Danzo didn't want to discuss concrete actions.
Everyone could see that.
Authorization could be discussed.
Summaries could be submitted.
Indexes could be blacked out.
Contingency plans could be explained away as preparation.
But concrete actions were different.
Once those actions were spoken aloud, they would expose exactly where Root intended to push Shisui.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Danzo.
"Have any operations targeting Shisui already been planned?"
Danzo answered, "None have been carried out."
That wasn't an answer.
Gen immediately realized that Danzo was avoiding the question of whether any had been planned.
Fugaku caught that too.
"Not carried out doesn't mean not planned."
Danzo gave him a cold look.
"Root has numerous contingency plans. The existence of a plan doesn't mean it will be carried out."
Gen's gaze turned cold when he heard that.
The mere existence of a contingency plan could influence subsequent arrangements.
If Shisui's assignments, contacts, and intelligence sources were all arranged within the framework of some contingency plan, then even if the operation had never been carried out, Shisui was already being pushed toward danger.
Fugaku recast that point in language suitable for the record.
"An unexecuted contingency plan is not necessarily without impact. If relevant assignments have already been made with reference to the plan, they still require review."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Crow.
"Check Shisui's recent assignments."
Danzo immediately said, "Some of Shisui's missions involve cooperation with Root. They are not suitable for public disclosure."
The Third Hokage said gravely, "Do not disclose their contents. Only check whether the assignment patterns are connected to the handling plan."
Once again, they were checking only the connections.
Not the full text.
Not the mission secrets.
Only the patterns.
Danzo had once again been forced to the limits of what he could conceal.
Crow quickly retrieved a