Half a month passed quickly.
During the inauguration ceremony of the Fifth Hokage, Danzo handed over the Hokage hat—the symbol of power—to Tsunade.
He then stepped back, silently watching as Tsunade received the villagers' cheers and acceptance.
"Danzo-sama, how did you convince her?"
Turning his head, Danzo saw that Jiraiya had somehow appeared beside him, looking at him with curiosity.
"I told her that if she refused, you would have to take the position. She agreed immediately."
"…If you don't want to tell me, just say so."
Jiraiya gave an awkward chuckle, rubbing his nose.
Watching Tsunade deliver her speech, Danzo spoke indifferently,
"Jiraiya, stay in Konoha. The village needs you."
"With you, the village's clans, and everyone else here, I'm not that important. Besides, I trust Tsunade to do a good job as Hokage." His gaze was filled with trust as he looked at her.
"Loving Konoha isn't enough to be a good Hokage—just look at Hiruzen. If you stay, Tsunade will have an easier time."
Jiraiya hesitated slightly.
Danzo continued, "I also want you to become Naruto's teacher. If it's you, Minato would be at ease."
Though, Kushina might not be too happy about it.
"…Fine. But only for three to five years, tops. You know I can't sit still for long." Jiraiya scratched the back of his head and laughed heartily.
Danzo gave a slight nod, not bothering to respond further to Jiraiya's antics.
[You thought you could run? Stay and do your job properly.]
...
At the entrance of the Hyuga Clan compound, Danzo arrived as an invited guest.
"I apologize for the trouble, Danzo-sama." Hizashi lowered his head in both shame and gratitude before leading the way inside.
Danzo, accompanied by Kabuto Yakushi and Yugao Uzuki, followed him into the grand Hyuga estate.
This was not Danzo's first visit.
Along the way, every Hyuga clan member they encountered bowed in greeting, maintaining their strict discipline at all times.
At the entrance to a spacious hall, two kneeling maids slid open the doors. Inside, Hiashi was already waiting, along with three elders from the Hyuga Clan's main family.
"Danzo-sama." ×4
"No need for formalities, Hiashi."
As Danzo took his seat, the atmosphere became noticeably more relaxed. Naturally, polite exchanges were inevitable.
Though Danzo wasn't particularly fond of such pleasantries, he knew how to play the game.
The core topic of discussion was, of course, the allocation of benefits within the Fire Country's Regulatory Department.
As one of Konoha's most influential clans, the Hyuga were certainly entitled to a share.
Danzo had already reached an understanding with Hiashi regarding this matter.
However, for the three elders who were unaware, the news was quite pleasing.
Once the discussions concluded, servants brought in a variety of dishes.
"I've heard that the Hyuga Clan has a talented young prodigy—Hyuga Neji—as well as the main family's daughter, Hyuga Hinata. May I have the pleasure of meeting them?"
Given Danzo's request, the group—who had been having a pleasant conversation—naturally had no reason to refuse.
Soon, the two children were brought in by a maid.
Compared to Hinata, who appeared timid and somewhat afraid, the six-year-old Neji stood calmly, unfazed by the situation.
However, Danzo's gaze lingered on Hinata for a moment, a flicker of interest flashing in his eyes.
[System notification: Gain the acknowledgment of a key story character—Hyuga Hinata. (Status: Lacking independent will)]
[Warning: Time flows like a great river. Even if you create ripples, they are still just ripples.]
Danzo shifted his gaze to Neji without betraying any emotion.
"As expected of the Hyuga Clan's prodigy—he's no less talented than Fugaku's son."
Through his sensory abilities, Danzo could tell that Neji, though only a recent academy student, already had signs of chakra development within him.
His words of praise brought satisfaction to the Hyuga members present, especially with the implicit comparison to the Uchiha.
Danzo continued, "I hear he's Hizashi's son. Why not have him join the new generation of Root?"
The three elders exchanged glances before Hiashi directly made the decision.
"For Neji to earn Danzo-sama's recognition is a great honor."
Danzo smiled slightly before beckoning to the still-nervous Hinata.
At Hiashi's approving nod, Hinata hesitantly stepped closer to Danzo.
So small, so cute, head lowered, timid and shy.
So, this is the future princess?
Danzo had the sudden urge to pat her head, but considering Hiashi was watching, he restrained himself.
"She really is adorable. I believe you'll grow into an excellent ninja."
Taking her small hand, he placed a wooden ring infused with life energy into her palm.
"This is a little gift for you."
Hiashi and the elders, sensing the potent life force within the object, were visibly surprised.
"Hinata, thank Danzo-sama."
"Th-Thank you… Danzo-sama." Hinata bowed shyly.
Afterward, Danzo requested a private conversation with Hiashi.
The elders tactfully excused themselves, and the two children were led away by the maids.
"There's one more thing I'd like to ask. I'd like access to the Hyuga Clan's historical records, particularly those concerning the Warring States Period."
"That's a small matter, Danzo-sama. You're welcome to review them anytime."
Danzo wasn't surprised. Aside from their secret techniques and jutsu, most clans had little regard for historical documents.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have taken only a few generations for the Sage of Six Paths to become a mere legend, barely believed.
The two spoke a bit more about Neji's future before Danzo finally took his leave.
It was agreed that Neji would join Root after turning ten.
As for the Caged Bird Seal, with Danzo backing Hiashi, the clan elders wouldn't dare force it upon Neji.
Whether out of respect for Danzo or the benefits of having Neji in Root, the Hyuga Clan stood to gain more from this arrangement.
There was no need to risk antagonizing Danzo over it.
Though it defied traditional clan customs, it was ultimately overshadowed by greater interests.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (195 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)