Another Attack

Danzo walked into the meeting room with a calm expression, an intimidating air about him. He looked as though the matter the Elders were discussing had nothing to do with him.

"Danzo, you have the nerve to show your face? You sent a Root squad to assassinate Elder Ito! The Advisory Council and the Elders Council are both here today. Third Hokage, you owe us an explanation," an Elder said angrily.

Danzo's expression remained calm, but his eyes were cold. "You claim I sent men to assassinate a Konoha Elder? That's absurd. Everything I've done over the years has been for Konoha.

"I lost an eye for Konoha in the First Shinobi World War. Both of yours are still intact.

"Root has existed for more than a decade, and I've spent every one of those years in the shadows. Which of you could do that?

"I've worked tirelessly to remove countless obstacles for Konoha. If certain people think they can use their seniority to band together and force me out, they're wrong."

"Danzo, keep your temper in check. The Elders are angry because of the news they received. Many of them watched you grow up, and they don't want to see you go astray," Koharu said.

Danzo merely gave his old companion a calm glance and said nothing.

"Hmph. He's just too stubborn to admit it. Elder Ito is bringing back the bodies of more than a dozen Root members. Let's see how you explain yourself when he gets here."

Danzo sneered inwardly, his cold gaze sweeping over the Konoha Elders who stood before him like a pack of clowns.

Once this blows over, I'll get rid of that eyesore Ito. And that old fool Matsuho, too.

"When Elder Ito returns, we can search his subordinates' memories and compare what