In the Hokage's office.
The council of Konoha's elder advisors, including Danzo, had all gathered.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked angrier than ever.
But the angriest of them all was Danzo, sitting off to the side.
It was only natural. Danzo was sure he'd played his cards perfectly. He'd been on the verge of taking Houka into his care and cherishing him, only for Hiruzen Sarutobi, that old bastard who'd hurt himself just to spite others, to ruin everything and turn it into a complete mess. How could he possibly be in a good mood?
"Hiruzen, I will never agree to this!" Utatane Koharu said sharply. "Letting two Uchiha join the Anbu—what were you thinking?"
"Ever since the battle at the Valley of the End, the Uchiha Clan has changed. They've opposed the Senju Clan at every turn and even schemed for the Hokage Position. The Second established the Police Force to prevent discord within the village, giving members of the Uchiha Clan important posts to reassure them. So many years have passed, Hiruzen. Have you forgotten all that?" Mitokado Homura said earnestly. "Now you're letting two Uchiha join the Anbu. If anything goes wrong, the Anbu's codes and intelligence could be leaked. Have you considered the consequences?"
Danzo couldn't hold back, either. "Hiruzen, you really didn't think this through. As Hokage, you should put the village's interests first!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi drew on his pipe, glared at Danzo, and snapped, "Wasn't this your suggestion, Danzo?"
"What?" Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura both turned to Danzo. "What's going on?"
Danzo's old face remained impassive. "Hiruzen, it's my responsibility to offer advice, but the final decision rests in your hands!"
Shameless!
If he were thirty years younger, Hiruzen Sarutobi swore he'd beat Danzo until his face was swollen and red.
"Hiruzen,