Deep beneath Konoha, in the Root Base.
Dim oil lamps lit the stone table, and the air was thick with the smell of damp earth.
Shimura Danzō stood before the table, holding a glass vessel filled with pale yellow nutrient solution.
Submerged in the clear liquid was a Sharingan that radiated cold, sinister chakra.
With an infusion of chakra, the eye could reveal its Mangekyo pattern and unleash Kotoamatsukami.
Unconcealed triumph gleamed in Danzo's exposed left eye.
Footsteps sounded from the corridor, and a Root scout wearing a bird mask dropped to one knee.
"Lord Danzo, we have news from Sunset Gorge."
Danzo did not turn around. His gaze remained fixed on the glass vessel.
"Speak."
"A massive explosion occurred at the entrance to Sunset Gorge."
"The entire highway was leveled, and the luxurious four-horse carriage was reduced to splinters scattered across the ground."
"The scene was covered in scorch marks, severed limbs, and blood."
The scout reported quickly, his tone respectful.
"The investigators confirmed the presence of a copper pot exclusive to the Konoha Military Police Force, along with extensive signs of Fire Release burns."
"The outer sentry posts confirmed the detonation signals sent by Captain A and Captain B before they attacked."
"Uchiha Chikage, Uchiha Yashiro, Inabi, and Tekka are confirmed dead, with no remains left."
At those words, Danzo drove his cane hard against the bluestone slabs.
"Good!"
"Very good!"
Danzo turned, a cold smile pulling at his lips.
Uchiha Yashiro had been the Konoha Military Police Force's most troublesome hard-line captain.
That brat Chikage had used regulations to corner him in the Hokage's Office time and again.
A fine of 350,000 Ryo, and another 200,000 Ryo in travel expenses.
Every bill had felt like carving flesh from his Root.
Now, those eyesores had finally been reduced