In the Konoha Anbu morgue, Shizune emerged after completing the autopsy. "It's confirmed. The body really is the Sixth's."
At this grim news, the advisers Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu sighed, then left without a word.
The sudden death of a Hokage was no small matter. Konoha's department heads and jōnin gathered for an emergency meeting.
Ibiki Morino said, "According to informed members of Root, Danzo left the village without authorization over a month ago to seek out Kabuto Yakushi. The man who remained in the village was his substitute."
"The large quantity of First Hokage cells extracted from Danzo's body indicates that he did indeed make contact with Kabuto Yakushi!"
Inoichi Yamanaka said, "As Hokage, he was making contact with a known rogue ninja and dangerous individual while the village was in crisis, under attack by the Akatsuki. If word gets out, it will severely damage public trust in the Hokage, especially after his poor showing at the Five Kage Summit..."
Shikaku Nara entered the meeting hall with a bombshell. "Yes, and just now, His Excellency the Daimyo announced that Shimura Danzō has been stripped of the title of Sixth Hokage!"
An uproar erupted!
The meeting hall burst into commotion.
A Hokage being removed from office-and after his death, no less-was unprecedented in Konoha's history!
After all, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was quite a compassionate man.
Even White Fang had been cleared of disgrace after his death.
Given the Daimyo's disposition, even if a Hokage's performance in office had been unsatisfactory, he would still show the deceased due consideration and allow him to retain his title.
Yet he had made an exception for Danzo. That showed just how deeply unpopular his actions had been...
The meeting hall fell silent again. The question foremost in the ninjas'