The night fell, covering Konoha's scars under the thick darkness. However, for Shimura Danzō, this darkness was like his state of mind at the moment, deep and boundless.
He was wearing a shabby cloak, half of his face was hidden in the shadows, only the scarlet single eye was exposed, shining as sharply as a falcon in the night. There was a faint smell of salty blood in his mouth, and the clothes soaked by the cold rain clung to his skin, bringing biting chills.
He was not alone. Behind him, three ninjas wearing Root uniforms followed him like his shadow. They were equally embarrassed, but their eyes were full of fanatical loyalty.
"Sir, three miles ahead, we will reach the border of Land of Fire." One of the ninjas reported in a low voice, with a hint of exhaustion in his voice.
Danzo didn't respond, but only quickened his pace. Every time he took a breath, there was a tearing pain in his chest. That was the injury left during the fight with Shisui Uchiha. That traitor... was much more difficult to deal with than he thought.
"Damn it!
Danzo cursed in his heart. The plan was originally perfect, but he didn't expect it to be ruined by the traitor Shisui Uchiha.
Just when Danzo had just broken through the barrier and was about to escape Konoha quickly, a person suddenly appeared in front of him. Shisui Uchiha's dark eyes looked particularly determined in the dimness. He just stood there, exuding a sense of faith that Danzo had never seen before.
"Lord Danzo, you can't leave. The village needs an explanation from you."
Confession? Danzo thinks it's ridiculous.
He Shimura Danzō has shouldered the darkness of half his life for Konoha, but now he is asked to give an explanation to the village? This is simply ridiculous!
He didn't waste any time and directly used his Wind Release Ninjutsu. Danzo spat out a linear sharp wind blade from his mouth - Wind Release·Vacuum Wave.
Shisui Uchiha on the opposite side also flashed as if he had been prepared for it. Body Flicker Technique activated and shuttled through the gaps of Wind Release as fast as a ghost.
That speed surprised even Danzo. He had to admit that Uchiha Clan's genius did have amazing potential. However, potential is potential after all, and it is not enough in the face of absolute experience and trump cards.
"Hmph, kid, do you think my Wind Release only has this trick?"
Danzo snorted coldly and directly summoned his psychic beast - Baku. Shisui felt that the space around him suddenly stagnated, and a strong suction force came from Baku's mouth, binding him tightly in the air.
This combination of Ninjutsu is also what Danzo is good at. Ninjutsu is a surprise attack. Wind Release cooperates with the psychic beast - Baku, using its suction to enhance the power of its own wind blade. In the original work, this move even successfully cut open the back of Sasuke's Susanoo!
Shisui Three-Tomoe in Sharingan rotated rapidly, and released a Great Fireball towards Shimura Danzō through suction, hoping to interrupt Baku's Ninjutsu. But he is still young after all, and has practical experience. Insufficient. Danzo fought hard to get injured, forcefully connected his Great Fireball, and took this opportunity to throw a poisoned Kunai. Kunai cut through the night sky, with the chill of death, and accurately stabbed Shisui in the chest.
Although Shisui used superhuman reflexes to avoid the vital point at the last moment, the poison still spread rapidly. He groaned and his body softened.
Shisui had to admit that he still underestimated the ruthlessness of Konoha. He was ruthless to others and also ruthless to himself.
After realizing that he could not stop Danzo, he decisively chose to retreat, and then quickly reported the news to the village.
"It's a pity that I couldn't kill this traitor with my own hands." Danzo looked at Shisui Uchiha who used Body Flicker Technique to escape, but at this time the alarm sounded, and he didn't have much time left.
He glanced back at Hokage Rock, as if he wanted to remember it firmly in his heart.
"Lord Danzo." Several subordinates reminded Danzo who was looking at Hokage Rock.
"Let's go."
Danzo After regaining consciousness, he decisively took these diehards and escaped into the night.
Konoha in the rain was immersed in a cold atmosphere. However, deep in the underground base where the "Konoha Public Security Department" plaque was hung, the atmosphere was more solemn than the night.
