"Alright, alright. That's not the kind of 'big picture' I meant. Whatever, I'm done talking—hurry up and leave. I've still got someone else waiting."
Akashō waved his hand impatiently, and his words made the Hyūga brothers fall into brief contemplation.
"The next one… alright, we understand. No matter what, thanks for today."
With that, the two turned and left. At the same time, the two figures hiding nearby also quickly withdrew.
"Come out."
The moment Akashō finished speaking, Danzo stepped out from the shadows. Like Kakashi, the single visible eye of his was shining with intensity.
At the same time Danzo appeared, Akashō sensed that the gaze from Hiruzen Sarutobi's Telescope Technique had vanished.
Normally, when Akashō carried out activities that weren't meant to be seen, he would deliberately use all kinds of concealment methods to evade Hiruzen Sarutobi's surveillance. But today, with Danzo here, there was no need for such trouble.
"Uzumaki Akashō, you really are an unexpected individual."
A strange smile hung at the corner of Danzo's lips, sharply contrasting with his sinister face.
"So, what do you want with me? Don't tell me you're here to thank me like those two 'cataract patients'."
"Cataract patients?"
Danzo blinked in confusion, clearly not understanding what Akashō meant, but the detail didn't matter.
"Hiruzen's Telescope Technique has been temporarily blocked by me. So I'll be direct."
"Uzumaki Akashō, join the Hidden Leaf Village."
Leaning on his cane, Danzo straightened his back and spoke with complete seriousness.
Akashō just stared at him blankly. After a long pause, he leaned his head back with a strange expression.
"Do you have a fever?"
"That's right. I probably do."
Danzo's eyes still seemed to carry the remnants of a fire that hadn't burned out during the day.
"Dignity exists only on the edge of the blade. Anyone who dares to offend the Hidden Leaf Village will be executed, no matter how far they are. Some things must be done by someone—not by waiting for heroes to appear."
"To pursue justice without rigidity… someone who can say such words—your mindset and awareness—there have only been two people in my life who possessed them. And the first was the legend of the shinobi world, the First Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, Senju Hashirama-sama."
"And as a member of the Dark Council, your strength is certainly not weak. Yet you're not like others in it—bloodthirsty and cold. Nor are you someone who develops a craving for power just because you possess strength. Uzumaki Akashō, you're too perfect—so perfect it fascinates me… even makes me ashamed."
"Therefore, at this moment, I sincerely invite you—join the Hidden Leaf Village!"
"Not just hiding behind some cover identity like now, but openly. Obtain the official status of a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village, take up a post there, protect it, and contribute your strength."
"You don't even need to leave the Dark Council. Though such an organization is destined to stand opposed to the Hidden Leaf Village, once I become Hokage, I can at least guarantee that we won't be in direct conflict."
"Well? What do you think?"
Listening to Danzo ramble on endlessly, Akashō's expression shifted from strange to completely stunned.
So… had he overacted? Did this old schemer actually believe it, seeing him as some selfless hero devoted to the people?
But wait… didn't this old guy just say something about being fascinated?
Don't tell me he's another old pervert like Hiruzen Sarutobi…
"…We'll talk about it later, Danzo. I'm a bit tired today—I want to go home and sleep."
Akashō casually made up an excuse, planning to brush Danzo off for now. In the end, this old fox just thought that someone like him—who showed no interest in power—posed no threat.
"I see… alright then."
The light in Danzo's eye dimmed slightly, and he nodded with some regret.
It made sense. After spending so much time suppressing Hiruzen Sarutobi, anyone would probably feel like their brain was about to burn out.
Danzo then turned and left. Immediately afterward, Akashō felt the gaze of Hiruzen Sarutobi's Telescope Technique return once more.
"Heh."
Akashō glanced back at the night sky, recalling the relationship between Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi from the intelligence he had gathered.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi became the Third Hokage and Danzo took over as the leader of Root, the two always appeared to be at odds—but that was only on the surface.
Looking deeper, one would realize they actually shared a strange tacit understanding. They were absolute teammates—especially when it came to the "good cop, bad cop" strategy Hiruzen Sarutobi excelled at and loved to use. Danzo had contributed quite a lot to that act.
For all he knew, the two might even be inseparable old buddies.
Unfortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi had been far too weak this time, forcing Danzo to harden his resolve and oppose him. Being betrayed by a long-time partner… that old man spying from afar was probably feeling miserable right now.
...
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was grinding his teeth as he stared at the crystal ball, looking at Akashō—who seemed to be staring right back at him. His face was filled with stifled anger and frustration.
----------------
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (188 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)