Root's Downfall

Then, an unexpected scene unfolded.

The head of the Hyuga Clan, Hyuga Sosuke, slowly rose to his feet and spoke calmly but firmly:

"The Hyuga Clan supports this motion. Elder Shimura Danzō's actions have seriously undermined the village's stability and its foundation of trust. Root's conduct under his leadership has long been a source of controversy.

"To ensure nothing like this happens again, we must carry out a thorough overhaul and hold those responsible strictly accountable."

The Hyuga Clan had always been careful to protect its own interests. Their public support for the Uchiha this time showed just how much outrage Danzō's actions had provoked.

Nara Kashima also stood. As the strategist of the Ino-Shika-Cho, his remarks often reflected the shared position of all three clans:

"Lord Hokage, everyone. Rationally speaking, if the handling of this incident fails to satisfy the people, it could severely undermine the village's unity and morale.

"Root does need stricter oversight and constraints. As for the punishment of Elder Danzō, perhaps... it really does warrant further discussion."

Nara Kashima's words were relatively tactful, but his support for severe punishment was clear.

After all, before this, the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans had always been staunch supporters of the Third Hokage's position. They were unquestionably part of the Hokage faction.

The Inuzuka Clan: "We absolutely can't let someone like him hold power again!"

The Aburame Clan: "We support the motion."

Even some clans that usually opposed the Hokage began voicing their opinions.

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

Danzō sat in a corner with his head bowed. No one could see the expression beneath his mask, but the cane clenched in his trembling hand betrayed his boundless fury and humiliation.

[Shimura Danzō's fury, humiliation, and killing intent +120]

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the almost unanimous tide of opinion below and sighed inwardly.

He knew the tide had turned.

Under such immense pressure, there was no way he could still protect Danzō as he had intended.

If he insisted on shielding him, even his own authority as Hokage would likely come under serious scrutiny.

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu beside him. Both advisers looked pale and gave a slight shake of their heads.

At last, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly rose and pressed his hands down, bringing the hall to silence.

His gaze swept across the room before settling on Shimura Danzō. His voice was heavy and firm. "Based on the collective resolution of the Jonin Trust Conference, and in view of Shimura Danzō's serious misconduct in this incident and the widespread concerns it has raised, the following additional measures are hereby imposed:

"First, Shimura Danzō is officially removed from his position as an elder adviser."

"Second, Shimura Danzō is relieved of all leadership positions within Root. Root will temporarily come under the Hokage's direct authority for a thorough overhaul and restructuring, and all its members will be subject to a new review."

"Third, effective immediately, Shimura Danzō is confined to his residence. He may not leave except for special circumstances and will be monitored by Anbu."

As soon as he finished, the hall fell silent.

This was almost the same as casting Shimura Danzō down into the dust! He had been stripped of every position of real power! Root had been placed under direct control! He had even been put under house arrest!

Everyone knew that, given how long Danzō had cultivated his influence, his sway over Root couldn't vanish overnight, and it remained to be seen how effective the Hokage's direct control would be. Still, this was the harshest punishment they could impose at the time while following proper procedure! At least on the surface, Shimura Danzō—the man who had operated in Konoha's shadows for decades—had been stripped of all his power!

Uchiha Chishin watched this unfold, a satisfied glint in his eyes. He knew this was the best result he could secure. Then he led the Uchiha clan members back to their seats and remained silent, content to stop while they were ahead.

Representatives of the other clans also returned to their seats, and a wave of relieved sighs swept through the hall.

In the corner, Shimura Danzō suddenly raised his head. His one eye was bloodshot, filled with a nearly crazed venom. He stared fixedly at Hiruzen Sarutobi in the seat of honor, then slowly swept his gaze over the jonin who had denounced him, as though etching every one of their faces into his memory.

He didn't say a word. He merely rose, slowly and stiffly, and left the conference room step by faltering step, escorted by two Anbu members. He looked like a puppet whose soul had been taken from him.

His retreating figure was filled with endless desolation...

Time flew by, and nearly a year passed.

Almost a year had gone by since most of Danzō's power was stripped away. During that time, he seemed to have settled down and caused no further trouble.

Uchiha Ling continued going about his routine at the Ninja Academy, earning emotion points and teasing Kushina.

One day.

Deep within the Hidden Leaf Village, in the ancient estate of the Senju Clan, the usually tranquil and peaceful atmosphere had been replaced by a heavy, solemn energy.

A powerful barrier opened silently, cutting off the innermost courtyard from the outside world. Even the most gifted sensory ninja could scarcely glimpse anything within, sensing only the faint presence of an immense chakra being carefully restrained—a presence that made one's heart tremble.

Inside, the light was dim. Special incantations covered the walls and floor, forming the center of a complex and solemn Sealing Jutsu.

The air seemed frozen. It was filled with the scent of sandalwood and a crisp medicinal aroma, yet neither could mask the faint, flickering feeling of a life force about to burn itself out.

Mito Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki who had witnessed the founding of Konoha and protected the village for decades with her unmatched strength and wisdom, lay peacefully on a bed at the center of the formation.

Her face still held the grace and beauty of her younger days, but the years and the burden of sealing a Tailed Beast had left their indelible marks. Her life burned like a candle in the wind, its flame wavering on the verge of going out. Yet her eyes were remarkably clear and profound, as if she had already seen through everything and accepted it without fear.

Around the bed stood the village's highest-ranking decision-makers:

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wore a grave expression. His eyes held deep respect for this elder and sorrow at the thought of losing her.

Shimura Danzō remained hidden in the shadows, his one eye glinting with an inscrutable light.

The two advisers, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, also stood with their heads bowed. The atmosphere was so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

Yet the focus of everyone's attention, besides Lady Mito, was the red-haired girl kneeling beside the bed and clutching Grandma Mito's thin but warm hand: Uzumaki Kushina.

Kushina's body trembled slightly. Her big blue eyes brimmed with tears, but she bit her lower lip hard, forcing herself not to let them fall.

She sensed that something was about to happen. Great sorrow and fear gripped her heart, but more than anything, she couldn't bear to part with the woman before her, who had been as loving as a grandmother and as awe-inspiring as a mountain.