Because of Danzo's major announcement, Koharu Utatane and Mitokado Homura, who hadn't appeared for a long time, were also summoned.
Led by Internal Affairs Division shinobi, the two walked along a somewhat familiar path.
"This road… it seems to be the road leading to the former Root base."
As they neared their destination, Koharu finally realized why this road felt familiar.
"That's right, Koharu-sama. Due to the seriousness of the matter, Danzo-sama insisted that this meeting must be held in a place where space–time ninjutsu cannot be used."
Since the largest initial investor of Root was Shimura Danzo himself, after the base was sealed, it became private property of the Shimura clan.
Hearing this reply, Koharu's footsteps paused slightly, as if she hesitated to go forward.
But thinking about it—since she had only been supporting the village's relations with the Daimyo, it wasn't likely that she would be brazenly assassinated here. With that reassurance, she took her steps again.
At worst, she still shared deep bonds of wartime camaraderie with Danzo. He shouldn't do anything irrational… right?
With uneasy hearts, Koharu and Homura entered the old Root base.
After walking down a long, dim corridor, the two finally stopped at the deepest part of Root.
The moment the door opened, they heard a familiar voice, along with the long-missed scent of smoke.
"Long time no see, Koharu, Homura."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, pipe in his mouth, smiled as he looked at his two old friends standing at the door.
"Hiruzen? You already have grandchildren, yet you still cling to that pipe every day. I can't imagine how Biwako can still tolerate you."
Not expecting that after so many years she could still smell his second-hand smoke, Koharu spoke half-jokingly.
"Hahaha, don't say that. I only get to enjoy the taste of tobacco when I'm not at home."
Teased by his old friend, Hiruzen chuckled as he put out his pipe.
"So then, are you here by yourself?"
Homura glanced around the large chamber, puzzled as to why only Hiruzen was here. What was Danzo really up to?
"Do you have any idea what exactly Danzo's major announcement is?"
"I don't concern myself with the Training Division of the ANBU anymore. It's been ages since I last met Danzo. As for what he wants to do—I really have no idea."
Hiruzen answered truthfully.
Ever since his grandson Konohamaru was born, Hiruzen had completely let go of work. Although he still nominally held the title of Deputy Head of the ANBU Training Division, he didn't even bother clocking in.
Nowadays, all his energy was spent on his grandson, fully enjoying a retired life.
"My age is no longer young. During the recent Sky Ninja invasion, I already felt my strength slipping away."
Hiruzen spoke half-jokingly, half-seriously.
"You're the strongest Hokage in history. A few Sky Ninjas shouldn't make you sigh like that."
Homura didn't believe a word of it. Even if Hiruzen's strength had waned, a few Sky Ninjas could never trouble him.
"Yo, what's this? A grand meeting of old folks?"
Before Homura could continue his teasing, a frivolous voice interrupted—the voice of Jiraiya.
"Ahahaha, sorry, sorry, old man. Don't glare at me like that, it's scary."
He casually pulled up the nearest chair, continuing to joke:
"Seeing you all here, I can finally relax. When I first got the message, I thought Danzo might use this as an excuse to detain me on the spot."
Jiraiya's jest drew Koharu's disapproval.
"Jiraiya, no matter what you think, Danzo was once the Hokage's advisor. Don't speak so out of line in front of us."
"Haha, can't help it. That's just how I am."
Jiraiya gave his trademark grin, making the two advisors grind their teeth.
Following him into the chamber were Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and Namikaze Minato.
Shortly after Minato took his seat, Danzo finally appeared in everyone's view. Behind him trailed Aburame Tatsuma and Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru?"
The sight of his former disciple nearly gave Hiruzen PTSD.
His student, together with Danzo again? Why was he having such a nightmare?
Before Hiruzen could question him, Takeshi entered the room, accompanied by Uchiha Hikari.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Danzo didn't bother with suspense. He immediately handed out the latest intelligence, one copy for each person. Sitting calmly, his single eye half-closed, he looked utterly unfazed.
When they read the intel, the expressions on their faces all shifted.
Even Jiraiya put aside his levity, staring intently at the records of the Ōtsutsuki.
What was written there completely overturned his understanding of the ninja world.
The older generation like Hiruzen was left utterly speechless.
But the next moment, his eyes turned complicated as he looked at Danzo.
You were my Hokage's advisor… yet during all my time in office, not a single shred of this information ever reached me. Danzo, you bastard—
"Cough, cough…"
The sudden coughing drew everyone's eyes.
Takeshi raised his hand apologetically, signaling them not to mind.
But beneath his calm exterior, waves of shock surged within.
When was this update made?
Why the hell is Isshiki Ōtsutsuki already here?!
Where's Boruto—Boruto, hurry up and save the day!
Is it still in time to marry off Naruto and Hinata now?
Wait, what happened to Shippuden? How did I end up in Boruto?!
Seeing this intel, Takeshi knew that his plan—to resolve Kaguya in Shippuden and then retire peacefully by the Boruto timeline—had been completely shattered.
At the same time, he felt chills at how Danzo had managed to gather such intelligence without him even noticing.
Clearly, every intelligence division in Konoha was under his oversight. Even Aburame Tatsuma had a deputy appointed by him for surveillance.
But in the end—it's Danzo.
No one could stop him from stirring up trouble.
"Feels like I just read a fantasy novel…"
After finishing the intel, Fugaku rubbed his eyes. Unable to transplant Hashirama's cells, his eyesight hadn't fully recovered from Mangekyō's toll, so reading some of the text was quite straining.
Compared to Fugaku, Hiashi's expression was far more complicated. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but couldn't bring himself to.
Danzo noticed Hiashi's discomfort. With a cold snort, he spoke:
"Clan Head Hiashi, surely you have something to say?"
At Danzo's words, everyone turned their eyes to Hiashi.
Could this be connected to the Hyūga clan?
Of course—being one of the oldest clans in history, the Hyūga held foundations unlike any other family present.