145 CH - 142 Danzo's Importance?

Several days later, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his two companions fell into silence as they scrutinized the letter they had received from the Grass Village.

As Danzo's absence continued, their suspicions grew. The ANBU conducted an investigation and discovered that Danzo had journeyed to the Rain Village, although the purpose of his visit remained shrouded in mystery.

Initially, their intention was to dispatch envoys to inquire about Danzo's whereabouts and perhaps gather intelligence. To their astonishment, they were informed by the Grass Village that Danzo was under their custody, leaving them unable to proceed with their plans.

Naturally, they disregarded any claims in the letter about deepening ties between Konoha and the Grass and Rain Villages. Such words had lost all credibility, even the Inuzuka clan's dogs wouldn't believe such words from the Grass Village any longer.

However, they couldn't help but be curious about the matter of the hundred-million-ryo vase mentioned in the Grass Village's letter. It left them wondering how an antique vase from that era could command such an astronomical price.

"It appears that Danzo must have sensed something was awry in the conflict between the Grass and Rain Villages," Homura Mitokado remarked as he adjusted his glasses, adopting a serious demeanor. "However, he seems to have underestimated the Grass Village's strength and the capabilities of its leader, which ultimately led to his capture."

Indeed, it was unlikely that Danzo had journeyed to the Rain Village without a valid motive. There had to be a reason behind his actions.

Koharu Utatane, in agreement, nodded and added, "Hiruzen's assessment is quite logical." She sighed and continued, "It's no small feat that Danzo noticed the unusual circumstances between the Grass and Rain Villages before anyone did."

She maintained a stern expression and continued, "For now, the one thing we can be thankful for is that Danzo is still alive. It seems that the Grass Village Leader, despite his ambiguous stance towards Konoha, doesn't dare to rashly provoke us. Otherwise..."

She shook her head, her tone filled with solemnity, "Given Danzo's importance to Konoha and his formidable abilities, he would have met his end long ago."

With those words, both Hiruzen and Homura nodded thoughtfully. From their perspective, this assessment made sense. After all, it was important to remember that the prosperity of Konoha was not just due to Hiruzen Sarutobi's shining leadership but also the shadowy influence of Shimura Danzo after their teacher's passing. He operated in the dark, much like the hidden roots that nourished a tree. Their partnership had contributed significantly to Konoha's success.

Therefore, even though they had opposing ideologies, not even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, could deny Danzo's contributions to the village. However, as Hiruzen considered the mention of 100 million Ryo, his expression darkened. He took a deep drag from his cigarette and folded his hands beneath his chin.

"The years of war have already taken a toll on Konoha's finances," he observed. "Moreover, the battle at Kikyo Pass has reached a critical juncture. If we were to disburse 100 million ryo now, it would undoubtedly place a significant burden on the village."

Homura and Koharu listened to Hiruzen's words and fell silent. They were well aware of the village's current financial situation, and that sum was undeniably substantial.

Homura furrowed his brow and contemplated the suggestion for a moment. "Since we now know that Danzo is in the Grass Village, perhaps we can send ninja to rescue him?"

However, Koharu immediately rejected the idea as soon as the words left Homura's mouth. She shook her head and spoke with a serious tone, "The strength of the Grass Village's leader should not be underestimated. Moreover, with the Grass and Rain Villages forming an alliance, taking action without careful consideration could lead to trouble. If we succeed, that's one thing, but if we fail, Danzo will be in grave danger. Furthermore..."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "The war is nearing its conclusion, and Suna is on the brink. If the Grass and Rain Villages get involved, it could lead to unnecessary complications."

During this period, there had been significant changes in the Land of Rain. They had joined forces with the Grass Village, effectively sealing their borders and preventing Konoha or any other village's shinobi from entering or gathering intelligence. More importantly, for Konoha at this point, it was crucial to bring the war to a close and focus on recuperation.

Koharu turned her gaze towards Hiruzen, her eyes piercing. "Danzo is of exceptional importance to Konoha. Hiruzen, you are like the green leaves basking in the sunlight, while Danzo represents the hidden roots deep beneath the earth, nourishing Konoha. You two complement each other, and any mishap befalling either of you would be an unimaginable loss for Konoha."

Hiruzen fell into silence upon hearing Koharu's words. He eventually sighed and agreed, "Koharu, you're absolutely right. We cannot afford any more complications. If news of Danzo's capture spreads to other ninja villages, it will be disastrous."

He understood that if the word got out, it would not only expose their village's vulnerability but also make them susceptible to threats from other ninja villages. Hiruzen even had suspicions that if they didn't pay the ransom, the Grass Village's leader might consider selling Danzo to the Sand Village. Such a situation would pose an unimaginable threat to Konoha. Thus, bringing Danzo back quietly was the best course of action.

Hiruzen's thoughts returned to the matter of money, and he looked at Koharu with a question in his eyes. "About the ransom..."

Hiruzen's words trailed off, but Koharu grasped his intentions and unspoken suggestion. She nodded in agreement, saying, "One hundred million is indeed excessive. We can attempt to negotiate with the Grass Village. At most, we can offer fifty million."

"Fifty million?" Homura, raised an eyebrow, displaying concern. "Do you think the Grass Village will agree to that? Their leader, who played the Five Great Ninja Villages like fools, can't be oblivious to Danzo's importance to us. Moreover, He knows that any harm befalling Danzo could lead to an unending conflict. Otherwise, he would not have held Danzo captive for this long instead of killing him."

Koharu responded with assurance, "I am aware." A subtle smile graced her lips as she continued, "This is merely a diplomatic gesture. Our immediate focus is on the situation at Kikyo Pass. Our priority is to stall for time, preventing news of Danzo's capture from being leaked. Once the war reaches its conclusion, we can address the remaining matters."

Hiruzen and Homura both brightened up in realization and nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom of Koharu's approach. Delaying for now and dealing with other issues after the war was the best course of action. By that time, Konoha would be in a stronger position, which would make the leader of the Grass Village reconsider his stance.

"Very well," Hiruzen expressed a sense of relief. He took another drag of his cigarette and then smiled, saying, "Make sure to convey to them the importance of taking good care of Danzo."

Considering the duration of Danzo's absence, it was highly likely that he had gained valuable insights and information from his visit to both the Grass and Rain Villages. This information could be of immense significance to Konoha.

Hiruzen let out a lengthy sigh and directed his attention to Koharu. "Koharu, I entrust this matter to you."

"Rest assured, I will draft a letter to the Grass Village soon," Koharu responded with a resigned sigh and a nod. "The mere mention of Konoha will likely be enough to make the Grass Village reconsider causing harm to Danzo."

With these words, the three of them shared a subtle smile and nodded to one another. They had no other choice, Danzo's importance to Konoha couldn't be understated. Even if the Grass Village didn't release him, it was imperative to secure more time.

…

However, Another week went by, and the three of them were left in silence once more upon receiving a letter from the Grass Village. The letter was filled with words about the blossoming friendship between Konoha and the Rain and Grass Villages. However, they were wary of the diplomatic language and got straight to the point: "We accept. When will you send the money?"

This response raised suspicions among the three. Had the Grass Village failed to grasp Danzo's significance to Konoha? Why had they agreed so quickly? Moreover, couldn't they have waited a few more days before replying? Something didn't seem right.

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