"She's really that strong?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi furrowed his brows even deeper after hearing this.
"What did you think?"
Mito Uzumaki gave Hiruzen a sidelong glance.
"You know very well—back then, she quelled an internal Uchiha rebellion by herself and subdued the entire clan."
"How could she have managed that without enough strength?"
"As for Genqing becoming Tsunade's disciple, don't overthink it."
"She simply wants to give him more support and protection during his growth—keep the rats lurking in the shadows from messing with him."
"What, do you really think just by being Tsunade's disciple and the Third's grand-disciple, he could become Hokage?"
"As if you all were dead."
Honestly, Mito thought, if Genqing did become Hokage one day, it would still be better than letting Hiruzen continue.
With his connections—Tsunade as his master, alliance with the Uchiha, and upcoming marriage pacts—Genqing's leadership would only improve things for the Senju and Uzumaki.
Unlike Hiruzen, who, lacking strength and confidence, had to suppress large clans to secure his position.
Sure, the Sarutobi weren't exactly a small clan. They were mid-sized, with a large population.
But they lacked any unique specialties.
Their rise came from cleverness, politics, and playing the "harmless good guy" role. That's what gained them the First and Second Hokage's favor.
But ever since Hiruzen took power, things had changed.
Hiruzen, unaware that Mito's loyalty had shifted, still tried to read her tone.
Hearing her indirectly reference Danzo, he replied cautiously:
"You're absolutely right. I understand now."
"I'll rein Danzo in and ensure we treat the Uchiha more carefully."
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Yes, Hiruzen thought. Genqing becoming Hokage just because he's Tsunade's student? Ridiculous.
He would never allow that.
"Go."
Mito waved him off without interest. She had nothing more to say to him.
Hiruzen quickly left.
Back at the Hokage's office, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura swarmed around him.
"Well? What did they talk about? Has Chiri truly recovered?"
"Yes."
Hiruzen nodded, recounting everything Mito had told him.
"What?!"
Danzo exploded in rage.
"How could Lady Mito do this? Giving away the Flying Thunder God, Tobirama-sensei's Water-Style, and sealing techniques to the Uchiha?"
"This is feeding the tiger!"
"What gives her the right?"
He was furious.
With these techniques, the Uchiha would grow even more powerful—especially sealing jutsu.
If the Uchiha used them around their territory, it would be impossible to spy on them anymore.
Flying Thunder God was even worse—a strategic-level jutsu. If any Uchiha mastered it, they'd be untouchable.
"Um… Lady Mito absolutely has the right,"
Koharu replied dryly.
"All those jutsu originated from Tobirama, a Senju."
"Even though they were catalogued in the village's forbidden scrolls, it's natural that the Senju kept copies."
Danzo stared at her, speechless.
"Whose side are you even on, Koharu?"
He was fuming. Was she trying to drive him mad?
"Tsk."
Koharu scoffed.
"Just stating facts."
"Besides, the deal is done. What's the point of you yelling now?"
Danzo's whole face turned red. He felt like punching something.
"Enough, Danzo."
Hiruzen cut in, extinguishing the argument.
"Lady Mito has indeed regained some of her vitality. She could live several more years."
"We'll have to scale back our pressure on both the Senju and Uchiha—for now."
"And one more thing..."
He turned to Danzo with a warning glare:
"Genqing Uchiha is now Tsunade's disciple. Don't even think about targeting him."
"If you provoke either Chiri or Lady Mito, even I won't be able to protect you."
Danzo's face twitched.
"Isn't that a little excessive?"
"No. It's not."
Hiruzen's expression turned grim.
"This was part of their deal. If you so much as touch him, you'll face the wrath of both Chiri and Mito."
"Consider yourself warned."
Danzo gritted his teeth.
"Fine. I'll leave the brat alone for now."
But inside, he was burning.
Ever since Chiri's rumored recovery, he'd been trying to figure out how to undermine her.
And now? Before he could act, she'd already blocked his moves.
He felt utterly outplayed.
"She's really something. No wonder she kept the Uchiha in check all these years…"
"But if she doesn't die, there's no way I can keep hunting Uchiha for more Sharingan!"
"Damn it!"
Danzo seethed.
"Alright, enough," Hiruzen interrupted again, lighting his pipe.
"Let's shift focus to the situation with the Uzumaki Clan."
"Now that Lady Mito has partially recovered, should we send troops to support them?"
"Or stick with our original plan?"
While Mito seemed only partially recovered, Hiruzen wasn't sure.
With her sealing arts and cunning, she could be faking it.
And if she was actually fully restored, and they still went ahead with their plan...
They would face Mito's full wrath.
That was a risk he couldn't take.
Lady Mito's influence in the village remained immense.
If she wanted, she could probably have him removed as Hokage.
And replaced.