Hokage's Office conference room.
Konoha's people had finally come face-to-face with Orochimaru, who rarely showed himself in public.
But the moment they met, he dropped a bombshell.
Shimura Danzō, leader of Root, had colluded with Hanzo the Salamander of Amegakure in an attempt to seize power and usurp the position. He had now been purged.
Orochimaru also produced a series of pieces of evidence. Aside from intending rebellion, Shimura Danzō had committed many other shameful acts in the shadows.
Few of those present had dealt much with Danzo, but they all knew he was a powerful figure in the village, someone who had once served under the Second Hokage.
Some felt there was something suspicious about it, but they only dared speculate in private and did not dare voice it.
Fugaku had already guessed that this would be the outcome, so he did not react much upon hearing it.
Jiraiya and Tsunade, on the other hand, both wore expressions of utter disbelief.
Orochimaru did not give them much time to be shocked before revealing another major matter.
"Border guards have just returned with word that Kumogakure is massing troops at the border. The situation cannot be delayed."
Those words were even more shocking than the news before them, and the entire room erupted.
"What?!"
"Kumogakure?!"
No one could spare another thought for Danzo. Their attention immediately shifted to Kumogakure.
Was war about to begin again...
Minato and Shikaku exchanged a look, their expressions equally grave.
"Minato." Orochimaru called him out.
"Hokage!"
"Once the troops have finished mobilizing, you will immediately lead a force to the border. The follow-up units will catch up tomorrow."
"Understood."
Orochimaru issued another round of orders, briefly laying out the plans for the coming war.
Minato, Shikaku, Jiraiya, and the others would first lead an advance