Chapter 79: The Trial Has Only Just Begun
The only one who spoke was Koharu Utatane.
However, Uchiha Dali could clearly read from the expressions of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Homura Mitokado that they were thinking the same thing as Koharu.
He gave a faint, amused smile and didn't bother reacting to the responses of these old-timers.
"You can rest assured. I'm only targeting Shimura Danzo. Since I've declared that I will lead Konoha into a glorious future, I won't allow anyone to sabotage that plan."
"If he keeps his hands clean, then that's fine."
"But if not, don't say I didn't warn you."
"Those who follow me will thrive."
A cold gleam flashed in Uchiha Dali's eyes—one that brooked no argument.
He didn't make any excessive movements at all.
And yet, he gave off a bone-chilling aura that made everyone feel a creeping dread from the inside out.
Even Minato Namikaze, standing to the side, felt the same.
"Root is Danzo's personal unit. It's also part of Konoha's elite fighting force, and it's not small in number."
"Destroying them would be a huge blow to the village's strength. You must understand, even serious criminals can be put to good use under the right circumstances…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke slowly.
When he said this, Uchiha Dali tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice, but said nothing.
Don't be fooled by how these elders all look like they hail from the same generation as Shimura Danzo, and all served as elite guards under the Second Hokage—it might seem like they had strong ties, right?
In reality, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the only one who truly understood Danzo.
The two had a rivalry that teetered between friendship and hostility.
But the other two? That wasn't the case.
Koharu Utatane had opposed targeting Danzo earlier mostly out of self-interest.
Once Uchiha Dali clarified that he was only going after Danzo and wouldn't touch the rest of them, she and Homura stopped objecting.
Now that Uchiha Dali had gone silent, he clearly had his own plan in mind.
He hoped Hiruzen would fall for it.
He sneered inwardly.
"Enough of that. Are there any other matters in the village I should know about?"
Uchiha Dali took the initiative to change the subject and turned to look at Minato.
There were many secrets in Konoha, ones only accessible after reaching a certain level. They weren't limited to just top-level gossip—things like the Wood Release experiments were included as well.
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen turned to Minato. "Now is not the time."
Though it sounded like a reply to Dali, it was more like a subtle reminder to Minato.
"You need to understand one thing, Uchiha Dali. The reason we let you become Hokage wasn't simply because we support you."
"At the very least, we'll have to wait three months—after you've proven yourself in this position with real results—before we can decide whether you're truly suited for it."
"By then, what you should know and what you shouldn't—I'll personally tell you everything."
Oh really?
Still trying to play that game?
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Dali couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.
It was just a test anyway.
To be honest, were there really any Konoha secrets left that he didn't already know?
He gave Minato a nonchalant glance, and Minato just so happened to lower his gaze in response. Their eyes met, and Minato indeed hadn't revealed anything.
Uchiha Dali didn't say anything more. He casually pulled out a stack of ninja profiles from the drawer and started flipping through them at a relaxed pace.
Now that he had become Hokage, it was necessary for him to be thoroughly familiar with the names and identities of his subordinates.
…
Uchiha Shisui was in a great mood.
After seeing Uchiha Dali sitting in the Hokage's seat in the office—while the Third Hokage, the two top advisors, and even the man once considered the best candidate for Fourth Hokage all had no strong objections—he finally believed in the illusion-based vision that Uchiha Fugaku had spoken of.
The future he and Fugaku had seen not long ago—it was real.
But more importantly, this meant there no longer needed to be any bloodshed between the village and the Uchiha clan.
He couldn't wait to return home and share the good news with Uchiha Fugaku.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Shikaku Nara had begun following Hiruzen's orders to quietly spread the news.
Of course, for now the information was being limited to the jōnin within the village.
However, it didn't take long before members of the Root organization caught wind of this intelligence, and the news soon reached Shimura Danzo, who was still dreaming about profiting from the chaos.
Hiding underground, waiting to play the opportunist—Danzo was fantasizing about emerging victorious after others wore themselves out in battle. But when he heard that Hiruzen, Minato, and both advisors had all compromised with Uchiha Dali, he was utterly dumbfounded.
"What did you say?"
He couldn't believe it—or rather, he didn't want to believe it.
"Lord Danzo, it's absolutely true."
"Once more of the ninja return to the village tomorrow, Lord Third Hokage will officially announce it…"
"There's one more thing. To boost Uchiha Dali's standing, Minato and he will face off in a match."
"A match?"
Danzo's expression darkened, and a cold gleam flickered in his eyes.
This unexpected development had completely thrown off his plans. He hadn't expected Minato or Hiruzen to give in so easily.
They'd actually handed over the Hokage title… to a member of the Uchiha clan!
To Danzo, that was absolutely unacceptable.
Upon hearing his subordinate's report, thoughts flashed through his mind like lightning. He quickly grasped the situation.
"So, Minato plans to use this method to placate himself? Heh…"
"But I must admit—I'm curious. Which of the two is stronger?"
It was then that Orochimaru's voice rang out.
His words struck a chord in Danzo's heart.
"The nickname 'Yellow Flash' wasn't self-proclaimed. He earned that on the battlefield—through strength that even his enemies respected."
"Minato voluntarily gave up the Hokage seat. He's clearly unwilling but can't afford a direct clash with the Uchiha that would cause a large-scale conflict in the village."
"So, he plans to settle it with a one-on-one duel with Uchiha Dali—to determine who is truly the strongest in the village. And for that, both of them will have to go all out."
At that, a harsh glint once again flared in Danzo's eyes.
And this time, killing intent began to seep from him.
"If they're going to fight with everything they've got in a life-or-death battle… then why don't we take the opportunity to finish them both off once and for all?"
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