Inside the Hokage's Office.
Danzo's face was grim as he slammed his cane heavily against the floor, the sound cold and hard as iron.
"Hiruzen, do you truly trust the Uchiha? Answer me!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the furious Danzo and slowly exhaled a puff of smoke. Through the curling haze, his gaze was deep and calm.
After a moment, he asked in return.
"Danzo, how have the Uchiha performed over the years?"
Danzo frowned, a trace of gloom flashing through his eyes.
Of course he knew what the Uchiha had done over the years.
The Guard Unit's reforms, their outstanding completion of missions, their contributions to the village, and the villagers' support...
Even Chiyo Uchiha's performance during Hokage meetings had been beyond reproach.
But precisely because of that, he felt even more uneasy.
"Hmph, it's all for show."
Danzo snorted coldly.
"The Uchiha still have arrogant blood flowing in their bones. Sooner or later, they will..."
"Enough."
Hiruzen Sarutobi cut him off. His voice was soft, but it carried unquestionable authority.
"Danzo, prejudice will only blind you.
You and I have both seen the contributions the Uchiha have made to Konoha over the years.
Even if Teacher were still alive, he would approve of what I'm doing now!"
Danzo's expression darkened further. His fingers tightened around his cane until his knuckles turned white.
This Hiruzen had actually dragged Teacher into this!
He stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi, his voice low and dangerous.
"Hiruzen, you've changed. You're actually taking the Uchiha's side?"
"I'm not taking anyone's side."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said calmly.
"I'm merely stating the facts. As long as the village develops in a good direction, I'd rather have the Uchiha do more!"
"Facts?"
Danzo sneered.
"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"
He spun around abruptly, his black robe billowing as he stormed