Authors Note: This is a little bit of bonus chapter that I wrote up since the vote was a prominent enough plot to demand an on-screen scene. I thought about adding it to the next chapter but that's already gonna be a big one and this simply wouldn't fit.

Also, felt cute, might post a chapter that's not a flashback soon idk. Seriously though, actual Team 7 + Other shit coming up soon soz for all the flashbacks lol!

A group of pawns rushes to the front lines of the battlefield, eager and desperate to protect their kin, only to be swiftly wiped out by the swift brutality of a knight. Lances flank the arena, sharp spears glimmering as they face down the stoic towers of the enemy line. The two armies collide, spilling blood on the ground where their ancestors once roamed. A generational amnesia rippled through the bases of every man, animal and structure in the vicinity of this grand battle. It felt as if they had done this a hundred times…

And that was because they had. It was a stressful day in the office and Danzo and Hiruzen needed to blow off steam with some Shogi.

It was early in Hiruzen's reign, his hair still brown and his face still plump. However, this was the first time that the two advisors had been on out of work speaking terms. There had not been a conscious decision to discard the tension that existed between them, more like a forceful pull by the situation they found themselves in. Hiruzen's previously neat office had begun looking like a sweatshop, rolls of parchment and scraps of paper lying about the scene like police tape while blobs of spilled ink stained the carpet. A graveyard of illogical proposals and unfavorable deals sat stacked next to Hiruzen's desk, potentially being taller than the man himself. Fortunately for his ego, this was not currently noticeable as he and Danzo were sat in a, well, neater room. One more suited for leisure than the political warzone of his primary chambers.

This room was small and cozy, sitting on fuzzy carpeting and hugged by a long, warm fireplace. The stretch of flames danced along it's platform, which consisted of charcoal, cigarette buts and pieces of newspaper that Hiruzen had tossed in there to keep it burning. It was a bitterly cold day today. One of those ones where even the sun seems a little bit gloomier than usual, while the world around is draped in a residual wetness of the previous nights' rain. A day where a mighty fog seems to be hiding around every street corner yet always runs away as soon as approached. Most importantly, an annoying time to be negotiating with Kiri.

"I've met a few power-hungry demagogues in my day, but I swear, Hashirama would dig himself out of the fuckin' grave and take the hat again before someone like him reached high office." Hiruzen snarled, sliding one of his pieces forward. "See, here there seems to be some sort of filter that keeps them contained. In Kiri though- "

"He's messing with us Hiruzen. Now Mito's gone and there's no risk of push back, he'll send over the most insane proposals I've ever seen and then reject it you accept anyway." Danzo replied, noticeable frustration bubbling through his eye. "I mean, he was trying to add fourteen percent tariffs to fucking oysters for god's sake! You could sell them for free and still no one here would want to eat them!"

Suffice to say, Seiya Samina was not letting the post-war talks go over smoothly.

Danzo's words dissipated into a thick grumble of nothing as he played, making sure to keep his focus on the Shogi board even with his gaze clouded from rage. However, the tension was still clear even as far as his skin, clenching wrinkles rippling through his hands as he moved his pieces with just a little bit too much force. Hiruzen, on the other hand, let out a small groan of frustration and relaxed.

"Let's calm down. We'll see what state talks are in by the end of the week and react accordingly. If he wants to yank us around, let him. He's only trying to make us mad."

Danzo nodded, though did not seem to take the advice as he watched Hiruzen push a bishop just a little bit too intently.

"We'll have to wrap this up soon anyway. I'm having dinner with my mother tonight." Hiruzen mentioned, off-handily.

Danzo's gaze darted upward, clearly unimpressed.

"That's the third time this week." He noted.

His tone was clearly meant to embarrass Hiruzen, yet Hiruzen saw nothing to be embarrassed about.

"She's very proud about my promotion." He replied, voice intentionally blank.

"As any parent would be."

Hiruzen sighed, a weary smile crawling up to his lips.

