At this critical moment, as tensions between the Uchiha and the Hokage faction reached a breaking point, two clear, resolute voices rang out, like cold water splashed into a pot of boiling oil.
"I believe Uchiha Ling did nothing wrong!"
Everyone turned toward the voice. A white figure had appeared in their midst like a gust of wind, silver hair fluttering and a stern expression on his face. It was the White Fang of the Leaf—Hatake Sakumo!
He stood with neither the Hokage faction nor the Uchiha, but alone just ahead of the space between them. His gaze was sharp as a blade as it fixed on Shimura Danzō, who had just emerged from the shadows of the ruins.
"Sakumo, you..." Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils contracted. A foreboding feeling welled up inside him.
Hatake Sakumo ignored the Third Hokage and faced the crowd, his voice heavy yet forceful. "Everyone! Many of you have probably heard how, back then, I was caught up in rumors over a mission decision and became utterly disheartened.
"But did you know those sweeping slanders and attacks originated with Shimura Danzō? To eliminate anyone who stood in his way, he stooped to such despicable methods, trying to destroy a shinobi loyal to the village!"
Hatake Sakumo paused, his gaze sweeping over the clan shinobi whose faces showed their doubt and alarm, before finally settling on Uchiha Ling's Susanoo. His tone turned utterly resolute. "It was Lord Ling who exposed the truth when I was at my most desperate, gave me a second chance at life, and cleared my name!
"Now Danzō has gone even further. He actually sent Root to assassinate a hero who had just won great victories for the village and saved countless comrades! Such actions are an outrage to both gods and men!
"I,