Ulquiorra softly spoke its name, Danzo's pale, twisted face reflected in his emerald eyes.
"This is a warning to you ants who would steal the power of my lord, the 'King'-and your end."
His wrist shifted slightly as he prepared to throw it.
"Stop!!!"
An aged voice roared from above the base, filled with shock and fury.
Several figures hurtled through the air immediately afterward.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, clad in his Hokage robes and wielding the Adamantine Staff, leaped down through the collapsed entrance like an enraged lion, landing on the rubble at the edge of the chamber.
Behind him were several Anbu Jonin, as well as... Namikaze Minato and Hatake Sakumo, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.
When they saw the scene inside the chamber, everyone froze.
What was that?
A demon as pale as a ghost, black wings that blotted out the sky, and a hollow piercing his chest.
The Lanza del Relámpago in his hand, whose mere existence shattered space...
And Shimura Danzō, looking utterly deranged, his exposed right arm embedded with ten Sharingan.
"Danzo! You..." Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze fell on those Sharingan.
All color instantly drained from his aged face, his eyes filling with shock, anger, and profound anguish.
"Hiruzen! Stop him!" Shimura Danzō shouted hoarsely, as though clutching at a lifeline.
"He's a monster controlled by Uchiha Ryūha! He's going to destroy Konoha!"
Ulquiorra slowly turned his head, his emerald eyes sweeping over the newcomers.
His gaze lingered briefly on Namikaze Minato and Hatake Sakumo.
Their chakra bore deep bonds of cause and effect with his designated target, Uchiha Ryūha.
Then he looked back at Danzo.
"Directive amended," he said calmly. "Witnesses added."
His wrist flicked gently.
The Lanza del Relámpago left his hand.
There was neither a rush of air nor a whistle.