Sarutobi Hiruzen studied both reports in silence, his thoughts deepening as he processed the situation.
The Nara clan had always been known for their intelligence, and Hiruzen could tell that both Koharu and Danzo had been involved in the Fire Trade Company affair. Shikaru's report was concise and truthful, but it was written in a diplomatic, indirect manner. It subtly implied: Everything is in your hands, Lord Hokage. I've pointed out the connections, but if you want to investigate further, that's your choice. If you prefer to leave things as they are, my report gives you that option too. Either way, you won't find the Nara clan implicated. After all, how long was I there compared to Danzo? It's only natural that I couldn't uncover everything.
Danzo's report, on the other hand, was more straightforward. It laid out the entire situation, including the Shimura clan's involvement with various smaller families. Clearly, the Shimura had been aware of the issue for some time but hesitated to act. Hiruzen suspected that his decision to send Nara Shikatsu for further investigation—and the recent dismissal of Koharu—had pushed Danzo to finally make up his mind. It was apparent that Danzo had been torn between his loyalty to the village and his duty to his clan.
Meanwhile, in the private room of Yakiniku Q, Danzo and Torifu sat down for a meal.
"Torifu, your Akimichi clan really knows how to run a business. Even Yakiniku Q is under your family's name. Unlike us Shimura…" Danzo sighed, shaking his head. "This whole Fire Trade Company mess—my own clan got involved. I personally went to negotiate, and what did they do? They nearly ran the company into the ground in my name, all for a bit of money." His tone was bitter. The Fire Trade Company wouldn't go bankrupt, of course, but Konoha risked being cut out of its profits. For the village, that was a serious blow.
Torifu took a sip of tea and asked curiously, "So, what's your plan? Hiruzen was furious about this whole situation. And what about Koharu? Did she have anything to do with it? Hiruzen kicked her out of the inner circle without hesitation."
"Koharu joined forces with the Shimura clans and several small clans, collaborating with nobles to seize the benefits that rightfully belonged to the village," Danzo sighed. He hadn't expected his former comrades to act this way. They had once agreed to dedicate themselves fully to Konoha.
"Danzo, be honest with me—did you have a hand in this?" Torifu eyed him suspiciously.
Danzo met his gaze with perfect composure. "Do you think I'm that foolish? Hiruzen brought me and Kagami in to discuss the Fire Trade Company. Do you really think I don't understand how important this is? This is a power struggle between Hiruzen and the daimyo, as well as between the village and the daimyo's court. Right now, Hiruzen and Konoha are in a very vulnerable position."
Torifu exhaled in relief. "Good. That's good."
At that moment, the staff at Yakiniku Q arrived with plates of grilled meat, and the conversation paused as they focused on their meal.
"Torifu, your clan's barbecue seasoning is truly one of a kind," Danzo remarked, savoring the food. "I never get tired of it. Do you even know how miserable I've been in these past few months? Dealing with those idiots nearly drove me insane."
Torifu chuckled, giving a thumbs-up. "Of course! When it comes to food, the Akimichi clan is unmatched!" He continued eating enthusiastically, thoroughly enjoying his meal.
Danzo, however, had suddenly fallen silent, his brow furrowed in concern.
Torifu, ever the perceptive one, noticed immediately. "Danzo, just say what's on your mind. Don't sit there brooding."
Danzo put down his chopsticks and let out a sigh. "I don't know if I can continue to work as Hokage's assistant."
Torifu raised an eyebrow. "What do you think the role of Hokage's assistant is?"
"As the title suggests, it means assisting the Hokage in governing the village," Danzo answered formally.
"Exactly. Which means the assistant cannot become a burden to the Hokage," Torifu stated bluntly. "Look at Koharu—she's completely lost sight of her role as the Hokage assistant. Hiruzen promoted us out of sentiment, because of our past together but aside from you and Kagami, who among us actually helps him? You know how difficult it is for him to lead this village."
Danzo nodded. "Koharu has changed. I don't understand her anymore."
Torifu hesitated for a moment before revealing a crucial piece of information. "Hiruzen is planning to create a new position—Vice Kage of Konoha. It's a rank just below the Hokage. If the Hokage is absent, the Vice Kage will have full authority. He's also establishing a Ministry of Political Affairs, which will consist of nine members. Every major decision in Konoha will need approval from this committee before being implemented."
"Today, Hiruzen and I were reminiscing about the past, and he mentioned that he's considering either you or Kagami for the position of Vice Kage. He's still unsure, though—after all, we were all comrades. But ultimately, the decision is in your hands."
Hearing this news, Danzo felt his blood surge with excitement. Wasn't this position tailor-made for him? Though it was called "Vice-Kage," it still carried the title of Kage.
Ever since the Second Hokage chose Hiruzen as his successor, Danzo had never fully let go of his resentment. He had believed he was just as capable of leading Konoha to greatness. However, after becoming Hiruzen's assistant, he came to understand just how difficult it was to be a Hokage. He could only bury his ambitions deep within his heart.
Now, with Hiruzen deciding to share his authority, how could Danzo not be thrilled? Seeing his reaction, Torifu warned, "Don't get ahead of yourself. When your Shimura clan allied with those small families, they did so in your name. Koharu's involvement also carried your name. Those small families won't be able to withstand the pressure at tomorrow's meeting, and they will definitely use you as a scapegoat. Even if you had no part in it, no one will believe you except us."
Danzo's excitement turned into confusion. What had his clan been up to? While he was at the Fire Trade Company, he had hesitated to help them. Now, they had acted in his name, leaving him to take the fall?
Watching Danzo's expression shift from excitement to anger, Torifu advised, "Go back to your clan and see for yourself. Right now, the entire village is talking about what you and Koharu supposedly did together."
Danzo left BBQ Q in a daze, heading straight for the Shimura compound. After months away on business, he had returned to news that shook him to the core—the creation of a Vice-Kage position, with him as a candidate. Yet before he could even process it, he learned that his clan had implicated him in a scandal that could cost him everything.
What was the point of such a clan? They did nothing to support him and only dragged him down. From now on, the Shimura clan was just a name. He was not Shimura Danzo—he was Danzo of Konoha, the one who carried the will of the First and Second Hokage.
Determined, he made up his mind. He would follow Hiruzen and leave the clan behind.
With that thought, he sprinted toward the Shimura compound. Clan members greeted him along the way, but he ignored them. When an elder called for him to attend a meeting, he walked past without a word.
Arriving at his quarters, he quickly packed his belongings and sealed them into a scroll before dashing toward Hokage Rock.