"I don't think you understand, Danzo. The Sarutobi clan have been farmhands for generation. Most of them don't make it to genin, hell, most of them don't even attend the Academy. They just sit at home, reciting soil formations and the ideal temperature to grow wheat. We're not meant to be shinobi and yet here I am, the most politically powerful Shinboi in Konoha."

Danzo's face barely reacted to the information. If anything, he looked even less impressed.

"Well, it seems the clan system is less of a burden then what you lead your voters to believe."

Hiruzen's brow furrowed, as he shuffled one of his pieces to the left.

"Get off it. My father and uncle worked the fields every day, six in the morning to nine at night, for more than a decade and there were days I still went without food. Find me someone who says they wouldn't care if they could chose to be born a Sarutobi or a Hyuga and I'll show you the biggest liar on the planet."

No response came. Danzo simply grabbed a pawn from his capture pile and placed it back within the game. It was clear he had some disagreements with Hiruzen's statement but was not in the mood for a shouting match.

"What about you? Your family, what did they do?" Hiruzen asked, breaking the silence suddenly.

From the way Danzo began looking at him, it was almost as if he had asked him to spell out the meaning of life. More so than anything, he looked surprised and almost violated. He quickly recomposed himself however, washing his incredulous features with a bleach of blankness.

"I grew up in Taqat."

Hiruzen nodded, a clever smoke screen for the surprise bubbling through his stomach. He'd obviously known Danzo had grown up in Iwa but not only was Taqat the most dangerous place in Iwa (which was saying a lot) but it very may well have been the most dangerous place in the entire ninja world. At the very least, it explained the arm and the eye.

See, the main continent was divided up into different countries (Fire Country, Water Country, etc.). While those countries are officially managed by a higher power (called a daimyo), the affairs of the smaller villages are placed under the jurisdiction of a larger capitol or central village (Konoha, Kiri, Kumo, etc.) Upon seeing the state Taqat had got itself into, Iwa all but abandoned it. Its violence had started with the Iwa civil war but had continued long after that had ended and by the time a ceasefire was called, Taqat's fragile rule had been lost to an ensemble cast of different revolutionaries, rebels, insurgents and armed forces. Each saw Taqat as a failed village, whether that be due to a large Jashin presence, a small Jashin presence, too much trust in the Tsuchikage, too little trust in the Tsuchikage or any other multitude of reasons. Long story short, it was not a particularly nice place to live.

"Fond memories?" Hiruzen asked.

It was a risky joke but one that paid off, a rare, if small, smile gracing Danzo's lips.

"Lots actually. Carpet-bombs in the morning, so I never overslept and not enough food in the place to overeat. Now that I think about it, they really had their lifestyle policies figured out." He joked back.

Hiruzen chuckled, half from humor and half from the surprise that Danzo was willingly joking with him. However, Danzo's own demeanor had just as quickly switched to one of reflection.

"I recall on stage, during our third debate, at around forty-five minutes in, you asked me why I was so fervently nationalistic for a country I was not raised in and I choked. I couldn't answer. However, I'm sure you're still interested, so I will answer. My love for Konoha is because it didn't raise me. It was only because I had lived with the morning bombs and afternoon artillery, that I could sleep soundly at night knowing they were a distant memory. Earlier, you posed the question of whether someone would rather be born a Hyuga or a Sarutobi, and I think it's a fine question, but it is also a relative one. I'd gladly be either if it meant I was in Konoha instead of Taqat."

Hiruzen nodded, running a finger down his goatee in thought. No matter if it was unbecoming of a leader, he couldn't help but smirk slightly at Danzo's words. Perhaps he wasn't so different to himself after all…

"Checkmate."

With that, Hiruzen's smirk shattered into a gaping look of shock.

"What?! How?" He said, nearly slamming his head onto the board as he went to look it over.

Danzo let out a loud snort as he watched his superior spring to life, forced to face the defeat that lay on his board: His king sandwiched into a corner by his own rook and trapped by a pawn Danzo had flipped earlier in the match. An animated unbelievability coursed through Hiruzen's eyes before his posture softened with a sigh. Closing his eyes, he frowned while resting his hand in his chin.

