Konoha Ninja Shop System

"The position of Hokage, here I come!" Shimura Danzō shouted fiercely inside his heart.

For half of his life, he had been waiting for this moment. Ever since he was promoted to Jōnin, the dream of becoming Hokage had burned fiercely within him. Every step he had taken, every sacrifice he had made, was for this one goal.

Though setbacks and failures had marked his path, giving up had never crossed his mind. Finally, today was the day he had long awaited — the day he would ascend to the highest leadership of Konoha Village.

He was certain he met all the qualifications necessary.

Qualifications. As one of the top leaders of Konoha, there was no doubt about his capability. Over the years, Danzō had been deeply involved in the village's decision-making processes and management. His knowledge of Konoha's inner workings gave him an undeniable edge. No one else could claim such comprehensive experience.

Heritage. Danzō had been a favored student of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. This lineage meant he had inherited powerful ninjutsu techniques and wisdom, traits essential for any Hokage aspiring to protect and lead the village.

Relationship with Successive Hokage. Not only was he the disciple of the Second Hokage, but he was also a close comrade and trusted friend of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Together, they had safeguarded the village's peace through turbulent times.

Reputation in the Village. Beyond his formal roles, Danzō had earned respect as the Hokage's advisor and as a loyal brother-in-arms to the Third Hokage. His experience, his skills, and his unwavering loyalty had won him the villagers' trust.

With all these points in mind, Shimura Danzō was confident that, apart from the two elder statesmen — Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu — no one else in Konoha was truly qualified to challenge him for the position.

And those two elders? They had long since decided to retire peacefully, uninterested in competing for power. That left the field wide open for him.

Who else could compare to his strength, his experience, and his wisdom? Danzō was certain he would win.

He looked toward Nara Shikaku, anticipation shining in his eyes. Surely, Shikaku would announce his name to the assembly.

But then Shikaku smiled and said, "I know... this person is... Senju Tsunade!"

Danzō's smile froze in place. His eyes widened in disbelief. What? Could it be? Tsunade?

"No! You said it was Senju Tsunade?" His voice cracked with anger, his body trembling uncontrollably. This was utterly beyond his expectations. He couldn't accept it.

Nara Shikaku nodded calmly and said slowly, "Yes, Advisor Danzō, it is the princess of the Senju clan, Senju Tsunade."

Fury erupted from Shimura Danzō as he roared, "I cannot believe you would recommend a woman for Hokage! And Tsunade, of all people — a gambler, unambitious and reckless!"

Nara Shikaku remained calm and composed, patiently explaining. "Please, do not rush to judgment, Counselor Danzō. Let us analyze the criteria you yourself proposed, and you will find Tsunade meets each one."

"First, seniority. Tsunade is one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha, famed alongside Jiraiya and Orochimaru. Does that not qualify her as senior enough?"

"Second, inheritance. Tsunade is the disciple of the Third Hokage. Though he stepped down under difficult circumstances, his achievements remain undeniable. As his student, Tsunade carries on his legacy."

"Third, relationships with successive Hokage. The First Hokage was Tsunade's grandfather; the Second Hokage was her great-grandfather. The Third Hokage was her teacher. The Fourth Hokage was her close friend and mentor. These connections strengthen her claim."

"Finally, reputation. Tsunade is not only powerful but also renowned as the greatest medical ninja in Konoha's history. Her healing techniques saved countless lives during the war. What better leader than one who protects life itself?"

As Shikaku spoke, Danzō's expression hardened. The more he heard, the more trapped he felt. His own criteria, crafted to highlight his strengths, had inadvertently exalted Tsunade.

He was stunned into silence. The conditions he had so proudly laid out fit her even better than they fit him.

How foolish had he been to propose such conditions? In his mind, this was a demonstration of his own superiority, a way to justify his inevitable rise to Hokage.

Instead, it had handed the crown to someone else — someone he despised.

He wanted to curse himself for his stupidity, to slap his own face until he remembered to think clearly.

At this moment, Shimura Danzō felt the full weight of regret crush his heart. His ambition, his carefully plotted plan, had backfired spectacularly. He was, in every sense, shooting himself in the foot.

Standing beside him, Uchiha Fugaku could barely contain his laughter. He glanced at Danzō with a smirk, savoring the irony of the situation.

Everyone could see that Danzō's conditions were tailored to his own strengths — but Nara Shikaku had skillfully used those conditions against him.

Fugaku's satisfaction deepened. Though he had no chance to become Hokage himself, the fact that Danzō was denied made his own losses easier to bear.

It was hard enough to accept failure. Watching a rival fail in the same way was a small comfort.

If Danzō had succeeded, Fugaku knew he wouldn't have slept for days.

Meanwhile, the audience began murmuring approval. Some whispered their agreement with Shikaku's decision.

"Patriarch Nara is right. Tsunade-sama is truly qualified to be the Fifth Hokage!"

"Yes, the next Hokage must be Tsunade-sama!"

"Advisor Danzō is a wise man, after all. His suggestions have led us to the best candidate."

"Indeed! Even if we don't understand all his ways, his ideas are not ordinary."

None of the crowd knew the turmoil raging inside Shimura Danzō.

Hearing the praise for Tsunade, a sudden tightness seized his chest. Anger and frustration surged uncontrollably.

He coughed violently and spat out a mouthful of blood.

His eyes darkened abruptly, and with a loud thud, he collapsed onto the podium.

Gasps and cries of alarm broke out throughout the hall.

The clan leaders onstage exchanged confused glances, unsure of what had happened.

Why had Danzō suddenly fainted?

Many turned their gaze toward Uchiha Fugaku, the only one present known to possess extraordinary abilities. Suspicions fell upon him immediately.

Fugaku looked baffled, waving his hands defensively. "Why are you all staring at me? I didn't do anything!"

But eyes fixed on the Three Tomoe Sharingan in his eyes reflected suspicion.

Everyone knew that with the Uchiha's Sharingan power, manipulating others or causing sudden fainting spells would not be difficult.

Fugaku suddenly recalled he had subconsciously activated his Sharingan in anger — but he insisted, I did not cause this.

"I swear, he just fainted on his own," Fugaku explained anxiously.

The elders nodded knowingly, a silent agreement passing among them.

"We understand. He just collapsed suddenly. It wasn't you, Fugaku-sama."

Despite their words, Fugaku felt the weight of their unspoken doubts.

His lips twitched in frustration. This time, no matter how much he protested, he wouldn't be believed.

Chaos erupted as everyone scrambled.

"Is he dead? Where's a medical ninja? Hurry!"

"Somebody help! Medic ninjas, please!"

Voices rang out urgently as the crowd searched frantically for healers.

Danzō lay unconscious, a faint trace of blood leaking from the corner of his mouth.

The room was in turmoil — a shocking fall from grace for a man who had just claimed his destiny.

pàtreøn (Gk31)