This Danzo Is Weird!

Human nature tends to favor compromise.

For example, if you want to open a window and directly say so, others in the room might disagree.

But if you claim you intend to tear the entire roof off, they might politely suggest, "How about just opening a window instead?"

The high-level decision-making team in Konoha works in a similar way.

Having observed them for years, Danzō had already anticipated their reactions when writing the letter.

First, Sarutobi Hiruzen would fly into a rage and show the letter to Koharu and Homura.

Then, the two old advisors would also explode with anger and stubbornly oppose Danzō's proposals using every argument they could muster.

In such a scenario, Hiruzen, determined to appear impartial, would seek a middle ground: partially approving Danzō's requests while rejecting others. This approach would leave neither side completely satisfied, ensuring a balance.

If there were a religion dedicated to balance, Sarutobi Hiruzen would undoubtedly be its leader.

Ultimately, the outcome wasn't far from what Danzō had predicted.

As he neared Kikyo Mountain, Aburame Ryōma arrived with the Hokage's orders.

Orochimaru was reassigned to the Land of Lightning front to handle the A–B Combo.

Homura Mitokado took over as commander of the Land of Water battlefield.

The 2,000 shinobi Danzō requested were reduced to 800.

Supplies were cut by 40%.

Only two squads of ANBU were dispatched—barely anything worth mentioning.

The only silver lining for Danzō was that Kakashi and Shisui, the two shinobi he specifically requested, were approved and would arrive shortly.

"Old Monkey, is the taste of power really that intoxicating?"

Danzō scoffed, frustrated that he couldn't prevent Orochimaru's reassignment.

The primary reason for this decision was Orochimaru's growing reputation from the war. Having previously served in the Root division, his ties with Danzō were strong.

He was also well-regarded by the village clans.

It was almost certain that Orochimaru would succeed as the Fourth Hokage.

Unfortunately, as a time traveler, only Danzō knew the truth: Orochimaru was already deeply immersed in forbidden experiments, unable to extricate himself.

Coupled with Minato Namikaze's meteoric rise and Sarutobi Hiruzen's overwhelming need for control, Orochimaru's chances of becoming the Fourth Hokage were slim to none.

This was likely one of the main reasons Orochimaru eventually chose to defect.

Danzō could only sigh.

Regardless of what lay ahead, his current priority was to end the war as quickly as possible.

---

Several hours later, Danzō arrived at Kikyo Castle.

The fortress, built halfway up a mountainside, was a critical military stronghold. Flanked by mountain ranges on both sides, it offered a commanding view of the terrain below, completely sealing off the western border route to the heart of the Land of Fire.

It was no surprise that Sunagakure and Kumogakure had made Kikyo Castle their primary target.

If they succeeded in capturing this strategic fortress, they could:

Consolidate control over the western territories of the Land of Fire.

Launch deep incursions into its heartland.

Potentially attack Konoha and the capital of the Land of Fire itself.

Because of its significant geographical advantages, the Konoha leadership mistakenly believed the fortress was impenetrable. As a result, they allocated their limited forces to other battlefields, creating an opportunity for the allied forces of the Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind to strike.

　　If not for the timely intervention of the Yellow Flash, the balance of the ninja world might have undergone a massive shift.

But now, there's no need to worry—because Lord Danzō has arrived.

The commander of Kikyo Castle was a middle-aged man named Nara Shikai. When Danzō reached the gates, Shikai was already waiting there with the senior officials of the fortress.

Shikai held a feathered fan in his hand, wore the trademark "pineapple hair" of the Nara clan, and sported a short beard.

"Lord Danzō, thank you for your hard work on this long journey."

His tone was calm—neither fawning nor tense, nor filled with the pretense of resistance. It was simply steady and composed.

"Ah, Shikai, you've worked hard too," Danzō replied with a smile and a nod.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Shikai said, "Lord Danzō, after such a long journey, I've already arranged a grand dinner in your honor. Please allow us to host you."

The officials standing beside him echoed his sentiment.

The civilian officials might not have fully understood the weight of Danzō's authority, but the ninja clan members certainly did.

This was a man who, as the Hokage's closest confidant, held immense power in the Root organization. He had the authority to conscript ninjas from both clans and civilians at will—an unparalleled level of control.

Danzō was also known for his ruthless and decisive methods, and few dared to cross him.

In Konoha, the only person who could overrule him was the Hokage himself.

However, Danzō declined their hospitality.

"Shikai, bring me Kikyo Mountain's defense map. The rest of you, prepare to accommodate the arrival of 500 ninjas—they'll be here in a few days."

Danzō's orders were clear and efficient. The officials exchanged surprised glances but ultimately obeyed without question.

This was the advantage of Danzō's status.

For most leaders arriving at a new post, transitioning authority and winning over local support would take significant time.

But for Danzō, it wasn't necessary.

Thanks to his fearsome reputation in Konoha, whether the officials liked it or not, his orders would be carried out to the letter.

That's the power of reputation.

"Lord Danzō, here are the topographic map of Kikyo Mountain, the defense layout, and a list of ninjas and officials," Shikai said, returning in less than ten minutes with everything Danzō requested.

"Well, it seems you were well-prepared," Danzō remarked, giving Shikai an approving glance.

Not only had Shikai refrained from creating obstacles to protect his own authority, but he also did everything possible to help Danzō quickly take control of the defense zone. A true testament to the Nara clan's intelligence.

If Shikai had known what Danzō was thinking, he would've probably retorted:

"A Nara like me, challenging Danzō's authority? Does my clan have a death wish?"

After all, the Nara clan wasn't particularly fond of power.

In fact, Shikai was somewhat relieved by Danzō's arrival—it meant he could finally slack off a bit.

Being in charge of a defense zone was exhausting...

Danzō, however, seemed to see through his thoughts. Just as Shikai was about to excuse himself, Danzō said, "Shikai, you're quite familiar with the situation here. Why not stay and help me go over it in detail?"

Hearing this, Shikai's face froze. He was about to decline when Danzō added, "You wouldn't stoop to using a half-baked excuse to brush me off like some ignorant fools, would you? Or are you trying to undermine your new superior's authority?"

Those words carried a heavy weight. There was no way, not in a hundred lifetimes, that Shikai would dare undermine Danzō's authority!

Left with no choice, Shikai forced a smile and said, "This is part of my duties. I am more than happy to assist you, Lord Danzō."