"How many games have we played today and still I haven't won a single one?" He moaned, shaking his head slightly. "And here I was thinking I could go national if this job fell through."

Danzo laughed, though whether that was at Hiruzen's expense or merely revealing in his own victory, it was hard to tell.

"You're too excitable. One big get for you, and you think you're invincible so you start playing sloppier. And it always ends up the same way, you falling victim to your own formation. That's another thing, you never take advantage of flipping while- "

To tell the truth, Hiruzen was not particularly interested in hearing Danzo ramble on about his Shogi problems. The man's voice faded into a low-pitched wobble, similar to that of a vacuum cleaner sucking up air. There was something more interesting to Hiruzen here. It was the look in Danzo's eye. A rousing twinkle sparkling from his usual unreadable gaze, childishly simple yet intricate and mature at the same time. He'd seen it numerous times today but it wasn't until now that he pinpointed what it meant.

The look glistening through Danzo's eyes was victory.

Danzo marched into the Hokage tower in the Hokage Tower in the same way a trained Hitman walked into an assassination. It was an apt comparison, only Danzo wasn't pulling the trigger himself. Today was the day of the delegation in which they would decide both whether the exams went ahead and whether all enrolled genin would be allowed to participate.

As he walked into the foyer of the meeting room, he noted the four members of the council lounging around. The exact same number as the four folders he held under his arm. Analyzing the scene, he did a mental rundown on the present sitting council, just as revision.

Koharu Utane, an old woman with enough wooden accessories in her hair to build a cabin. A safe vote in his favor. Always thought Orochimaru was just a slightly psychotic crook who coasted by on Hiruzen's reluctance to put him away. Also, very nationalistic and "will of man" believing. Definitely not in favor of shutting down a Konoha cultural institution due to someone she believes is a non-factor.

Engo Senjo, a middle-aged man who's signs of age were beginning to show. Decorated war veteran on the campaign against Iwa during the Third War. Obsessed with the frontline and loves the exams for the "field experience" it gives the genin. For once, Danzo is not utterly angered by his presence.

Homura Mitokado, a scraggly old man dressed in green glasses. About as much of a traditional Hashirama-style Senjuite hippy as you could get, which means he's a massive geek for the history of the Chunin Exams. Fairly progressive on most issues but also never Orochimaru considered more than a low-grade criminal. This was a rare time where he most likely votes on Danzo's side.

Now, that really should've been enough, but of course a high-level council vote could never survive on just that. As long as one voted against it, Hiruzen would have grounds to overturn it and Danzo did not think he was in the generous mood. Unfortunately for him, that one person seemed to have taken human form right in front of his eyes.

Kusuri Nara. He was a skinny man and a pragmatic, technocratic politician. Most importantly, he one averse to risk taking. Considering he also despised Danzo, there was a certain chance of his vote being the one to disrupt Danzo's plan.

Except, it wasn't going to be, because of the folder stored under Danzo's arm. Displacing himself from the tension in the room, he smiled a broad (though obviously put on smile) and clapped his hands.

"Alright then, what way will we be voting today?" He asked, with a lip-blisteringly fake jovialness in his words.

He didn't want to be too careful. He had enough in his folders to sink all of them if he needed to.

"For your proposal, obviously. I told Hiruzen that snake slut was a bad pick as exam coordinator but nope, he didn't listen. If she's not involved- "Koharu began to ramble.

Danzo let the responses fade into a wave of white noise once he heard the general agreements from all his supposed safe votes. His ears became locked on Kusuri, who was lazily lounged over in a chair, sipping on a cup of coffee. He waited and waited and in waiting, drew the seconds to hours. He had a gun up to Kusuri's head and yet the man sat there, obliviously shoveling shitty espresso down his throat. Eventually, he spoke.

"I'm voting against. Maybe you could've swayed me if you hadn't said the sound ninja have to participate. That's an incident waiting to happen."

Click.

And with that, the trigger was primed, rocking steady with anticipation. Danzo walked forward, angling his body so that his voice would reach Kusuri and only Kusuri when he spoke. As he past the man, he said only a few words.

