"But Danzo should consider remaining in the rear; your presence might prove rather...distracting on the battlefield."

Tatsuya's remark nearly caused the group of four including Sarutobi Hiruzen to choke on their saliva.

They had anticipated that Tatsuya might have turned against them soon. They were surprised that he seemingly sided with their orders for his deployment on frontlines. However, when he spoke, it was as if he was following a recipe that he knew by heart.

Tatsuya pondered for a moment. In truth, many often said that the Hokage and the elder group had never taken part in the entire duration of the Ninja World Wars which was somewhat misleading.

At the very least, according to the original timeline, when Yahiko died. Wasn't that the reason Nagato and Konan took the dark path?

Although the elders might not have seen much action directly, weren't there still their orders? But no matter how unexpected the situation was, Danzo's appointment as the commander was still intact.

The elders had truly outdone themselves, hadn't they?

"Master Hokage, we also believe that Master Danzo... well, he might not be the best choice right?"

After a lengthy pause, Shikaku couldn't help but raise his hand in objection. After all, they were heading for a battlefield.

Choosing an inadequate leader could potentially drain the forces' energy and result in a loss. Hadn't the Senju clan suffered a major setback in the penultimate year of the Second Ninja War due to Danzo's leadership?

They were wary of making the same mistake as the Senju clan.

Danzo's expression turned darker than a kettle. He had not expected these heads of prominent ninja clans to openly challenge him in this manner, one after the other.

Mentally, he began jotting down names in his little black book. Noting down every name for future reference.

"This decision was reached after a thorough examination by our council of elders," Mitokado Homura stated attempting to pacify the growing tension.

"Rest assured that everything we do is grounded in the best interests of Konoha."

Of course, one couldn't dismiss the idea that Danzo's appointment as commander-in-chief was an attempt to curtail Tatsuya's potential successes on the battlefield. However, the elders would never openly admit that they were trying to suppress him by placing Danzo in charge.

"In that case, why hasn't Hokage-sama himself gone to the battlefield? In terms of strength, you should be more powerful. Otherwise, why did Grandpa Tobirama pick you instead of Danzo?"

Nawaki was at it again, provocatively adding fuel to the fire.

In an instant, Danzo's eyes widened as if they were about to combust. The resentment in his eyes was palpable and his gaze bore into Sarutobi Hiruzen with an intensity that radiated hatred.

Back then, his momentary hesitation had led to Tobirama choosing Hiruzen over him.

The pain still seared him.

...

'This kid has an uncanny knack for opening old wounds, doesn't he?' Danzo sent him a look dripping with malice. Following his internal tirade, Hiruzen coughed and intervened, "As the Hokage, it's important not to leave unless necessary. It's a matter of Konoha's security."

Nonsense! Wasn't the Third Raikage also the leader of the Kumo?

Wasn't he the first to lead the charge on the battlefield?

Nawaki practically wanted to jump up in frustration, exclaiming, "I've never encountered someone so shameless!"

Yet, Tatsuya was quicker on the draw. He gently pulled Nawaki a step backwards.

"There's a lot that doesn't need to be said," Tatsuya calmly interjected. He understood that Nawaki's antics were futile. If they despised each other so vehemently, they could always settle their differences throughout this war.

"Let's continue with the list."

After several interruptions, Utatane Koharu finally had the chance to speak again, "Deputy Commander Nara Shikaku, Captain Hyuga Hiashi of Unit 1, Unit 2..."

One by one, Utatane Koharu announced the names of those appointed.

Tatsuya's name didn't receive any specific military role but he wasn't particularly concerned. He wasn't particularly skilled in commanding and being included in the deployed personnel was sufficient recognition.

However, what shocked everyone was that Hatake Sakumo, "Konoha's White Fang," was not on the list.

"Hokage-sama, why isn't Sakumo-san included?" Shikaku questioned after a considerable pause.

"At present, we don't know how Kirigakure and Iwagakure will act. We cannot commit all our high-ranking combat forces against Cloud Shinobi Village all at once," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied truthfully.

However, this wasn't the whole truth. The other half of the reason was to separate Tatsuya and Hatake Sakumo. To minimize the threat.

"Can you think of a way to eliminate the old coot while he's away at war?"

"While this kid is separated from the Sakumo, is there a chance to dispose of him?"

At this moment, both Tatsuya and Danzo harboured strikingly similar thoughts. They both wished to exploit this opportunity to leave Konoha. Each aiming to eliminate the other.

After all, during the chaos of war, they can eliminate their opponent secretly. It would be simple enough to shift the blame onto Cloud Shinobi.

Besides, Tatsuya had successfully done this once before with Sarutobi Shinnosuke. As for Danzo, who knew how many times he had used this tactic?

...

...

The Cloud Shinobi army, led by A and Killer B edged ever closer to the northern borders of the Country of Fire.

Time was not on their side.

In a single day and night, Konoha had managed to mobilize 5,000 troops for defence. There was no time to spare and the forces set out immediately.

"Aniki, be wary of Shimura Danzo; my parents were..." Nawaki whispered, accompanying Tatsuya as he departed. He discreetly gestured towards the forefront of the troops where Danzo dressed in standard Konoha Shinobi attire, was located.

"The old schemer is truly a master of manipulation and treachery. It's fascinating to see how some old coots can rank in the top five."

Tatsuya couldn't help but spare a glance at Danzo, responding to Nawaki.

Even with the perspective of a god, Tatsuya believed that Koharu and Hamura could give Danzo a run for his money in the art of manipulation. Within this category perhaps only Obito, Madara and Black Zetsu were more adept.

In the next breath, Tatsuya turned with a faint smile.

"Yet, he consistently overestimates himself."

In the original timeline, Danzo perpetually believed himself to be the chosen one destined to usher in change within the ninja world. Little did he know that he was nothing more than another shinobi in a grand scheme.

"Are you considering killing him?" Sakumo inquired in a hushed tone, seizing an opportune moment when the others weren't paying attention.

He already knew of Tatsuya's involvement in Sarutobi Shinnosuke's death.

Moreover, he saw the striking similarities in Tatsuya's departure to the northern front alongside Danzo. It was hard for Sakumo to imagine that history wouldn't repeat itself.

"The old coot likely harbours the same idea. It all comes down to who seizes the chance first."

Tatsuya was under no illusion. The elders' sudden decision to march to the battlefield was undoubtedly tinged with ulterior motives. He recognized that this was his opportunity as well.

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