Danzo stood beneath the gates of Kikyo Castle, with members of Root gathered around him.
This was his second visit here recently, but his mood was entirely different.
The first time, he'd come hoping to see Shikaku make a fool of himself—and, as it happened, he'd gotten his wish. Seeing Shikaku standing beneath the gates of Kikyo Castle with a bewildered look on his face had been immensely satisfying.
This time, he was here representing Konoha in negotiations. He'd thought things would go smoothly with Hoshino Maki on the inside, and that he could easily solve the problem Shikaku hadn't been able to. But Maki had pushed everything onto the Elder Council and been utterly useless, making Danzo look like a fool.
Fortunately, he still had Orochimaru as a backup plan.
Danzo was considering what he'd do once he returned to the village when a member of Root suddenly leaped in front of him and whispered something in his ear.
Danzo's eyes widened. He grabbed the man by the shoulders. "What did you say?!"
"Lord Danzo, while Lord Orochimaru was fighting Ōnoki, Lord Minato suddenly appeared and gravely wounded Ōnoki and Han. The Iwa Shinobi have been routed."
Danzo swayed. In that instant, he suddenly recalled the look in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes as he'd left.
Everything fell into place.
Why had Shikaku suggested that he lead the negotiations? Why had Sarutobi agreed to Sunagakure's demands? Why had he suddenly changed his attitude and allowed Orochimaru to lead the troops? It had all been for Minato!
Sarutobi had to step down after letting the enemy reach Konoha's doorstep. That left only three candidates: Danzo, Orochimaru, and Minato. Uchiha Fugaku was making plenty of noise, but few would support him. Now that Danzo had overseen the signing of such a humiliating treaty,