Operation: Get Naruto Back! [Seeking Monthly Votes!]

Hidden Leaf Village, Hokage Office Building.

It was deep into the night, and thick clouds covered the stars and moon, plunging the entire village into oppressive darkness.

The Hokage Office Building, which would ordinarily have long since fallen silent, was brightly lit at this hour.

At the entrance, several ninja wearing Anbu masks stood like stone statues, the atmosphere heavier than the night itself.

Rapid footsteps sounded from the corridor.

Jiraiya strode ahead, his long white hair flying behind him, the hem of his red outer robe snapping with each step.

There was none of his usual frivolity or laziness on his face. His brow was tightly furrowed, his lips pressed into a line.

Kakashi followed silently behind Jiraiya, keeping pace with him.

He still maintained his lazy posture with both hands in his pockets, but his exposed right eye was half-open, the pupil shifting slightly as it swept over the Anbu ninja standing guard on both sides of the corridor, keenly noticing a change.

The edges of these Anbu masks all bore the distinctive markings of Root.

Danzo's people had already taken complete control of the Hokage Office Building.

Two Root ninja pushed open the doors to the conference room.

Inside the conference room, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed to have congealed.

Both sides of the long conference table were already filled with people.

At the head of the left side, Utatane Koharu rested both hands on her cane, her wrinkled face filled with severity.

Beside her, Mitokado Homura pushed up the square-framed glasses on the bridge of his nose, his expression solemn behind the lenses.

At the head of the right side, Nara Shikaku had his arms folded across his chest, his face grave, his index finger tapping his arm in a steady rhythm.

Yamanaka Inoichi