Inside Konoha.
"Clack!" "Clack!"...
The steady, unhurried sound of wooden sandals on the floor came from outside the Hokage Office.
In an instant, everyone inside turned their attention toward it.
"Creak..."
The door opened, revealing a figure with short hair, dressed in a white kimono.
Danzo surveyed those present without expression. His gaze lingered briefly on Kagami Uchiha before shifting to Hiruzen Sarutobi in the middle. He said nothing.
Seeing Danzo act this way, Utatane Koharu frowned in displeasure.
"Danzo, you're standing before the Third. Watch your attitude."
At that, Danzo's half-open eyes flicked toward her. Then he said in a hoarse voice,
"I know. Lord Third, appointed with the approval of every villager..."
Hiruzen cut him off, looking at him sternly.
"Danzo, what brings you here all of a sudden?"
When Hiruzen spoke, Danzo naturally turned his attention to him. His eyes remained half-open, and his face showed neither pleasure nor displeasure.
"Third, I heard that the attackers from the Chunin Ninja Exams have been captured. Who would dare provoke Konoha so brazenly? As the leader of Root, I need to take some action in response!"
"Otherwise, Konoha's reputation will be trampled by anyone who pleases!"
There was no doubt that speaking this way in front of Hiruzen, the Third, was extremely disrespectful.
Yet none of the Konoha High Command said a word.
They all knew that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō were comrades who trusted each other completely—men who would entrust their backs to one another.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag on his cigarette, looked intently at Danzo, and said in a low voice,
"Danzo, no matter what, we have to put this matter behind us."
At that, Danzo's eyes darkened. He stared at Hiruzen.
"Put it behind us? The enemy has become this brazen, and Konoha