Meanwhile.
Inside Root Base in Konoha.
In the small room reserved for Danzo, the supreme leader of Root.
A candle flame wavered in the still air.
When he heard his subordinate's report, Danzo's eyes snapped open.
His expression shifted slightly, as if shocked by the news, but his eyes glinted with viciousness. Like a traveler dying of thirst, he rasped hoarsely.
"Sarutobi actually made a decision like this! I'm so disappointed in him!"
Thud!
He suddenly rose to his feet, his expression now composed and impassive.
"Let's go... There's no way I'll agree to something like this!"
His cold voice, laden with barely restrained fury, faded as Danzo slowly set off.
Sarutobi... You're willing to tolerate even Amegakure? With you leading Konoha like this... how can the village ever regain its prosperity!?
At the thought, a sharp glint flashed in Danzo's eyes.
Inside Konoha's Hokage's office.
The arrival of an unexpected visitor made the atmosphere feel strange.
"Sarutobi, I need an explanation," said a short-haired, middle-aged man in a low voice.
He raised his head slightly, revealing blood-red eyes, each containing three tomoe.
"Kagami! Calm down! You have to remember that you're speaking to the Third!" Utatane Koharu said with a frown.
Kagami Uchiha didn't answer. He simply looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Phew... This was my fault. The intelligence was wrong."
"But, Kagami, you have to understand that Konoha is at a critical juncture. We can't afford any disturbances, not even from the Uchiha Clan. Do you understand?"
Hiruzen took a deep drag on his pipe, slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke, and stared at Kagami Uchiha as he spoke gravely.
"The village's actions have put the Uchiha Clan in a difficult position this time. I don't want there to be a second time." Kagami turned to look out