Dozens of ANBU drew their weapons, about to charge forward.
Suddenly, a third of the people in the formation turned, their palm-blades cleanly and efficiently hacking into the backs of their comrades' necks.
Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could even react, a slew of ANBU had already collapsed.
The expressions of those remaining changed drastically, and they retreated in a reflex-driven panic, putting distance between themselves and the attackers.
Those ANBU who had struck did not pursue.
They retreated in unison behind Naruto and the heads of the various ninja clans, standing neatly in place.
Yamato! Have you lost your mind?!
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice cracked, glaring intently at the leading ANBU as he roared.
You're the ANBU captain!
That was right, ever since Kakashi left, the one who took over the position of commander-in-chief was Yamato.
Logically speaking, Yamato had survived the Root and experimentation, and the brainwashing of the Root should have been welded straight into his bones. Hiruzen Sarutobi had never calculated that he would turn on them.
The ANBU behind Naruto removed their masks one by one.
They were all young ninjas whom the various clans had originally been forced to shove into the ANBU.
Do you intend to rebel?!
Utatane Koharu's voice exploded sharply.
The ANBU are the Hokage's direct subordinates! The rules established by the Second Hokage, do you all dare to forget?!
Directly under the Hokage?
Naruto coldly took over the conversation.
If I remember correctly, the Third Hokage is only holding a temporary position, isn't he? Back then, he himself said that as long as a suitable young person emerged, he would hand over the position of Hokage.
*An old man who has stepped down, how is he any different from the Fourth Hokage who has already passed away? You still expect the ANBU to