After Manji said, "Decide for yourself," his figure quietly vanished into the night, leaving not even a ripple in space.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood alone at the entrance to the alley. He took a deep breath and carefully tucked the blank scroll into the innermost fold of his robes, close to his body.
"I should deal with the Uchiha situation first..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a deep sigh.
The Uchiha matter had to take priority.
Sarutobi Hiruzen instantly slipped into the role of a master actor, putting on the urgency and grief expected of a Hokage. Using the Body Flicker Technique, he raced across the rooftops toward the Uchiha Compound.
By the time Sarutobi Hiruzen reached the compound,
the distant flames had dimmed considerably, and a faint smell of blood and burning still lingered in the air.
The Barrier Team had already withdrawn. Anbu figures stood in scattered groups around the compound's perimeter, their expressions grave as they awaited Sarutobi Hiruzen's arrival.
The moment Sarutobi Hiruzen landed, he deliberately slowed his steps, sweeping his gaze across the ruined houses, collapsed walls, and scattered black bloodstains on the ground.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face instantly went deathly pale, and his hands trembled slightly.
"How... how did it come to this..."
"The Uchiha have been wiped out. The blame lies with me... I am ashamed..."
"I came too late..."
Tears streamed down Sarutobi Hiruzen's aged face as he walked toward the center of the compound. Looking at the familiar eaves and courtyards, his eyes gradually reddened.
Just then, steady footsteps sounded behind him.
"Hiruzen, you've arrived too late again..."
Shimura Danzō wore his signature black robe, his right eye covered by bandages. A faint hint of smugness lingered on his face.
Danzo walked up beside Hiruzen and said in a low voice, "Hiruzen, I've resolved