Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the newspaper.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu leaned over as well.
The next moment.
All three of their expressions changed at once.
The newspaper's front-page headline proclaimed-
"A scene of devastation!"
"Shimura Danzō led an elite force into battle in the Land of Fields-his entire force was wiped out!"
Below that was a shocking photograph of the scene-
Scarred earth, blazing flames, and Ninja equipment scattered across the ground.
And Shimura Danzō lying on the ground, his right arm missing, his fate unknown!
The brutal atmosphere of war all but seeped off the page.
"Wh... what happened here?!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi jerked his head up, staring at Uchiha Minamoto in disbelief.
"Danzo! You! You people-"
"I know the Third Hokage is anxious, but please, don't get ahead of yourselves."
Uchiha Minamoto's voice was calm and composed.
"This newspaper report is only the beginning."
Without waiting for the three old Konoha geezers to respond, Uchiha Minamoto gave them a broad account of the events surrounding the battle in the Land of Fields.
The story was neither long nor difficult to tell.
Shimura Danzō had falsified a mission, colluded with Orochimaru, and led Root's elite forces to attack Ninja from his own village, only to be arrested on the spot.
"Lord Third."
Uchiha Minamoto took an Arrest Warrant and a Search Warrant from inside his clothes and presented them with both hands.
"Shimura Danzō betrayed the village and was caught red-handed with the evidence. By law, he must be executed.
"The Konoha Military Police Force now needs to conduct a thorough search of the Root Base.
"Now, Lord Third, please sign Shimura Danzō's Arrest Warrant and the Search Warrant for Root."
Chapter 53: Forgive me, Danzo, this is the last time... (Please keep reading! Please send monthly votes!)
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