The remaining people looked at Roger, who had completely turned into a giant tree, in bewilderment.
"He..."
Someone looked up at the giant tree named Roger, seemingly wanting to say something but then hesitated.
But what should I say?
Wood Release? Or Taijutsu? Or perhaps...?
He glanced at Danzo, whose face was grim not far away, and silently retreated behind the others.
He doesn't yet have the ability to get involved in the affairs of these great ninja villages.
"Second!"
Danzo didn't care about anything else; Roger was dead, which was a way of achieving his goal in a different way.
Right now, all he wants is to obtain a "sample" of Wood Release techniques.
"Water Release: Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
A high-speed jet of water shot out from Yi's mouth, cutting through the top of the giant tree and successfully obtaining a section of wood.
Seeing this, the others followed suit, each cutting off a section of the giant tree to use as a token of their task.
Including the Cloud Ninja.
Unfortunately, they were destined to be disappointed, after all, it was just an ordinary tree that had been forced to grow.
Hokage Building.
As usual, Hiruzen Sarutobi had a pipe in his mouth, his brows furrowed deeply, and he stared silently in the direction of the Uchiha Clan Compound.
At this point, more than half a month had passed since Roger's death, yet the Uchiha Clan had not made the slightest move!
Logically, he should be happy that the Uchiha hasn't made any moves, since the Uchiha Clan's strength is widely known. And what would they do if the village were to erupt into civil war?
But this is too abnormal!
The entire Uchiha Clan's upper echelons seemed to look down on Wood Release, confident that it wouldn't cause them any harm!
Even when he took over Wood Release, the Uchiha Clan didn't make a move!
This is abnormal! This is extremely abnormal!
This is something that the Uchiha would never do!
You should know that the Uchiha was suppressed by Wood Release for fifty years!
All these signs left Hiruzen Sarutobi completely baffled and utterly perplexed!
Or did Uchiha Makoto give them that confidence?
A certain figure flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind, and the weariness in his eyes was almost overflowing.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
With a series of light but powerful footsteps, the door to the Hokage's office was pushed open, and Danzo, with one side of his body wrapped in bandages and exuding Danzo chilling aura, returned.
Danzo, you're back?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's dry voice rang out, without any blame, but the dissatisfaction in his eyes said it all.
Even as the Hokage, he had no idea that Wood Release existed in Konoha, let alone that this guy had taken him under his command!
Now that Roger has revealed that the Wood Release test subject was a member of Root, his previous announcement has become a laughing stock known to almost everyone in the Shinobi World!
This is a huge loss for someone who cherishes his reputation!
Originally, I wanted to Danzo with Danzo properly after he returned, bleed out Root, and increase his influence in Konoha.
However, overnight, a large number of Cloud Ninja headed to the border.
The situation in the Third Shinobi World War was becoming increasingly dire, and for the sake of the village's future, he couldn't even impose any substantial punishment on him!
It's utterly ironic!
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze toward Shimura Danzō gradually hardened, a sight that eased Shimura Danzō's impatience somewhat.
Shimura Danzō's mind raced, his eyes indifferent, as if nothing had ever happened.
"What moves has the Uchiha Clan made so far? How do you plan to deal with them?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi silent, even putting down his pipe.
Seeing this, Shimura Danzō a cold snort.
"Sarutobi, you're such a coward!"
"The unusual activities of the Uchiha Clan must be suppressed immediately!"
"Danzo!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly roared angrily, his displeasure evident in his expression.
"The Uchiha haven't made the slightest move!"
"You want to convict the Uchiha without taking any action? Are you going to resort to your underhanded methods?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi roared, refusing to believe that Danzo was unaware that the Uchiha hadn't done anything recently!
Shimura Danzō taken aback at first, then his face was filled with anger as he berated Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"So what? By the time they made their move, it was too late!"
"Now, if we want evidence using my methods, we have plenty of it!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression grew even more grim upon hearing this.
What is the current strength of the Uchiha Clan? Do you still dare to make trouble for them?
You want to die, but I don't!
"Danzo! Give up your petty tricks! I will not allow you to use such schemes against your own fellow villagers!"
"Your actions now are a serious violation of the Will of Fire!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with righteous indignation, exuding an aura of greatness.
To this, Shimura Danzō gave a disdainful smile.
"You and I both know that the Uchiha's power is a power of evil! This wicked clan can never be trusted!"
"We should do as our teacher said and keep the Uchiha confined to Konoha forever!"
"Instead of what it is now!"
"This is your dereliction of duty, Sarutobi!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression grew increasingly grim, but he did not refute it, and an eerie silence fell over the Hokage's office.
As time went by, the disdain in Shimura Danzō's eyes grew stronger.
Konoha is currently too weak against the Uchiha Clan!
Only the Wood Release he brought has the potential to suppress the Uchiha again!
Whether it's Madara Uchiha, Uchiha Makoto, or Uchiha Fugaku, everyone is the same!
They would all grovel before the power of Wood Release!
'Having lost your ambition, you are no longer qualified to sit in the position of Hokage, Sarutobi!'
With that thought in mind, Shimura Danzō turned around and tried to leave the room.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who has forgotten Senju Tobirama's teachings, is no longer worthy of being his best friend!
"Sarutobi, you'll regret this!"
Just before leaving the room, Shimura Danzō's cold, deep voice echoed softly.
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Danzo's departing figure, maintaining his last shred of dignity at the very last moment.
Shimura Danzō lips had been slightly curved in a smile, suddenly stiffened.
It's that same line again!
"Danzo, you are merely the root of Konoha, but I am the Hokage!"
Don't think I don't know what you're thinking!
"Your efforts will be in vain!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, the frustration in his heart dissipated slightly.
I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, am the Hokage, and none of you are!
Danzo, with one foot already outside the threshold, merely Danzo coldly. He turned around, gave his old friend a deep look, and his expression was haughty.
"You are the leaf bathed in sunlight, I am the root in darkness..."
"Hiruzen, you've lost your decisiveness and the judgment you once had as a Shinobi Hero. You should hand over your position to someone more capable!"
With that, Danzo turned around and walked outside.
"You will always be just a leaf, but I, Sarutobi, am the root!"