The stench of blood and scorched earth hung in the air.
The fury in Hiruzen Sarutobi's chest nearly burst through his skull.
He stared fixedly at Chikage, his voice rattling the roof tiles around them.
"Rebellion?"
Chikage calmly tucked the Fine Steel Baton back behind his waist.
He dusted off his palms, his expression composed.
"Lord Third, you've spent half your life slapping accusations on people. Aren't you tired of that old trick?"
Chikage pointed at Danzo, who lay limp and twitching on the ground.
"This man is an S-Rank Rogue Ninja on the Konoha Wanted List."
"As deputy captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, I led my men to apprehend a vicious fugitive."
"During the arrest, the suspect violently resisted law enforcement and even attempted to blow himself up with a forbidden technique."
"I lawfully used force to stop him, breaking his limbs to render him incapable of causing harm."
"That's lawful enforcement. Do you even understand what self-defense means?"
Hiruzen's beard trembled with rage, and he slammed his staff into the ground.
"Even if Danzo was in the wrong, you have no right to mete out punishment yourself!"
"The authority to decide his fate belongs to the Hokage Building!"
"Attacking him in public shows blatant contempt for the Hokage!"
Chikage snapped his fingers sharply.
"Shisui, show Lord Third our spoils."
Shisui, standing behind him to one side, immediately stepped forward.
He tossed a strip of venomous White Snake Shedding and several Control Talismans for Impure World Reincarnation, all exuding a dark aura, straight to Hiruzen's feet.
Hiruzen looked down at the talismans, his eyelids twitching violently.
Chikage took two steps forward, his presence now overpowering Hiruzen's.
"Lord Third, let's settle the entire account."
Chikage pointed at the snakeskin and talismans on the ground, his voice carrying in