Clang~
Hiruzen Sarutobi's Thermos suddenly fell to the floor, its crisp clang echoing through the conference room.
Just like the hot water splashing from the fallen Thermos, turmoil erupted in the hearts of Konoha High Command and the Jonin alike.
"Impossible!!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi shot to his feet and was the first to voice his doubts, craning his neck as he looked at Takahashi Yū.
"The Second Hokage already confirmed it! Madara Uchiha is dead!"
For those who had lived through Konoha's early days, Madara Uchiha was far too terrifying. The Valley of the End outside the village said it all.
Back when the two great heroes fought, if Mito Uzumaki and Tobirama Senju had not defended with everything they had, the aftershocks alone would have nearly destroyed all of Konoha.
Seeing someone foolish enough to question him, Takahashi Yū immediately prepared to slam the table, stand up, and unleash a tirade, but Danzo started before he could.
"Insolence!!"
"Sarutobi! What do you think you're doing?!"
"This is a Jonin meeting under a Level One Alert!"
"Were you given permission to speak?!"
"Even a Konoha elder has to follow meeting protocol!!"
Beside Takahashi Yū, his old pal Danzo slammed the table with repeated bangs, placing particular emphasis on the words "Konoha elder." Flecks of spit had already landed on Takahashi Yū's face.
The string of furious reprimands from his close friend Danzo left Sarutobi a little dazed. For a moment, even the matter of Madara Uchiha slipped his mind.
What did I do wrong?
For you to refuse to even call me "Hiruzen"!
"Danzo, but..." Sarutobi looked at Danzo, even feeling a little wronged.
"No buts! Sit down!"
"Takahashi brother's intelligence is not something we can question!"
Danzo straightened the Hokage hat that had been shaken askew in his agitation, his