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Shimura Danzo wanted to keep playing dumb, but Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily this time.
After a long silence, Danzo spoke. "It seems there was a miscommunication. This summons you speak of… I'm only learning of it now."
Hiruzen withdrew his gaze. "Let's set that matter aside, then. I summoned you to discuss another issue. A shinobi of exceptional talent in this village. You should understand how much Konoha has coveted a wielder of Wood Release."
"Once, this village conducted high-risk experiments at any cost to obtain that power. Now that such a shinobi exists, you've hidden him away in Root. Explain."
Danzo's nails dug into his palms.
So. Hiruzen had come for the boy.
And judging by the entourage, the old man wasn't leaving without him.
Danzo had stashed "A" in a deeply concealed room within the Root compound. If Hiruzen wanted to search, Danzo could let him search.
But…
He hadn't accounted for Kakashi.
Some Root operatives knew A's location.
The Tongue Eradication Seal prevented them from speaking his secrets aloud, but…
Danzo could already feel the situation slipping away. Still, he had to try. There was always a chance.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Danzo insisted. "A Wood Release user? Hidden in Root? I'm completely unaware."
Hiruzen glanced at Kakashi. "Kakashi. Use your Sharingan. Cast genjutsu on them. Ask about a Root operative codenamed 'A'."
Danzo's pupils contracted.
He even knew the codename.
Just as Kakashi moved to comply, Danzo barked, "Enough!"
His gaze was complex as it settled on Hiruzen. Danzo had always believed he understood the man. Now… he wasn't so sure.
"Let us speak alone," Danzo said, voice low.
Hiruzen gave a slight nod.
"All of you, stand by," the Hokage ordered the Anbu.
Danzo led him into the office. They took their seats.
"Fine," Danzo admitted, the words bitter. "I… came into possession of a shinobi capable of Wood Release. I protected him. Nurtured his abilities. It wasn't concealment. I saw no need to report it."
Hiruzen shook his head wearily.
Denied it outright moments ago, now admits it and still claims no concealment. Only Danzo could say such things with a straight face.
Danzo leaned forward, his expression deadly serious. "Hiruzen. I propose a trade. I have evidence. Evidence of Orochimaru and Qianyu's crimes against Konoha shinobi."
"During the Third War, Qianyu deliberately slaughtered loyal Uchiha on the front lines. He delivered their corpses to Orochimaru for research. Orochimaru, in turn, conducted forbidden experiments."
"That's not all. I have extensive documentation of their malfeasance. Leave A with Root, and all of it is yours."
"Hiruzen. Qianyu is already beyond control. Sooner or later, he'll become a greater threat than the entire Uchiha clan. With this evidence, you can have them apprehended. Executed. Your position as Hokage will be secure. Without it… you will not hold this chair for long."
"Have you not heard the whispers in the village? 'The Third Hokage is jealous. Threatened. He forced Minato Namikaze into the role to block Qianyu. Now he retakes the hat himself, all to prevent Qianyu from becoming the Fifth.'"
"Think of his arrogance in council. Orochimaru backing his every move. They hold no respect for us. Their prestige eclipses everyone's. You are old, Hiruzen. How much longer can you contain them? If Konoha falls into their hands… this village has no future."
Hiruzen's eyes darkened. He said nothing.
A sliver of hope stirred in Danzo's chest. If he was thinking, there was a chance.
He'd gathered this evidence to persuade Hiruzen to move against them anyway. But if he could use it to keep A… that was pure profit.
Hiruzen reached out. Took the file from the desk.
Danzo's lips twitched upward. Success.
Then Hiruzen spoke.
"I'll take this evidence. And I'll take 'A' as well."
Danzo shot to his feet. He stared, disbelief washing over him.
Who was this man? This wasn't Hiruzen. This was a bandit. Taking everything?
"Danzo," Hiruzen said, his voice calm and final. "Konoha now hosts two Jinchuriki. The Uchiha, who could suppress the Nine-Tails, are unreliable. Qianyu is unreliable. Minato lies unconscious. Wood Release sealing techniques are more vital to this village than ever. Therefore… A must come with me. He will be placed directly under the Hokage's command in the Anbu."
Danzo opened his mouth—"I—"
Hiruzen cut him off. "For the sake of Konoha, he will be transferred from Root. This is not a discussion. Comply, and I will consider the matter settled. All of it. Not just your attempt on my life."
"Qianyu was once your subordinate. I imagine… you ordered him to perform many dark deeds on your behalf. All of that can be wiped clean."
Danzo's chest heaved.
Not a discussion. No choice. He had to obey.
The resolve in Hiruzen's voice was absolute. If Danzo refused now, he himself might be spared, but Root… Root would be dissolved.
He took a sharp, controlled breath. "To prevent leaks, I placed a curse mark on the relevant operatives. It cannot be undone."
He said it with a flicker of guilt. It wasn't a lie—he couldn't undo it. The Tongue Eradication Seal had no release mechanism. Even if Qianyu could break it.
Hiruzen nodded. "It's of no consequence. One more thing. Do not move against Qianyu or Orochimaru. Not yet. Konoha still needs them. With Minato incapacitated, if the Blood-Eyed Asura and one of the Legendary Three were to fall… the blow to the village would be severe. We will act when the time is right."
Danzo felt the air freeze in his lungs. He wasn't going to act? Not now?
But on second thought… considering the village's current state, Hiruzen had a point. The timing was wrong.
His face like stone, Danzo asked, "And the Uchiha clan?"
Hiruzen didn't answer. He simply lowered the brim of his Hokage hat.
Danzo saw the gesture. Understood.
The matter was agreed upon.
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