Chapter 126: Danzō's Death! (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
With Namikaze Minato's command issued, Konoha's main forces began to mobilize.
Explosive news started spreading throughout Konoha.
Previously, it was news of Orochimaru conducting human experimentation. Now, it had become news that Orochimaru conducted human experimentation under Danzō's orders.
Suddenly, Danzō became the mastermind.
Of course, Minato did not authorize the release of this information; it was released by Sarutobi Asuma.
Furthermore, the matter of Danzō murdering Sarutobi Asuma and seizing the Uchiha clan's Sharingan was also brought up again.
In an instant, Konoha's public opinion was in an uproar, and the matter of Orochimaru became insignificant.
Danzō, who had been waiting for news in Root, could no longer sit still. Using his status as a senior elder, he joined forces with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura to barge into the Hokage's office.
The reason Sarutobi Hiruzen was not included was that Orochimaru was, after all, his disciple.
In the Hokage's office, Namikaze Minato, with a smile, assured the three that he would quickly investigate the truth and quell public opinion.
In the end, Danzō received no substantial results.
When he felt he was being monitored by Anbu, Danzō finally felt that something was not right.
Meanwhile.
The Shimura clan.
Sarutobi Shinya personally visited the patriarch of the Shimura clan and stated directly, "The Fourth Hokage has no intention of targeting the Shimura clan, but Danzō has gone too far this time."
"According to our investigation, he led these human experiments. He even achieved results with Wood Release experiments but kept them hidden!"
"Now that the war has just ended and the Fourth Hokage has just taken office, he is already eliminating his rivals and stirring up internal conflict. This has made the Fourth Hokage very displeased."
Shimura Shōkō's heart sank.
Were they planning to make a move against Danzō?
Although Danzō was not the patriarch of the Shimura clan, his words actually carried more weight than his own as patriarch.
If the village made a move against Danzō, and if Danzō rebelled, it was likely that most people would be incited.
However, this was a dead end.
Not to mention Sarutobi Asuma, who already detested Danzō, even the Fourth Hokage, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Hatake Sakumo, and others were not people the Shimura clan could resist.
Moreover, most importantly.
Since Sarutobi Shinya was here this time, did it mean that the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had also made his choice?
Just as Shimura Shōkō was making a difficult decision, Sarutobi Shinya's tone slightly relaxed, and he said, "If the Shimura clan has individuals with sufficient talent, my brother, Sarutobi Asuma, can take them as disciples and will not be stingy with his teachings, including the development of bloodline limits."
Shimura Shōkō's pupils contracted violently, and he exclaimed in disbelief, "What?"
"Bloodline limits can also be taught?"
Sarutobi Shinya nodded. "Naturally."
"Of course, whether one can succeed still depends on individual talent."
"I am also working hard now, but I have not yet succeeded."
Looking at Shimura Shōkō, Sarutobi Shinya said solemnly, "This is not my promise, but a promise made by Asuma himself!"
"I understand!"
Shimura Shōkō nodded, suppressing his inner excitement and exclaimed, "I will explain the importance of this matter to my clansmen, and the Shimura clan will absolutely not harm the village's interests!"
"Then I'll be counting on you!"
Sarutobi Shinya bowed solemnly.
...
Root Base.
Sarutobi Hiruzen walked in alone.
Danzō came out with a few Root ninja and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with some surprise. "Hiruzen, why are you here?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe, then removed the pipe bowl. "Danzō, stop now!"
Danzō's gaze sank. "What do you mean?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. "We're all getting old!"
In truth, retired life was quite good. He spent his days strolling through Konoha, researching bloodline limits, and living quite freely.
Of course, his unfilial son did cause him some frustration.
But what Sarutobi Asuma said was not without reason.
Konoha needed to be united as one to deal with the four surrounding nations and to face future crises.
The older generation should not cling to power, dragging things out and being difficult.
Times have changed!
