"Heh... I underestimated you, Gojo Kaigetsu."

Danzo Shimura's lips curled into an ugly, forced smile. The Root shinobi behind him tensed, stepping back to shield their leader. The way they looked at Gojo now was filled with apprehension and caution.

That fleeting glimpse just now revealed the presence of Fugaku Uchiha, the head of the Uchiha clan, standing atop the power pole. The clan leader's involvement carried significant weight. Unless tonight was meant to be the final breaking point, Danzo couldn't afford to push this any further.

Danzo's suspicion grew. What exactly was Gojo planning? How could he have gained such support from the Uchiha clan? Could it be... a promise to overthrow the Hokage?

Dark, twisted thoughts began to take root in Danzo's mind.

Without addressing Danzo's suspicions, Gojo Kaigetsu spoke in a deep, commanding voice:

"Today, we stand here, on the land forged by the Senju and Uchiha clans. This is Konoha, a village nourished by the blood and honor of our ancestors! Behind me is the face of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, the very light of Konoha!"

Danzo frowned, unsure of where this was going. Why bring up the First Hokage now?

"His will is the direction in which I move forward."

"The will of Hashirama? Who do you think you are? The will of Hashirama is not something that you. "

Gojo Kaigetsu cut him off, his tone sharp and unforgiving:

"Konoha belongs to all its shinobi. One village, one rule, one Hokage!"

"Old man..."

Gojo's voice rang out sternly:

"Look at what you're doing, Danzo!"

"Shadow politics, openly targeting the Hokage's advisors, trying to drive a wedge between Konoha and the Uchiha clan! What are your true intentions? Who's pulling your strings?!"

"Do you even recognize the authority of the Fourth Hokage? Do you respect the legacy of the First Hokage?!"

"Isn't it you, Danzo, who's truly attempting to overthrow Konoha?!"

Danzo's mouth opened slightly, but he couldn't find the words to respond. Though there was nothing physically present, he felt an overwhelming pressure bearing down on him.

To oppose the will of Hashirama? That was a charge no one in Konoha would dare to shoulder.

Becoming Hokage meant upholding the "Will of Fire," the guiding principle passed down by Hashirama. If Danzo dared to challenge this now, he'd be seen as an enemy of everything Konoha stood for.

Stolen novel; please report.

This was a topic that could not be debated.

Danzo chose silence, avoiding the sensitive subject:

"The roots of the village grow deep into the darkness, working to eliminate anything that threatens Konoha's prosperity. That is my will, the will of the Root, everything for the village!"

Danzo knew that much of what he did couldn't withstand the light of day. But when it came to loyalty to Konoha, even someone as shadowy as him could stand tall.

He expected this declaration to suppress Gojo Kaigetsu, but instead, it provoked an even fiercer response.

Gojo's voice rose sharply, filled with righteous anger:

"Your will?! Danzo, do you even hear yourself?!"

"Every official organization in Konoha is meant to uphold the will of Hashirama! It should only be an extension of his vision!"

"Look at your Root! If the First Hokage were here right now, would these Root shinobi follow your will or his?!"

"Of course they would..."

Danzo started to assert his loyalty to Hashirama but stopped short.

Because...

The "Curse of the Tongue Eradication."

The members of Root were handpicked by Danzo, selected for their unique abilities and darkness within their hearts. Stripped of humanity, they were nothing more than perfect tools by shinobi standards.

Danzo held absolute control over their lives. Even if Hashirama were resurrected, they would only obey Danzo's orders.

Gojo Kaigetsu had exposed the fatal flaw in his plans.

'Am I really... on a path completely opposed to the First Hokage's?'

Danzo momentarily doubted himself, something rare for the "Darkness of the Shinobi World."

But the seasoned veteran quickly snapped out of it, responding with a cold sneer: "I won't argue with you on this, Gojo Kaigetsu. Whose side are you really on, and what is your true agenda?"

"The Fourth? The Third? The Uchiha? Or are you a spy from another village?"

"I've already sensed the darkness within your heart. Don't think you can fool me with your talk of the First Hokage."

"Don't think you can get away with this."

"Whose side?"

Gojo Kaigetsu shook his head, feigning disappointment, his tone dripping with mockery:

"Some are loyal to the Third Hokage, seeking stability. Some, like you, crave power and control, supporting the dark machinations of Root. Others align with the Fourth Hokage, hoping for swift rewards and advancement. Then there are those who despise what Konoha has become and wish to see it destroyed."

Danzo listened intently, his heart racing, awaiting Gojo Kaigetsu's next words.

Despite his wariness, he had to admit this man was different from ordinary shinobi. He wasn't a superficial or dull opponent.

'What is his choice?!'

"And I, Gojo Kaigetsu, have always been steadfast in my loyalty to Konoha!"

"Whether it's the Fourth Hokage, the Third Hokage, you, or even the Uchiha clan standing in my way, I will eliminate any threat to Konoha!"

"My heart and actions are as clear as the bright moon. Everything I do is for Konoha! I have a dream, to make Konoha great again!"

"Danzo Shimura, do you have that kind of resolve?!"

Though it was night...

Though his eyes were shrouded in black cloth...

At this moment, Danzo felt that Gojo Kaigetsu's eyes shone like the blazing sun, impossible to look directly at. He felt like a creature of darkness being dragged into the light, his soul screaming in agony.

Danzo instinctively turned his head away, unable to meet Gojo Kaigetsu's intense gaze.

For Konoha?

If that were true, it would explain all the mysteries surrounding Gojo Kaigetsu.

'He and I... we're the same type of shinobi.'

Danzo realized this with a strange sense of clarity. He didn't question Gojo's words any further. The vow he had just made was genuine; he truly would eliminate anyone who stood against Konoha.

Gojo Kaigetsu's conviction was so strong that it felt as though... anyone opposing Konoha was directly attacking his very being.