Chapter 40: **Chapter 40: Tsunade Forces Danzo to Apologize**
In the stillness of the night, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in his office, quietly observing the village through his crystal ball. Startled by a sudden visitor, he looked up to find Tsunade striding in, her expression severe.
"Tsunade? What brings you here so late?" he asked, quickly stowing away his crystal ball.
Tsunade wasted no time. "Reiki, show Sandaime-sama what you found," she commanded.
Reiki stepped forward, reaching out to Sarutobi's forehead to pass along the memory he'd extracted from the Root operative. As the images flowed into Sarutobi's mind, his expression turned dark. What struck him as remarkable, however, was Reiki's method of memory extraction. Such a technique could revolutionize intelligence gathering and interrogation, allowing Konoha to deal with hidden spies and uncover secret communications with ease.
But Tsunade interrupted his thoughts. "I need an explanation, Hiruzen," she said, her tone icy. "If this isn't resolved, I won't stay in the village. If Danzo's targeting Reiki now, he won't stop. I can't always be there to protect him."
Sarutobi looked at her, serious. "Tsunade, I understand. You have my word that Danzo will answer for this. But Reiki… can he use this technique regularly?"
Reiki nodded, his eyes bright. "It uses a lot of chakra, but I can manage it."
"Excellent," Sarutobi replied. "Tsunade, I will address this with Danzo. In the meantime, may I have Reiki assist our interrogation department? His skill could be invaluable."
Tsunade remained wary. "Talk to Reiki. If he agrees, that's his choice. I only want a resolution here, nothing less."
Sarutobi summoned his personal guard, instructing him to escort Reiki to the interrogation department and to meet all of Reiki's needs. With a nod of understanding, the guard led Reiki out, leaving Sarutobi to confront Danzo. Moments later, Danzo arrived.
"Lord Hokage," Danzo greeted him, casting a brief look toward Tsunade before focusing on Sarutobi.
"Danzo," Sarutobi's tone was cold as he gestured toward the fallen Root member. "I think you recognize this person."
Danzo glanced at the body, his face unreadable. "He's one of ours, yes. What happened to him?"
"You sent him to spy on Tsunade," Sarutobi said. "The goal was to find an opportunity to abduct Reiki while Tsunade was away. He confessed everything."
Danzo's calm demeanor cracked slightly. *How could this be possible? The curse mark should have prevented any confessions.* He realized that Sarutobi must be bluffing but was baffled by how Hiruzen could have gotten such details.
Sarutobi's voice grew stern. "I need you to give Tsunade a proper explanation and make amends, Danzo."
Danzo considered his options. He realized Tsunade must have uncovered undeniable evidence, perhaps even offering Hiruzen something valuable in return for this firm support. He bowed slightly and said, "I apologize, Tsunade. My intentions were not malicious. Reiki's abilities are remarkable, and I only hoped to nurture his talents. I understand, however, that I overstepped my bounds."
Tsunade's glare was unwavering. "Save your apologies, Danzo. If you come after Reiki again, you'll become my enemy—one I won't hesitate to destroy."
With that, she turned on her heel, adding one last warning as she left, "And remember, I may not have your title, but my influence here rivals yours."
Her words left a tense silence in the room. Sarutobi couldn't help but frown, sensing that Tsunade's ultimatum extended even to him. This had gone beyond Danzo; Konoha was fracturing from within, and he had to find a way to heal these growing rifts.
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