At first, the Third Hokage had wanted to argue his case with Minato Namikaze, at least to preserve Danzo's life.
No one could guarantee that, when driven into a corner, Danzo would not expose the dealings they had shared over the years. But now that he had Minato Namikaze's assurance, he no longer hesitated.
Between protecting Danzo and preserving his own reputation, he chose the latter.
After all, an old friend was an old friend, but he was himself. Behind him stood the vast Sarutobi Clan, which still needed his protection.
Moreover, during the condemnation of Danzo just now, the clan heads of the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Ino-Shika-Cho had all stepped forward to speak. That was enough to prove that Minato Namikaze had communicated with them in private and gained the approval of the major Ninja Clans.
If he insisted on protecting Danzo now, he would undoubtedly be standing against the village.
Having seen the situation clearly, he had no choice but to betray Danzo and safeguard his own interests.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's statement destroyed the last shred of hope in Danzo's heart. He even began to suspect that Hiruzen and Minato had worked together to set this up, deliberately stripping him of his authority over Root.
If he were honest with himself, once he and Orochimaru rose to power, they would certainly use such methods to suppress their competitors.
After sighing inwardly, Danzo looked at Minato Namikaze beside him and snorted coldly. "Minato, you won this time. But having only just become Hokage, how would you know that there are many things the Hokage cannot do? That is why I was granted the authority to act independently."
"Besides, everything I did was for Konoha!"
"That is not a reason for you to attack your comrades and civilians. And whether it