In the Hokage Office...
After taking two puffs on his pipe, Sarutobi said, "What happened to Jonin Wangjie warrants reflection from every department in the village. From now on, we must remain vigilant against this kind of attack through public opinion..."
Tch-
Danzo clicked his tongue quietly.
Still, he knew that an official verdict had effectively been reached. There was no point saying anything more.
"Yes. Going forward, the Konoha Military Police Force will also pay particular attention to violent incidents that involve no direct use of violence. We will crack down hard on these acts that undermine the will of fire!" Jiancheng said, making a point of glancing at Shimura Danzō.
"Mm. Thank you for your efforts, Uchiha Clan Head. As for what happened to Jonin Wangjie, the Konoha Military Police Force must also set an example... Deliver a self-reflection report at the next Jonin Meeting!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said sternly.
Jiancheng froze briefly at that, but ultimately nodded in agreement.
Once Jiancheng had left, Danzo immediately spoke up. "Hiruzen! You're just letting them off like that? Then did Wangjie Chouzhen die for nothing?"
Sarutobi shot him a sideways look. "You heard what the Uchiha Clan said just now... They admitted to driving Wangjie Chouzhen to his death, but they refused to acknowledge it as a private act. If you insist on pursuing the matter, what happens when he demands the same treatment over the White Fang affair? Can you step forward and take responsibility too?"
"I..." Danzo was momentarily speechless.
If everything really had to be weighed on the same scales, Root's actions were no different. Although White Fang had not died, Hatake Sakumo's standing in the village was far more important than Wangjie's.
Even if the emotions of the moment could obscure that fact, once everyone calmed