Given how cautious Danzo was, Black Fox should never have been able to uncover intelligence this well hidden. Lately, though, Danzo had certainly seemed rattled.
Even the most careful person could slip up. A little investigation would reveal whether the intelligence was true.
"Someone, come in."
An ANBU operative appeared in the office.
"Lord Hokage."
"Take an ANBU squad and look into Root's recent movements. Find out whether they've been taking in orphans from other nations."
"Yes."
The ANBU operative vanished. Hiruzen turned over Danzo's recent actions in his mind.
From Danzo's imprisonment to the abolition of his advisor position, the man's fortunes seemed almost as though someone had been controlling them.
It was as if someone behind the scenes had never wanted Danzo to hold that position. The Third Hokage knew that most of Konoha's ninja felt the same way.
He had no desire to investigate. The clearer the truth became, the deeper the divisions might grow.
It was probably for the best that Danzo had lost his advisor position. Root alone gave him enough to occupy himself with. His involvement in anything else would only make it messier.
At noon, Konoha's streets bustled with people. Fugaku had just finished lunch and was strolling along when a man and woman caught his eye. The man had long silver-white hair and a short sword strapped to his back. It was Hatake Sakumo.
"Sakumo."
Hatake Sakumo turned, surprise flashing across his face before he smiled. "Fugaku! It's been a few days."
Fugaku laughed. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"
"This is my fiancée, Reiko. I haven't had a chance to tell everyone yet, but we're getting married in the middle of next month. Come have a drink with us then.
"I haven't seen you since the Land of the Moon War