Danzo Shimura's pupils contracted sharply at Ryuji's words. He stared at the boy, a mix of surprise and anger evident in his gaze.
[Ding dong. Shimura Danzo's favorability has dropped by five points! Current level: fifteen points. Warning: Extremely dangerous!]
"Boy, what exactly are you implying?" Danzo asked, his tone laced with a clear threat.
Ryuji offered a faint smirk, dripping with mockery, which sent a wave of unease through Danzo.
That experiment... It touched on two highly restricted areas.
First, the use of real people as experimental subjects. Orochimaru had been hunted and exiled from Konoha precisely for conducting such practices, and if it was discovered that Danzo had also been involved—not just involved, but one of the key figures—his fate would be no better than Orochimaru's. Even with Sarutobi Hiruzen's influence, it would be impossible to shield Danzo from the consequences.
Second, the use of Senju Hashirama's cells. Hashirama wasn't just the First Hokage; he was the founder of Konoha and a figure of absolute reverence among ninjas. If it came to light that Danzo had desecrated Hashirama's corpse for his experiments, he would face the wrath not only of Tsunade, Hashirama's granddaughter, but also of the remaining members of the Senju clan, who would never forgive him.
Danzo would have nowhere to hide if these secrets reached the village's ears.
"What are you trying to say? Do you want us to discuss this topic in front of everyone here?"
Danzo's face twisted with anger and anxiety as he lunged at Ryuji with murderous intent. Ryuji's body reacted instantly, a chill running down his spine, but he showed no signs of panic.
He knew Danzo couldn't act recklessly in front of so many witnesses. Besides, Ryuji could manipulate the elder's emotions through the system, giving him the edge to keep Danzo under pressure.
However, Danzo was nearing his breaking point. If he resorted to the Four Elephant Seal technique, everyone present would perish.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned as he sensed the growing tension in the room. Although Danzo nominally belonged to Anbu, the Root faction he controlled was entirely beyond the Hokage's authority.
Hiruzen, despite his awareness of many things, couldn't let this conflict escalate further. He decided to step in.
"Danzo, we are all here for Konoha's well-being. There's no point in continuing this argument. Let's calm down and resolve this reasonably."
Ryuji let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Shut up! We'll deal with your issues later. Right now, I'm talking with Danzo-sama about the human experiments."
Hiruzen was taken aback. As Hokage, he wasn't accustomed to anyone in the village addressing him with such blatant disrespect.
[Ding dong. Sarutobi Hiruzen's favorability has dropped by one point! Current level: thirty-nine points. Warning: Growing tension!]
Danzo's face turned pale. He hesitated for a long moment before speaking coldly.
"Are you referring to Orochimaru's human experiments? What does that have to do with me?"
"Exactly! I'm talking about that experiment. And as it happens, I was one of the test subjects."
Ryuji's smile widened. His intent was clear: to expose Danzo while simultaneously crafting an identity that justified his presence and abilities.
"By the way, I never said you were involved, Danzo-sama. You're the one who seems to be implicating yourself."
Danzo's heart sank. His reaction had been too obvious, and now everyone present was looking at him with suspicion.
Hiashi Hyuga, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward with a serious expression.
"Danzo, what connection do you have with Orochimaru's experiments? I suggest you explain yourself clearly."
Hiashi had always distrusted Danzo, and now he saw the perfect opportunity to apply pressure.
Danzo's face was drenched in cold sweat as he desperately searched for a way out. He knew it was too late to escape the situation completely. The only thing he could do now was minimize the damage it might cause him.
"Boy, what do you mean?" Danzo exclaimed, and without warning, he struck toward Ryuji with clear murderous intent. Before the blow could land, Hiashi Hyuga intervened just in time, deflecting the attack.
"Danzo! What are you trying to hide?" Hiashi confronted him coldly, exuding the authority of a Hyuga clan leader.
Danzo's face darkened further, his eyes throwing daggers at Ryuji as if he wanted to devour him alive.
Ryuji, wearing a confident smile, gazed at him with disdain. "It seems your memory isn't what it used to be, Danzo. Let me refresh it for you... The cells of the First Hokage!"
The air seemed to freeze at that moment. Murmurs spread among those present, and angry stares began to turn toward Danzo.
"How dare you, Danzo!"
"You desecrated the First Hokage's body! That is an unforgivable crime!"
Danzo trembled as if struck by lightning. His legs wavered, and he nearly lost his balance. The weight of the situation was evident in his expression of despair.
He knew he had lost.
The worst part wasn't being defeated by Hiruzen, his companion of decades, nor by a ninja of Orochimaru's caliber. No, his downfall had come at the hands of an unknown young man, a mere "nobody" named Ryuji.
Hiruzen, watching the chaos unfold, frowned deeply, his face a mix of anger and frustration.
"Danzo! How dare you toy with the legacy of the First Hokage? Your crime is unforgivable! From this day forward, you are under house arrest. If you dare to leave your home without permission, you will be treated as a traitor to the village."
Hiruzen's tone, though firm, softened slightly as he addressed the rest of those present:
"The First Hokage represents the foundation of our village. No one has the right to tarnish his legacy or bring chaos to Konoha. Let me make it clear—if anyone spreads word of this and endangers our peace, they will be treated as a traitor. As for you, Ryuji, I will officially restore your identity. I apologize for the misunderstandings."
Danzo exhaled in relief. Despite the humiliation, his life had been spared. Although house arrest was a light punishment, he knew his allies within the village would gradually abandon him.
The atmosphere grew even tenser. Many present frowned at Hiruzen's words, recognizing that he was trying to shield Danzo rather than truly punish him.
Ryuji, however, was satisfied. Everything had gone according to plan. His objectives were clear: secure a legitimate identity, humiliate Danzo, and send a message about who not to cross.
Danzo, still wearing a grim expression, approached Ryuji, leaning in close enough to whisper in his ear:
"Boy, is there any point in dragging this conflict to the bitter end? It benefits neither of us. What are you after with all of this?"
Ryuji, his expression calm as ever, responded in a tone that sent a chill down Danzo's spine:
"It's simple, Danzo... I'm someone you can't afford to mess with."
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