Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

Utatane Koharu was already fed up with Shimura Danzo's antics. She wouldn't defend him, and her thoughts aligned closely with those of the Third Hokage.

Shimura Danzo had grown reckless and needed a period of enforced calm.

Otherwise, if Uzumaki Mito heard of today's events, there would be far-reaching consequences.

Good! Very good!!

Shimura Danzo seethed inwardly, feeling like a fool, abandoned and isolated. Glaring at Koharu and Mitomon Homura with rage-filled eyes, he stormed out of the Hokage's office.

As Danzo's figure disappeared down the corridor, Koharu voiced her concern. "You think he might do something drastic?"

"No," the Third Hokage replied confidently. "Danzo is ambitious, but he knows how to bide his time. He wouldn't jeopardize everything when it counts, not if he still hopes for trust and influence."

If it were anyone else, Hiruzen might have worried about reckless retribution. But Danzo's ambition was too calculated for impulsive sabotage.

"And about this situation with Shinki?"

"Leave it to me. I'll speak with Mito-sama directly," the Third Hokage said, putting down his pipe and rising to his feet.

He knew that regardless of whether Mito Uzumaki learned of Danzo's outburst, he needed to make his position clear. Even if it was just for appearances, Mito had to know he had responded appropriately.

Looking out the window, Hiruzen exhaled deeply. "Since Mito-sama values Shinki, I might as well support him too."

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances and nodded. They understood that Hiruzen intended to address the lingering issues with the Hyuga clan.

---

After Koharu and Homura departed, the Third Hokage, accompanied by a few trusted aides, went to visit the Hyuga clan's main compound. He spoke privately with Hyuga Tennin, the head of the clan, discussing Shinki and ensuring any friction between Shinki and the clan would be settled amicably.

Ironically, Danzo's outburst had indirectly aided Shinki, setting in motion events that would protect him. If Shinki had known, he might have invited Danzo to dinner in thanks.

---

"Come by more often, Shinki," Uzumaki Mito said with a warm smile as Shinki prepared to leave. "The house feels more lively with guests."

Honored by the invitation, Shinki nodded and promised politely, "I will, Mito-sama."

---

As he left the Senju ancestral home, Shinki let out a sigh of relief. Although Mito had shown nothing but kindness, he still felt like an outsider in such an esteemed setting. Agreeing to visit was one thing, but making it a habit? That seemed unlikely. 

Old people often yearned for the company of the younger generation, Shinki realized. Mito's intentions were sincere. With that in mind, he decided to subtly encourage Tsunade to spend more time at home, solving both Mito's loneliness and his own budget issues. Tsunade's appetite could be intimidating, and somehow she never seemed to gain weight from all she ate—only growing stronger where it mattered.

The envy of many, for sure.

---

That evening, after a day of work, the Third Hokage visited the Senju ancestral home. Uzumaki Mito had been expecting him.

"Mito-sama," Hiruzen greeted, bowing respectfully before recounting what had happened at the Hokage's office. He was transparent, sparing no detail about Danzo's outburst or the reactions of the other elders.

Mito listened, her expression unreadable. When he finished, she took a moment to reflect before speaking.

"If you believe Danzo needs time to reflect, then let the position of Hokage advisor remain vacant for now," she said. Then, she paused, her voice softening. "Monkey, I am old. Perhaps I have only a couple of years left. As people age, they long for the comfort of family. I hope you understand that."

Was that all?

The Third Hokage inwardly smirked, realizing how Danzo's paranoia had led him astray. "Rest assured, Mito-sama, the Hokage's office will always support you."

Everyone had assumed Mito's actions carried some deeper meaning, but in truth, she only wished for more company. Shinki's visits were incidental—a way to draw Tsunade and Kushina home more often.

Danzo had indeed been unjustly punished this time, and Hiruzen found himself amused at the thought. But Danzo's impatience was his own undoing.

---

Rumors of Danzo's reprimand quickly spread among the village's Anbu, who had overheard his outburst in the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage knew better than to cover up the incident. Any attempt at concealment could lead to even greater issues if discovered.

Thus, he had acted swiftly, stripping Danzo of his title and reporting to Mito to downplay the situation.

Mito, of course, wouldn't hold a grudge over Danzo's words; she knew him too well. But not holding a grudge didn't mean she wouldn't seize the opportunity to keep him sidelined.

Before her death, Danzo would remain without influence, confined to his home.

---

The following morning, Koharu and Homura appeared at the Hokage's office, anxious for an update.

The Third Hokage relayed his visit to Mito and her simple request for more company.

Koharu's expression shifted from concern to bemusement, while Homura's face grew serious for a moment before breaking into a chuckle.

"So... Danzo shot himself in the foot this time?" Koharu said, half-amused.

"More or less," the Third Hokage confirmed, suppressing a smile.

Homura's laughter filled the room.

"Let's not inform Danzo of this," Hiruzen said after the laughter died down. "Mito-sama wants him to take a break, and it's best if he stays home for a while."

Before Mito's time came, Danzo's fate was sealed—relegated to the shadows, powerless and idle.