Bab 238: **Chapter 238: Danzo, Sarutobi Hiruzen’s Game!**
Danzo's face darkened as the ANBU operatives surrounded him.
"What's the meaning of this, Hiruzen?" he asked, a hint of unease creeping into his voice.
Sarutobi Hiruzen gestured for the ANBU to stand down. Once they vanished, he began speaking, recounting everything he knew about the incident.
Despite his doubts about how Reiki, a chuunin-level medical ninja, could defeat a jounin without harm, Asuma's account was clear. Although naive at times, Asuma wouldn't lie about something so serious.
"Kill a jounin without a scratch? Do you really think a chuunin medical ninja could pull that off?" Danzo sneered.
"I had my doubts as well," Sarutobi Hiruzen admitted, "but this is what Asuma witnessed. And Danzo, let me warn you—don't overextend your influence. You had no right to place someone so close to me." Hiruzen's expression hardened. This was a boundary Danzo had blatantly crossed.
"Now that you've found out, what do you intend to do?" Danzo said, dropping all pretense. Ji Gu had been his man, and he had placed him deliberately near the Hokage. If he'd been exposed, so be it. Would Hiruzen truly act against him? Could he?
This was Danzo's confidence: he had carried out countless covert operations for Hiruzen, many of which would harm Hiruzen's reputation if revealed. Danzo also believed in his own strength and the ability to reveal all these secrets if things went too far. He was certain Hiruzen wouldn't gamble on that.
"Do you think I won't take action?" Hiruzen's voice was low, his anger barely contained.
"I've stood beside you for decades. Since the day you became Hokage and I established the Root, have I done anything that threatened the village's well-being?" Danzo said calmly. "I stationed Ji Gu nearby simply to act in scenarios where I couldn't. He was never a threat to you." Danzo's demeanor conveyed the image of a man with no personal ambition, only loyalty.
Hiruzen's scowl softened slightly, recognizing Danzo had at least offered him an exit from this confrontation.
"Then tell me, why does Reiki have to die?" Hiruzen asked, turning back to his seat, his tone firm.
"Haven't you noticed? Ever since Reiki became Tsunade's disciple, we've faced one issue after another," Danzo replied. "He has ties to the Uchiha, the Hyuga, and other clans. He's positioned to influence Tsunade in all her dealings with them. If he remains, things will only get worse. He must be eliminated—unless, of course, you let me bring him into the Root Organization."
Danzo's argument was purely based on his suspicions. He had no hard evidence, only a conviction that Reiki's presence would lead to more conflicts in the future. The Root had always operated this way, and both he and Hiruzen knew it.
"Asuma witnessed everything and reported directly to me," Hiruzen said, exhaling slowly. "And Hyuga was involved, too, so of course Reiki was connected. If he returns and speaks to Tsunade, you know how serious this could become."
"Tsunade..." Danzo muttered, his annoyance clear. If Tsunade decided to escalate things, it would be a serious problem, given her reputation, Reiki's growing influence, and the deep resentment many held toward the Root. If the clans decided to side with Tsunade, not only he but the entire Root Organization could be endangered.
"I've already sent word for Tsunade to be assigned an urgent mission," Hiruzen said. "She should have left the village by now. Use this time wisely and handle the matter before she returns."
The Root Organization was a necessary evil, and for now, Hiruzen could not afford to remove Danzo entirely. His position, and the stability of the village, required Danzo's clandestine support.
"You have time then, Danzo. Ensure that those who might interfere are silenced."
Danzo's gaze hardened, a familiar gleam of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. Hiruzen, who had witnessed this behavior countless times over the years, could only sigh. While he disapproved of Danzo's methods, he knew they had often proven effective, sometimes even useful.
Reiki's case was delicate; Hiruzen recognized his potential and valued his strong connections with the major clans. For now, Hiruzen wanted to keep Reiki alive, both as an asset to Konoha and as a potential ally in turbulent times.
"I don't need to know the details," Hiruzen said finally, pulling his hat low over his eyes. "But within three days, I want this resolved. And under no circumstances is Reiki to be harmed."
This was Hiruzen's final ultimatum. If Danzo failed, the fallout could extend far beyond the Root Organization.
"I understand," Danzo said, nodding before taking his leave. He had no time to waste and would need to make quick arrangements. Meanwhile, he would also need to press Orochimaru to accelerate their shared projects. He intended to address this matter with decisive force.
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