Chapter 214: A Conversation with the Hokage

Seeing the state of the teacher, Shikamaru finally became more serious and calmly replied:

“You and Danz are old friends, even his attempt to kill you was forgiven. Well, it doesn't matter ... The whole situation with the Uchiha is basically his job. Opening his palm, Shikamaru showed a red Sharingan.

- Same...

- Mangeky Shisui, he snatched it from the guy just before his death, which was decisive in the awakening of Mangeky Itachi. Old man, I've learned enough ... The Uchiha have long been suspected and treated like some kind of enemy. Shisui planned hypnosis, but as you should understand, it is not possible without eyes. Destroying the Uchiha is a perfectly reasonable decision in order to suppress the rebellion, but who is to blame for this? He did everything to kill them.

Watching Hiruzen's expression thoughtfully, after all that was said, Shikamaru smiled.

- You dismissed the Root, but why did I meet so many people when I followed Danz? I found a ton of Sharingans and Byakugan. ”Pulling out a piece of flesh filled with many eyes, Shikamaru chuckled.

- This is a present from Orochimaru. Did he tell you about his "special" Sharingan hand? I see in your face that I didn’t speak. Come on, not only did you not finish him off, but you also allowed him to continue your work. Uchiha Sasuke grows up and one day knows the truth, in the end who will suffer? Isn't it Konoha?

Shikamaru removed the flesh and nodded thoughtfully.

“Danz Shimura is a worthy shinobi, I admit that ruthless people like him are really important for maintaining peace and stability like the one in Konoha. All his actions were performed either with your permission or because of your weakness. But ... Is this the same Konoha as it was in the days of Tobirama or Hashirama? Admit it, sensei, during your reign and Danz's existence, Konoha lost too much. Now this place is full of people who lost a lot in wars. This is the place where people like Sakumo are censured, this is the place where children were sent to the slaughter and where the three legendary Saninna disappeared long ago. Indecision and weakness lead the world of strong people to a similar outcome. But don't think ... '' Glancing at the gloomy old man, Shikamaru smiled.

- I like everything. The world built by the First with the sacrifice of Madara and the deeds of Tobirama is a great place for people like me. A world where strength is the definition of everything will never be equal for everyone. Danz understood this, but was too limited by his own strength, and also by you. Moreover, he is too ruthless and self-confident. My strength only grows with every second. The era of weak Konoha is gradually fading away. Now, I'm going to change this place, whether you agree with it or not. I will not lie, I was indifferent to Danz's actions, but I was too lazy to mess with someone who is ready to secretly create a conspiracy behind the back of the Hokage, even for the sake of the village. You can't fix him, he is too old and stubborn, and after what happened to the Uchiha, I had to restore order. Do what you didn't have the heart to do. They may be dead, but whoever gave the order must pay. You, Sensei, are only partly to blame, I know that you took the blame on yourself, but I know who sent Itachi then and made him act. But, if you could not even prevent the massacre in your own village, then you are clearly not the strongest here ... No offense, but you are no less guilty. Sasuke and Itachi's lives are ruined by two old men who are obliged to protect them.

Even saying this, Shikamaru could not mentally deny the main thing:

"Itachi ... How fanatical does it take to kill your loved ones?"

After sighing heavily and contemplating the aged face of his teacher, Shikamaru raised his head and whispered:

“It doesn't matter, I found Mikoto, so maybe things with her sons will change a little. As for Konoha, I have plans, but it all depends on how you react to it. I honestly see no point in fighting you for this, I don't want the post of Hokage. I like freedom, all I want is a calm place where people and descendants important to me will live.

After a few seconds of silence, Hiruzen sighed heavily and looked thoughtfully at his student, distracted by the contemplation of Konoha's lights:

- Yes ... You are right Shikamaru, everything is possible and the truth is in my weakness ... But you cannot build peace by force, you must understand this. If you are going to change something, let me ask you, how are you going to do it?

Temporarily, Hiruzen ignored Mikoto's question, even though he still thought about it in shock, he still wanted to understand the student's motives. He basically understood why he killed Danz. All due to the fact that he was too uncontrollable and divided the power of the village. Shikamaru did not understand the Hokage, most likely for two reasons: he was his teacher and was still the Hokage - no matter what actions he takes, he is still the most influential and respected person in Konoha. It is for this reason that all Hiruzen's anger quickly evaporated, he clearly understood that his student did not want to rule as he could, simply using force. If he could get rid of Danz so easily, there was every chance that he was now strong enough to simply take over. Either he really didn’t want to, or he wanted to do without the noise. It is possible that both options are correct. Killing the Hokage is not at all the same as killing an elder. But, Hiruzen believed in the best, as always. The student's explanation was to a certain extent sufficient, especially when he touched all of Hiruzen's most painful memories. He always blamed himself for much of what his student said ...

After the Hokage's question, Shikamaru was silent for a moment, and then he said:

- First, let's fight. I want you to understand what I am capable of. Dealing with Danz and the head of the Hyuuga is not something that will convince you so easily. Let me show my strength.

Seeing the student’s determined gaze, Hiruzen could neither agree. He himself wanted to know what he was capable of. What gives him confidence in every word he says? If he really is that strong, the conversation may go very differently.

So, the two decided to fight at the same hour, leaving the village and retiring into a distant forest, where many Konoha shinobi once fought hard during the first war. Not far from the river, the teacher and the student stopped, the distance between them was covered by a river channel about ten meters wide. Under the sound of the river water and in the moonlight, Shikamaru grinned ominously and stretched his neck. Hiruzen smiled a little in return and threw off the Hokage's cape, revealing himself in his usual combat gear. This time, against his student, he was not going to hold back!