Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes and said leisurely, "Now... it's time for that 'Root' of his to serve its purpose one last time."
His relationship with Danzo had already become horribly strained back during the Third Shinobi World War.
But why had he kept putting up with Danzo's transgressions all these years without dealing with him?
The first reason, of course, was that Xuan Zhe, Tsunade, and their group had been watching from the sidelines.
The other reason was that Danzo was simply too useful as a scapegoat. Any dirty, rotten business could be pinned on him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi himself couldn't bear to let go of such a useful scapegoat.
"Biwako, bring some more tea."
He picked up the teapot to pour himself some tea, found it empty, and called toward the kitchen.
But several seconds passed without a sound.
"Biwako? Biwako?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and called several more times.
There was still no answer.
Mitokado Homura ventured, "Could she have fallen asleep?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow furrowed even deeper, and the uneasiness in his heart grew stronger.
He was just about to get up and look for her.
But there was no longer any need.
A dark figure emerged around the corner by the kitchen, appearing before the three of them.
The instant they saw that figure, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other two felt as though lightning had struck their heads.
"Danzo?!"
Utatane Koharu's voice trembled.
Then they saw something that made their scalps prickle even more-
Danzo held a Wind Release Chakra Blade in his right hand, while his left held a bloody head.
It was the head of Hiruzen Sarutobi's wife, Biwako Sarutobi!!!
Nawaki crouched on the rooftop, trembling all over with excitement as he let out a strange laugh. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Brother-in-law really went for the