Shimura Danzō, his ugly face covered in scars, looked like a disgruntled farmer, aggrieved and furious. He pounded the Hokage's desk so hard it seemed ready to collapse.
"What exactly do you want me to do? Just give me an order, will you? I may not be much, but I'm one of the village's senior officials. I've served the village and shed blood for it..."
Shimura Danzō's voice was subdued. He didn't sound like he was arguing or protesting so much as complaining.
At that, Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered the brim of his Hokage hat, hiding his expression.
"Enough, Danzō. I know you have your reasons, and I understand how difficult your job is. That's just how things go sometimes. The more you don't want something and try to avoid it, the more it clings to you."
The Third Generation, wise with age, tried to brush him off with a few words and change the subject.
"Just bear this burden for now and take it on. I'll make it up to you later."
Shimura Danzō looked displeased and seemed about to argue, but Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke again.
"After all, you know how many things you did that went too far in the past. Just think of this as the aftereffects of all those old debts coming due."
A glint passed through the old man's pupils.
"Understand?"
"I—tsk." Shimura Danzō shifted his weight.
"Hmm..." He nodded silently.
"I can accept all that, but Aburame Keiichi's conduct was simply too outrageous. He had no regard whatsoever for Konoha's safety."
"He acts on a whim and pays no attention to rules or regulations! Someone as dangerous and unruly as him has to be kept in check. His reckless actions have already had serious consequences."
"According to the reports from my spies, the Mist's young