At the very least, judging by the growth rate Sai had given for those clans.
The so-called growth here was measured by comparing them with the other clans that had also joined Konoha.
And the primary targets of comparison.
Were precisely those clans close to the Sarutobi faction.
Such as the so-called three Ino-Shika-Cho clans.
They were not within Shimura Danzō's recruitment range. As diehard loyalists of the Sarutobi Clan, in Shimura Danzō's eyes, the only thing he could offer them was to be buried alongside the Sarutobi Clan.
After the flame called reform had risen within Shimura Danzō's heart, he had already resolved to eliminate Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with those filthy beings who followed Hiruzen Sarutobi in committing evil. Among them, the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans were the most excessive.
Whenever he recalled how the heads of those three clans had followed at Hiruzen Sarutobi's side, constantly rejecting his plans and repeatedly using the Hokage's name to suppress his schemes.
Shimura Danzō had already denied them a future in his heart.
At this moment, through Tatsuma's covert actions, along with certain subtle hints and the passing of information, the heads of the small and medium-sized clans—who normally harbored dissatisfaction or even hostility toward Shimura Danzō—began to feel unprecedented pressure.
Yet when Aburame Tatsuma used Konoha's future and the survival of their clans to threaten them, these clan heads had no choice but to face reality.
Though filled with reluctance and fear, and though they did not believe Shimura Danzō possessed any great righteousness, they still chose to take the risk and secretly make contact with Aburame Tatsuma.
After all, the other side only asked for a conversation. Who knew? What if what he said was true?
But this contact made them feel as though they had fallen into an