Kana stared back at her reflection, fingers tracing curiously down the edges of her cheek. She idly noted that the skin was a bit squishier now.
But more notable was her lips; their corners were curved upwards slightly. A smile.
A small smile, to be sure, but when she completely relaxed her face, this was now the shape her lips formed. A smile...
Her eyes as well, they glimmered with a bit more light to them.
Despite the overall sharpness of her gaze, her eyes now held a calmer look - a look with some sense of ease to it. This too was a change from the last time she had peered at her reflection.
With just these slight changes, the impression Kana gave off - even to herself - was far different than the one she remembered from before her journey here. What exactly this impression was, Kana wasn't sure she could articulate, but the difference was still palpable.
These changes undoubtedly reflected the continuous feeling that now gently settled in Kana's heart.
She had come to think of it as a sense of peace. The joy of seeing light at the end of a long darkness. That image was one which Kana had grown to feel was ever more accurate for describing what she had gone through. Perhaps even literally, in some aspects.
These days when she was alone, Kana indulged in this feeling, reassured by it and the visible effects it was having on her.
Setting the handheld mirror aside on a nearby table, Kana flopped back onto the blankets and pillows of her usual room in the Yamakuni complex. She planned to stay here and try to rest her mind for a while.
Now more than ever, it was hard to know her own heart. There was so much to consider all the time, that it was again necessary to slow down and gather her bearings from time to time.
That was especially true regarding the new arrivals in her life. People whose own feelings toward her were of genuine concern. People she now recognized as relatives, family, or soon-to-be-family. What exactly that meant to her, again Kana could not truly understand, save that it wasn't a bad feeling.
After all, now she was Kana of the Senju Clan... but what exactly that change entailed was apparently a matter of much debate between the people who cared for Kana.
Such thoughts still felt so foreign, but the joy that accompanied them was certainly no lie. Even so, there was a lot of jittery anticipation building up within Kana.
This was partly because Dan and Tsunade had also recently held private conversations with Kana.
They primarily discussed their occupations as shinobi, explaining a bit about their abilities and what general knowledge shinobi possessed. This was all exciting and informative, but her appreciation waned a bit when the Konoha duo made insinuations about Kana's own capabilities.
This started gently, implying that they knew Kana had strength and ability unusual for her age. Then they laid out their observations and what they had heard from Kaoru, pressing into specifics. Did Kana ever notice being stronger than others, and when? Did small cuts or bruises heal faster? Where did she spent most of her time? When or where did she learn to outmatch adults? Had she ever received formal education or training?
Each question made Kana more and more nervous, but she extended some degree of truthfulness to her answers. Even someone with her fear and secrets couldn't resist the genuine looks of care in their eyes. Kana only felt capable of this much because of those looks.
Yet, although the budding beginnings of faith, hope, and confidence were growing in Kana's heart, they had yet to fully bloom into that powerful emotion called Trust.
So, she told them an honest but incomplete truth: that she indeed spent most of her time alone, isolated from much of the outside world. That she could only coherently remember being in the northwestern Land of Grass. That she had never been taught or trained, only figured things out for herself. That she only fought when people threatened her life. Many of the same details she had already relayed to Kaoru.
She said all of this and more, more than she ever had before, but Kana deliberately avoided mentioning anything to do with the ritual or cultists - save that they were responsible for her being alone.
Instead she mostly explained how she felt in her situation, and in the process retelling a summarized version her journey away from the warzone.
The answers she gave produced quite a few troubled reactions from the Konoha duo, but again Kana wasn't sure how to interpret their expressions. There seemed to be at least some degree of sympathy there though. A bit of warmth spread to Kana's heart when she realized that, a touching feeling.
Sympathy for her was still not something she understood well, but it was a feeling that she was growing to accept nonetheless.
At the time though, a somber Dan looked like he wanted to ask more, but teary Tsunade had gestured for him to stop - one of those gestures Kana had learned meant 'later'.
Well 'later' hadn't come yet, so whatever it was Dan had wanted to ask, Kana was left to worriedly guessing.
