Danzo's words had been perfectly clear.
Although he and Fuu Yamanaka were superior and subordinate, Danzo himself didn't embezzle funds, accept bribes, or cover for anyone. He did things by the rules and insisted on proper procedure.
Above all, he had principles and would never join in their wrongdoing.
Candidate was getting anxious. He'd been too hasty with his earlier remarks. In a situation like this, whoever got anxious first lost.
Whoever lost their nerve first gave up control of the battlefield.
Danzo gave him a contemptuous smile.
"I'm explaining things to you, which is the same as teaching you—a lesson on how to serve Root and protect Konoha properly. Could you stop interrupting?"
Danzo had kept positioning himself as a protector of Konoha and an upholder and inheritor of the Will of Fire, constantly pressing Candidate with that stance. It seemed as if he had already won this investigation and debate.
The trouble was, Candidate had never been Danzo's real opponent. The one behind him was the Hokage!!!
Even if Danzo won, it would mean nothing.
What's more, Candidate still had one more move in reserve—a move that was more than enough to bring Danzo down.
Meanwhile, with Tsunade—
"You did all those filthy things in secret, and now you're dumping the blame on your subordinates?"
Tsunade gazed out the window and spoke to Shizune.
Danzo's crimes were enough to make heaven and earth rage, and every human and god alike condemn him.
At the same time, Candidate and Danzo's conversation had reached its final stage.
"Fuu Yamanaka really is a fine shinobi."
Danzo sighed softly.
"Even under those circumstances—war all around him, both parents dead—he managed to teach himself Ninjutsu and develop a profound understanding of some highly advanced techniques. That's no small feat!"
Danzo's eyes were filled