Chapter 105: A Clash of Interests
For the shinobi of Konoha, desecrating the body of the First Hokage after death was an unthinkable offense. Even under the banner of Konoha's interests, it was still an act that violated human decency and could never gain approval.
Shimura Danzo, a disciple of the Hokage, had lived through multiple great ninja wars. The countless battle scars had left his body riddled with injuries. His bandaged appearance—covering his head, right eye, and what seemed to be a disabled right arm—was not merely to conceal the implanted Sharingan and the strain from Hashirama cells, but rather to hide the fact that his body was genuinely broken.
Danzo's current status wasn't solely owed to his status as a Hokage's pupil. He was a true warrior who had shed blood for Konoha. He led the Root organization, personally training generation after generation of capable shinobi. In other words, Danzo was a hero of Konoha with undeniable achievements.
Some questioned his absence during the Nine-Tails' attack on the village. But according to intel Mizuki had pieced together, Danzo's transplant of the First Hokage's cells was likely not perfected at the time. Twelve years ago, Danzo was probably just a crippled shadow lurking in the dark, unable to save the village personally—he could only send out operatives to assist. Balancing the Sharingan and Hashirama cells required immense effort. By analyzing the timeline—when the Uchiha clan was wiped out and Sasuke and Naruto entered the academy—it was clear Danzo completed the implant sometime afterward.
So during the Nine-Tails' attack, Danzo's inaction wasn't betrayal—it was simple inability.
As for the election of the Fifth Hokage this time, had Jiraiya not been present in the village, Danzo likely would've been appointed acting Hokage and later officially taken the position without opposition.
But with someone like Jiraiya present—equal in both power and reputation, and significantly younger—Danzo's chances were slim. Especially since he couldn't reveal the true condition of his body.
Danzo sighed and said no more. He had known his efforts were likely doomed the moment he heard of Jiraiya's return. He could only wait for another opportunity.
After that, the rest had little to do with Mizuki. Orders and logistics were handed down in routine fashion, and the meeting gradually concluded.
…
"Thanks for today, Kakashi," Mizuki said. Truth be told, getting along with the future Sixth Hokage made him feel a little smug—as if he too were among the elite.
"It was nothing," Kakashi replied. "But tough times lie ahead. There won't be much time to relax."
"After tomorrow's funeral for the Third Hokage, I'll be departing," Mizuki added. "Seems like there's not much time to prepare."
"You won't need much," Kakashi shrugged. "This is mostly symbolic. The victors show off, and the losers show submission. We need to remind the world that Konoha is still the dominant force."
Mizuki sighed. "But not a single elder is going? Not even any major jōnin?"
Kakashi and Guy were staying behind to defend the village. Konoha was stretched thin. Asuma Sarutobi, despite his power and diplomatic talents, also remained. The envoy was led by someone unexpected: Hiashi Hyuga, head of the Hyuga clan.
Hiashi's status and strength made him a fitting envoy, but his clan had long distanced itself from Konoha's core politics. Unlike the arrogant Uchiha, the Hyuga had always remained aloof—perhaps having learned from the Uchiha's downfall. They rarely commented on high-level village affairs, especially after the tragic death of Hiashi's brother, Hizashi, which had left the clan feeling betrayed by Konoha's leadership.
Still, the Hyuga's strength and legacy couldn't be ignored. Hiashi had the necessary qualifications and, more importantly, the time. Among all potential candidates, he was the best choice.
"Kakashi, why do you think the Hyuga clan has never tried to compete for the Hokage seat?" Mizuki asked.
Given the Hyuga clan's influence—even if somewhat marginalized—they were still a powerhouse. Competing for the Hokage title wasn't entirely unrealistic. Why hadn't they ever tried, unlike the Uchiha?
"Probably tradition," Kakashi replied. "And the cursed seal."
"I see… what a pity," Mizuki murmured.
Kakashi's explanation was partly true. But Mizuki believed the real reason lay in legacy—in factions. The Uchiha, Hyuga, and other noble clans had different values from the Hokage lineage, which often represented the interests of minor clans and civilian shinobi. The gap in beliefs and goals determined who could claim the Hokage's mantle.
…
After parting ways with Kakashi, Mizuki returned home to find dinner waiting on the table—still warm, clearly prepared not long ago.
"She must've left in a hurry…" he thought with a wry smile.
"There's a lot to do in the coming days…"
After a quick meal and a hot shower, Mizuki lay down to rest. The last few days had drained him—months of preparation, endless contingency plans, all for this outcome. And yet, so much had spiraled out of control. The result was close to what he'd hoped, but the path there was far messier.
Unable to sleep, Mizuki picked up a notebook lying beside him.
"Hm? These are the experiment logs I asked Chie to keep… I didn't realize she'd compiled so much."
He flipped through them absently, sifting through data and notes without much expectation—until he reached the final page.
"What the…?"
His eyes widened.
"This… completely ignores the distinction between living and non-living matter…"
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