It's just a shame that Danzō doesn't have a filial son like Sarutobi Asuma.
He understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's words but was unwilling to accept them, saying, "Where the leaves dance, fire also endlessly burns!"
"The Hokage represents light, illuminating the village."
"And I represent the roots that support Konoha!"
"Where there is light, there is darkness. I protect Konoha from the darkness, and Konoha cannot be without its roots!"
"And I am the most suitable person to lead Root!"
"I am the darkness of Konoha!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned.
Danzō's thirst for power was even greater than he had imagined.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to speak again to persuade him, a hearty voice rang out.
"Danzō, you're too arrogant!"
"This world won't stop turning just because someone is gone!"
"Without you, Konoha will go on just the same, no, it will probably get better!"
Sarutobi Asuma appeared beside Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Above him, from the passage leading underground from the Root base, Anbu ninjas emerged one after another.
Among them were Kakashi, carrying Raikiri — Fang, and Rin Nohara, carrying Samehada.
Looking at Sarutobi Asuma, Danzō was filled with rage and said with a dark expression, "Sarutobi Asuma, what do you want?"
"I gave you a chance to leave with dignity before, and you refused. So I'll have to make sure you leave with dignity myself."
Sarutobi Asuma's voice was calm.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze deepened, and he softly called out, "Asuma!"
Sarutobi Asuma's expression remained calm. "Father, he can currently force Orochimaru out of Konoha for the position of Root leader. Who knows what he'll do in the future."
"Even setting aside this current matter."
"He leaked my mission intel to bounty hunters back then, and even sent Root ninjas to intercept me, Kurenai, and Shizune. These alone are enough reason to kill him."
"I said it before, no one in this world is indispensable, including myself!"
At this point, Sarutobi Asuma sneered, "The Anbu already represents Konoha's darkness, Konoha's roots!"
"Danzō, you can only represent yourself, not anyone else, nor anything else!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed upon hearing this.
Had he been wrong?
Had he been too lenient with Danzō?
Danzō couldn't help but tremble upon hearing Sarutobi Asuma's words and said coldly, "Asuma, you intend to act against me?"
"Do you dare to instigate civil war in Konoha?"
Sarutobi Asuma couldn't help but chuckle. "Danzō, you overestimate yourself!"
"Konoha will not have a civil war."
"And you won't defect."
"I said I would give you a dignified exit!"
With that, Sarutobi Asuma stepped forward.
Danzō's heart tightened. He glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who seemed to still be lost in thought, and shouted, "Hiruzen!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen snapped back to reality and said, "Danzō, you are no longer the leader of Root!"
Danzō's heart sank upon hearing this and he quickly ordered, "Kill!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Root ninjas lunged at Sarutobi Asuma.
But the next moment, Adamantine Sealing Chains shot out, binding and sealing them.
Sarutobi Asuma raised his hand, flicked his finger, and with a flash of electricity, a senbon flew out.
Danzō had just completed his hand seals when his body suddenly stiffened. His head tilted slightly back, and a tiny bloody hole appeared between his eyebrows.
The senbon flew back, unstained by blood.
"Detain all Root ninjas, seal all Root data, and await the Fourth Hokage's orders."
Kakashi, Sage, you two are responsible for preserving Danzō's body. After all, he was a former meritorious minister of Konoha, and he deserves a memorial monument!
With that, Sarutobi Asuma's figure vanished.
Sarutobi Shinya immediately waved his hand, and the Anbu began their work.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Danzō's corpse and let out a long puff of smoke.
Outside the Root base.
Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly caught up to his second son and asked, "Why must you kill Danzō?"
"Everyone makes mistakes."
Sarutobi Asuma said, "Some mistakes can be made, others cannot."
"And one rotten apple spoils the bunch."
"Danzō will stop at nothing for his position, for the Hokage seat, I can face his assassination attempts."
"But what about others?"
"What about my brother?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart trembled.
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