Konoha: We, the Uchiha, are ready to give up!

Deepest within the roots, in the leader's office.

Whether it's day or night, not a single ray of light can penetrate here; only a few oil lamps flicker, emitting an orange glow.

And that is precisely why.

This office is always quite dark.

Danzo was wrapped in bandages, his eyes flashing with cold light, appearing unpredictable in the dim light.

He sat in a chair, leaning on his cane, and looked at the two uninvited guests in front of him, a disdainful smile involuntarily appearing on his lips.

"Koharu, Yan!"

"You two elders are quite rare guests!"

"Why did you suddenly decide to visit my old friend? This isn't like you at all!"

"Not going to curry favor with Hiruzen Sarutobi anymore?"

Danzo spoke softly.

Obviously.

He didn't actually have a good impression of these two fellow disciples.

Perhaps when they were both Tobirama Senju's students, there was some affection between them, but that affection has been almost completely worn away over the years.

The fact that we can still cooperate now is, frankly speaking, all about interests.

So, that's why.

Danzo had absolutely no goodwill towards these two so-called 'friends' in front of him.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged a glance, showing no surprise at Danzo's reaction.

This is normal.

After all, just as Danzo said, they used to fawn over Hiruzen Sarutobi, and naturally overlooked their old friend Danzo.

But, awkward?

nonexistent!

For people like them, shame is long gone.

"Danzo, there's no need to test him." Koharu Utatane pushed up her glasses and said in a serious tone, "There's no need to dwell on the past. We all know the reasons in our hearts."

"Time is of the essence, and Yan and I cannot stay for too long."

"We're all old friends, so let's skip the formalities and get straight to business."

"Danzo, I won't lie to you, both En and I think Hiruzen is going too far these days."

"No matter what, we are all fellow disciples."

"Last night he actually knocked you flying with a single blow. His behavior is shameless. He even forgot who put him in the position of Hokage."

"The same applies to Yan and me."

"For his own reputation and to control Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to end the war on his own initiative, and he didn't even want the most basic war reparations."

"It doesn't matter what he wants to do; Konoha isn't short of war reparations."

"But why should Yan and I take the blame?"

"Today you dare to make us take the blame, and you even show Danzo the least respect."

"If it were to develop for some more time, I simply can't imagine what it would be like."

"Once Hiruzen has truly dealt with the Uchiha and Hyuga, shouldn't he then turn his attention to us old friends?"

"So Yan and I both felt that we had to teach Hiruzen a lesson."

"Danzo, let's join forces!"

Danzo was stunned upon hearing these words.

Yes.

He considered many possibilities, but this was the one he never considered.

Good guy!

Even Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado don't want to hang out with Hiruzen Sarutobi anymore?

Thinking of this, Danzo turned his head: "Yan, what are your thoughts?"

“Just like Koharu, Hiruzen has gone too far.” Mitokado Homura said coldly, “He has now secured his position as Hokage, and because he wants to deal with the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, he can still use us for the time being.”

"Once the Uchiha and Hyuga are eliminated, our next step will be them."

"Therefore, it's best to strike first!"

"Although we can't kill Hiruzen directly, we must teach him a lesson."

"Make him understand that he can't go too far!"

"We deserve some credit for his ability to hold the position of Hokage."

"Do you intend to abandon me after I've served my purpose?"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi won't get away with this either!"

Chapter 223 If you want to join forces with Danzo, then first show us your pledge of allegiance!

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado spoke without any attempt at embellishment.

Let's be honest and straightforward!

Yes.

They know each other too well; there's no need for them to play those games.

Who doesn’t understand who?

Danzo smiled faintly upon hearing this.

"You two, you've finally come to your senses."

"Think about Hiruzen's arrangements over the years, and look at the development of the Sarutobi clan."

"Nara Shikaku is the Jonin class leader, Sarutobi Shinsuke is the captain of the Anbu, Morino Ibiki is the head of the interrogation and torture department, and Sarutobi Hiruzen himself is the principal of the Ninja Academy!"

"The real military force and the training of the next generation of ninjas are all in the hands of Hiruzen Sarutobi."

"And what about you?"

"Konoha Hospital under Koharu's control, and Mission Hall under Yan's control, are both powerful departments in Konoha."

But what about in reality?

"They're just some administrative departments. If Hiruzen really wanted to deal with you, you wouldn't even be able to retaliate."

"The power you wield is not even comparable to that of the Uchiha Police Department!"

"And the Root organization under my control seems to wield considerable power, but what does that have to do with Hiruzen?"

"The Root is actually just a training course for the Dark Guard!"

"It was through my gradual acquisition of rights that the roots have developed into what they are today."

"And even now, Zhan doesn't dare to restrict my root, so isn't he essentially making me do his dirty work?"

So, think about it.

"The three of us who fought alongside him and helped him secure the position of Hokage actually only held sinecure positions, plus the title of elder."

"They wouldn't even give the three of us the title of Hokage's assistant."

"However, it's okay."

"You two have finally come to your senses, which is truly something to celebrate."

"However, given your past actions, if you truly want to join forces with me, then I need a sufficiently substantial pledge of allegiance."

"Are you two ready?"

Danzo remained expressionless.

Yes.

Why did he always want to become Hokage?

Aside from the resentment of missing out on the Hokage position by falling just short of Hiruzen Sarutobi, it was mostly out of self-preservation.

He knew his old friend Hiruzen Sarutobi all too well.

Don't be fooled by her kind and gentle appearance; she's actually more ruthless than anyone else!

The reason we haven't taken action against them yet is because Hiruzen Sarutobi hasn't completely taken control of Konoha.

Once the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, the last two major clans, are completely eliminated by everyone, it will naturally be time for the cunning rabbit to die and the hunting dog to be cooked.