"It's you! Uzumaki Kuming!"
Shocked, Shimura Danzō stared at the figure that had suddenly appeared before him. His skin tensed instinctively.
"Long time no see, Lord Danzō. I never expected to run into you here."
"I've been waiting a long time for this chance!"
Uzumaki Kuming said with a smile. The next instant, he vanished from where he stood.
"He's coming!" Danzō bent forward slightly and drew the long sword from his back, holding it horizontally in front of his chest.
"Clang!"
A crisp metallic ring rang out as the sword in Shimura Danzō's hand was knocked aside. The next instant, a soft sound followed—and a blade had pierced straight through Danzō's chest.
"What?!"
"How could this be?!"
The Anbu beside Shimura Danzō froze at the sudden turn of events. Danzō, with a sword through his chest, seemed not to feel any pain. He spoke calmly:
"I never thought you would have grown this strong."
"I underestimated you."
Danzō spoke with a steady, powerful voice, showing no sign of injury. Seeing him like this, Kuming, who had suddenly appeared in front of him, furrowed his brow slightly.
Uchiha Fugaku, standing among the Akatsuki, couldn't help but wonder at the sight. "Kuming attacked incredibly fast. I don't know why he suddenly attacked Lord Danzō, but that strike definitely landed."
"What on earth is going on?"
Tomoe spun in Fugaku's eyes as he stared at the strange scene before him. At that moment, Kuming seemed to realize something. His brow relaxed, and he murmured, "A genjutsu? When did he cast it?"
As he spoke, Uzumaki Kuming looked at one of the Anbu standing behind Danzō.
"He noticed!" Shimura Danzō saw where Kuming was looking and realized that the man had seen through the genjutsu. His face filled with astonishment. Then the body