Two young people who should have enjoyed fulfilling lives and protected Konoha together for decades had instead been cut down in the prime of their lives.
Hiruzen Sarutobi held his pipe between his fingers. Smoke curled slowly around him, yet did nothing to dispel the heaviness and exhaustion in his eyes.
The Fourth Hokage and his wife's sacrifice weighed on his heart like a boulder, draining him of all spirit.
After the Night of the Nine-Tails, the sight of Naruto, alone and helpless, filled him with guilt as well.
He remembered Kushina's tearful plea before her death with perfect clarity. He remembered how she had spent her final breath asking him to take good care of Naruto.
But had he done it?
No.
He had allowed the entire village to isolate, shun, fear, and despise this orphaned son of heroes. He had allowed Naruto to grow up alone, enduring cold stares and endless hurt.
Betrayal, obligation, and guilt piled up in his heart until he lacked even the strength to lift his head.
But just as Hiruzen Sarutobi sank into self-reproach, his heart consumed by sorrow!
The image on the Sky Screen high overhead suddenly changed!
Hiruzen Sarutobi went rigid, his heart giving a violent lurch.
All his grief vanished in an instant, leaving only bone-deep panic!
Because Danzo had appeared on the Sky Screen.
It gave him a terrible sense of foreboding.
On the Sky Screen.
Shimura Danzō stood alone in the center of the base, hostility radiating from him. His expression was grim, his eyes dark, his entire bearing steeped in suspicion and coldness.
He murmured to himself!
"Hiruzen, you were the one who did this, weren't you?"
"That move of yours was far too ruthless!"
"You've truly opened my eyes!"
Danzo's voice was cold and certain, carrying