Those conversations and overhearing subsequent talks between the adults left Kana feeling quite rattled. It seemed her childhood, or rather lack thereof, had profoundly worried her prospective new relatives. And them being worried made Kana even more worried.
Still though, the possibility of having to explain the ritual or what she had truly experienced was far too terrifying, which compounded her anxiety further.
When she found herself stressed like this, pondering over the various questions and warnings she had discussed with the adults around her, Kana now explicitly made time to take her mind off it all. It was practically necessary so she wouldn't shiver with nervous tension.
She chose to bathe or rest on her bed mostly, really anything she knew that involved either softness or warmth. A new habit of relaxation which proved immensely helpful as everyone sought to figure out the best way to proceed.
Especially since all of the adults seemed to be under the impression that Kana could not hear their discussions echoing from down the hallways, leading her to overhear many worrisome topics.
In particular, Tsunade had initially wanted to set out and return to Konoha immediately, something which Kana herself, Kaoru, Fuzō, and even Dan had all expressed concerns about. Everyone seemed to have their own points to raise, to the extent where Kaoru, Dan, and Tsunade were holding regular discussions and arguments at length.
How to present Kana to the village, what would they tell others, where was she to stay - and in what capacity? How much should they disclose about the Yamakuni? What should they report about the combat incident here? Who could be trusted with Kana's identity, once it was uncovered? Even Fuzō, who lacked the stamina to keep up with these debates, apparently filtered some concerns through her mother.
Despite all the uncertainty, Kana had again felt touched that so many people were thinking so deeply about her future. Was... this what it truly meant to have people helping you? People looking out for your interests? Family...?
But still, the root of their initial urgency seemed to be a matter of sensitive timing, particularly related to Tsunade's responsibilities in Konoha and her duties during the war, which she was already shirking when she set out to rescue Dan. Other matters were thus set aside to discuss after they settled this most pressing one.
However, it was Dan himself who had proposed some brilliant delaying tactics to buy them more time. The man proved to have what Kana considered a very savvy understanding of his village's procedures and bureaucracy, pointing out several loopholes which they could apparently exploit without violating any rules.
Though it was fascinating to hear, Kana could do little more than listen and learn from what the adults were saying. She did so gladly. The context their words provided helped her know what to expect.
It seemed that Konoha was not so simple and united a place as it appeared, with many conflicting interests and considerations to manage. Especially considering Dan's mission was meant to refill war coffers, and that technically he was still assigned to this high-priority war mission.
The undercurrent of it all was that it would be extremely unwise to enter Kana into Konoha without thorough preparations. Something which the girl herself duly noted for her own safety.
Soon it was decided to send the rest of Tsunade's squad back to Konoha with a report - a journey that would take at least two or three days moving at top speed. That alone bought them a few more days to work with.
But the contents of their report discussed the discovery of an unknown hostile group operating on Konoha's least-defended border during wartime, the cultists who had assaulted Dan.
Both Konoha shinobi agreed that this would be sufficient excuse for them to stay and investigate for longer - and an excuse the village leaders would not easily criticize.
Thus the timing constraints were removed, reopening discussion of Kana's situation.
In the end, everyone agreed that it was best to meet with Lady Mito first - and discreetly at that - deciding what secrets to keep and what stories to tell only after hearing her opinion. Something which Kaoru and Tsunade had been particularly vehement about.
Kana was largely fine with that decision, but the idea of having to be on full guard for her entire stay in Konoha made her feel strangely tired again. Not tired in body, certainly, for she was as energetic as ever, but in a sort of emotional capacity. That was another motivation for rebuilding habits of meditation and relaxing.
Whether Kana wanted to or not, she doubted there was much else she could do for now.
But just what kind of influence did Uzumaki Mito wield, for both Kaoru and Tsunade to be so adamantly respectful of her?