In the spacious underground hall, there are now nearly a hundred Public Security Department members wearing uniforms. They were once the backbone of "Root" and are now recruited by Senju Chen.
Each of them stood upright, expressionless, like sculptures.
Kabuto Yakushi stood on the side of Senju Chen, adjusted his glasses, and looked around the crowd. He could feel that a silent storm was going on in the hearts of these former "root" elites at this moment. Loyalty and betrayal, old masters and new masters, past beliefs and future directions were colliding violently.
Senju Chen's eyes were calm and profound, slowly scanning everyone present.
"Everyone." Senju Chen spoke, his voice was not loud, but it echoed clearly in every corner of the hall, "I think some of you have vaguely heard some rumors. Today, I summoned you to formally inform you of an important news."
He paused and his eyes fell on a few senior members in the front row. Those people were once Danzo's confidants, but now their faces were stiff and their eyes flickered.
"Just this morning, Shimura Danzō, the former consultant of Konoha High Command, used secret techniques to destroy Anbu's four-layer surveillance barrier, seriously injured two guards, and escaped from Konoha."
As soon as these words came out, although there was no noise in the hall, an invisible shock spread from the crowd. Many people's eyes flashed with disbelief, followed by deep confusion and uneasiness. They used to be Danzo's most loyal subordinates, but now, their old master has become a traitor?
"The village's senior officials have officially classified Shimura Danzō as an S-class traitor and issued the highest level wanted order." Senju Chen's voice suddenly rose, with an unquestionable majesty, "And the task of hunting down the traitor Shimura Danzō, Council of Elders has given us full authority - Konoha Public Security Department!"
He took out a scroll with the seal of Hokage from his arms and held it high so that everyone could clearly see the pattern on it.
"This is a mission statement issued by Council of Elders. It has the autograph of Lord Third and the joint seal of the consultant elders. This is the first official mission we, Public Security Department, have received since its formal establishment. It is also a test for us from the village."
His eyes swept across the crowd again, and his tone became serious. "I know that there are many people outside who are watching our jokes. They feel that the former 'roots' will become a piece of sand and vulnerable if they lose Shimura Danzō. They may even think that those of us who were once the 'roots' will secretly collude with the defected Danzo and become a hidden danger to the village."
"But we need to let them know that they are wrong!"
"We are Konoha Public Security Department! Our loyalty is not to a certain person, but to the entire Konoha. It is the inheritance of 'Will of Fire'!" His voice was like Hong Zhong Da Lu, every word Striking everyone's heartstrings, "Shimura Danzō's defection is his personal choice and his betrayal of Konoha! It has nothing to do with you or us Public Security Department!"
"He used to be your leader, but now he is Konoha's traitor! This time, your task, your mission, is to bring him to justice to show Konoha's majesty and prove his innocence!"
"I know that you have carried darkness for your 'roots' and done many unknown things. You have been asked to cut off emotions and become emotionless weapons. But now, times have changed!"
"Konoha Public Security Department is no longer a blade hidden in the shadows, but an eye standing in the sun! We will take justice as the principle and order as the cornerstone to protect the peace and tranquility of Konoha!"
"Danzo's defection is the end of the old era and the beginning of our new life!" Senju Chen said firmly, "This time, we want to prove to the whole village that Konoha Public Security Department is a team with strict discipline, loyalty and superior ability! We will silence the doubters and let those who are watching the joke see our true power!"
"So, I need your determination! I need your loyalty! I need you to bring Shimura Danzō, the traitor, to justice!"
In the hall, there was deathly silence.
After a while, a senior member in the front row slowly raised his head, and a faint trace of Kakkō ignited in his once cold eyes. He knelt on one knee, and his voice was hoarse and firm. "I am willing to serve you! Hunt down the traitorous ninja Shimura Danzō!"
"I am willing to serve you! Hunt down the traitorous ninja Shimura Danzō!"
"I am willing to serve you! Hunt down the traitorous ninja Shimura Danzō!"