Anko heard that the exams would continue. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something more, but when she saw the Third Hokage's resolute gaze, she ultimately swallowed her words and lowered her head. "Yes. Then I'll take my leave first."
After bowing, Anko withdrew from the room and gently closed the door behind her.
Not long after she left, the door was shoved open violently.
Shimura Danzō entered slowly, leaning on his cane.
He had clearly heard their entire conversation just now, and Root had long since delivered its intelligence to him.
"Hiruzen!" Danzō's voice was cold and accusatory. "The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has completely slipped out of control! His strength far exceeds even my worst estimates, yet you knew nothing. Is this the result of your relentless indoctrination of the so-called 'Will of Fire'?"
The Third Hokage did not look at Danzō immediately. He merely rubbed his brow wearily. "Danzō, there is no conclusion yet. Naruto... has shown no signs of losing control. He defeated Orochimaru, who intended to destroy the village. That proves his value to Konoha! Besides, we simply failed to obtain the relevant intelligence. That does not mean Naruto has lost control!"
"Value?" Danzō let out a scornful laugh and slammed his cane heavily against the floor. "Uncontrollable power is the greatest threat! What makes you think he defeated Orochimaru for Konoha? What if he had other reasons? You have no idea what kind of power he possesses. Your weakness and indecision have already nurtured a tiger into a calamity!"
"This is not weakness!" The Third Hokage raised his voice, though it lacked conviction. "This is the Hokage's judgment. How to handle a Jinchuriki falls within the Hokage's authority!"
Danzō revealed a mocking smile. "Hiruzen, you are still too naive!"
"All the evidence now