When they held another private discussion, Tsunade explained it to Kana as thus, "My grandmother is the only one who knows both the secrets of the Senju and of the Uzumaki - both sides of your heritage. Considering what she's told me over the years and the things she's had to endure, our two clans have many foes to worry about. Without her insight, I'm not confident we could make the correct judgements regarding... certain troublesome decisions."
When asked what exactly those troublesome decisions were, Tsunade had only vaguely muttered something about "handling the old geezers" and "not crossing Lady Mito lightly" before promising that Kana needn't concern herself with it until later. Which was hardly very reassuring at all.
So, Kana resolved herself to keep her own secrets tightly guarded, the ones not already exposed anyway.
Forcing her way back up onto to her feet, Kana told herself to stop thinking about it all. She had come here to relax in the first place, and had woefully failed.
Perhaps it was time to head to the baths instead...
Tsunade let out a sigh as she leaned onto Dan's shoulder.
A chilly breeze wafted around, prompting them both to snuggle closer to each other. The two sat together on a wooden bench in one of the outside courtyards by the main baths.
A comfortable silence between them, they enjoyed each other's company in the peace away from the havoc of war. Dan's mission and Tsunade's emergency deployment... had resulted in an impromptu vacation of sorts for the two of them.
Though it was not as if they had no work to do, quite the opposite really. But they both deemed it a waste not to enjoy the facilities here while they could. Freshly out of a sauna, the two wrapped in bathrobes had decided to head outside for some fresh air, leading to their current position.
Grandmother was right, the hotsprings in the north truly were healing.
And healing was something both she and Dan craved after pondering the truly headache-inducing complexity that was the future of Senju Kana.
"I know what they'll say Dan, we both know it... but she's still a young girl. Even I can tell at a glance that she's been traumatized. There's no way we can involve her in war... not when there's so few of us left. Grandmother would never forgive it..." Tsunade whispered gloomily.
"I agree, if it was my niece I would never agree to it... not my sister's child. Never." Dan breathed firmly, a distant look in his eyes, "Your family is my family. I will never lose my family again - never let children be sacrifices for war."
Tsunade glanced up at Dan's eyes, her face flushed to match the adoration filling her heart. They met each other's gazes for a while longer, conveying their resolve in the silent moments.
Before long though, Dan spoke up again,
"To some extent, young Kana must've already known... before we had said anything, that her power is rare. I have a feeling I know why she hides her past so much, despite how obviously she did not wish to lie."
Tsunade grimaced slightly, the chill down her spine not caused by the cold wind.
"In my opinion, she's done well to hide it. It's smarter that way. How could she trust anyone with this? Not just the Senju's godly gift, but the Uzumaki's treasured sealing chains too... it's not something that could be conveyed in words. It's not merely a matter of trust."
The Konoha shinobi had been curious from the start how Kana, who ostensibly had no training in the ninja arts, had managed to defeat several armed adults. Autopsies revealed critical stab wounds, puncture wounds, and blunt force trauma. However, bruises on the necks of some victims... were shaped like the links of a chain.
Combine that with Dan's own testimony, and Kaoru's context about Kana's strong Uzumaki appearance...
Dan and Tsunade all but knew for sure by now... the girl possessed not one, but two kekkei genkai. That was an awe-inspiring statistical improbability by itself, but the bloodline traits in question were from two of the most powerful clans in the entire world.
"Dan, we have to do our absolute best if we're going to help her."
"I agree, but I think your grandmother... will know how to give us the best advantage. A second kekkei genkai is easier to hide than one..."
"Dan...?"
These two are already parents
Shh don't tell them
@ALowMar wait what
@spiteful - Wait, what? 👀‼️
Put me in coach, I won't let Danzo take our happiness away. (ノ`Д´)ノ彡┻━┻
Lemme at him! He livin' with Bad Guy Syndrome for far too long
Beat him up! Beat him up!
Finally caught up! Thanks for the chapter!
I would love Danzo to try something. So long as Kana is introduced as a Senju, she is probably the safest she could possibly be inside the village.
