"Besides, shouldn't you be resting in the hospital?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked helplessly, pipe in hand.
"Something this serious happened. How could I possibly rest in the hospital?"
"Hiruzen, take a look at this before you say anything." Shimura Danzō tossed the intelligence report in his hand onto the desk.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced silently at the bloodstained bandage on Shimura Danzō's head, then picked up the report and began reading.
Puff.
A cloud of smoke drifted from his mouth.
The smoke swirled, concealing Sarutobi Hiruzen's inscrutable expression.
"Has Root discovered why these clans have gathered at the Uchiha Clan Compound?"
"Not yet. We need more time to investigate."
"Hmm." Sarutobi Hiruzen chewed on his pipe and pondered for a moment. "Danzō, tell me what you think."
"I suggest that all of Root and the Anbu move out and arrest Masaki Uchiha and the clan heads who took part in this gathering."
At one particular name, Shimura Danzō gritted his teeth.
"If they resist, kill them on the spot!" The murderous intent in his voice was undisguised.
"Danzō, you're being far too reckless! I won't agree to this!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's righteous tone made Shimura Danzō feel physically ill.
Hiruzen, Hiruzen.
You were still just as hypocritical.
If the teacher knew that the successor he'd chosen would back down when it came to the Uchiha, he'd probably regret naming you Hokage.
The thought filled Shimura Danzō with a surge of satisfaction.
"Hiruzen, leave what comes next to me."
"No! Do you want to provoke infighting in the village?" Sarutobi Hiruzen was almost stunned by the way Shimura Danzō thought.
Who did Shimura Danzō think he was, daring to provoke Masaki Uchiha?
What was his strength compared to Masaki's?
And that wasn't even mentioning all the small and medium-sized clans involved.
If he arrested them all, it would probably start a civil war.
Why did Danzō always lose his head whenever something involving the Uchiha came up?
Sighing inwardly, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Shimura Danzō with a trace of anger and demanded, "Danzō, have you thought this through?"
"What grounds do you have to arrest these clan heads?"
"They only attended a gathering. Does it make any sense to arrest them for that?"
"I... I'll accuse the Uchiha of conspiring against the village and plotting a rebellion." Shimura Danzō hesitated, then reaffirmed his conviction.
Only dead Uchiha were good Uchiha, he thought.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was so angry he nearly laughed. Danzō couldn't even come up with a proper charge, and he still wanted to arrest them?
He was trying to plunge Konoha into chaos!
After calming himself, Sarutobi Hiruzen considered the matter and said, "Danzō, for now, focus on keeping these clan heads under surveillance."
"If Root doesn't have enough manpower, the Anbu can send reinforcements."
"First, find out why they've gathered."
"But remember! You must not arrest these clan heads openly!"
"Not a single one of them!"
"Do you understand, Danzō?"
As Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone grew increasingly stern, Shimura Danzō's resentment grew as well.
"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"
"Danzō, I'm the one who—"
Bang!
Shimura Danzō stormed out, leaning on his cane, and slammed the door behind him.
Taking a deep breath, Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly sat down.
After a moment's thought, he picked up the handbell on his desk.
Jingle, jingle.
Poof!
As the smoke cleared, an Anbu was standing in the office.
"Lord Third."
"Have the Anbu keep everyone listed in this report under surveillance around the clock, except Masaki Uchiha."
As he spoke, Sarutobi Hiruzen handed the report to the Anbu.
"Also, send out the 3rd and 4th Squads to jointly monitor Danzō and Root."
"If you catch Root using improper methods against any of these clan heads, stop them immediately."
"Report anything unusual to me at once."
"Yes."
"Go."
Poof.
Now Sarutobi Hiruzen was alone in the office, puffing away on his pipe.
Knock, knock.
A sudden knock echoed through the office.
"Come in."
Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his pipe and looked toward the door.
Creak.
The door groaned again, as if it could barely bear the strain.
I need to replace this door, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought.
"Oh, it's you two."
The visitors were Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
"Hiruzen, we ran into Danzō on the way here. He looked furious, and wouldn't answer when we called to him."
"What were you two arguing about this time?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen had no choice but to explain what had just happened to his two old comrades.
"Hiruzen, your approach is right. Konoha can't afford to fall into chaos right now. Danzō is still far too reckless."
"Agreed, but we still need to stay wary of the Uchiha Clan."
Seeing that Utatane Koharu seemed to have a different idea about the Uchiha Clan, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up to encourage her to continue.
"Hiruzen, whatever the Uchiha are planning, they'll have to move people around."
"I suggest splitting the Anbu into two groups to watch the Uchiha: one group to keep an eye on the Uchiha Clan Compound, and the other to monitor the Police Force."
"That way, even if the Uchiha try anything, we'll at least hear about it right away."
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought it over for a moment, then nodded in agreement. He turned toward an empty corner and said, "Sea Cow, have your 2nd Squad make the arrangements."
"Yes," someone replied from the empty corner.
After returning to Root Base, Shimura Danzō summoned Aburame Tatsuma and Yamanaka Fu.
"Tatsuma, gather the Root shinobi who aren't on missions. You'll be coming with me."
"Fu, arrange for people to spread rumors about the Uchiha and those clans."
"Yes."
The two bowed their heads in acknowledgment.
"You may leave."
Sitting in his chair, Shimura Danzō's one visible eye flashed with a vicious glint.
"Hiruzen, you're too soft. You're just going to ignore what the Uchiha are doing? Is that how you repay the teacher who trained you?"
"I've been buried in the ground for too long. I want to see the sunlight, too."
A sinister voice echoed through the underground space.
Shimura Danzō led his men swiftly toward the Inuzuka Clan.
Seeing the plaque bearing the name of the Inuzuka Clan, Shimura Danzō sent someone in to announce their arrival.
The Inuzuka Clan Head was discussing with the elders who would be assigned to escort the trade routes. When he heard Shimura Danzō had come, he immediately sensed trouble. He must be here because I attended the Uchiha Clan's gathering.
"Shimura Danzō's nose is probably even sharper than our Inuzuka Clan's."
"What do you all think?"
The Inuzuka Great Elder pondered for a moment before speaking. "I think we should invite the Uchiha Clan to come and show their support first. I'm sure Masaki Uchiha won't refuse."
"First, it'll show the Uchiha Clan how committed we are to working together."
"Second, it'll let Shimura Danzō know that our Inuzuka Clan isn't fighting alone."
"After all, his reputation among the clans has long since gone down the drain."
"Remember, it takes a villain to deal with a villain."
The Inuzuka Clan Head burst out laughing at his words. "Great Elder, I like the way you think. Let's do it."