Early the next morning, Hiruzen Sarutobi climbed out of bed in a gloomy mood.
He had barely slept all night. He could not say why, but he felt especially troubled, with a persistent sense that something bad was about to happen.
Was I too harsh with Danzo yesterday? Maybe I should go have another proper talk with him. We've been friends for so many years. He should understand me. After all, as Hokage, I have so many things to consider. Sometimes, I don't have a choice.
With that thought, he made up his mind.
Yes, I should go talk to Danzo.
After a quick wash, he set off for Root to talk to Danzo without even eating breakfast.
"Terrible news, Lord Hokage! Something terrible has happened, Lord Hokage!"
He had only just stepped outside when he saw a ninja rushing toward him, shouting about terrible news.
"Calm down. What's so terrible about me? I'm perfectly fine, aren't I? Besides, it's barely morning. How could so many terrible things have happened already?"
The ninja skidded to a halt, panting heavily. Only after catching his breath for a while did he straighten up and speak.
"Lord Hokage, something terrible has happened. The Daimyo of the Land of Grass was attacked in his villa last night."
"What?!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt his vision go dark. He did not even need to think to be certain that Danzo was the one who had attacked the Daimyo of the Land of Grass.
Well, well, well. Your men couldn't handle Sasuke, so you decided to take matters into your own hands and go after the daimyo instead?
Danzo, you're growing more lawless by the day. You have less and less respect for me as Hokage.
*It seems I've been far too lenient with Danzo, letting him push