Reasoning:
If Danzo moved against Kana and the Senju, he would, literally, have the entirety of Konoha against him in an instant. I don't think people realize how influential Tsunade is right now, not to mention Mito. Tsunade is at the HEIGHT of her Sannin legend days. Why do you think Danzo went after her lover and not her in canon? He can't touch her. Meanwhile, Mito is the wife of the founder of the village. Hashirama is, not exaggerating, worshiped akin to a God in the village under the Will of Fire philosophy - With the moniker "God of Shinobi."
Further, an attack on Kana would be an attack on the founder's family, and, thus, an attack on the entire village. All of the great clans would fight for the Senju because of their noble pride. The Uchiha have just been made the police within the last few years and relocated only recently, so they have not had much time to build up resentment. Plus, their beef was against Hiruzen Sarutobi the Third Hokage, not the Senju, for allowing things to fall apart during the 3rd war and for him choosing Minato Namikaze over Fugaku Uchiha for the position of 4th Hokage. The Aburame & Akimichi are supremely loyal to Konoha and would stand with Mito. Lastly, the Hyūga are too prideful to let one who isn't a noble stand against the founder's family, who are basically the royalty of Konoha.
With the noble clans' support, the rest of the clans would soon join them. The only chance Danzo has is to separate her from the village somehow. As long as Kana is inside the village, she is protected on all sides.
@Overload Heya! Thanks for Reading !
I love comments like this, analysis of the politics! It soon dives deep into the 'Philosophical' Tag I added, as we consider people's motivations and the true nature of the often twisted and dark behaviors of Konoha's denizens.
It is all somewhat further complicated in this story by the time frame and what has and has not happened yet. Also, by what we do not *know* but can *surmise* about the 2nd Shinobi world war era.
Here's a portion of the ideas and other aspects I've considered, too, though I must warn you it may be much more than you asked for: (Seriously, it's really long!)
Well, I will say ahead of time that Kana definitely has a lot going for her, but it is also my indulgence for a story to craft interesting predicaments to place her in - so she can shine all the brighter!
One of the aspects I consider most when drafting is the characters of prominent political figures throughout the Shinobi world, in particular the villainous Old Guard ones like Danzo. But Danzo to me has always been a struggle to truly grasp and understand. For all his plotting he can be so capricious, also profoundly irrational. Human, in other words.
Tracing through all of Danzo's appearances in Canon and what he has been known to do in the novels, I think the most important trait of his to consider first is his coldness. Danzo is ruthless, the lives of others are only a price to pay in his mind. Tools to be used, worn out, or discarded when necessary. All of Konoha is an abstract entity with a holistic need/purpose/goal that is preserved by the sacrifice and replacement of its many components. A machine, to his cavalier attitude.
At the same time though, I believe this cold mindset is predicated on and warped by a fundamentally arrogant and cowardly streak, the most human emotions I can see that his deadened heart still feels. These drive him to become what he is, in my opinion. More on that later.
As we see him by Naruto's time, Danzo is willing to lie and manipulate, cheat and sacrifice *anyone* if he deems it necessary for whatever arbitrary decision he's made.
Generally his 'reason' is some pleasant sophistry about "what's necessary for the village" or "to prevent a disaster", abstractions whose nuances are only truly revealed by examining the facts of each individual situation. Facts that often betray a sinister ulterior motive. Not only that, but those terms/reasons Danzo employs mean different things from person to person, furthering his gross corruption of the other villagers' goodwill. This will be important when discussing the rest of the village leadership later.
For Danzo, the interests of "The village" are placed above all else, even ethics and morals. In this way he has demolished his own humanity, destroying concepts such as friendship and love, making him an extremist. In this day and age of the real world, everyone can feel and understand the perilous effects of extremists. What they think and do can often be compared to fantasies and delusion, often with disastrous effects on political stability - Danzo's hallmark.
All it takes is a lone (insane?) gunman, as they say, and the death of a popular person to spark upheaval that defines a generation. Perhaps killing Kana would be akin to killing Archduke Franz Ferdinand, plunging a continent into war. The death of an important noble which eventually led to the collapse of an empire - yet a deluded man still pulled the trigger.
