"Danzo, you..." Utatane Koharu began with some hesitation.
Mitokado Homura also frowned:
"Danzo, isn't this against protocol? And your Root..."
"My Root is also for Konoha!"
Danzo cut him off and declared loudly, "Supporting the great tree of Konoha from the darkness, no one understands the village's dark side better than I do, and no one is more determined to pay any price for the village's future!"
He looked around at everyone and said:
"Although the war is over, Kumogakure and Iwagakure are watching like hawks, and we are far from united internally! Konoha needs a tougher, more decisive leader! Not an... overly merciful young man!"
His words were practically a direct attack on Minato Namikaze.
The atmosphere in the meeting room instantly grew tense.
Minato's supporters looked indignant, but out of deference to Danzo's seniority and influence, none immediately spoke up to refute him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened. He had not expected Danzo to launch such a direct attack.
Lin Ze watched the farce with a cold eye.
Danzo's efforts are doomed to be futile. Hiruzen Sarutobi would never hand his position over to a radical like him.
Besides, with all his dealings in the shadows, his hands aren't necessarily any cleaner than Orochimaru's.
Just then, Mitokado Homura, who had remained silent, spoke again:
"We can discuss the choice of Hokage another time. Before that, however, I believe certain rumors about Orochimaru need to be investigated immediately!"
He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi:
"Hiruzen, I have received reliable information indicating that Orochimaru is not only researching forbidden ninjutsu, but may even be using the bodies of Konoha ninja for experiments!"
"If this is true, it is an extremely grave offense and must not be tolerated!"
His words instantly caused an uproar!
Using Konoha ninja for experiments?
That crossed everyone's bottom