Hiruzen Sarutobi indeed had some suspicion toward Chinya, because the one appearing beside Minato Namikaze, Uzumaki Miyuki, and Naruto back then was definitely Chinya's real body.
This was because Chinya used [Shadow Clone Jutsu] to summon four shadow clones to activate [Four-Corner Sealing Barrier].
Moreover, those issues Danzo just mentioned seemed quite suspicious to Hiruzen as well.
Chinya's power was unquestionable. Yet during this Nine-Tails incident, there were hardly any sightings of him—except when he fought two intruding enemies from start to finish.
If Chinya had joined the battle against the Nine-Tails, it wouldn't have been such a big threat.
After all, the Sharingan was the tailed beast's natural weakness.
Therefore, Sarutobi could not possibly not suspect Chinya.
It wasn't just Chinya anymore; Sarutobi now even suspected the entire Uchiha Clan.
During the Nine-Tails attack, Sarutobi originally wanted to deploy Konoha Military Police Force against it, but Danzo stopped that move. He believed the consequences would be unimaginable if the rampaging Nine-Tails fell under control of the Uchihas' Sharingan, and he also suspected possible involvement from members of the Uchiha clan in this event.
After much consideration, Sarutobi firmly accepted Danzo's suggestion, refusing to let the Uchiha participate in handling the Nine-Tails situation.
At the time, Fugaku Uchiha showed no objection and accepted Sarutobi's order to protect the villagers.
Also, due to distrust toward the Uchiha Clan, they didn't even invite Fugaku Uchiha to this meeting.
When Chinya heard that Hiruzen also wanted him to offer an explanation, he scoffed coldly before saying, "Originally I didn't want to explain anything at all, since explaining myself to fools is completely unnecessary. But since the Third wants me to clarify things a little, fine—I'll humor him."
Upon being insulted like that, Danzo's eyes blazed with fury.
Chinya explained, "First off, why were all those Anbu killed with one strike? Because these Anbu were simply too weak. My mission was to guard that cave, not to babysit these powerless Anbu."
Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly. This first answer already annoyed him greatly.
Because it clearly meant that when the Anbu were being killed, Chinya stood aside and did nothing at all—he didn't intervene upon seeing them die.
Chinya continued answering, "Regarding those two enemies, I recognized one of them—Kakuzu, a Takigakure ninja who once ambushed the First Hokage."
Koharu Utatane exclaimed in surprise, "It was actually him? He's still alive?"
Some of the seated ninja weren't familiar with Kakuzu, so Homura Mitokado offered further explanation: "Before, Kakuzu was an elite from Takigakure who once assassinated the First Hokage. He nearly died at the hands of the First, but narrowly escaped.
Later, under pressure from Konoha, Takigakure imprisoned Kakuzu. Eventually, we heard he escaped prison, stole a secret technique treasured by Takigakure, and used that same technique to take the hearts of all village leaders before defecting from Takigakure."
Chinya spoke calmly, "An old guy who once ambushed the First Hokage and still survives till today? His strength isn't simple at all—and his secret technique is extremely formidable."
Another ninja specialized in **Water Release** techniques. He had astonishing chakra reserves and wielded the Shark-Skin Greatsword, one of the Seven Legendary Ninja Blades.
Then there was another ninja. His ability—**Intangibility**—was the most troublesome. It was also why he managed to enter the cave without setting off the barrier. By activating the technique, his body became incorporeal, allowing any attack to pass through him effortlessly, enabling him to pass straight through the barrier.
The two ninjas fighting me were attempting to destroy the barrier by force. At that time, Uzumaki Miyuki was giving birth, so I decided my priority was to intercept those two. As for the other ninja with Intangibility, I left him to the Fourth to handle.
As for summoning the Nine-Tails...
Chinya smirked mockingly at Danzo and said, "If I truly wanted to summon the Nine-Tails to destroy Konoha, I should have killed the Fourth back then instead of helping him subdue it and sealing it into the Jinchuriki."
After finishing, Chinya turned and asked Hiruzen, "Well then, is the Third satisfied with my explanation?"
Hiruzen silently nodded.
Danzo didn't speak further either; now, he could only try to provoke Chinya.
He was also gauging Hiruzen's reaction.
It seemed like Hiruzen was suspicious of Chinya too, which made things easier.
Danzo was confident he could soon ruin Chinya's reputation within Konoha.
However, Chinya wasn't going to let it go after simply explaining himself. He shifted his focus toward Danzo: "Third Hokage, I've fought tirelessly for Konoha, yet for Advisor Danzo to suspect me like this makes me deeply disheartened. Is it acceptable for the Hokage's advisor to randomly suspect a ninja who fights for the village?
During the Nine-Tails' Rampage, we never saw him or the **Root Division** appear. Now he dares to step forward and even accuses me of collaborating with the enemy? If the Third does not punish Advisor Danzo, I absolutely won't accept it!"
Danzo snapped angrily, "What exactly are you implying?!"
Chinya released an intense killing intent, glaring daggers at Danzo. "What am I implying? Perhaps I should ask what *you're* implying, Advisor Danzo? Based purely on suspicion, you openly question me—Konoha's hero—in front of everyone and demand my accountability. Don't you think you should face consequences yourself?
Right now, I also suspect Advisor Danzo of secretly conspiring with the enemy, leaking intelligence regarding **Uzumaki Miyuki's** childbirth to them, and aiding the enemy in breaching Konoha's barrier!"
Danzo abruptly stood up. "Do you realize what you're saying?! You're defaming me!"
Chinya coldly replied, "Defaming? Aren't I just playing your little game?"
Hiruzen sternly told Chinya, "Chinya, don't say something you can't take back!"
At that moment, Orochimaru suddenly spoke up. "Third Hokage, aren't you being a bit too biased? Danzo doubted Chinya, and you had Chinya explain. Chinya explained clearly, yet when Chinya doubts Danzo, you tell him not to speak recklessly?"
Danzo angrily shot back, "Orochimaru, where were you during the Nine-Tails' Rampage? What right do you have to talk to me like this?"
Orochimaru said calmly, "I was naturally stationed at the Leaf Base. I currently hold no official position—I'm just an ordinary ninja. A ninja obeys orders—and waits when there's nothing to do. Since no one informed me of anything, it's only natural I wouldn't act arbitrarily. Isn't that the ninja principle?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared seriously at Chinya and Orochimaru before announcing, "Danzo has unjustly suspected Chinya. He is placed under house arrest within the Root Division for three days, with no permission to leave!"
Chinya burst into laughter. "Third Hokage, your favoritism is too obvious. House arrest for just three days? Everyone knows that stubborn old coot Danzo could stay in the Root for months without stepping foot outside."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes at Chinya. "Exactly what do you want?"
Chinya spoke slowly and firmly, "Remove Danzo Shimura from his position as Hokage's advisor, and disband the Root Division!"
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