Danzo has, in my opinion, through decades of mounting hubris, deluded himself that *he* is necessary for Konoha's continued prosperity/survival/dominance, and that only *he* represents the holistic will of Konoha. Nay even, that he is the *only one* who can lead Konoha on "The Right Path".
Sound like any historical politicians you know? What wars might they have caused? How much death?
For this because Danzo has, to his mind, all the *right* perspective, whereas the current Hokage is a position more akin to "the lightness" - a symbol, rallying icon, morale booster, a facade of goodness needed to keep people's minds off the *real* world. The world where *Danzo* is absolute.
In this way, Danzo can delude himself into thinking *he* is more important the the Hokage. And that is his rotten core - what he *needs* to convince himself. He is a narcissist conflating himself and his goals with Konoha's as a whole. A merciless wannabe dictator who expects no humanity. The absolute opposite of Hashirama's dream.
Furthermore, I believe this surface-level hubris of Danzo's evolved to satisfy his deep cowardice and inferiority complex.
*Why* is Danzo necessary to Konoha? Because no one else can do what he does, take on the darkness necessary to control a village? I don't think that is entirely true, others could have replaced him.
It is only because Danzo was willing to make himself the most despicable, most heinous and most vile of *anyone* in Konoha, that no one can contest. He would doubtless kill any contenders or replacements for the position. He likely already has. (I thought to capitalize on this idea for my story during this blank period in shinobi history.)
This mindset of Danzo's is portrayed firmly in the first ever records we have of him, and was the inciting incident he remembered on the verge of death in Canon: When Tobirama chose Hiruzen Sarutobi to be Hokage over Danzo. Danzo's rival beat him when it mattered most, with death on the line.
I believe this solidified Danzo's most central personality trait: His sense of inferiority.
And with it grew his jealousy, turning into denial and arrogance and hubris - all to conceal his greatest shame: cowardice - when Hirzuen proved he was braver than Danzo. To a deluded egotist like Danzo, shame is now worse than death. And death, itself a source of shame. And infinite loop that allows for admitting no mistakes and never dying for you own purported cause.
Perhaps it is best said from his own Wikia page:
Danzō possessed a fanatical and arbitrary adherence to the ideals of a shinobi, believing they must sacrifice absolutely everything for the village. However, Danzō hypocritically feared death, hiding this fear behind a belief that his survival was necessary for the sake of the shinobi world itself.
It even shows in the way he operates. Danzo rarely puts himself at any real risk, always using other people like pawns, always remaining untraceable - in the shadows where nobody targets him. If he can get away without something being traced to him, he would do it in a heartbeat. Whether that be assassinations, sabotage, or even outright wars.
And although the rest of Konoha's leaders recognize Danzo's underlying ambitions, he was so vocal and persuasive about everything he does being *for Konoha's best interests* and *for the village*, that they extended their trust to him. At least, in his capacity to serve Konoha. A useful Zealot, if you will.
If a Goebbels was useful, Danzo was Goebbels. If a Himmler was beneficial, Danzo was Himmler. As long as you don't look too close, all he brings is benefits. Until things start getting out of hand...
Danzo may have once had real faith in The Will of Fire, but that faith has perverted into dogmatic zealotry. And a Zealot's faith is tied only to their warped delusions. A Zealot cannot be leashed, not forever.
Everyone with the official power to stop Danzo *enables* him instead, afraid he might be right - he might really be necessary.
But since everyone cherishes "The village", Hiruzen and the other councilors can justify Danzo's actions to themselves by examining what "The village" means to them and how "The village" must be preserved, without truly considering the implications of Danzo's ulterior motives and sinister mindset.
The person who wants the job most is very often NOT the person best suited for the job.
To refuse power is to be worthy of it. Danzo is not worthy, never.
Combine all this with nostalgic sentiment and camaraderie between Konoha's councilors, and their enabling behavior borders on ineptitude. To the point where Danzo almost successfully assassinated Hiruzen. Because, Danzo is too cold to reciprocate those positive human feelings. He is no longer capable of that, only emulating them for the purpose of manipulation.
