A Verbal Duel with Danzo: The Old Thief Burst into Tears on the Spot

The air in the Hokage's office was so heavy it seemed ready to drip with water.

Hiruzen Sarutobi rose to his feet. A spark from his pipe fell onto the desk, burning a charred hole through the military expenditure report.

"Danzo, that old bastard, has stretched his hand too far!"

Pakura stood before the broad office desk.

She looked at the enraged Shinobi Hero without the slightest trace of fear on her face.

"Lord Hokage."

Pakura spoke, her voice crisp and decisive.

"If anything happens to that brat named Qian Ye, I will refuse to cooperate with tomorrow's prisoner exchange."

Hiruzen froze.

He raised his head and looked at the Sunagakure Scorch Release user before him in surprise.

A hero from an enemy nation was actually using peace talks between their two countries to force him to save a Hidden Leaf civilian Genin.

It was absurd.

"Lady Pakura, this is an internal matter of the Hidden Leaf."

Hiruzen lowered his voice, his tone carrying an obvious warning.

Pakura did not fall for that at all.

"I don't care."

She clenched the paper pinwheel hidden in her sleeve.

"If Qian Ye comes to harm within the Hidden Leaf, how am I supposed to trust that tomorrow's exchange will not have more problems?"

Every word Pakura spoke struck Hiruzen where it hurt.

Hiruzen took a deep breath.

He grabbed the Hokage hat from the desk and placed it on his head.

"Notify ANBU Team One."

Hiruzen gave the order toward an empty corner of the office.

"Make a trip to Root."

Four ANBU wearing animal masks appeared out of thin air.

"Yes!"

The underground hall of Root.

Qian Ye was still putting on his performance.

Danzo sat in his chair, his lone eye gleaming with an unusual light.

"You brat, you