Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

In the Gekko Clan compound, Kazuki's small house was particularly lively today.

Present were Hatake Kakashi, Tenzo, Yūgao, and six others wearing ANBU masks.

(T/N: Yamato, also known as "Tenzō", are both code names for this Anbu-turned-jōnin)

"What's going on? Did the ANBU get a group discount on housing and now have time to visit me?" Kazuki teased, crossing his legs as he looked at them.

Kakashi and the others didn't respond immediately but instead looked toward Yūgao.

Understanding their silent request, Yūgao spoke up.

"Kazuki, are you aware of what's been going on with Shimura Danzō lately?"

Kazuki's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's been going on?"

"A few days ago, during Konoha's invasion, Danzō, despite being the Hokage, was the first to flee! Does he even deserve to hold the title of Hokage?" Yūgao spoke with righteous indignation.

"Oh, that. Yeah, I heard about it. So what?" Kazuki asked, still curious as he observed their expressions.

"You're not planning a rebellion, are you?"

When the room fell silent, Kazuki's eyes widened in shock. "Are you crazy?"

"Kazuki," Yūgao continued, her expression filled with frustration.

"Do you know what Danzō's been doing since? He's been capturing civilians without reason, labeling ex-ANBU as missing-nin! The whole of Konoha is in chaos, and people are living in fear because of him!"

"If someone like him stays in power any longer, Konoha will be destroyed!"

Kazuki went quiet, his mind racing. He hadn't been outside recently and had no idea that Danzō's actions had escalated this much.

"Danzō's lost his mind... Has power consumed him?" he thought to himself.

"I need to see for myself."

"Kazuki," Kakashi interrupted, sensing Kazuki's hesitation.

"When you supported Danzō's rise to power, I believed in your decision. But after working with him for some time, I've realized he's not fit to be Hokage. For the sake of Konoha and its people, I hope you'll support putting a new Hokage in his place."

Those who knew Kazuki, as well as Danzō, were aware that the real power in Konoha resided with Kazuki. While Kazuki remained low-key, Danzō's attitude toward Kazuki and the clan was proof enough of the balance of power.

Kakashi and the others were hoping to secure Kazuki's support before making any move against Danzō. Without his backing, they wouldn't dare challenge the Hokage.

Kazuki looked at Kakashi, a playful smirk on his face.

"How about I support you as the next Hokage, Kakashi?"

Kakashi paused for a second and replied, "I'm not interested."

"And you?" Kazuki shifted his gaze to Tenzo.

"I don't want the position either," Tenzo shook his head.

"What about the rest of you?" Kazuki asked, but the others remained silent, clearly declining as well.

Kazuki rolled his eyes. "All of you claim to care about Konoha's future, but none of you want to take responsibility for it. Can't you learn a thing or two from Danzō? He's at least willing to fight for power."

"If none of you want the role, and Danzō is replaced, who exactly is going to be Hokage?" Kazuki asked, exasperated.

"Kazuki, we're not rejecting the role because we don't care. It's because none of us have the qualifications or the ability to handle the position of Hokage," Kakashi explained.

"But compared to Danzō, surely you all would do a better job, right?" Kazuki countered.

"Danzō has spent years building his influence in Konoha. He's one of the village's councils, with far more experience and connections than us. But his policies and methods are unsuitable for leading Konoha as its Hokage," Kakashi said.

Kazuki could back anyone he chose for the Hokage position, but he knew he couldn't disregard the opinions of the village's upper echelons or the common people. If the Hokage he pushed for didn't earn the support of these groups, it wouldn't matter who he endorsed—they would eventually fail.

Kakashi had a good reputation in Konoha, but his relative inexperience would make him an uneasy fit for the Hokage role. As for Tenzo and the others, they were barely visible to the general public, and no one would support them.

While Danzō had clearly lost favor with the people due to his heavy-handed tactics, Kazuki was beginning to think replacing him wasn't a bad idea after all. But who should take the position?

Just then, a voice called out from outside Kazuki's house.

"Kazuki! Are you home? I brought you some sweets my family made!"

"Clan Patriarch Himan?" Kazuki flashed to the door, greeted by the sight of the long-faced elder. Suddenly, a decision formed in his mind.

"Patriarch, how would you like to be Hokage?" Kazuki asked.

"Me?" Himan pointed to himself, baffled.

"Haha, Kazuki, stop joking around. The Fifth Hokage is doing a fine job. Why would I be needed? Besides, even if I wanted to be Hokage, no one would support me! I'm just an old man that nobody knows."

"The Fifth Hokage is alive for now, but who knows how long that will last," Kazuki smirked.

Himan swallowed nervously, dragging Kazuki inside.

"Are you serious about this?"

Kazuki grinned and glanced back at Kakashi and the others.

"If they support you, I don't see a problem."

Kakashi and the others exchanged glances before nodding.

"Clan Patriarch Himan is an elder of Konoha and certainly qualified to be Hokage. If Kazuki supports him, the ANBU will too!" Kakashi declared on behalf of the group.

"Uh... Kazuki, with all due respect, these are just a few ANBU members. They don't have much political power. Even if they support me, what good would that do?" Himan asked, uncertain.

Kazuki chuckled. "These are the squad captains of the ANBU. Gaining their support means you've secured the backing of most of the ANBU. That's no small feat."

"Eight squad captains?" Himan's eyes widened in shock.

He had heard rumors of many ANBU resigning recently. These eight captains represented at least thirty-two ANBU members. Considering how many ANBU there were, this was no small number.

"If you agree to this, I'll handle the village leadership. The elders and the people of Konoha—I'll deal with them," Kazuki said confidently, seeing Himan's hesitation.

Himan knew of Kazuki's capabilities. After all, Danzō's rise to power had been orchestrated largely by Kazuki's influence.

But still...

"Danzō is still alive. How can I take his place?" Himan asked, now on the verge of a decision.

"Well, he's alive for now," Kazuki replied with a sly smile.

------------

The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg