"Regarding this matter."
The Third Hokage's gaze swept over the faces of his two old companions. After a brief pause, he continued,
"I have decided that Danzo will be imprisoned indefinitely. No one will be allowed to see him during that time—not members of the Shimura Clan, and not even you two."
This was the final ultimatum.
The Third Hokage had called them here to inform them, not to discuss it.
Shimura Danzō had to be dealt with seriously.
"Heh~~~"
Mitokado Homura gave a self-deprecating laugh. "How would I dare go see him?"
Are you taking a roundabout way to talk about me, you old hag?
Utatane Koharu felt that Mitokado Homura was mocking her, but she had no proof.
"Hiruzen, rest assured. I won't go see Danzo. Even if he sends someone to find me, I won't pay him any attention."
Utatane Koharu stated her position as well.
So the Third Hokage could set his mind at ease.
And at this point, Utatane Koharu truly did not dare see Shimura Danzō. She was already afraid—afraid that Shimura Danzō would stir up some new trouble.
Having ended up in this situation, Shimura Danzō could always just give up and let everything collapse. She did not want to be dragged down with him. And if she were dragged down, her clan might suffer as well.
She could not do something so foolish.
"I'm relieved that you two have such awareness."
The Third Hokage let out a breath, speaking with both helplessness and anger in his voice.
"Koharu, Homura, speaking honestly, you know in your hearts how I have treated you and Danzo. But the village is in an unstable period, so Danzo will have to suffer this indignity."
"Stability is more important than anything."
And so, Shimura Danzō's long-term imprisonment was