from behind the veil of smoke.
"Danzō… do you believe Orochimaru is fit to become Hokage?"
A mocking smile tugged at Danzō's lips. He turned back, gazing at the indistinct figure concealed by smoke.
"If Orochimaru were fit to be Hokage, he would already have been the Fourth. Wouldn't he, Hiruzen?"
"…Yes."
A faint sigh drifted from the haze.
"But now," Hiruzen continued quietly, "other than Orochimaru… there are no truly suitable candidates left in the village."
The smoke thickened.
Neither man spoke further.
Outside, the wind stirred.
Some people die…But they don't die completely.
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