Danzo had only lost all his subordinates, but the clan heads had lost their juniors and relatives.
The clan heads initially felt a moment of panic upon seeing Danzo, but then quickly remembered his forceful demands for personnel. They frowned and looked at the Third Hokage, hoping he would stand up for them.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's words freed the clan heads.
"Clan heads, Advisor Danzo and I have some matters to discuss. Please leave for now. I will seriously consider the matters you raised."
The clan heads departed.
Danzo sat on the sofa, first glanced at Yellow Dog, and said: "The matter of Sarutobi Kanenosuke, haven't you Sarutobi clan found any results from your internal investigation yet?"
Yōkō thought to himself, surely the Sarutobi clan wasn't actually investigating themselves over a name he made up on the spot.
They might as well investigate Sarutobi Yōkō; they might actually find something.
Yellow Dog answered first: "Advisor Danzo, I have carefully screened the Sarutobi clan ninja and found no information whatsoever about a Sarutobi Kanenosuke.
Perhaps this name was simply fabricated by the enemy to create internal conflict among us."
"Fabricated? Can one fabricate a name so easily, and casually use your Sarutobi clan's S-Class Forbidden Technique, the Five Elements Unrivalled Attack?" Danzo asked:
"What about the missing Sarutobi ninja from the war? Have they been excluded?
Sarutobi Kanenosuke's age is between 20 and 25. Sarutobi clansmen in this age range, the older ones might have even experienced the First Great Shinobi War.
Have the missing Sarutobi clansmen been investigated?"
Yellow Dog replied: "We considered that issue. There are at least 30 missing Sarutobi ninja in that age range. It's impossible to get any conclusive results from investigating them."
"Among those 30, how many had access to the Five Elements Unrivalled Attack? Is the scope that large? Are you unwilling to investigate, or have you found something and dare not say it?"
"Danzo!" Sarutobi Hiruzen interrupted Danzo's questioning, saying:
"The person wearing the white spiral mask absolutely cannot be from our Sarutobi clan.
If someone in the Sarutobi clan could master the forbidden technique Five Elements Unrivalled Attack, I would be doing my utmost to nurture them; how could I let them become a rogue ninja?
The leak of the Five Elements Unrivalled Attack was an incident of secret technique leakage.
I suspect it's more likely that Uchiha Madara obtained my secret technique and meticulously recreated it."
"Your brothers Sarutobi Hinotama and Sarutobi Hinoyuu, your nephew Sarutobi Enosuke, your son Yellow Dog – just these few people have learned the Five Elements Unrivalled Attack. Why not focus the investigation on them?"
"Enough! Danzo!" Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned:
"The matter of Sarutobi Kanenosuke ends here. Do not waste time on baseless talk."
Yōkō thought to himself, back when Shimura Sumi and Sarutobi Yutaka were killed by Fire Release, the Uchiha clan had to prove their innocence for a month before the higher-ups let it go.
This time, with Sarutobi Kanenosuke practically slapping them in the face, it's being brushed aside lightly.
"Let's talk about another, more important matter." Sarutobi Hiruzen said:
"The Anbu reports that intelligence has been severely lagging recently.
Danzo, given Root's current state, is it no longer able to ensure the operation of the spy system?"
Danzo glanced at Yellow Dog and asked: "What do you mean? Do you want the Anbu to take over the spy system?"
"To take over part of the spy system. Transfer the spy networks in two of the four great nations to the Anbu." Sarutobi Hiruzen said:
"Not contacting the spy handlers for a long time is extremely irresponsible towards those spies who have made great sacrifices."
"Impossible! Just give me one more month, and I can re-establish the spy system's connections!" Danzo said:
"In the past half month, I have already selected 12 civilian ninja for training in Root. If those shinobi clans who were just here give me 8 more people, I can organize a new Root training session.
In one month, Root can regain control of the spy network.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the spy system has been operating successfully in my hands for over a decade.
You don't think that with a simple statement about transferring the spy system to the Anbu, the Anbu can just take over, do you?
If handled improperly, the spies embedded in a country could be completely uprooted because of the Anbu!"
The spy system was one of Danzo's key sources of power. Taking away the spy system was equivalent to gouging out Danzo's eyes.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's attitude wavered slightly.
Yōkō thought to himself, Sarutobi Hiruzen was too weak; scared by a few words from Danzo, he didn't dare to strip away the spy system.
He and Yellow Dog exchanged a glance and nodded simultaneously.
Yōkō left the Hokage's office.
Both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo looked at Fox, wondering what order Yellow Dog had given him.
Soon, Black Ant and three Anbu ninja entered the Hokage's office.
Black Ant was confused, not knowing why Fox had relayed Deputy Chief Yellow Dog's order for his three subordinates to enter the Hokage's office.
When Danzo saw the three men's masks, his expression changed.
Yellow Dog said to the three: "Remove your masks and show your tongues!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had just been arguing with Danzo, didn't know what Yellow Dog was trying to do by staging this scene.
