Danzo: Was the Clown Me All Along?

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of bluish smoke, and a faint smile appeared on his weary face.

Being able to force Sunagakure back without drawing blades was the best possible outcome for a Hokage who favored moderation like him.

"Yes."

"Orochimaru has become much steadier over the past few years."

"Even his newly accepted civilian disciple has shown potential on the front lines far beyond that of his peers."

Danzo's eyelid twitched slightly when he heard the words "civilian disciple."

He sneered inwardly.

What did it matter how well he performed?

After today, the news brought back by this escort team would become the final blow that utterly crushed Hatake Sakumo.

Danzo calculated the timing in his mind.

Although Teams A and B had been wiped out, those vicious words B had shouted before self-destructing had surely already taken root in the hearts of those young heirs from the great clans.

A direct descendant of the Hyuga Main House.

A promising recruit for the Uchiha clan's police force.

And the direct heirs of the three Ino–Shika–Cho families.

If these people had nearly been slaughtered not far from the village by death warriors claiming to be "White Fang's old subordinates"—

How would the clan heads of the major families react?

No one could tolerate a fallen hero with rebellious inclinations, one who would even strike ruthlessly at the village's younger generation.

White Fang was doomed today.

No one could save him.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, that habitual peacemaker, would not dare protect Hatake Sakumo again in the face of the rage of all Konoha's great clans.

A flurry of disorderly footsteps sounded outside the office door.

The ANBU guide lightly knocked on the wooden door.

"Lord Hokage, the escort team has arrived with the prisoner."

"Come in."

Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his