Hiruzen realizes this later, and *Pities* Danzo for it, regretting that he *made* his friend into such a monster. Absolving Danzo of any agency in manipulating Hiruzen himself. (Hiruzen might have a complex about that too, but that's for another time)
And so it all begins. Where Kana enters.
At this time, the Second Shinobi World War is in full swing.
Danzo has already held his position for over a decade. He has gained immeasurable experience in Black Operations. The amount of blood on his hands could drown a small nation, but he has been instrumental in keep the world peaceful since the First Shinobi World War. Amassing personal pawns, killing "threats to Konoha" who were really only threats to Danzo. Because to his mind, they're the same thing.
Of course, Danzo isn't all-powerful. Many clans and individuals could end him, but he dodges attention and responsibility, sacrificing pawns instead - all supported and enabled by Konoha's top leaders.
Nor is Danzo all-knowing, though his spies are insidious. He has been outsmarted and cornered, but never stomped out and punished for his impertinence when caught. And so his arrogance and impertinence grows beyond rationality.
And where Danzo may not be able to touch people personally, he can still ruin them other ways. This is why I suspect Danzo is responsible for the deaths or ruin of rising Kage-level shinobi.
As is another of his signature methods:
Danzō is also treacherous by nature. Likewise, should an "ally" prove too capable for his comfort, Danzō will see to their elimination, as he attempted to do with both Nonō and Kabuto Yakushi.
Dan Kato was an expert in infiltration, untraceable assassination, recon, and other covert ops. Someone who could do a better job than Danzo - someone "too dangerous to be left alive". The man whose death consequently ruined Tsunade in Canon, having her retire... removing another opponent. Same with Sakumo Hatake, whose suicide in Canon was right in Danzo's playbook - targeted isolation, malicious semantics about duty and orders, harassment and hateful gossip... all things done to jinchuriki like Naruto.
This is the underlayer - the coldness to the "official" Konoha politics. We are not always dealing with rational actors. Extremists and Zealots, Apologists and Appeasers, Isolationists and Aristocrats, Veterans and Young Blood.
Is that not a fascinating stage? Think of all the possibilities these actors could play out. I myself have thought of at least 8 different endings, which I consider making "ALT" universes tied to this story if I ever get around to it.
And above it ALL, in my story, stood Mito Uzumaki. The Éminence grise, the one who navigated it all once she realized what was happening to her husband's legacy. Working long political games, she balanced the fates of two supposedly allied nations within her grasp, unwilling to abandon either as both were family to her. Saving those who she could, slapping Danzo's manipulative hands where she could... all while plotting contingencies and dire emergencies - to pay back a debt of blood.
I could easily write an entire novel about Mito in this same world/AU I've built, in particular over the last 10 years before Kana enters the scene. A prologue for this story? Now that's an idea. In some respects, Mito might even be a better Main character. But this is also a Girl's Love/ Yuri fanfic, with a bunch of lighter elements to balance out all this darkness.
So it is not that you're wrong about anything that you pointed out, it is all virtually true. I think there is just more to consider. Plus maybe some developments of this universe which are not revealed yet.
In short, what The People want, what the Noble Clans want, what Mito wants, what Konoha's Leaders want, What is best for everybody, and what *messes* Danzo gets everybody into... are not entirely deducible by logic.
After all, DANZO was the one who catalyzed Nagato into Pain - thus destroying Konoha two decades down the line. Danzo doubtless believes it was anyone's fault except his own, given how he blames Tsunade for Konoha's destruction by Pain. Ironic, right? But who could predict that far in advance...?
The possibilities for intrigue are *delicious*.
What if the current Hyūga elders (the one willing to throw away Hinata) want to take the prideful Uchiha down a peg? As, after all, The Hyūga are The Greatest Clan in Konoha!
What if Orochimaru makes a few devilish deals with certain estranged clan members? Who is betraying who among Danzo and Orochimaru?
