My Journey as Fourth Kazekage

Danzo had never imagined that one day, Minato Namikaze, someone he had always considered to be without any substantial foundation, would become his greatest obstacle to obtaining the position of Hokage.

It wasn't until Minato successfully convinced the Uchiha clan to join the battle to prevent the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki from entering the fray that Danzo's suspicions were finally aroused. In that moment, he realized that something was deeply amiss.

Upon reflecting, Danzo came to the unsettling realization that Minato had quietly transformed into a force so powerful that even he, with all his cunning and resources, could do nothing to oppose it.

Minato was no longer just the disciple of one of the legendary Three Ninjas, Jiraiya. He was the beloved husband of Kushina Uzumaki, the current Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and a close friend to the leaders of the Ino-Shika-Cho and Yamanaka clans. He was also the mentor to Konoha's White Fang's son, Kakashi Hatake, and a celebrated hero on the battlefield. All of these connections tied back to the Yellow Flash of Konoha.

Even the Uchiha clan, once wary of him, was now willing to stand by him.

If Minato ever chose to run for Hokage, Danzo realized, there would be no one left in the village with enough power or influence to stop him.

In that moment, Danzo finally understood why Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, held Minato in such high regard. Despite the crisis that had befallen the village, Hiruzen continued to support Minato, refusing to allow the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki onto the battlefield. Perhaps, even Hiruzen had come to see Minato as an unstoppable force.

Danzo seethed with frustration. How could he allow this to continue?

Especially now, as Minato had repeatedly opposed Danzo's decisions, particularly on the matter of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. His opposition had caused Danzo to lose face in the eyes of the villagers. Even worse, it had given the Uchiha clan, long suppressed by Danzo's ROOT organization, a much-needed opportunity to regain their strength.

The thought of it sent Danzo's anger spiraling further.

So, when Shibi Aburame spoke, Danzo's reaction was swift and cold. He immediately issued his orders.

Shibi, however, found himself powerless to act. There was nothing he could do but watch as Danzo gathered his forces.

Within a short time, Danzo, leading thirty Jonin, slipped out of Tsurumaru Castle under the cover of darkness.

As he watched Danzo and his contingent depart, Shibi's unease deepened.

A small incident just moments before had triggered his sense of dread.

Danzo had stubbornly insisted on drafting two Uchiha Jonin into the ambush against the Kazekage of Sunagakure. There was little Shibi could do about it. All he could do was issue orders to his clan's ninjas, urging them to spread the word and heighten their vigilance.

At the same time, Sunagakure's ANBU, who had been covertly observing Tsurumaru Castle, had noticed the departure of so many Konoha Jonin and immediately relayed the information.

---

Land of Rivers 

The long-abandoned Tetsuya Mine. 

This was Sunagakure's base, located at the farthest edge of the Land of Rivers. 

Unlike the bustling Konoha camp, this place felt eerily quiet and desolate. 

Apart from the main command tent and the storage tents, there were few others scattered around. 

This was part of Sunagakure's strategy for this mission: splitting their forces into smaller, more manageable units. 

Inside the main tent, the three leaders of the main forces—Chiyo, Pakura, and Michikawa—had gathered. 

With Rasa absent, Chiyo, as the elder, naturally held the highest rank. 

However, she wasn't inclined to speak first, leaving the composed Michikawa to step into the role of the de facto commander, as had been arranged by Rasa. 

The ANBU messenger arrived with an update: Everything was proceeding according to the Kazekage's plan. 

Konoha's forces had walked right into the trap. Danzo, the elder of Konoha, had led most of the Jonin out of Tsurumaru Castle, while Sunagakure's main force had already been positioned around the castle, ready to execute the plan of breaking their forces into smaller units. With a single command, they would be able to surround Konoha's defenders. 

"Has the timing for the attack been confirmed?" 

Chiyo asked, her gaze still fixed on the messenger. 

"Yes! According to the Kazekage's instructions, we plan to launch the attack six hours after Danzo departs from Konoha. All orders have been issued, and our ninja will arrive at their designated positions. It will take a little time." 