The three Anbu ninja simultaneously shifted their eyes, looking towards Danzo.
These small actions were completely obvious before Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Do as Yellow Dog says!"
Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's order, the three Anbu ninja quickly removed their masks and stuck out their tongues.
Their minds were racing, constantly thinking they must not expose Lord Danzo.
Yōkō stepped forward, formed hand signs, and used a sealing technique.
"Five Elements Unsealing!"
The three Anbu ninja were hit by Fox's sealing technique one after another, and the curse patterns of the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal appeared on their tongues!
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up abruptly.
Black Ant gasped and said: "You! How could you...!"
Yellow Dog and Fox exchanged a look. This was a critical moment in the power struggle with Danzo; they absolutely could not back down.
Yellow Dog said: "Lord Hokage! I have uncovered some important clues!
Root actually marked some of the newcomers sent to the Anbu with the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal!"
After stating the facts, Yellow Dog said nothing more.
He would let the Third Hokage draw his own conclusions.
Under his mask, Black Ant was dripping with cold sweat.
As the squad leader of the Hokage's direct squad, he hadn't even known that his own subordinates were Root agents.
For him, this was a serious dereliction of duty.
Black Ant's gaze swept towards Yellow Dog. Why hadn't the Deputy Chief discussed such a secret matter with him first?
If he had been allowed to apprehend these three himself, his culpability would have been much smaller.
Silence. The office was unusually quiet.
After a long time, Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "Danzo, you have gone too far! You must give me an explanation!"
Danzo had a prepared response: "I suspect there are traitors in the Anbu!
Root has suffered heavy blows repeatedly. Aside from Orochimaru, batch after batch have died.
Root ninja like Aburame Ryoma who made contact either died mysteriously or were forcefully killed by rogue ninja.
How many Root ninja souls rest solely on the head of Sarutobi Kanenosuke alone?
There must be a problem somewhere!
Someone knows Root very well and has grasped the movements of all Root members.
The only ones who could do this are the Anbu!
How can you expect me to trust the Anbu?"
Danzo then fixed his gaze on Yellow Dog: "Sarutobi Shinnosuke! I never expected you to grow so quickly!
Your skill in internal strife is probably the best among the younger generation, isn't it?
Don't you have anything to explain?"
Yellow Dog lowered his eyes beneath his mask.
At a time like this, he didn't need to explain. He only needed to present the facts.
The fact was, Danzo had planted agents within the Anbu, even within the Black Ant Squad, all to investigate his so-called traitor.
The Black Ant Squad were the Hokage's message runners, the Hokage's guard ninja, the squad the Hokage trusted most.
Seeing Yellow Dog so calm, Yōkō breathed a sigh of relief.
The old thief Danzo's intuition was still quite accurate.
Coincidentally, there really was a traitor in the Anbu.
Unfortunately, Fox was now the meritorious servant who had exposed Danzo's spies. Yellow Dog would never suspect him.
As for Danzo's claim that Yellow Dog was engaging in internal strife... that was also true.
Who wouldn't want to advance quickly?
Before Yellow Dog stood several advisors, plus Orochimaru, Hatake Sakumo, Tsunade, and others, all pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe.
Of course Yellow Dog wanted to overtake them on a curve. He had some ambitions for the position of Anbu Chief.
Sarutobi Hiruzen shouted: "Danzo! Don't change the subject! Don't talk about Yellow Dog engaging in internal strife!
If you suspect the Anbu, if the Anbu and Root truly cannot coexist, which one do you think should be abolished!"
Shimura Danzo unusually did not refute him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was truly angry this time.
He was willing to compromise because he wanted the behemoth that was Konoha to satisfy the needs of as many people as possible.
He often compromised, but that didn't mean he had no temper.
Planting spies right beside him – how could such a thing be tolerated?
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately made a decision:
"Danzo! Transfer the spy networks of two great nations to the Anbu!
Do not play tricks, do not betray those spies who have risked life and death, do not engage in any foul play regarding this matter!
I will inspect all the transfer reports!"
Danzo's eye bags twitched. He wanted to say something but ultimately had to swallow this bitter pill.
Seeing Danzo's expression, Yellow Dog felt immensely pleased.
The spy system and Root were the foundation of Danzo's power. Taking away half of the spy system was a huge blow to Danzo.
Yōkō thought to himself, perhaps he could use this opportunity to have Yakushi Nonō transferred.
If he could get Yakushi Nonō transferred, that would be excellent.
Little Seven's ranking might be lower, but she was still one of his lovers.
As a man, he should share his affections equally; how could he be heartless and ungrateful?
The Third Hokage continued: "Yellow Dog! From now on, the Anbu will assess the newcomers sent by Root, not only testing their strength but also assessing whether they possess the Will of Fire!"
The so-called assessment for the Will of Fire meant assessing loyalty, which meant checking for the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.
