The Third Hokage went to see Danzo that evening. He brought no ANBU and gave no advance notice. Dressed in casual clothes, he slowly followed the little-used path along Konoha's northern edge toward the entrance to the Root Base. The setting sun stretched the shadows of the trees, and the old man walked at an unhurried pace, as though out for a stroll.
The guards at the Root Base recognized him. No one dared stop the Hokage.
Danzo waited for him in the reception room on the third underground level. A single oil lamp lit the room, its dim yellow glow deepening the wrinkles on both men's faces. Danzo sat before a low table, a pot of cold tea set before him, untouched. He clearly already knew the outcome of the meeting.
"Hiruzen," Danzo said first. "It's been a long time since you came here."
The Third Hokage sat down across from him. He left the teapot untouched, his calm gaze settling on Danzo's face.
"I already know about Sai planting the scroll at Jin Uchiha's residence."
Danzo's expression did not change in the slightest. "And?"
"And I'm here to tell you that this ends now." The Third Hokage's voice was steady, neither harsh nor soft. "Mei Terumi already knows the truth. She chose not to pursue it because she's more concerned about Yagura. But that doesn't mean this never happened."
"You think I fabricated it?" Danzo raised an eyebrow. "An Uchiha forged that evidence to turn the Hokage against the council of elders. And you actually believe them?"
The Third Hokage looked at him without losing his temper. "Danzo, the teahouse in that photograph was only built last year. And you issued your orders to Root three days ago. If the Uchiha fabricated it, they couldn't have taken a