Chapter 71 Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto (Patreon)

"It's such a waste. I can't fathom why Grandpa Tobirama chose him as his disciple," Nawaki muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on Danzo's retreating figure with a cold, contemptuous tone.

"Don't underestimate Danzo. Regardless of how twisted their minds may be, they all possess the potential to reach Kage-level without possessing any major bloodlines," Tatsuya replied with a light chuckle. "But their thinking is just abnormal."

Although Danzo had been weakened by the aging, he was still among the elite Jonin. Danzo, at his peak, had even touched the threshold of Kage level, which was quite an accomplishment. However, Tatsuya couldn't help but shake his head when it came to Danzo's erratic behavior.

"This guy's got a problem with his brain," he continued, sounding almost exasperated. "He's like the Sasuke of the previous generations. His own strength is mediocre, yet he always seeks to challenge opponents stronger than himself. What's more baffling is his penchant for carrying out bewildering operations during battles. Forget body replacement techniques or Izanagi – just recall that bizarre scene in his fight with A, using Kunai's lightning-style chakra armor. His strength is still there, but his mind is truly baffling. He seems to misunderstand his role, believing himself to be the savior of the world."

Hatake, who had been observing the conversation, walked over and chimed in, "It seems your plan to eliminate Shimura Danzo didn't flow out smoothly, Tatsuya."

Tatsuya, clearly frustrated, replied, "Who would've thought he'd fold so quickly? Danzo's something else."

Nawaki interjected with a worried tone, "Old man Sarutobi pinned all the blame for our initial defeat on Danzo. This way, my sister can take over as Hokage after the war ends."

This incident provided Nawaki with insight into why Sarutobi Hiruzen had tolerated Danzo to such an extent. With Danzo around, any mishap could easily be attributed to him, serving as a convenient scapegoat.

Tatsuya, maintaining his composure, said, "There are always more methods than problems, and there are opportunities."

He didn't regret his actions. During the Third Ninja War, Konoha faced the daunting task of dealing with three major villages: the Cloud Shinobi, Rock Shinobi, and Mist Shinobi. Behind the scenes loomed the ever-dangerous Uchiha Madara. There were numerous opportunities – this time was no exception.

Sakumo nodded, taking the situation seriously. "In the upcoming battle, we'll need to reclaim our standing. We have to show them what the strongest combination in the ninja world looks like."

Tatsuya flashed a confident smile. "Let them witness the might of the strongest ninja combination."

...

...

"Hiruzen, what's happening?" A week later, Danzo, having returned to Konoha Village from the northern front, confronted Sarutobi Hiruzen with anger in his voice.

Upon his return to Konoha, Danzo discovered that the village had taken Hokage's words to heart, and everyone blamed Danzo for the loss in the initial battle.

While Danzo recognized his share of responsibility, he couldn't help but find the blame exaggerated. He felt like a rat crossing the street, condemned by all. He empathized with Hatake Sakumo, who had failed his mission five years ago and was on the brink of suicide.

Danzo sighed deeply, almost berating himself aloud. "It's as if I'm the greatest sinner of all time."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, calmly puffing on his pipe, replied, "Danzo, it appears that your talents may be better suited to covert operations. This could be an opportunity for you."

Hiruzen continued, "I've heard rumors about Iwagakure's potential actions, so I want you to investigate. Additionally, there's a skilled kunoichi named 'Nono' who's running an orphanage in the Land of Fire. I'd like you to look into that as well."

Danzo, surprisingly, didn't react with anger. Koharu and Homura quickly chimed in to support Hiruzen's decision. "Danzo, this is probably the best course of action."

"You wouldn't want to just watch Tsunade become Hokage, would you? That would only worsen the situation," they reasoned.

Under their repeated persuasion, Danzo's fiery temper subsided. He let out a heavy sigh and, with a muttered "hmph," turned and left Hiruzen's office.

He couldn't accept the idea of Tsunade becoming Hokage, but he also believed that Hiruzen didn't need to return to the position. In Danzo's mind, the old man was the savior capable of bringing change to the ninja world, proving Tobirama's choice wrong. With this thought, Danzo left without looking back, determined to return to his secret base.

The defeat he suffered at the hands of A had made it clear to him that he needed greater power. Coincidentally, he was nearing the stage of experimenting with Hashirama's power.

If Tsunade could perform the transplant operation, that would be ideal, but Danzo knew it was unlikely. Nevertheless, he had another candidate in mind, someone he could contact even if they had defected.

At this point, the relationship between Danzo and Hiruzen had irrevocably fractured. Yet, despite their rift, they remained consistent when it came to persecuting their own people.

...

...

"Did that guy Danzo really have his arm broken by the Third Raikage's son?"

"It's a shame; why didn't that old coot die at the hands of the enemy?"

On the western frontlines of the Land of Wind, the Land of Fire, and the Land of Thunder, Tsunade, having just completed her work on Minato and removed her medical mask, couldn't help but comment loudly on the situation at the northern frontlines.

"Master Tsunade, please keep your voice down," the concerned Konoha ninja and Sand Shinobi, as well as Minato, urged her, sweating to restrain her outburst.

Tsunade, however, remained undeterred. "What's there to be afraid of? I wish the whole world knew that old geezers met his early demise."

Minato could only manage a nervous chuckle. "By the way, are you incapable of dealing with that wretched old man?"

Tsunade responded by patting Minato's wound forcefully, causing him to flinch in pain. The wound was a fist-sized hole, the result of the Third Raikage's "Strong Spear" attack.

Namikaze Minato smiled wryly. "I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. I can't breach his defenses. Although I'm as fast as him, the difference in our attack power is too great. Even my most potent technique, the Big Ball Rasengan, couldn't penetrate his chakra armor."