"You're forcing me!" Hiruzen Sarutobi roared, slamming his palm onto the table. The sheer force left a handprint in its surface.
Fortunately, Hiruzen had excellent self-control and had not used chakra. Otherwise, the table covered in intelligence reports would have been reduced to powder.
"I'm not forcing you. You must make a choice—between the village and the Senju. You must give one up, Hiruzen. From the moment Konoha was founded, so-called shinobi clans should have become history. Whether the Senju or the Uchiha, clinging to their decayed notions of family and seeking to place themselves above the village will only lead them to destruction."
A cold glint appeared in Danzo's eyes. "You should know that wherever there is light, there will inevitably be shadow. A world containing only light does not exist. You can be Konoha, bathed in sunlight, while I am the Root in the darkness. If you cannot steel yourself, then do not make a choice. You need only choose to remain ignorant. These dark, filthy matters will naturally be handled by me in your stead."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's body trembled faintly. "No. I absolutely will not permit such a thing. Besides, we cannot afford to lose the Senju's fighting strength right now. If they fall, we will have to face Sunagakure's attack directly. With Konoha's current strength, and Kumogakure threatening us as well, we cannot abandon them—not even for the sake of the village."
"Is that so?" Danzo replied calmly. He picked up a report from the table and handed it over. "Then take a look at this. My subordinates made contact with the Third Raikage in Kumogakure. Once you have read it, I think your decision will change."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took it. After only a brief glance, his eyes suddenly narrowed, and he began reading rapidly. Only