Shimura Danzō scrutinized Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression, trying to find some hint that he was being tested.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi continued with utter sincerity. "This started because I put Longjian's name on the list. That was what led to everything that followed. You were only carrying out your duties and sharing my workload. I'll take full responsibility."
"I forgot to mention this earlier, but Orochimaru used Impure World Reincarnation to bring Teacher Hashirama back. I can take this opportunity to resign over my failings and hand the Hokage position over to Tsunade with Teacher Hashirama as our witness."
His eyes were earnest and sincere, without a trace of pretense.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi did not know exactly what Shimura Danzō was thinking, his years of assistance and dedication to protecting Konoha had been genuine.
After all, if Shimura Danzō wanted to harm Konoha or come after me, he would have had countless opportunities to kill me already...
Perhaps something went wrong with the plan that even he hadn't anticipated?
Nobody's perfect. Who hasn't made a mistake?
Even I can't guarantee I'll never have a lapse in judgment.
So... let it go. Danzo has cleaned up so many of my messes over the years. This time, I'll clean up one of his.
Years of silent dedication had earned him one instance of unconditional favoritism.
Shimura Danzō stared, dumbfounded, wondering whether he had fallen under Genjutsu.
Wh-what was this? Why was he saying he would take all the blame himself?
He frowned, but the worry in his heart dissipated like smoke. His tangled thoughts became as light as moonlight, suddenly freed of their weight.
"I handled the entire plan. What does it have to do with you? I'm not someone who refuses to own up to what he's done."
"Someone has to take responsibility,