Akamichi Heishi and Yamanaka Hidemitsu looked at each other and laughed. "Why not?"
"We believe in you, Luming."
The Ino-Shika-Chō trio had always endured by sticking together. They weren't the strongest clans in the Sengoku era, but following Nara's lead brought unity and survival.
"Good." Nara Luming smiled. That night, when Shikaku returned, he had him arrange a private meeting with Ren Takashi.
"I'll ask him tomorrow," Shikaku nodded. He already had some idea what his father was aiming at, and he supported it. Strengthening ties with Ren Takashi was the smart path forward.
Hokage's Office
"Fitt!"
Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura barged in. Koharu snapped, "Hiruzen, did you get the Uchiha-Senju invitation?"
"I did." Third Generation exhaled smoke. "Both are here."
The headache wouldn't go away. Nutritional pills. Steel forging. Both groundbreaking—and now under Uchiha control.
And worse, they had Senju and Uzumaki Mito behind them.
"I didn't expect Tenichi to go this far," Third muttered.
"Then what are you doing?" Koharu said sharply. "Sitting around smoking while they consolidate power?"
"What do you suggest?" Hiruzen retorted. "Master Mito is backing them. Because of the incident with Tenichi and Kushina, she sees me as an enemy."
"If we can't rein in Mito-sama, we can't touch the Uchiha either."
"They've allied openly with Senju. We can't use the usual tactics to isolate them anymore."
Koharu and Homura were stunned. This wasn't the confident Hokage they knew.
"But are we just going to watch Uchiha rise?"
"Do you have a better idea?" Hiruzen glared.
They didn't. Koharu looked away, lips tight.
Danzo finally spoke, cold and resolute: "We strike first. Send people to seize the pills and steelmaking techniques before the bidding happens."
"Once we control the tech, they're finished."
"This isn't just about power—it's Konoha's future. These are strategic resources. They can't fall into Uchiha hands!"
Hiruzen exhaled again. "Some rules can't be broken."
"If we rob them, what precedent are we setting? Every clan will wonder if they're next."
"We'd lose our legitimacy, our support base. Besides, can you handle Mito-sama and the Uchiha if they retaliate?"
Even Danzo had to admit—probably not.
"We've ruled because we uphold order. The day we break it is the day we lose everything."
"But what if you persuade Tsunade?" Danzo offered a pivot. "She co-developed the pills. You're her teacher. Maybe she'll give you the recipe."
"With that, we can compete directly and strip Uchiha of influence."
"I'll try," said Hiruzen, though his tone was grim. "But she's been distant since my fallout with Mito-sama."
"Still worth trying," Koharu said. "Play the 'Konoha's wellbeing' card. Try to appeal to her loyalty."
Hiruzen nodded. "Fine. But don't expect much."
"Now, about the steel tech." Danzo's voice sharpened. "Weapons can't be monopolized by Uchiha. That's a direct threat to village security."
"We demand they hand over the tech. Give them a payout, then take control."
Hiruzen shook his head. "They've already invited every major clan. It's public. We can't just steal it."
"But," he added, eyes gleaming, "we can exploit the current forgers and weapon merchants. They're the ones who'll lose most from this tech."
"If we align with them, we can pressure Uchiha."
"Block their access to minerals. Undermine their supply chains."
Danzo's eyes lit up. "Brilliant. Finally thinking like a Hokage."
Koharu grinned. "Could we do the same with the medicinal ingredients?"
Hiruzen frowned. "Maybe… but it's unlikely to work."
"I had Anbu investigate. Uchiha invited the top herbalists, meat suppliers, and forge owners. They anticipated this."
"But why are those medicinal suppliers cozying up to Uchiha?" Danzo asked.
"Why do you think?" Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
"You kept pressuring the Ino-Shika-Chō to hand over their next-gen talents for Root. They resented it. Now, their children are bonding with Tenichi. And their clans control most of the meat and herb supply lines."
"They used to be my staunchest allies. Now they're drifting."
"You drove them away."
Danzo scowled. "Ungrateful! I just wanted a few promising children for Konoha's sake!"
"Ungrateful?" Hiruzen barked a laugh. "You're abducting their prodigies and turning them into assassins. And you expect gratitude?"
Koharu rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Danzo. Do you even hear yourself?"
Homura muttered, "Why don't you go to heaven already…"
Silence fell.
The council was cracking.
And outside, Uchiha Tenichi's influence only grew stronger.