The night was deep.
Watching Takeshi already fast asleep in the next bed, Asuma quietly got up.
Before long, he left the hospital, his entire figure shrouded in the darkness of night.
"That rebellious kid isn't half bad. He knows to support the civilian ninja as the foundation, breaking the overbearing dominance of the ninja clans."
After listening to Asuma's account, Danzō nodded slightly, approving Takeshi's proposal.
"Don't spread word of this matter. I'll handle it personally."
Glancing at the cast wrapped around Asuma's hand, Danzō, for once, showed a rare trace of concern.
"Your injuries haven't fully healed yet. You still need proper rest. Takeshi can't be without you right now."
"Yes, Sensei."
"Of course, your lack of strength was also a major reason for your injury this time. How about this—once you've recovered, come to me during your free time. I'll personally guide your training."
After concern came discipline.
Asuma's talent wasn't bad—his ninjutsu and taijutsu were both at a jōnin level.
But in terms of ninjutsu mastery, he wasn't as strong as Kakashi of his generation. And in taijutsu, he lagged behind Might Guy.
As for raw strength, even Takeshi surpassed him.
All in all, the brilliance of the Hokage's own son, Sarutobi Asuma, had been overshadowed by his peers. His position among the jōnin was sustained mostly by his family's distinguished background.
"Don't be so disheartened. Your strength isn't enough to crush ordinary jōnin—you're only somewhat stronger than the average. Fortunately, you're still young. There's time to refine your skills."
Hearing Danzō's words, Asuma was momentarily stunned.
This teacher of his had never spoken so much to him before. Even during his youth, when he followed Danzō for training, the man only ever spoke in terse phrases that captured the essence of his lessons.
The rest had been endless Wind Release lashes… especially after his arguments with his father...
"Right, after Takeshi got his injection, did he show any differences?"
Suddenly, Danzō asked about Takeshi out of nowhere.
Any differences after the injection?
Does talking even more count?
Though Asuma didn't understand why Danzō suddenly showed interest in Takeshi, he still answered truthfully.
"The same as always."
Not long after Asuma left, Aburame Tatsuma appeared before Danzō.
Tatsuma's face was the same as ever—expressionless.
"There are two things I need you to do."
Danzō sat high above, speaking with his usual commanding tone to his former subordinate.
"First, there are many unstable elements around the new Daimyō. I want those people to stop appearing before him—sow discord between the Hokage and the Daimyō's court.
Second, the Fifth Hokage plans to collect secret techniques and chakra training methods from the clans to share with civilian ninja. Go tell Shibi to fully cooperate."
"Yes."
Tatsuma accepted Danzō's orders.
"Hmm. You may go. Remember—now is the crucial time to counter the Ōtsutsuki. Konoha must not fall into chaos from within."
With that said, Danzō lowered his head and began flipping through the book in his hands.
...
"Hey, old man, hand over Yōwan's eyes."
After a night's rest, Takeshi left the hospital full of energy after saying goodbye to Asuma.
Perhaps it was just his imagination, but his already vast chakra reserves seemed to have grown slightly after resting.
Knowing his old man's habits, he went straight to the office of the ANBU Training Department, where he found Danzō.
In the dimly lit room, Danzō sat reading. Even though Hiruzen was gone, the faint smell of smoke still lingered in the air.
Seeing Danzō ignore him, Takeshi gathered his courage, stepped closer, and cleared his throat to draw attention.
"Ahem, Danzō… former advisor?"
"Hmm?" Danzō suddenly raised his head at the title.
Takeshi instinctively took a step back—but remembering that he was the Hokage now, he forced himself forward.
"Danzō-sama, Yōwan's eyes hold great research value. I hope you can hand them over to the Konoha Research Bureau for study."
"You..."
Looking at the son before him, Danzō shook his head.
"You trust Orochimaru far too much. That snake is an ambitious one. Why would you..."
Danzō shut his book and began explaining his reasoning.
"Orochimaru is a part of Konoha. I believe he wouldn't do anything to harm the village."
"Heh. He betrayed even his own teacher. A man who could cast aside the bond of master and disciple—how could he ever feel loyalty to this village?"
Danzō sneered coldly, making no effort to hide his distrust of Orochimaru.
"You..."
Takeshi was just about to argue back when a certain famous scene flashed through his mind.
"Uh, that—that, I'm the Hokage, Danzō-sama!"
"You're too soft, brat!" Danzō retorted instinctively, standing to leave.
But before reaching the door, he suddenly realized—this was his office. If anyone was going to leave, it should be this rebellious son of his.
Watching his father turn back, Takeshi had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, Danzō grabbed the book off his desk and strode toward him with a fierce glare.
"Uh, this Hokage has other matters to attend to, Danzō-sama, you don't have to see me off..."
"Father, I was wrong! Father!"
"Oww! Stop hitting me! Stop!"
When Danzō finally vented his anger, he rolled the book back into shape and placed it flat on the desk, glaring coldly at the kneeling Hokage before him.
"That pair of eyes has already been sent to Hiruko."
"Ah?"
Takeshi froze in shock.
"Ah, what? Do you take me for the kind of man who covets a Mangekyō Sharingan?!"
Seeing his son's expression, Danzō's anger flared again. He picked up the book, ready for another round.
"Isn't that exactly what you—ah, wait! Let's talk this out! No hitting!"
From behind the tightly shut office doors came Takeshi's pained cries from time to time.
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