Veigar, now wearing a Konoha forehead protector, had just sat through yet another lecture from Hiruzen Sarutobi about the Will of Fire.
Pfft!
No, wait—wrong phrasing. Let's try that again…
After attending a speech on the Will of Fire, Veigar slowly walked out of the Ninja Academy, all eyes on him from the assembled students and teachers.
Upon returning home, Veigar collapsed onto his bed, arms and legs sprawled out, utterly exhausted from the day's ordeal.
He had achieved his goal—becoming a Konoha Genin-in-training. Now, all he wanted was a well-earned nap.
However, there was still the matter of heading to the Hokage Residence in the afternoon for official registration. Only after completing that would he formally become a Genin. He couldn't afford to sleep too deeply, lest he overslept and missed it.
Just as Veigar was drifting into a light sleep, a discussion was unfolding within the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood before Minato Namikaze and said, "Minato, I'm entrusting Veigar to you. You currently only have Kakashi under your command, so this works out perfectly."
Minato straightened his posture and replied solemnly, "Understood, Lord Third."
"I will do everything in my power to shape him into an exceptional shinobi."
At this point, it was essentially a foregone conclusion—once Veigar was officially registered as a Genin, his team leader would be none other than Minato Namikaze.
Minato had anticipated this outcome. He wasn't naive. He had put the pieces together the moment he was assigned as the proctor for Veigar's early graduation exam and made Kakashi his opponent.
Everything pointed to Hiruzen's intent to make Veigar his second student.
Upon reflecting on it, Minato quickly understood Hiruzen's reasoning:
First, Veigar was undeniably talented—a prodigy by anyone's standards. Given Minato's current status and allegiances, he was the most suitable mentor for someone like Veigar.
Second, his current squad only had Kakashi, so adding Veigar would balance the team's composition.
Third, Kakashi himself was a genius, and competition between two prodigies could serve as a catalyst for mutual growth.
However, just as things seemed settled, someone decided to intervene—none other than Danzo Shimura, Konoha's shadowy schemer.
"I object."
Danzo's voice rang out even before he stepped through the office doors. He then pushed them open and strode in.
At this stage, Danzo was still in his prime, just like Hiruzen. While his right arm had yet to be wrapped in thick bandages from Hashirama cell experiments, his right eye was already covered.
Hiruzen and Minato turned toward him simultaneously. Minato lowered his head respectfully and greeted, "Lord Danzo."
Danzo barely spared him a glance before stepping closer to Hiruzen and stating, "Hiruzen, I object to Minato Namikaze becoming Veigar Koshima's mentor."
"I want him placed under my care, to be trained within the Root. He has the potential to become Konoha's deadliest blade."
Before Hiruzen could respond, Minato immediately protested.
"No way."
"Lord Third, Veigar doesn't belong in the Root. He should grow into a pillar of Konoha, standing in the light—not hidden in the shadows."
Minato understood that arguing directly with Danzo was pointless—the decision rested solely with Hiruzen. So his words were aimed at the Hokage himself.
Danzo, however, remained composed.
"The Root," he said calmly, "is the ideal environment for Veigar to develop his full potential."
"So, Hiruzen, hand him over to me."
The room fell silent except for the faint crackling of Hiruzen's pipe.
Danzo knew Hiruzen better than anyone—he could tell that the Third Hokage had already made his decision.
Smoke curled from Hiruzen's lips as he finally spoke.
"Danzo."
"Veigar Koshima does not belong in the Root."
"He is not meant to be buried underground, silently feeding Konoha's roots. His place is above—among Konoha's strongest, standing in the light and protecting the village."
Danzo's face darkened instantly, his voice laced with frustration and fury.
"Hiruzen, you will regret this decision."
"Veigar Koshima is the ideal candidate for the Root—and its next leader."
Hiruzen met Danzo's gaze, unwavering.
"No," he said firmly. "Veigar Koshima will not be placed under your command."
Danzo, looking like a desperate gambler on the verge of losing everything, slammed his hands onto the desk and leaned in.
"What if I relinquish my control over the Root?"
His words sent a jolt through the room.
Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Danzo.
"Danzo, do you even realize what you're saying?"
Danzo's expression remained unreadable as he replied, "I know exactly what I'm saying."
"Veigar Koshima is my chosen successor for the Root."
Then, in a rare moment of apparent sincerity, Danzo let out a soft sigh.
"Hiruzen, we must admit—we're getting old. The Root needs a capable successor."
"And in every regard, I believe Veigar Koshima is the perfect candidate."
Minato, caught in the crossfire, could only stand awkwardly in silence.
Danzo's bold gambit was beyond anything he could counter. This was no longer a debate about a Genin's placement—it was about the succession of Konoha's hidden power structure.
Minato knew that this was not a battle he could fight.
Hiruzen remained silent, taking slow drags from his pipe as he considered his next move.
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