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Upon hearing Danzo's words, Mujin almost burst into laughter.
Was this the confidence radiating from the man who once stabbed Susano'o with a kunai?
How laughable—or rather, terrifying—it was.
However, since he had come to negotiate a partnership, Mujin couldn't afford to be rude. With a faint smile, he said, "Of course, Mr. Danzo. I'm here to discuss cooperation."
"What kind of cooperation?" Danzo had orchestrated countless conspiracies in the ninja world and collaborated with all sorts of individuals as long as it brought him benefits. He cared little about the identity of his partners, even if it meant compromising the interests of Konoha.
"It's war, Mr. Danzo. War doesn't just bring slaughter and death; it also brings money, power, and status. The position of Hokage you've always coveted is part of that package. Whether or not you admit it, you must know that your reputation alone makes it impossible for you to become Hokage. This is a village built on love and bonds—your methods will never be accepted by anyone here. Even if you manage to become the interim Hokage through scheming, there's no way the Jounin Council would vote to confirm your position. They wouldn't allow someone who would abandon them at any moment to lead the village."
Mujin's words caused Danzo's brows to twitch involuntarily.
Indeed, his reputation was the greatest obstacle in his path to becoming Hokage. Despite believing he had contributed immensely to Konoha, none of his actions were ones he could openly boast about. In fact, revealing them might only worsen public opinion.
For instance, he once threatened the retired ace spy and traveling shrine maiden, Yoruno Ukio, using the survival of Konoha's orphanage to force her into infiltrating Iwagakure.
Though Danzo gained invaluable intelligence through Yoruno Ukio, the mere act of threatening an orphanage sealed his fate among those who preached about the village, friendship, and bonds. Most of Danzo's deeds fell into this category. One could even argue that Konoha's dominance during the two previous Great Ninja Wars owed much to his efforts.
But again, not one of these achievements was something he could speak aloud. Not a single one.
After a brief silence, Danzo spoke again, "So, war will grant me the recognition of the Jounin Council?"
Mujin's lips curled upward, his eyes gleaming as he passionately declared, "Of course! Of course! My lord, there is only one path left for you to achieve the title of Hokage, and that is to become… a war hero of Konoha! War inevitably brings chaos, but chaos is the ladder to advancement! Besides, you no longer have the luxury of time to change others' perceptions of you."
"We can share information and collaborate to manipulate this war according to our desires. Imagine this, my lord—when the current Hokage makes a disastrous decision, and despite your reasoned objections, you're met with ridicule, yet the outcome ultimately proves you right. How will those who mocked you react then? When Konoha's forces are ambushed by the enemy, desperate and without reinforcements, and you, having foreseen their movements, send aid just in time—how will those you saved respond?"
"My lord, when others repeatedly fail on the battlefield, suffering heavy losses or failing missions, while you conquer formidable foes and uncover hidden plots, bringing glory and honor to Konoha—how will people react to that? When you are hailed as the invincible Danzo, celebrated as the village's hero, surrounded by adoring crowds, do you think you won't be able to boldly point at the Hokage who has led the village to repeated failures and declare, 'This position suits me far better than it does you!'"
"My lord, consider this: the village chose the soft-hearted Jiraiya over you. They preferred Tsunade, who had been absent for over a decade, over you. Even Hatake Kakashi, still laboring away in the Hokage's office, is more widely accepted than you…"
Finally, Mujin took a deep breath and delivered his conclusion with fervor.
"My lord, have you ever lain awake at night pondering… if you became Hokage, you'd ensure victory in all things. Now, the title of Hokage is within reach. You must consider whether this might be your only chance in life. I believe Konoha's past dominance owes much to your contributions. Restoring Konoha's glory is your duty—you cannot shirk it!"
The scenarios painted by Mujin struck a chord deep within Danzo. However, being a seasoned conspirator, he quickly regained his composure and asked, "You've spoken so much about how this benefits me. What do you stand to gain?"
"What do I gain?" Mujin grinned, his expression bordering on madness. He clenched his fist and swung it through the air. "War! War itself is the greatest reward! My lord, Uzumaki does not seek to destroy Konoha. Only by perpetuating endless war can there be a chance for the Hidden Villages to fall! There must be no winners in this world—all Hidden Villages must lose! If the Hidden Villages destroy Uzumaki, then Uzumaki shall destroy all Hidden Villages! This is what we desire! This is Uzumaki's revenge!"
Danzo's brows furrowed immediately. Even among the notoriously eccentric Uchiha clan, he had never encountered someone as unhinged as this. "After saying such things, why should I believe you'll cooperate with me?"
Mujin straightened his collar and resumed his calm demeanor. "Because you still want to become Hokage, Mr. Danzo. As long as that desire remains, our cooperation can proceed. Why not take a gamble? Let's see whether you ascend to Hokage first or I succeed in destroying all Hidden Villages."
Danzo's expression remained placid, betraying nothing. After a moment, he slowly responded, "Very well. Tell me your plan. It's related to the Sand delegation, isn't it?"
Danzo, a master manipulator who had spent his entire life entangled in schemes, keenly discerned Mujin's intentions.
Mujin nodded with a smile. "Precisely. I've already struck a deal with Sunagakure. We'll help them rescue their Jinchuriki of the One-Tail, and in return, they'll formally declare war on Konoha. For this, I need the location of the Jinchuriki, details of the guards, and the retreat routes."
Danzo immediately retorted, "Do you think I'd do something so harmful to the village?"
"Naturally," Mujin scoffed. "Otherwise, how did Oto and Suna's battle units manage to hide so close to Konoha without being detected? Who helped conceal their presence? Must I spell it out for you?"
He sneered before continuing, "Rest assured, you won't leave empty-handed. I'll prevent Tsunade from returning to become Hokage. Compared to her, Jiraiya is far easier to handle, isn't he? You can also adopt a hardline stance toward Sunagakure in future diplomacy. Accuse them of being untrustworthy traitors or claim their goal is solely the One-Tail Jinchuriki. A rigid attitude seems like obstinacy in peacetime, but in wartime, it becomes a rare and valuable trait. Once we successfully extract the One-Tail Jinchuriki, your foresight will earn you unexpected rewards."
At this point, Mujin suddenly paused, then turned to Aburame Torune behind Danzo and said, "Even nanoscopic virus beetles aren't completely undetectable. Next time we meet, I'll kill you."
Then, turning back to Danzo with a smile, he added, "Well then, may our collaboration prove fruitful."
With a puff of smoke, Mujin and Karin transformed into dissipating clouds and vanished.
Danzo let out a cold snort. "Hmph. Shadow clones, eh? Quite cautious brats."
Aburame Torune knelt on one knee. "I deeply apologize, Lord Danzo."
"No, it's not your fault. Your intel has been leaked. Hmm… For now, avoid acting alone. Investigate internally to see if there's a mole among us."
"Yes!"