Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at the evidence on the table, his heart filled with complicated emotions.
Danzō had been his comrade-in-arms and friend for many years. Though the two differed in their ideals, one had always stood in the light while the other worked in the shadows, maintaining Konoha's balance.
However, Danzō had gone too far this time. He had driven Sakumo to death, damaged Konoha's reputation, and even caused the number of mission commissions to begin dropping sharply.
"Then we'll make our decision." Sarutobi Hiruzen said gravely. "We cannot deal with Danzō publicly, or the village's unrest will only worsen. But internally, we must provide an explanation."
After discussion, the three reached a unanimous resolution: Shimura Danzō would be stripped of his position as Root's leader, confined for six months, and forbidden from participating in any village affairs during that time. This would both provide an explanation to Konoha's shinobi and major clans and avoid greater turmoil from openly dealing with Danzō.
"This way, we won't intensify the conflicts within the village, and we can stabilize the situation internally," Mitokado Homura said with a nod.
Utatane Koharu added, "As for whether Danzō can continue serving as Root's leader after his confinement ends, we'll need to observe his conduct and decide whether he is still qualified."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. Though this decision left him deeply displeased, he knew it was the only way to balance Konoha's situation.
Inside Root's base, Shimura Danzō stood in his office, his expression unchanged, as though he were completely unaware of the storm raging outside.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps sounded outside the door. Moments later, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and other Konoha higher-ups entered Root's base.
Danzō lifted his head slightly, a trace of chill flashing through his eyes.
He had long heard the rumors