Anbu ninja Kakashi had finally returned after completing his mission and was reporting the situation in the Anbu conference room.
"Third Hokage, just as you expected, there was indeed an unexpected incident. You were targeted by a premeditated assassination carried out by a group of ninja."
He recounted every step of the process, every perilous twist and turn, and every method used, all in detail to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"They all bore Root's Tongue-Cutting Seal on their tongues. Their identities are beyond doubt."
Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes in thought. Since all the assassins had already died at Kakashi's hands, and he had previously said Danzō would not be held accountable, it was best to let the matter end here.
"Kakashi, you completed the mission well. Let this matter end here. As for Danzō, the village cannot afford major upheaval at the moment. Leave him to me to handle personally."
Danzō had first tried to capture Uchiha Qingfeng, intending to completely divide the Uchiha from the village. Then he had attempted to assassinate the Third Hokage in a deluded bid to seize power. Kakashi had not expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to still intend to spare him.
A crime this grave, practically equivalent to betraying the village, was enough to get him executed eight times over.
"But this is already tantamount to betraying the village..."
Unfortunately, the Third Hokage was determined to protect Danzō. They had once been the closest of friends, bound by their Bonds, and Hiruzen Sarutobi himself bore some responsibility for Danzō becoming what he was today.
"This matter is over. Do not mention it again in the future."
Kakashi was somewhat unwilling, but there was nothing he could do. He could only obey.
"There is one more thing. Root has a ninja who can use Wood Style..."
"I had