The Entire Force Lays Down Its Arms

The autumn wind swept across the muddy training ground, setting the banners snapping.

Shimura Danzō stood straight on the command platform. He brought his cane down hard on the flagstones with a sharp crack.

Five neat formations of a hundred men each filled the training ground before him.

Five hundred Auxiliary Management Unit Members in black stood at attention, their chests rising and falling in a steady, almost synchronized rhythm.

Danzō's exposed eye gleamed with delight. As he surveyed the young men, years of pent-up resentment fell away.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had his ANBU and was smug about it. The Uchiha clan controlled the Police Force and threw its weight around.

Now I have an elite force of my own.

That million taels was money well spent. Qian Ye may be slippery, but he knows how to train troops.

Danzō cleared his throat and pressed his right hand downward, adopting the commanding air of a Konoha High Command elder inspecting his subordinates.

"Root auxiliaries, heed my order!"

Danzō's voice, carried by Chakra, rang across the grounds.

"All troops, remove your weights and equipment. Sit cross-legged where you stand and listen to me!"

His words faded. A gust swept through the empty camp, carrying a fallen leaf with it.

The training ground stayed silent.

The five formations did not move.

The five hundred members held their heads high and stared straight ahead, their gazes passing right over Danzō on the platform.

No one took the long sword off his back. No one removed his Ninja Tool Pouch. No one even touched his wrist guards.

Not so much as a sleeve rustled across the entire training ground. The silence was unnerving.

On the command platform, Danzō's right hand still hung in the air.

Several breaths passed.

The smile slowly froze on Danzō's face.