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Hiruzen's expression shifted several times, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.
Shocked. He was utterly shocked.
Hiruzen had never even considered such a possibility before.
Danzo… and Orochimaru?
Was there some connection between them?
Was there?
The more he thought about it, the more a dull ache throbbed in his head.
Orochimaru… experiments… Danzo…
Could this be related to that experiment?
Back then, Konoha had conducted a series of experiments in an attempt to revive the First Hokage's Wood Release secret techniques. However, due to the heavy casualties, the project was ultimately sealed away.
Orochimaru had secretly used the First Hokage's cells in his own experiments, and after being discovered, he defected from the village.
When the words missing ninja, Orochimaru, and experiments were put together, Hiruzen couldn't help but associate Orochimaru with that past incident.
But what role did Danzo play in all of this?
"Is this true?" Hiruzen's sharp gaze bore into Shizune.
Shizune flinched and lowered her head.
"Sensei, ever since I returned, there's been something bothering me. Can you help me understand?"
"Speak."
"Danzo has been wearing those bandages for a long time, hasn't he? Aren't you curious about what kind of injury he's hiding?"
"He has risked his life for Konoha many times. He has indeed sacrificed much," Hiruzen replied.
"True. No matter what, he's a hero of the village and deserves the best care. By the way, sensei, is there a medical ninja in Konoha more skilled than me?"
"Impossible."
"I once offered to treat Danzo's injuries, but he politely refused. I thought maybe he'd found a better medic." Tsunade spread her hands, feigning confusion.
"...Perhaps he didn't want to trouble you." Hiruzen also sensed something amiss, but out of trust for Danzo, he refused to entertain the worst possibility.
"Maybe… But since he's given so much for Konoha, I feel it's my duty to restore his health." Noticing Hiruzen's displeasure, Tsunade pressed on, "Let me be blunt. Not long ago, Shisui died, and his body was missing both eyes. I suspect Danzo's right eye might actually be Shisui's. As for why Orochimaru was involved, I'm not sure. But you can investigate—check if any other deceased Uchiha clan members are missing their eyes."
Hiruzen took a deep breath. "Do you realize what you're saying?"
"Of course I do. Danzo has been relentlessly targeting the Uchiha clan, but who can say whether he has ulterior motives? Sensei, let me say this again—since non-Uchiha can also wield the Sharingan, how can you be certain the Nine-Tails Incident was the Uchiha's doing? Anyone who obtained the Sharingan could have done it. It's just… more difficult." Tsunade had laid all her cards on the table.
The worst-case scenario was simply leaving Konoha again—it wasn't like she hadn't done it before.
"Lord Hokage, Danzo has nearly given his life for Konoha, and as a member of the village, I'm grateful for his sacrifices. But before Orochimaru defected, he too was a hero of Konoha. The Uchiha clan has shed just as much blood as any other in every great shinobi war—what have they gained in return? I want to know what makes Danzo so special that you defend him so fiercely."
"Evidence! Without proof, what can I do?" Hiruzen snapped, pointing at Shizune. "Should I arrest Danzo based solely on her words? Konoha would fall into chaos!"
Shizune's face flushed with anger.
"Did you demand evidence when you pressured the Uchiha clan?"
"We only suspected them. We never said they would definitely rebel." Hiruzen forced out the words.
"But you won't even suspect Danzo… Sensei, you are the Hokage of Konoha, not Danzo's personal Hokage!" Tsunade stared at Hiruzen unflinchingly.
She had expected Hiruzen's skepticism, but she hadn't anticipated just how highly he regarded Danzo.
"Fine. You want evidence? Here's a way to prove whether I'm right or wrong—have Danzo remove his bandages. If I'm mistaken, I'll apologize and personally heal his injuries. How does that sound? Or… there's another method." Tsunade was fully committed now.
"What other method?" Hiruzen struggled to calm himself, inwardly reflecting on whether his earlier attitude had been too harsh.
Just as Tsunade was about to speak, the door was violently ripped open—no, more accurately, it was torn off its hinges.
She spun around to see Danzo, leaning on his cane, step inside.
"Lady Tsunade, how courteous of you. Since you're discussing me, why not invite me as well? Wouldn't it be better to talk face-to-face?" Danzo smiled at her.
Tsunade's eyes flickered to the figures behind Danzo—several Root operatives stood there. She immediately understood.
She had been followed by Root.
A careless mistake…
Here she was, discussing how to deal with Danzo with the Hokage, only to be caught red-handed by the man himself. Yet this scene felt eerily familiar.
The last time she had spoken with Itachi, Danzo had interrupted then, too.
Root answered only to Danzo—not the Hokage. That kind of power was far too dangerous…
"It's nothing. You're overreacting." Hiruzen's gaze locked onto Danzo as he leaned back in his chair.
Though his expression remained composed, doubt had already taken root in his mind.
Danzo had deliberately come all the way here and forcibly torn open the door.
This was no coincidence.
Where before he had doubted Tsunade's words, now he believed her—seventy, eighty percent.
"Lady Tsunade, I know you hold no fondness for me. If you have grievances, speak them openly. We all serve Konoha. Even if rumors have reached your ears and sowed suspicion, that's only natural. Still, I must apologize—after all, I failed to rescue Miss Shizune personally."
"That's not the issue. The Hokage said you've risked your life for Konoha, and I agree wholeheartedly. That's why I wanted to examine the injuries on your head and arm. You know I take some pride in my medical skills—perhaps I could heal you."
"..." Danzo's fist clenched, the visible half of his face stiffening. "There's no need to trouble yourself."
"Lord Hokage?" Tsunade turned to Hiruzen.
Since Danzo had already caught them, there was no point in hiding anything now. If they let him leave, he would only grow more cautious, making it even harder to expose him later.
Hiruzen nodded.
He, too, wanted to know the truth behind Danzo's wounds.
If they had nothing to do with the Sharingan, then Tsunade's suspicions were unfounded, and Danzo could still be trusted.
But if they were the Sharingan…
Was that even possible?
Hiruzen refused to believe it.
"Let Tsunade examine you!" When Danzo still didn't move, Hiruzen repeated, his voice firmer.
Danzo sighed, realizing that under these circumstances, a direct clash with Tsunade was inevitable.
"Hiruzen, since you wish to see… then take a good look. What are my injuries?" Danzo tore away the bandages on his head—revealing a crimson eye.