Mysterious, powerful, and seemingly all‑knowing…
The reality of Aoi presenting himself as Senju Hashirama was becoming clearer and more convincing by the moment.
"Even so — I will never accept it! Senju Hashirama died long ago!"
Danzō declared coldly, turning to leave with a dramatic sweep of his sleeve. He sounded confident and unshaken…
Yet anyone could see the hurried, unsteady steps he tried so hard to hide.
As Kakashi had pointed out earlier: when it came to legendary figures like Uchiha Madara, almost anything seemed possible.
If Madara could return from the dead, then the appearance of someone claiming to be Hashirama truly did throw Danzō into a panic.
With Danzō walking out, the summit could no longer proceed as planned.
Aoi smiled indulgently, shaking his head as he turned to the remaining four Kage.
"Please forgive this scene. It has been far too long since I kept him in line — that is entirely my fault."
"Think nothing of it," the Mizukage replied, covering her mouth with a soft laugh.
"Danzō may be old, unsightly, and overly fond of underhanded tricks — but for your sake, Lord Hashirama, we are willing to overlook it all. Just be sure to guide him properly from now on."
"To raise someone right, you have to use a firm hand!" the Raikage added, demonstrating his point by slamming a heavy fist down onto Killer Bee's head.
Hearing their words, Danzō — who had not yet gone far — turned purple with rage and nearly stumbled. Am I really that detested by everyone?
The answer, of course, was a resounding yes.
If Danzō knew that in another world, hundreds of millions of Naruto fans held nothing but hatred for him, one could only imagine how he would react.
Yet for Aoi, who had watched the story unfold, he never truly felt malice toward Danzō.
In his eyes, the world was filled with all kinds of people — and Danzō was simply a pitiful soul chasing a dream he could never reach.
He was pitiful because his own nature made it impossible for him to ever truly become the Hokage he imagined himself to be.
"Damn it — this is my era!" Back in his room, Danzō snarled through gritted teeth. "No one — no matter who they are — will stand in my way!"
Hearing this, Torune Aburame could not help but look uneasy.
"Lord Danzō… but that child truly might be Senju Hashirama!"
"..."
After a long silence, Danzō lifted his head sharply, his single visible eye blazing with malice.
"Anyone who has already been left behind by history belongs back in their grave!"
Torune opened his mouth to argue, but for some reason, Danzō's words suddenly felt strangely convincing — leaving him unable to speak.
"Hmph…"
Danzō let out a cold huff and unconsciously tugged at the bandage covering his right eye.
Anyone familiar with the story knew what lay beneath: the Sharingan of Shisui Uchiha — the eye that wielded Kotoamatsukami, widely regarded as the most powerful genjutsu in existence.
"I am the only one worthy of being Hokage," Danzō whispered, fading into the shadows.
He would never allow the position he had spent decades plotting for to be taken away by someone who was supposed to be long dead.
Meanwhile, back in the summit hall…
"With Danzō's departure, I declare the Five Kage Summit temporarily adjourned," Mifune announced with a stern expression.
"During this pause, you may all return to your villages or rest here as you wish."
"Lord Hashirama, we look forward to your return as the legitimate representative of Konoha," the Tsuchikage said.
"If you were to lead the united Shinobi Alliance, we would have no objections whatsoever."
Even the Raikage, who was usually so unyielding, nodded slowly. "If it is you, Kumogakure will follow your orders."
Aoi could only shake his head in amusement.
Both Danzō and Hashirama were once leaders of Konoha — yet the difference in how they are regarded is like night and day.
But then…
"Lord Hashirama, do take care," the Mizukage added with a knowing smile.
"There are those in this world who are infamous for using any means necessary to get what they want."
"Thank you for the warning, Mizukage," Aoi replied calmly.
"If I have chosen to step forward, I have already prepared myself for what may come. I only hope Danzō does not disappoint me…"
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