"Sarutobi..." Danzo said in a low voice. "We only need to send a few powerful ninja over to keep up appearances, then bring back the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the Jinchūriki candidate."
"Besides, those ninja can also help prevent the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu from falling into outside hands..."
"But..." Hiruzen Sarutobi still felt somewhat hesitant.
In truth, he had worried before about the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu falling into outside hands.
Lord Hashirama was gone, and Lady Mito would likely pass away soon as well. Without those links between them, the Land of Whirlpools might well throw itself at the feet of another ninja village.
Danzo seemed to see through Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts and said sternly, "Sarutobi, stop hesitating. This is a perfect opportunity. Why shouldn't we eliminate this potential threat?"
"Ah..."
Sarutobi Hyuga sighed softly and sat back down at his desk, tapping two fingers lightly against its surface with a soft knock, knock.
After a long while, he seemed to make up his mind and gave a slight nod. "Yes, let's do that. With tensions running high at the border, we can't spare too many ninja."
He had convinced himself.
Hearing this, Danzo felt a surge of delight. He steadied his voice and said, "Good. How about letting my Root handle this?"
"Every member of Root has been branded with the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal. There is absolutely no way they could reveal what is on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's mind..."
At this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened, and he sneered inwardly.
Danzo, do you think I don't know what you're after?
He considered it for a moment. Though he was reluctant to admit it, using Danzo's men was indeed the best choice.
For some reason, he suddenly thought of Hatake Sakumo, who had stood before him just a short