The Root Falls

Immediately following this, an unexpected scene unfolded.

Hyuga Sosuke, the head of the Hyuga Clan, slowly stood up and spoke in a calm yet firm tone:

"The Hyuga Clan seconds this. The actions of Elder Shimura Danzō have severely undermined the village's stability and the foundation of trust; the operational style of the Root under his leadership has long been a source of much controversy.

To ensure such incidents do not recur, a thorough rectification and severe accountability are mandatory."

The Hyuga Clan had always prioritized self-preservation, so their public support for the Uchiha showed just how much public outrage Danzō's actions had incited.

Nara Kashima also stood up. As the strategist for the Ino-Shika-Cho, his words often represented the collective stance of the three clans:

"Lord Hokage, everyone. Rationally speaking, if the handling of this incident fails to satisfy the public, it threatens to severely damage the village's cohesion and morale.

The Root truly requires stricter supervision and restraint. As for the punishment of Elder Danzō, perhaps... there is indeed a need for deliberation."

Nara Kashima's words were relatively tactful, but his stance in favor of severe punishment was clear.

One must realize that prior to this, the Ino-Shika-Cho had always been the steadfast followers of the Third Hokage, the undisputed Hokage faction.

Inuzuka Clan: "We absolutely cannot allow such a person to hold power any longer!"

Aburame Clan: "Seconded."

Even some clans that usually opposed them began to voice their opinions.

In an instant, the entire Jonin Assembly turned into a public denunciation of Shimura Danzō!

Danzō sat in the corner with his head lowered; no one could see the expression beneath his mask, but his tightly gripped cane and slightly trembling hands betrayed the raging fury and humiliation within him.

[Fury, humiliation, and killing intent from Shimura Danzō +120]

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the nearly one-sided situation below the dais and sighed inwardly.

He knew the tide had turned.

His original intention to protect Danzō was now impossible under such overwhelming pressure.

If he were to force his protection, he feared his own authority as Hokage would be severely questioned.

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu beside him; the two advisors were also pale-faced and shook their heads slightly.

Finally, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly stood up and pressed his hands downward, signaling for the assembly to quiet down.

His gaze swept across the room before landing on Shimura Danzō, his voice heavy and powerful: "Based on the collective resolution of the Jonin Trust Conference, and given the serious errors committed by Shimura Danzō in this incident and the widespread concern they have triggered, the following additional measures are hereby enacted:

"First, Shimura Danzō is formally removed from his position as Elder Advisor."

"Second, Shimura Danzō is relieved of all leadership duties over the Root. The Root shall be placed under the direct jurisdiction of the Hokage for thorough rectification and reorganization; all members must undergo re-vetting."

"Third, effective immediately, Shimura Danzō is confined to his residence. He is not to leave without special cause and shall be under the surveillance of the Anbu."

As these words fell, the entire hall fell silent.

This was practically equivalent to casting Shimura Danzō into the dust! All his substantive power was stripped away! The Root was directly seized! He was even placed under house arrest!

Although everyone knew that with Danzō's machinations, his influence in the Root could not vanish overnight, and it remained to be seen how effective the Hokage's direct jurisdiction would be, this was the most severe, procedurally compliant punishment possible! At least on the surface, Shimura Danzō, the man who had operated in the shadows of Konoha for decades, had been completely stripped of his power!

Uchiha Chishin watched this scene, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. He knew this was the best result he could have fought for. Immediately, he led the Uchiha clansmen to slowly sit down, maintaining silence and knowing when to stop.

Representatives from other clans also sat down one after another, and a collective sigh of relief echoed through the hall.

In the corner, Shimura Danzō suddenly raised his head, his single eye bloodshot and filled with a near-maniacal resentment. He stared fixedly at Hiruzen Sarutobi on the main dais, then slowly swept his gaze over the Jonin who had just denounced him, as if to carve every one of them into his memory.

He did not say a word, merely stood up slowly and with extreme stiffness. Accompanied by two Anbu members, he walked out of the conference room step by step, stumbling like a puppet that had lost its soul.

His back, filled with endless desolation...

Time flies like an arrow, and the sun and moon move like a shuttle.

Nearly a year had passed since Danzō's power was largely abolished. During this year, Danzō seemed to have quieted down, not causing any further trouble.

Uchiha Ling also followed his routine at the Ninja Academy, farming emotional points and teasing Uzumaki Kushina.

One day.

Deep within Konoha, in the ancient residential district of the Senju Clan, the usual peaceful and serene atmosphere was replaced by a heavy and solemn energy field.

A powerful barrier silently expanded, isolating the innermost courtyard from the outside world. Even the most excellent sensory ninjas could not glimpse a fraction of what was inside, only vaguely sensing a heart-palpitating, vast, and peerless chakra being carefully restrained.

Inside the room, the light was dim. Special incantations covered the walls and floor, forming the center of a complex and solemn sealing jutsu.

The air seemed to have frozen, filled with the scent of sandalwood and a certain crisp herbal aroma, yet it could not suppress the faint, flickering sensation of a life at its very source, about to burn out.

Mito Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki who had witnessed the founding of Konoha and protected the village for decades with her unparalleled power and wisdom, lay calmly on the tatami at the center of the formation.

Her face still carried its past grace and beauty, but the passage of time and the heavy burden of sealing the Tailed Beast for so long had ultimately left indelible marks; the flame of her life was like a candle in the wind, flickering and about to extinguish. Yet, her eyes were exceptionally clear and deep, as if she had long since understood and calmly accepted everything.

Beside the tatami, the highest-ranking decision-makers of Konoha were gathered:

Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, his expression grave, his eyes filled with respect and reluctance for this predecessor.

Shimura Danzō lurked in the shadows, his single eye flickering with an inscrutable light.

Advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu also stood with heads bowed; the atmosphere was so oppressive it made one gasp for air.

However, the focus of everyone, besides Lady Mito, was the red-haired girl kneeling by the tatami, tightly gripping Mito-granny's withered yet warm hand—Uzumaki Kushina.

Kushina's body trembled slightly, her large azure eyes brimming with tears, yet she bit her lower lip hard, forcing herself not to let them fall.

She sensed what was about to happen; immense grief and fear gripped her heart, but even more, she felt a profound reluctance to let go of this woman who was as kind as a grandmother and as awe-inspiring as a mountain.