Only...
The Chunin Exam is still ongoing.
Sarutobi Hiruzen could not possibly end this exam, which is participated in by all major nations, at this time. He can only wait until the exam is over to come up with a solution.
At least...
The Seventh Squad must be disbanded.
Just as this Third Hokage was pondering how to dismantle the Seventh Squad in the future, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, the two Hokage Advisors, glanced at the silent Sarutobi Hiruzen, and inevitably exchanged a look, simultaneously recalling an old friend.
This kind of thing...
Should be entrusted to that old friend to handle!
No one in Konoha is more adept at manipulating the Uchiha than that old friend; he even personally recruited a hopeful Uchiha and orchestrated a world-shattering clan extermination event, eliminating the Uchiha who had constantly troubled the higher-ups of Konoha!
Unfortunately...
It was because of the clan extermination event...
That old friend was dismissed from his duties by Sarutobi Hiruzen and remained idle at home.
"Should we call Danzo?"
Mitokado Homura quietly brought up the name of the old friend, softly reminding, "Back then, Danzo taught Uchiha Itachi to wipe out his entire clan to protect Konoha..."
"Why not let him guide Uchiha Sasuke?"
Utatane Koharu chimed in from the side, sighing, "At least compared to us, Danzo should be more skilled at utilizing the Uchiha..."
"It's not the time yet."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, rejecting the two Hokage Advisors' proposal, and solemnly offered his solution: "This Chunin Exam has no suspense regarding Uchiha Sasuke; he will undoubtedly pass the Chunin Exam..."
"And when the Chunin Exam is over, I will promote Uchiha Sasuke to Chunin. Kakashi Hatake will submit a report recommending his promotion to Jonin, and this way, I can reasonably transfer him from the Seventh Squad directly into the Dark Department..."
"Just right..."
"Before the Chunin Exam..."
"Uchiha Sasuke can still use his power to shine during the exam, allowing Konoha to win the alliance's military confrontation..."
This can be considered a win-win situation.
For Konoha's political landscape, this can maintain stability while allowing Uchiha Sasuke to fulfill his role.
"..."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu unconsciously nodded.
Although the two Hokage Advisors were very satisfied with Sarutobi Hiruzen's arrangement, they still planned to visit the retired Shimura Danzo later.
At least, they could get some information on Uchiha from Danzo and prepare themselves mentally.
Within Konoha Village.
Shimura Danzo's residence.
The Root was disbanded four years ago after the Uchiha clan extermination event.
Nominally retired, Shimura Danzo could only stay idle at home, yet he secretly continued to control those Root ninjas who once pledged loyalty to him.
Shimura Danzo quickly received a message sent by a former subordinate, specifically mentioning the critical intelligence about Uchiha Sasuke starting the Susanoo!
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, two old friends, jointly visited, mentioning to Shimura Danzo the Chunin Exam, casually bringing up Uchiha Sasuke's Susanoo.
"The Susanoo appeared in the Forest of Death..."
Shimura Danzo, holding a teacup in one hand and a report sent by a subordinate in the other, focused on Uchiha Sasuke's talent!
"Uchiha Sasuke..."
Shimura Danzo's eye was wrapped in bandages, the other exposed eye unwittingly widened, as if having seen something unimaginable: "That little brat has awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan at such a young age..."
"Four years ago, I agreed to Itachi's condition, sparing Uchiha Sasuke's life..."
Shimura Danzo's expression subtly darkened, slowly extending a bandaged arm and pressing the intelligence down onto his desk: "Unexpectedly, in just four short years, the brat awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, truly a terrifying troublesome genius, even more outstanding than Itachi..."
Very quickly.
Shimura Danzo suddenly realized this was an opportunity!
An opportunity to return to power!
And possibly get another genius Uchiha!
As a former Konoha high-ranking member, Shimura Danzo fully understood his group of friends. Those friends certainly wouldn't leave the village's future unburdened, hoping a mere child's mind could ensure peace. They would inevitably remain wary of the dangers posed by Mangekyo Sharingan!
Konoha's true high-echelon used to only consist of four people...
The current three ruling figures are not adept with dealing with the Uchiha. The one truly skilled in handling the Uchiha or manipulating them is conveniently himself!
Of course...
Sarutobi Hiruzen might not agree.
But Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura certainly will!
Yet none of this truly matters since Shimura Danzo has already conspired with Orochimaru during the Chunin Exam to prepare a classified plan to eliminate Sarutobi Hiruzen!
"Hmph..."
"Monkey..."
"Everything is coming together perfectly..."
"Mangekyo Sharingan, or Uchiha Sasuke..."
"Or Konoha..."
As Shimura Danzo spoke these words, his exposed eye had a vicious glare that instilled fear in anyone who glanced at this elderly appearance. His voice carried an old, eerie tone, making him seem even more horrifying!
"All will fall into the hands of this old man!"