Naruto: Minato Namikaze, born evil

Chapter 48 Choices

Hiruzen Sarutobi was a simple person, so he knew better than anyone that simple people were simply not suited to be leaders!

He knew he wasn't qualified to be Hokage.

Kind-hearted, indecisive, and only good at spouting platitudes...

But what can be done?

That's just the kind of person he is!

That's why he admires Minato's personality even more!

She is gentle to her friends and ruthless to her enemies, yet she never gives anyone cause for criticism. She completely puts herself in the position of the victim, and no one can find fault with her.

Aside from being somewhat aloof and lacking a strong sense of belonging to the village, he is practically the perfect successor!

So he went to great lengths to establish a bond between Minato and the village, but unexpectedly Danzo betrayed him.

He understood that Danzo was unwilling to accept defeat and still harbored ambitions for the Hokage position.

But now that Minato has directly attacked the Root base, even if he wanted to protect Danzo, he couldn't bring himself to ask.

If he dares to open his mouth, Minato will immediately develop a strange illness that prevents him from using Wood Release, and it's the kind of illness that can't be cured no matter what.

At times like this, he has to make a choice!

"Minato has never attacked his fellow villagers. On the contrary, Danzo, you... you who supposedly bear the darkness and are willing to use despicable means, seem to be the one who is truly harming the village."

Upon hearing this, Danzo's expression gradually stiffened, and he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi in disbelief.

He couldn't believe that after so many years of friendship, the other person had actually given up on him!

"Everything I've done is for Konoha!"

Danzo's voice was cold and stern: "He's only five years old, yet he possesses such power! If it's not restrained..."

"Enough, Danzo, don't you understand?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted in a deep voice, "No matter what power Minato possesses, it is not a reason for you to attack him without authorization! Today you can assassinate Minato because of your uncontrolled Wood Release, but tomorrow the Shimura clan may be wiped out because of their overwhelming strength! Some doors must never be opened!"

Danzo said coldly, "Too weak! Hiruzen! You'll regret this!"

"Danzo, I am the Hokage."

Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly stated the facts, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to do it: "Surrender... Danzo!"

This is your last chance...

He really didn't want to see his friend of many years die like this, and Danzo's willingness to surrender was the best option.

He could easily remove the other party from their position, strip them of their power, give them a minor punishment as a warning, and provide them with some additional compensation to completely suppress the matter.

Danzo was clearly aware of this as well.

Not to mention the Third Hokage and others, he can't even handle Minato right now!

Rather than fighting to the bitter end, it's better to preserve oneself for now; there might be another chance to regain power in the future...

Thinking about this, he gradually calmed down.

Danzo looked at Minato and saw that the other's gaze was calm and he had no intention of speaking, so he felt a sense of relief.

It seems this kid isn't arrogant enough to disregard the Hokage...

"I... vomit—"

Just as Danzo was about to speak, he suddenly gagged, and stalks of lush green fern shoots spread out from his mouth and nose. Danzo instinctively covered his neck, and his face immediately turned bluish-purple!

"Wood Release?"

Upon seeing this, everyone turned their gaze toward Minato himself.

"I was worried he would escape, so I released too many Wood Escape Spores. Although they can only grow into some ferns, which are not as good as tree species that can turn into trees, they are more subtle and hidden, and are easier for the human body to absorb."

Minato looked regretful and said, "That's how plants are. When their roots grow uncontrollably, they become increasingly greedy and steal nutrients from other life forms, even slowing down the development of the trunk to grow stronger themselves."

"In a situation like Lord Danzo's, we can only make a small sacrifice, removing his flesh and blood along with him. However, this will also...

Minato paused, shook his head, and didn't continue.

Looking at Shimura Danzo's painful struggle, Hiruzen Sarutobi opened his mouth, but in the end, he could only sigh with regret.

He had to choose between Wood Release and Danzo.

His own ANBU were also present; even though he was the Hokage, he couldn't openly protect Danzo.

He had just given Danzo a chance, and Minato had also shown his attitude.

Pleading for Danzo again would only further anger Minato and exacerbate the conflict between them.

Unable to bear watching Danzo's painful struggle any longer, Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, turned and left, his back view showing a hint of loneliness.

Wood Release techniques cannot be compromised, especially since the opponent is involved with the next generation of Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Rather than making him make a decision with Danzo himself, this outcome might not be such a bad thing.

"Danzo, well, he only has himself to blame..."

Mitokado Homura looked at Danzo, who was struggling due to his blocked airway, and shook his head with a sigh: "From childhood to adulthood, all he's ever done is use petty tricks, yet his ambition far exceeds his abilities. Why can't he learn his lesson?"

Tsunade looked at the two advisors, who seemed to share a sense of shared misfortune, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "How strange. I thought you would plead for him, or put on your arrogant advisory airs and ask Minato to release him or something..."

"Emotionally, of course I want to do that."

Koharu Utatane said calmly, "But he has already threatened the core interests of the village. Neither the Nine-Tails nor Wood Release are things he can interfere with on his own."

"If things hadn't escalated, it would have been fine, but once things are brought into the open, there's always a choice to be made. It's just that this time, Danzo is the one who's being sacrificed."

"You'll understand when you're in our position."

"I don't care."

Tsunade snorted softly. She hadn't expected that these two tactless guys would have such awareness.

Xiaochun, who was turning over, shook her head slightly and didn't say anything.

This kind of thing isn't just about personal preference...

Her gaze fell on Danzo not far away. Green plants were constantly sprouting from Danzo's body, making him look distorted and eerie. Strange sounds were coming from his chest, as if he was still struggling to breathe. The few remaining Root ninjas stood helplessly around him.

Minato stood quietly not far away, watching with a calm and unwavering gaze.

Judging from their posture, it's clear they intend to wipe out the remaining members of the root group as well.

The First Hokage's immense power, the Second Hokage's calm mind, the Third Hokage's approachable demeanor, a once-in-a-century talent, and ruthless methods unmatched by any previous Hokage...

How could someone like that allow us mediocre old folks to stand by and point fingers?

"Alright, Minato... let's finish this quickly."

Tsunade glanced at Danzo, her sanity plummeted, and she frowned, urging him on.

She did not ask Minato to spare the remaining Root members. It was not uncommon in the ninja world for people to avenge their teammates, not to mention that these people had been brainwashed by Danzo.

"Understood, teacher."

Minato clapped his hands together, interlaced his fingers, and then extended them in a claw-like shape towards Danzo.

"Wood Release: Advent of the Tree World!"

One after another, large trees sprouted from the walls and deep underground, dancing wildly like dragons, plunging the already dim root base into complete darkness.

A flicker of light appeared in the darkness, only to be extinguished in an instant…