At Sōkyū Hatake's words, the Root operatives opposite him visibly grew displeased.
In their eyes, Root's orders were absolute, yet Sōkyū Hatake actually wanted to defy their orders?
For Root ninja, this was the most unacceptable thing of all.
"Sōkyū Hatake, I'm warning you one last time. Hand the man over to us, or you'll be defying Advisor Danzo's orders!" the Root ninja said coldly, all four of their auras instantly rising to their peak.
At once, all four locked their killing intent onto Sōkyū Hatake, looking ready to attack at the slightest disagreement.
"I represent the orders of Lord Hokage and Lord Orochimaru. What's more, I'm a member of Konoha's Council of Elders myself, the holder of the Hatake Clan Council of Elders seat. What, does Root have so much authority that it can attack a member of the Council of Elders?"
Sōkyū Hatake looked at the Root ninja with some amusement. Who couldn't invoke a powerful backer's authority? Besides, he really was a member of the Council of Elders. Although that position ranked one level below Danzo's position as a Hokage Advisor, he still wasn't someone Root ninja could lay hands on as they pleased.
"None of that falls within our considerations, Sōkyū Hatake. Even if you're an elder, we're carrying out Danzo's orders!" Although the Root operative's tone remained stern, he was no longer pressing as aggressively as before.
Indeed, members of the Council of Elders weren't people others could target so casually.
"Hmph, ridiculous. I won't hand him over. If you want to attack me, you'd better consider whether you're up to it." Sōkyū Hatake wasn't about to indulge these Root ninja.
Carrying Nara Rokuten in his hand, Sōkyū Hatake walked forward step by step.
Unlike Sōkyū Hatake's composure, the Root ninja's performance fell somewhat short.