He pointed at the "evidence," his voice heavy with anguish:
"These young people have been led astray by unrealistic, extremist ideas and have become dangerous thugs! If they dare kill Iwagakure's ninja today, tomorrow they'll dare threaten Amegakure-even you personally, Lord Hanzō! Their existence will only bring more chaos and war to the Land of Rain!"
Hanzō looked at the corpses and listened to Danzo's accusations, his brow furrowing beneath his mask.
Of course, he did not entirely believe Danzo, but the evidence was right before him. Members of the Akatsuki had indeed killed "Iwagakure ninja," which undoubtedly gave him a perfect excuse.
"What are you suggesting, Elder Danzo?" Hanzō asked slowly.
"For the stability of the Land of Rain, for peace in the shinobi world, and for our shared 'friendship,'" Danzo said, finally revealing his true intentions, "I suggest that you act decisively, Lord Hanzō, and eliminate the destabilizing element known as the Akatsuki! Konoha is willing to provide the necessary support and assistance."
Sow discord, use someone else to do his killing, and win Hanzō over at the same time, further muddying the waters in the Land of Rain to pave the way for his own potential moves.
That was Danzo's vicious plan to achieve several goals in one stroke.
None of it escaped a pair of eyes high in the sky.
An unremarkable black crow had been following Yahiko's team from a distance all along.
It was Uchiha Makoto's Crow Shadow Clone.
From the attack, to Nagato losing control, to the Root ninja arriving to fabricate the scene, and finally to Danzo's "discussion" with Hanzō, Uchiha Makoto's real body had seen everything clearly through their shared vision.
So it really was that old dog Danzo's handiwork.
A cold glint flashed through the eyes of Uchiha Makoto's real