Land of Fire, Daimyo's Residence, main council hall.
The hall, usually solemn and dignified, filled with the scent of incense, paper, and ink, now held the deathly stillness before a storm, so oppressive it was hard to breathe.
The exquisite lacquered screens and priceless paintings and calligraphy by renowned masters on the walls now seemed like eyesores to the man seated at the head of the hall.
Bang!
A tremendous crash shattered the silence.
The daimyo of the Land of Fire slammed a thick scroll, its edges still bearing scorch marks, onto the imperial red sandalwood desk polished to a mirror sheen!
The force sent the brush stand and inkstone jumping, splashing ink everywhere.
The daimyo's face turned a deep, purplish red, his chest heaving violently. Even the sumptuous court robes that symbolized supreme power seemed unable to contain his surging fury.
He pointed a trembling finger at the scroll, his knife-sharp gaze sweeping fiercely over the nobles and ministers standing below with their hands lowered, silent as frightened cicadas. His voice grew hoarse and distorted with utter rage:
"Bastard! Bastard! That scoundrel Hiruzen Sarutobi! What exactly does he think he's doing?! Well?!"
The ministers below shuddered at this sudden thunderous fury. A few of the more timid ones felt their calves cramp and lowered their heads even further. None dared invite trouble at a time like this.
"Every one of you, take a good look!" The daimyo was practically roaring, spittle flying from his mouth.
"Look at this intelligence Danzo risked his life to send! Take a good look at what Hiruzen Sarutobi, that 'unfailingly loyal,' 'highly meritorious,' 'kindly elder' you keep prattling about in my ear, has been doing behind our backs!"
He snatched up the scroll as though he meant to tear it apart, but ultimately hurled