She could understand the conflicts of the past, the slaughter between shinobi, and the maneuvering of adults as things beyond their control in the shinobi world.
But to target an ordinary little girl who was still in school was despicable, sinister, and utterly shameless!
She turned and fixed Hiruzen Sarutobi with a fierce stare, her voice resolute, without the slightest concession. "Old man! Don't stop me this time! I don't care who tries!"
"Everyone involved in this, every remnant who follows Danzo and clings to extremist beliefs, will be executed! No mercy!"
"If you dare interfere, don't blame me for showing you no respect!"
Beside her, Jiraiya's face was equally grim, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. For once, not a trace of warmth remained, and his stance was unyielding.
"Old man, I'm with Tsunade."
"If you still insist on protecting Danzo, I won't mind locking you up myself for the time being. Once we've purged Konoha, I'll let you out."
Standing on either side of him, the two were adamant, radiating killing intent. Both had made up their minds to purge Danzo's faction completely.
Watching his two most accomplished students openly defy him, refusing to yield a single word, Hiruzen Sarutobi's aged face alternated between pale and livid. He looked utterly miserable, torn between anger and helplessness.
He tilted his head back and sighed deeply, his heart filled with bitterness.
"What sins... have I committed in this life...?"
"I've devoted my whole life to protecting Konoha, and all three students I raised dare stand against me..."
After dwelling on his regrets, Hiruzen Sarutobi suppressed his helplessness and gently waved a hand at the furious pair, stopping them with a low voice.
"Enough. Neither of you should act rashly. You don't need to do anything, and you mustn't take