Luring the Snake Out

Once Tsukimi identified the figure in the treetop as Danzo's trusted subordinate, Ryoma Aburame, his doubts vanished completely.

Danzo's entire scheme had now come into view. But this was not the time for an open confrontation; acting rashly would only throw off their timing.

"Withdraw!"

Tsukimi gave the quiet order without hesitation and signaled for the others behind him to retreat. The Shadow Ninja he had sent out also vanished into the shadows without making a sound.

Kakashi, Asuma, and the others followed close behind, suppressing their presence as they slipped away. Before long, they were back at the Hatake Residence.

The moment they returned to the courtyard, Kakashi could no longer contain his anxiety. He spoke urgently.

"Tsukimi, now that we've confirmed Danzo's man is watching Inoue Toru, why aren't we stopping him? If we let Danzo's plan continue, the consequences could be disastrous!"

They had lain low for a day and a night without accomplishing anything, forced to watch the enemy's plot unfold. Kakashi was still young, and his nerves were stretched to the breaking point. He wanted to stop waiting and strike at once.

At least Kakashi still had some restraint. If it had been Obito, he would have charged in back there, and no one could have held him back.

"Don't rush. Calm down. Acting now would only alert them, and charging in is the worst option." Seeing how agitated Kakashi was, Tsukimi smiled gently and reassured him in a steady voice.

"Now that I understand Danzo's backup plan, I have a complete response. The situation is still under control."

Hatake Sakumo sat beneath the veranda. After reflecting on his actions and listening to the younger generation, he had recovered the composure he had lost to self-reproach over the past two days. The storm of public