Over the next few days, Elder Hikaku met several times with "Danzō" according to Uchiha Jin's plan.
Soon the Uchiha Police Force detached personnel to bolster the understaffed Anbu Training Division, which was Root in all but name.
After that, Elder Hikaku and "Danzō" went together to the Hokage's office to request the release of Uchiha Shun.
The Third deflected, saying he needed a meeting with his advisers before deciding.
Afterward Sarutobi Hiruzen urgently summoned his three advisers.
Inside the office sat Shimura Danzō, who for once seemed to be siding with the Uchiha, along with the other two counselors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
The four leaders gathered, and the air grew heavy.
"Danzō, what exactly are you thinking."
Hiruzen's voice broke the stillness. He stared at his old comrade, fingers tapping a dull rhythm on the desk.
"Danzō's" strange behavior these days had carved deep lines into the Hokage's brow.
Admitting Uchiha into Root without permission could be spun as strengthening the force.
But going with Elder Hikaku to demand Uchiha Shun's release was something the real Danzō would never do.
Shun had been imprisoned for opposing the Second's policies in secret.
With Danzō's reverence for Tobirama and hostility toward the Uchiha, how could he plead for them.
The other two counselors wore equally unsettled looks.
They knew Danzō well, yet the man before them felt like a stranger.
"Danzō" struck his cane against the floor. The thud rolled through the room.
"Supporting Uchiha Shun's release was the price for Elder Hikaku allowing Uchiha personnel to enter Root. Whether you grant it is the Hokage's affair."
"And when you speak publicly with a Hokage adviser's title, what chance do I have to refuse."
Anger flared in Hiruzen's eyes.
If a sitting Hokage adviser publicly backed Uchiha Shun's release and the Hokage refused, the political damage would be one thing.
More important was how the Uchiha would take it. With war looming, he could not forfeit their support now.
"That is your concern. Do not forget you already removed me. I am an ordinary jonin now. My opinion does not matter much."
"Danzō" met the Hokage's anger with a faintly mocking smile and calm tone.
Hiruzen assumed his earlier move had offended Danzō enough to cause this and took a breath before answering.
"I have not announced your removal. You still bear the adviser's title."
The two counselors hurried to soothe them both.
"Danzō, Hiruzen spoke in anger when he suspended you. There is no need to push it this far."
"Yes, Danzō, speak with Elder Hikaku again and trade for something else. Uchiha Shun was jailed on the Second's orders. As his students, it is not fitting for us to undo that."
"Danzō" showed a flicker of hesitation, then shook his head.
"Impossible. Root has taken heavy losses on the borders. You saw the casualty lists I submitted. We cannot function without replacements."
"I ordered you not to move Root personnel on your own."
Hiruzen's temper snapped. Root was Danzō's one-man domain. Even the Hokage could not shift it.
Now Danzō had violated orders to deploy border patrols, and after losing men he wanted the Hokage to refill his ranks. He took Hiruzen for a fool.
"The deployments were finalized before your order."
"Danzō" flipped out a mission roll. It thumped across the desk, stamped and signed end to end.
"Everything is recorded. Take your time."
Bang.
Hiruzen slammed the desk.
"You filled those records yourself. What is there to check."
He stared at "Danzō" for a long time, then spat a final word.
"Get out."
"Danzō" said nothing more, thumped his cane, and limped out.
When the sound of the cane faded, Hiruzen beckoned to the shadows.
A Hyuga ninja stepped forth and knelt.
"Well."
Danzō's aberrations had stirred doubt, so Hiruzen had called this meeting as cover and set a Hyuga to observe with Byakugan.
"Chakra flows are normal, but the meridians at an old injury are congested. The wound seems to be worsening."
The Hyuga spoke from one knee.
"Could it be genjutsu."
"Almost certainly not. But blocked meridians can lead to mild personality shifts."
Hiruzen rubbed his forehead. The result was both relief and trouble. His friend was not under control.
The trouble was that Danzō truly seemed to have changed and was now cooperating with the Uchiha.
"What do we do now, Hiruzen."
The two counselors relaxed at the news, then asked how to respond to the Uchiha.
"Announce a special pardon for Uchiha Shun, citing the Police Force's service."
Hiruzen sagged back in his chair and waved them out.
When the counselors withdrew, a pair of scarlet eyes watched from the office shadows.