"I understand, Lord Hokage!" Yellow Dog said: "Lord Hokage, our Anbu can remove the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.
Fox is proficient in the Self-Cursing Body Binding Seal and the Five Elements Seal; he can undo this technique.
We can handle all the Root spies identified so far properly."
Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression softened slightly.
Yellow Dog's abilities were growing stronger and stronger, which pleased him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Danzo. Danzo's eyes were lowered. He knew Danzo well; this meant Danzo was unconvinced and plotting some countermove.
To persuade Danzo to concede completely, the Third Hokage remembered another matter. He said:
"Fox, go invite Squad Leader Rokaku."
Yōkō quickly left and went to the second floor to bring Nara Rokaku upstairs.
He wondered what Nara Rokaku could provide and why Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted him here now.
After Rokaku entered the office, he sat on the sofa opposite Danzo.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "Squad Leader Rokaku, please tell us about the situation you just discovered."
Nara Rokaku glanced around, sensing the tense atmosphere in the office but not knowing the reason for it. He said:
"The Anbu has been eliminating powerful ninja from enemy villages according to the Assassination Manual for the past few months.
The other major villages have caught on and are imitating the Konoha Anbu's methods, creating their own assassination target lists.
When Konoha ninja carry out missions in the Land of Grass, Land of Rivers, Land of Waves, etc., they have encountered assassinations by ninja of unknown identity.
When the first Jōnin was assassinated, I focused my investigation.
When the second Jōnin was assassinated, I confirmed that enemy villages also have assassination manuals.
The enemy villages will retaliate, and they will retaliate fiercely and proportionally.
I believe there is a problem with the current approach to assassination."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Danzo:
"Danzo, the pressure on both the Anbu and the Jōnin Commander is immense right now. I cannot sit by and let Konoha's spy system lie idle for months.
You say you can rebuild the spy system in a month, but both you and I know that is absolutely impossible.
Root's duties are complex and covert. For Root ninja to become fully familiar with their work takes at least three months, even half a year.
With the spy system idle and the Anbu's assassinations stalled, while the enemy gains strength, if we cannot mount a sufficiently intense response, the other villages' assassinations against us will only become more frenzied."
Faced with simultaneous pressure from Sarutobi Hiruzen and Nara Rokaku, Danzo had no choice but to compromise.
Danzo thought for a moment and said: "I will temporarily transfer the spy networks of the Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind to the Anbu."
Yellow Dog's heart leapt with joy. He finally controlled a spy network.
Temporary transfer?
Danzo was overthinking it. Once it was in his hands, and Yellow Dog controlled the spy handlers, the entire spy network would never leave his grasp again.
Everyone knew the importance of the spy system; it was Konoha's eyes.
If Uzushiogakure had had a mature spy system, they wouldn't have only discovered the Kiri and Kumo ninja when they were at the village gates.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. Good, Danzo had finally conceded.
Nara Rokaku continued: "Lord Hokage, I have another suggestion."
"Oh? Let's hear it."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was in a good mood and wondered what new idea Nara Rokaku had.
Nara Rokaku said: "Assassinations targeting enemy village Special Jōnin, Jōnin, and even Kage-level ninja are necessary.
However, the proportional retaliation provoked by the Anbu's assassination actions is problematic.
The price we pay is also not small. I believe we can adopt some other methods."
Yellow Dog felt a pang of nervousness. Everyone had to take Nara Rokaku's opinions seriously.
If Nara Rokaku said the Anbu had a problem, then the Anbu definitely had a problem.
Nara Rokaku continued:
"If Konoha kills a Jōnin from Kumogakure, Kumogakure will definitely try every means to assassinate one in return.
My point is, we can be more covert, make it so they don't know who carried out the assassination.
The Daimyō of various countries have established an Underground Bounty Exchange, using money to assassinate rogue ninja who don't obey their orders.
My idea is to combine the Assassination Manual cleanup with bounties from the Underground Bounty Exchange, interweaving the two methods.
If an enemy village's Jōnin dies, and the bounty is claimed posthumously at the Underground Bounty Exchange using covert methods, then the enemy village's retaliation won't be directed at Konoha.
This way, we can reduce the pressure of proportional retaliation."
"An excellent idea." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded repeatedly: "Squad Leader Rokaku, Yellow Dog, study this and come up with a plan."
Nara Rokaku acknowledged the order and stood to leave, but was called back by the Third Hokage.
In front of Nara Rokaku, Sarutobi Hiruzen said:
"Root has frequently suffered attacks, with heavy losses among its high-end combat power. Root's reconstruction cannot be completed in just two or three months.
The major shinobi clans have provided many talents to Root, at great sacrifice.
I have decided that during Root's reconstruction, it shall not recruit ninja from the shinobi clans for two years, to give the major clans a chance to breathe and recuperate!"
Nara Rokaku was stunned; this was truly good news.
He quickly looked at Advisor Danzo, wondering if Advisor Danzo would refute this.
***
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(End of Chapter)