But Danzō also felt there were suspicious points.
First, Anko's testimony was vague and unclear.
"By the time I arrived, the battle was already over." "I saw traces of battle." "Naruto personally admitted it and showed me the scroll."
In Danzō's view, that was nowhere near enough to believe it.
Intense traces of battle?
Perhaps they had been caused by something else.
The scroll?
Perhaps Orochimaru simply did not care about it, or perhaps Naruto had seized it from another squad.
No one had personally witnessed the battle. It was entirely possible that this was merely a coincidence, an exaggeration, or a lie fabricated by that cunning Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Although Danzō desperately denied it inwardly, unease still surfaced in his heart.
What if it was true?
What if the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki truly possessed such terrifying power, while Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to employ that ridiculous policy of appeasement and trust? The consequences would be unimaginable.
The power of a rampaging tailed beast combined with this inexplicably immense strength posed a tremendous threat to all of Konoha—and to Danzō's plans.
To Danzō, Hiruzen's indifference and willingness to let things unfold were simply utter stupidity!
Only power completely held in one's grasp had true value.
The stronger uncontrolled power was, the greater the disaster it would become!
Hiruzen would never understand that principle. He would only numb himself with that so-called "Will of Fire," allowing potential threats to grow.
Just as Danzō pondered how to bypass Hiruzen Sarutobi and impose stricter surveillance—or even restrictions—directly on Naruto, a shadow silently dropped to one knee behind him.
"Lord Danzō."
The newcomer was an elite member of Root, his voice low and cold.
Danzō's thoughts were interrupted. He turned his gaze toward the man. "Speak."
"The ninja monitoring Naruto Uzumaki reported that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has