Who will distinguish themselves during the rest of the Second (or looming Third) Shinobi World War?
What would the revelation of Senju abilities mean to the political elite? What if certain clan elders (who would have died by now in Canon) don't want to share power with a newcomer?
What about the fact the Dan Kato lives, ostensibly surviving an assassination attempt... hmmmm?? What about shinobi heroes from the other nations? What if the war means new people survive and others die?
There is so much. My thoughts overflow into a mess this long!
I pray people enjoy my enthusiasm as much as I indulge in it.
@ALowMar Love it! I am a fan of all the twists and turns a story can go. I never like the predictable or easy answer, unless it is to make fun of itself. I am excited to see how things turn out!
With that being said, here are some thoughts that I have on Danzo as well as some of the others based on my interpretation of your writings:
1. Danzo is most probably weak at this point in the story - Jōnin at best. He is only able to reach the Kage level of power by the time Sasuke kills him because of Orochimaru helping him with his arm and all the eyes he has stolen from the Uchiha over the years. Without those, he is the definition of a glass cannon, but with his power coming from others and not himself.
2. Mito and, I am pretty sure now, Tsunade know who he really is. How else would this cult know where to find Dan and be able to hunt him down as much and in the numbers that they did. From the sound of it, there were at least 20 of them moving around, during wartime when the security would be at its highest. There is no way either Senju wouldn't question that and wonder how it escaped attention.
3. Even if they didn't connect the dots, Mito is shown in the prologue to be not only angry with Danzo, but planning her revenge. He has built his tower on the sand and she has the power to remove the foundation on him if she really wants, consequences be damned. Who is going to say she is wrong if she calls Danzo a traitor? Yes, this would be easy and not as fun for the story, but I can totally see her just marching into Hiruzen's office and saying Danzo's got to go. What is he going to say, really? If she rallies support and either shows proof or even just lies about him, nobody is going to take his word over hers.
4. Hiruzen is an idiot. A well-intending and very capable idiot, but he still is completely incompetent when it comes to Danzo. He is also, however, shown to be fairly easily manipulated - As you yourself pointed out. If I had to bet on whether Danzo or Mito could outmaneuver each other, I would definitely place all my money on Mito. She now has a reason to get rid of him, the protection of her Granddaughter? Grandcousin? - Whatever the relation, Kana is family and I don't see Mito allowing Danzo to get within spitting distance of her if she can help it.
5. With all these comments made, it doesn't change that the easiest and most straightforward solution isn't necessarily the most entertaining way to deal with him, so I will leave this with one way I could see it being taken care of that is absolutely not going to happen, but would be super simple! haha
All Mito has to do is have someone sneak a master-level seal she crafted onto Danzo that blocks his chakra pathways. Boom. lol
Seals are unbelievably broken in the Naruto universe and that is one of the reasons Danzo works so hard to remove the Uzamaki in canon. If he calls her out for it, all she has to do is lie and say it wasn't her, and that she will look into a way to remove it. No one would question her at all. haha
Danzo is arrogant, so he would never expect such a direct attack against him personally. No one will be able to remove it unless he goes to the Uzumaki, who would never remove it if Mito tells them not to. If he is powerless, he will self-destruct and do something rash that will either expose himself or force even Hiruzen to remove him. If he feels powerless, he will do anything he can to gain back that power - Something Mito can manipulate to finish him off rather easily.
The problem with dirty politics is that there is always a bigger fish in the pond that can eat you through the same methods you eat other fish. Mito is the biggest fish. She can practically do whatever she wants. This is because not only is she is the 1st Hokage's wife and the world's first Jinchuriki, but she is an important political asset for their greatest ally. This is proven because SHE is deciding who the next Jinchuriki is, not the Hokage. No other nation would leave that decision to anyone other than their leader.
Regardless, I am excited to see how it turns out. I hope Kana can get some peace, at least for a while. She has had a tough time with it so far! haha
Thanks for writing such a magnificent story!