"Shimura Danzō, stop changing the subject!"
Seeing Koharu completely overwhelmed, Hiruzen could no longer sit still and immediately stepped in.
Danzō shot him a sideways glance.
"Sarutobi… Principal."
"When did it become your turn to speak?"
Hiruzen flared.
"This is a Jōnin Council. Everyone present has the right to speak. This is not your personal courtroom. Or are you saying I don't even have the right to open my mouth?"
Danzō remained expressionless.
"Principal Sarutobi, understand the situation before you speak."
"I, as Village Elder and Hokage Advisor, am responding to Elder Koharu's inquiry. We are in the middle of a formal exchange."
"You interrupt at will—what does that make you?"
"Have you forgotten basic etiquette?"
"If that is the case, I must question whether you are fit to serve as Principal of the Ninja Academy."
"The Academy trains the seedlings of Konoha. The future of the Land of Fire."
"If its principal lacks even the most basic decorum, how can he educate the next generation?"
He paused.
Then turned to the assembly.
"What you just witnessed is clear to all."
"I therefore motion, in my capacity as Village Elder and Hokage Advisor, that Sarutobi Hiruzen be removed from the position of Ninja Academy Principal."
A ripple swept the room.
Hiruzen's jaw clenched so hard it seemed it might crack.
He had no ready counter.
The spectators were stunned.
They had come to watch a power struggle.
Now the fire had spread to the stands.
Mito Menma cleared his throat quickly.
"Elder Danzō, there's no need to escalate matters. Hiruzen merely misspoke. Surely we need not turn such a minor matter into grounds for dismissal."
Danzō turned slowly toward him.
"Am I agitated?"
His voice was calm.
"Personal matters, no matter how large, remain small."
"Village matters, no matter how small, are large."
"The Ninja Academy is one of the most important institutions in Konoha."
"How is that a minor issue?"
"From small details, we judge character."
"And from character, we determine fitness."
"His conduct proves a lack of virtue."
"He is unfit to remain Principal."
Menma frowned.
He knew full well how Hiruzen had handled the Academy.
As Third Hokage, Hiruzen rarely had time for its daily operations.
He gave speeches.
Made appearances.
Instilled the Will of Fire.
But administrative work?
Almost none.
If investigated seriously—
The position would not survive scrutiny.
Menma began to realize Danzō wasn't truly interested in the Academy.
He was muddying the waters.
Shifting the battlefield.
But before he could respond—
Hiruzen stood.
"There is no need to investigate."
"I acknowledge that I can no longer fulfill the duties of Principal."
"I hereby resign."
The room froze.
Even Menma and Koharu were stunned.
Only a handful of sharp minds—Uchiha Jin, Nara Shikaku, Orochimaru—understood immediately.
Hiruzen gave Menma and Koharu a subtle look: Stay calm.
And in that glance, he silently revised his evaluation of them downward.
Danzō was clearly diverting attention.
If they allowed the debate to spiral into Academy politics, no one would remember they had been holding Danzō accountable moments ago.
Momentum mattered.
Strike once—forcefully.
Hesitate—and the edge dulls.
Hiruzen knew the Academy post was symbolic now.
It once bolstered his reputation as Hokage.
But he was no longer Hokage.
Clinging to it would only provide Danzō another blade to wield later.
Better to cut it away himself.
Remove the excuse.
Sever the distraction.
Danzō narrowed his eye.
As expected.
Sarutobi Hiruzen… you truly are my greatest opponent.
Hiruzen faced him squarely.
"I have resigned as Principal."
"Shall we now conclude that matter?"
"Of course," Danzō replied evenly. "Since Principal Sarutobi has acknowledged his error, there is no need to pursue it further."
He tilted his head slightly.
"However… in what capacity are you addressing me now?"
"Minister of Education?"
"Head of the Mission Office?"
Hiruzen's face darkened.
That was a threat.
Push further—and Danzō would strike those positions next.
The Education Ministry held modest influence.
But the Mission Office?
That was different.
Control over mission assignments meant leverage over shinobi careers, income streams, and operational authority.
That post was no ornament.
Yet retreating was impossible.
This was his last opportunity.
If necessary—
Then it would be bayonets drawn.
Steel against steel.
And let the blood fall where it may.
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