Naruto: Uchiha's Resolve

"I'm sorry, our store is full."

The snack bar owner gave Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo a stiff, insincere smile as he dismissed them.

This was the fourth establishment they'd visited, and at least this time the owner managed to feign politeness. The previous proprietor had gone so far as to spit at their feet and hurl insults before slamming the door in their faces. If not for Hiruzen's intervention, Danzo would have lashed out.

"But there are empty seats over there," Danzo growled, pointing to the vacant tables in clear view.

He was Shimura Danzo, a distinguished Konoha jōnin and the late Hokage's personal bodyguard. To be turned away so rudely stung his pride deeply.

"The seats are reserved. Guests will arrive soon," the owner replied curtly, his patience wearing thin.

The man harbored nothing but disdain for the two shinobi standing before him. To him, they were deserters who had abandoned the Hokage and indirectly caused his death. Cowards who ran to save their own skin had no right to step foot in his establishment.

"Fine, I'll wait and see when these so-called guests arrive!" Danzo declared, pushing past Hiruzen's restraining hand.

"Enough! Do you really need me to spell it out for you?" the owner snapped, his voice rising. "I don't want your business! You're deserters, cowards! You let Hokage-sama die, and you have the gall to show your faces in my shop?"

"Watch your mouth!" Danzo's temper flared, his fists trembling with barely contained rage.

"Or what? Are you going to hit me?" The owner's voice carried loudly, drawing the attention of nearby villagers. "Go ahead, prove me right! Show everyone how unworthy you are of being Konoha shinobi!"

A crowd quickly gathered, murmuring angrily.

"Cowards!"

"Traitors!"

"You let Hokage-sama die!"

The insults rained down, growing more venomous with every passing second. Some even began hurling personal attacks, directing their ire at Danzo and Hiruzen's families.

Danzo was livid, his hands twitching as he fought the urge to retaliate. It took every ounce of self-control for Hiruzen to hold him back. "Don't!" Hiruzen whispered urgently.

Danzo could barely hear him over the rising clamor. He wanted to draw his blade, to silence the jeering mob. But he knew the Uchiha Security Department would be watching, waiting for any excuse to detain him.

"We'll leave," Hiruzen said evenly, though his voice was strained. He gripped Danzo's arm and pulled him away.

The villagers jeered as they left, emboldened by their apparent victory. "That's right, run away! That's all you're good for!"

When they were far enough from the crowd, Danzo erupted. "Damn it! Damn it!" he shouted, lashing out at a nearby tree. He struck it repeatedly with a stick, venting his frustration until the branch snapped.

"Hiruzen, aren't you angry?" Danzo asked, his voice hoarse.

Hiruzen exhaled heavily, his fists clenched at his sides. "Of course I'm angry," he admitted. "But losing my temper won't solve anything. Right now, we have bigger concerns."

Danzo stared at his friend, a mixture of envy and resentment brewing within him. Hiruzen had always been more composed, more respected. Even now, amidst the public scorn, he carried himself with the air of a Hokage.

A thick, unspoken barrier had grown between them, and Danzo felt it acutely.

"I won't lose to you, Hiruzen," Danzo muttered under his breath. He clung to the belief that he was just as capable, that Tobirama had simply chosen Hiruzen out of convenience.

"Let's train," Hiruzen suggested. "We can't waste any more time. If I'm to take the mantle of Hokage, I need to be stronger."

Danzo scowled but nodded. "Fine."

Far from their turmoil, at the gates of Konoha, a young man stood silently.

Senju Haruto gazed at the village before him, his features strikingly similar to those of, Senju Hashirama. Despite his calm exterior, an unease settled over him.

He had received an urgent summons from Uzumaki Mito, yet the details were vague. What could have happened in Konoha to require his immediate return?

As he stepped through the gates, the tension in the air was palpable. Something was amiss, and Haruto was determined to find out what.

(End of Chapter)

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