"I know about the drug ring."

Bang!

A retching, suffocated sound bounced through Kusuri's mouth as he began to choke on his coffee. As Danzo walked to a faraway room, he noticed hurried footsteps trailing behind him. Acting as a navigator, he directed them to an empty lounging chamber and turned to see Kusuri following him, fright clear in his eyes. Before he could speak a word, Danzo yanked him into the room and slid the door shut.

"I don't know what you're talking about. If this is some attempt at blackmail, it's absolutely deplorable and trust me, Hiruzen will be-" Kusuri asked, trying and failing to keep his cool.

The terror in his eyes was too clear for him to fool Danzo for even a second.

"Don't bother with the theatrics Kusuri, it's all in here. Guess the famous Nara intelligence failed you this time around." He said, tossing Kusuri the folder.

So shaky were his hands, that he nearly fumbled it. Like a dog with a bone, the Nara's hands tore it open, snatching up every file and paper that lay inside.

It was almost sad how quickly any shine in his eyes died as he looked over the contents. Any and all color was sucked from his face, as he looked up at Danzo with a discolored expression.

"What do you want?" He asked, shakily.

"Well, as I see it, you're in something of a pickle here. The scapegoats you sent to prison stayed quiet either out of loyalty or because they feared the people at the top of the operation may have them killed. However, with Inosu dead, you're really the only big name left and they were more than willing to testify after I got in touch. Again, with Inosu dead, you're going to be taking the brunt of the blow, so you have two options. Vote against me and have your accusers' names on the headline of every newspaper this side of Kiri, or vote with me and have them die without anyone even remembering they existed. Easy choice, I'd think."

As if he were attempting to snap it off his head, Kusuri roughly nodded his head.

"Y-y-yeah. E-e-easy choice."

"Alright, alright, is everyone settled in? Good, great, fantastic."

Anari Risuto was the appointed adjudicator in council meetings. A lanky man who looked eerily young for one in his 60's. The only evidence of his age was found in his crazed, greyed hair as well as the little split mustache that ran over his upper lip. Aside from that, he looked about forty, mostly thinks to the strangley glossy quality of his skin. He sat the center of the room, right next to a deeply frowning Hiruzen, while the rest of the council (four councilors plus Danzo) circled to their sides.

"Today the Leaf Village of Konoha Upper Council will be taking a vote on Advisor Shimura's "Chunin Exam Fortification" proposal. I assume you have all read up about the specifics of this proposal in the information pamphlet sent around a week ago. This proposal will require a unanimous vote from all four councilors to pass. Discussion time will begin now:"

Danzo's hand shot up like a bullet.

"Actually, Anari, I believe the council has already reached a unanimous decision."

"What?" Hiruzen growled, hands gripping the arms of his chair with enough strength to break them.

"Is this true?" Anari asked. "Those voting in favor raise your hand."

Three did with confidence, whereas Kusuri limply raised his. Nevertheless, all four votes were there, no matter how reluctant. A jovial expression came to Anari's face as he clapped his hands together.

"Well, well! Easy day at the office today huh?" He laughed.

Hiruzen's eyes snapped to him, almost vengeful.

"Anari, we haven't had proper discussion time yet."

Danzo's hand shot up again.

"Council rule 33 revision C permits discussion time to be skipped if council has reached unanimous decision."

"A ridiculous rule that was never meant to be- "Hiruzen began, only to be silenced by Anari's sudden hand.

"Now, now Hiruzen. If there are any objections or questions, we can sort them out now. Going once…" He called.

Koharu and Engo looked down at their fingertips boredly while Homura lay back in his chair. Kusuri's eyes stayed locked on the floor as if looking away would bring the end of the world with it. That left only Danzo and Hiruzen as invested participants.

"Going twice!' Anari called.

Their eyes locked onto each other and in that moment, Hiruzen saw it again. That twinkle that coursed through Danzo's eye. That twinkle of victory.

"Going three times! Annnnnd…. passed! The chunin exams will go ahead with all genin reinstated!"