Danzo stared at the Third Hokage's kindly face, frantically turning over ideas for changing his image and clearing his name. The thought had only just occurred to him, and he had yet to consider it in depth.
Several dark figures suddenly flashed into the Hokage Office. The Anbu ninja dropped to one knee, their expressions grave as they delivered an urgent report.
"Lord Hokage! Urgent intelligence! We've found Karin's whereabouts!"
"Karin?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression brightened. He instantly pushed aside his tangled thoughts and hurried to ask.
"Where is that child now?!"
"In the Land of Grass, Lord Hokage," an Anbu ninja reported quickly. "The Land of Grass contacted our border ninja on its own initiative. They intend to use Karin as a bargaining chip to make a deal with us."
"Damn them!"
The Third Hokage's face instantly darkened, anger rising in his eyes.
How dare a weak little country like the Land of Grass try to pressure Konoha and trade Karin like merchandise?
They certainly had some nerve!
Seeing this, the Anbu ninja immediately added an even graver piece of news. "Lord Hokage, based on our intelligence, the Land of Grass most likely hasn't contacted Konoha alone. We suspect they're secretly approaching other shinobi villages as well, shopping around for the highest offer."
"How dare they!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression changed completely. His anger intensified, and his tone became absolute.
"The Uzumaki Clan has been Konoha's ally for generations. Karin is an orphan of that clan, and protecting her is our responsibility!"
"We will not allow any other shinobi village to interfere, fight over her, or use coercion!"
He immediately issued decisive orders.
"Dispatch an elite Anbu squad to the Land of Grass at once!"
"Bring Karin safely back to Konoha as quickly as possible. She must not fall into the