"Since it's confirmed, issue the order," Chiyo said, her voice steady. 

"Hai!" 

Within moments, Michikawa's orders were transmitted via Sunagakure's ANBU network. 

"Let's move out as well," Chiyo said, preparing to stand. 

Suddenly, Pakura, who had remained silent up until this point, spoke. "How many people from Konoha's side have gone to Rasa?" 

Chiyo and Michikawa exchanged puzzled looks, but Michikawa, ever the curious one, responded. 

"According to the intelligence we received, Danzo, the elder from Konoha, left with thirty Jonin. I didn't expect Kazekage-sama's prediction to be so accurate. He truly understands this Konoha elder." 

Michikawa's words of praise were met with a sharp reply from Pakura. 

"Even so, for the leader of his village to personally serve as bait is far too reckless," Pakura said, her voice laced with frustration. 

Michikawa was stunned by her reaction, confused as to why Pakura would say this. Hadn't this already been decided? 

However, Chiyo, with her sharper, more perceptive instincts, seemed to understand. Her eyes widened in realization, but she quickly composed herself, offering a reassuring smile to Pakura. 

"Don't worry. Since Rasa is confident, we should trust him as comrades. Besides, this message has already reached him. If he knew he couldn't win, he wouldn't take such a risk." 

Pakura nodded slightly, her expression softening as she absorbed Chiyo's words. 

With that, the three of them left the tent, leading their subordinates to prepare for departure. 

In the blink of an eye, the Land of Rivers was thrust into motion, setting the stage for the coming battle.

---

Meanwhile, in the Land of Grass, within the heart of Kusagakure, 

In a building that resembled a massive, foreboding tower, several wooden-barred prison cells lined the stone walls. This was the facility where the Land of Grass kept its prisoners, a place of darkness and isolation. Deep within the dim, oppressive cells, there was a small room with only two palm-sized windows, through which scant sunlight filtered in. 

A young girl, her striking red hair a sharp contrast to the bleak surroundings, lay curled up on a simple wooden bed, clutching her head in her hands. 

She wore a plain long dress that resembled prison attire, her bare arms and thighs marked with bite wounds. Her feet were bound with chakra-sealing chains, rendering her powerless. 

The air was heavy with the stench of despair and neglect. 

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. As the footsteps drew closer, two Kusagakure guards in ninja attire arrived at her cell. Without a word, they swiftly unlocked the bars and barked at the girl, their faces cold and unfeeling. 

"Come with us!" 

The girl offered no resistance; she had long grown accustomed to such treatment, her spirit dulled by the countless torments she had endured. 

Without hesitation, the guards quickly escorted her through the long, dreary corridor. 

Eventually, they reached a door leading outside, where bright sunlight poured in from the open air. 

As the girl stepped into the light, the blinding rays forced her to squint. She took a moment to adjust her eyes, but when she finally opened them fully, she was met with a sight beyond her imagination. 

It was as if the world itself had fallen into chaos. A vast sandstorm, dark and swirling, engulfed Kusagakure, obscuring the once vibrant green landscape. 

The storm's powerful winds howled, and the once familiar surroundings were now cloaked in a menacing haze. 

It was only then that the girl noticed the fear etched on the faces of the Kusagakure ninjas who had once tortured her. Their stoic expressions had vanished, replaced with panic and confusion. 

"What's happening?!" 

A flicker of life returned to the girl's otherwise vacant eyes as she tried to make sense of the situation. 

Just then, a voice broke through the tension, addressing the scene unfolding around them. 

"Is this the one?" 

"Yes... yes, Kazekage-sama. This is the orphan of the Uzumaki clan, her name is Hana." 

Hana Uzumaki, her head slightly raised, turned her gaze toward the source of the voice. 

From above, descending like a divine being, a man with short red hair and an air of overwhelming authority floated down before her. His presence was commanding, and the very earth seemed to bow in respect.