"Damned Hiruzen Sarutobi, damned Homura and Koharu!" Danzo smashed the cup in front of him to pieces.
"It's just that they didn't take your advice—is it really worth getting this angry?" Isamu casually pulled up a stool and sat down, while Orochimaru stood off to the side.
"Stop spouting sarcasm. When I was giving advice to Sarutobi, why didn't I see you stand up and speak?" Danzo glared at Isamu.
"I'm just a nobody—what use would my opinion be? Besides, with Hiruzen Sarutobi's soft personality, he would never agree to go to war directly," Isamu said with a helpless shrug.
"Hmph! Those are all excuses. Anyone with eyes can see that if this continues, war is only a matter of time. If Sarutobi refuses to take the initiative, won't we be even more passive when they come knocking? I really don't know what he's thinking." After venting, Danzo dragged over a stool and sat opposite Isamu.
"Isn't this actually more beneficial for you? Once he realizes war is inevitable, you can impeach him again. By then—" Isamu began, but Danzo quickly cut him off.
"Ahem. Since he has already decided on defense, it's not appropriate for us to keep opposing him openly. I called you here for another matter." Danzo shot Isamu a meaningful look, signaling that there was an outsider present.
Although Orochimaru had begun cooperating with Danzo, it was still only cooperation—some things couldn't be spoken of openly.
"It's fine, go ahead. I'll pretend I didn't hear anything," Orochimaru said calmly.
Both of them rolled their eyes at him. Right… as if that helps.
"I called you here to tell you this: when you're stationed at the border, if you see ninjas from other countries, kill them all. Leave no survivors," Danzo said coldly.
"But didn't Teacher Hiruzen instruct us to defend passively and avoid provoking war?" Orochimaru asked directly.
"Hmph, that soft-hearted Sarutobi. Blindly defending will only put us at a disadvantage later. And who knows how many will die because of that hesitation? Orochimaru, do you still not understand?" Danzo stared at him.
"This…" Orochimaru hesitated.
"You still care about how many people die?" Isamu glanced at Danzo before turning to Orochimaru. "I don't oppose Hiruzen's decision, but Danzo isn't wrong either. Blind defense leads to passivity. You know what to choose."
"...Fine. I'll eliminate enemies at the border," Orochimaru finally agreed, though reluctantly.
"Haha, good! Orochimaru, I didn't misjudge you." Danzo nodded, then turned to Isamu. "What about you?"
"I would've done it even without you saying anything. A bunch of clowns daring to stir up trouble—I'll kill every single one I see. As for whether it starts a war? I don't care. If they're not convinced, they can come fight," Isamu said coldly.
"Good. With that, I can rest easy. Go prepare. If you need anything, come to me—I'll support you fully," Danzo promised.
"Since you say that, there actually is something I need your help with," Isamu said immediately.
Orochimaru looked awkward. That was clearly just polite talk…
"You really don't hold back, do you? I was just being polite. But go ahead—what do you need?" Danzo sighed.
"Since you offered, I'll accept. Just send me good food and drinks regularly. Who knows how long I'll be gone this time," Isamu said casually.
"...That's it?"
"That's it. You're not going to refuse such a small request, are you?"
"Fine, fine, no problem!" Danzo agreed quickly, clearly wanting to avoid further embarrassment.
"Orochimaru, if you need anything, just ask. He won't be stingy," Isamu added.
"...No need. If I require anything, I'll report it properly," Orochimaru replied. He wasn't nearly as shameless as Isamu.
"Alright then, let's go. I still need to tell Tsunade—I'm sure she'll make a fuss again." After greeting Danzo, Isamu left with Orochimaru.
Once outside, Orochimaru looked at Isamu with a complicated expression.
"Say it," Isamu said. "You've got something on your mind."
"...Do you and Danzo have some kind of… secret?" Orochimaru asked carefully.
"Nothing that can't be said. He helps me, I help him—that's all. A mutually beneficial relationship. As for 'that kind of thing,' he has those ambitions, but I don't," Isamu replied calmly.
"That's good. I thought the two of you might be planning something together. It's good that you're not."
Orochimaru felt relieved. If both Danzo and Isamu were aiming for the Hokage position, that would be dangerous.
"Danzo may be better than hypocrites, but he's still not a good person. If you cooperate with him, stay alert. One day he might sell you out, and you won't even realize it," Isamu warned.
"Don't worry. I know exactly what kind of person he is. Our relationship is only cooperation—nothing more," Orochimaru replied, a faint, cunning smile forming on his lips.
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