Rotten wood

Outside the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Having already dismissed his subordinates, Danzo listened to Hyuga Hiashi with fury threatening to burst from his chest. All he needed was an opening to fight Hiashi for real.

"Lord Hokage, I suspect Lord Danzo is a member of the Uchiha Clan. I received word that the Uchiha Clan is plotting a revolution, and Lord Danzo intends to lead Root back to the Uchiha Clan Compound to join the others."

Hyuga Hiashi seemed determined to shock everyone tonight, yet his solemn face practically proclaimed him "honest and trustworthy."

"What? Is that really true?" The Third also put on a shocked expression, as though he knew nothing at all. "The Uchiha are plotting a revolution?"

Then, before Danzo could speak, the Third turned to him, his shocked expression unchanged. "So you're an Uchiha too?"

I'm your father!

Danzo nearly burst out cursing, but forced himself to hold back.

That bastard Hyuga Hiashi is obviously spouting nonsense! A moment ago, he claimed he was acting on your orders as Hokage, and now he says he received word himself. Has he said a single truthful thing?

And you, Hiruzen Sarutobi—we already agreed on everything. What is this supposed to mean? Were we just performing a comedy routine in the Hokage Office earlier?

The Third could plainly see the rage building on Danzo's face, like a volcano on the verge of erupting.

After all, they were old comrades who knew each other inside out. He had to let Danzo save some face.

At that thought, the Third gave a light cough and turned to Hyuga Hiashi, seemingly speaking in Danzo's defense. "Well, Hiashi, Danzo is a village elder, after all, and I know him very well. You suddenly claim he's an Uchiha and that he's plotting a revolution. Do