Given the severity of the incident and the fact that the exam was nearing its end, the command post held a discussion and unanimously decided to conclude the exam, with everyone returning to the Hidden Leaf Village.
Soon, as the group made their way back to the village, the series of events surrounding the exam gradually began to spread.
In particular, the incident of Shinji's assassination attempt.
From noble clans to common folk, the village remained tight-lipped about the matter. But that didn't mean people didn't care—on the contrary, behind the eerie calm, countless eyes were fixed on the Hokage's office, silently awaiting how the Third Hokage would handle the situation!
Inside Koharu Utatane's office.
"That's roughly what happened!"
Shinji briefly recounted the events of the exam, glossing over both his team's overwhelming point lead over the second-place team and his unscathed defeat of Danzō's Root shinobi with just a sentence or two. He seemed entirely unbothered by Danzō's assassination attempt!
"Damn it, has Danzō lost his mind?"
Koharu was genuinely furious.
It wasn't that she cared deeply for Shinji, but Danzō's actions clearly showed he didn't take her seriously, trying to force her hand by acting first and reporting later.
After venting her anger, Koharu looked at Shinji. "What do you think about this?"
Shinji replied calmly, "This isn't the first time he's tried to kill me, and it probably won't be the last."
Shinji's composure left Koharu uncertain. She scrutinized his expression and said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you get justice!"
Shinji nodded and turned to leave.
Watching his retreating figure, Koharu furrowed her brow. "To appease Shinji, it seems we'll have to abandon Danzō!"
The three members of the advisory council were in a precarious position.
Though their status was high, they were aging, and the village had no shortage of prime-age powerhouses like Jiraiya and Tsunade, not to mention younger jōnin like Kakashi, Asuma, and Gai, who were steadily rising.
Moreover, with the risk of an Uchiha clan rebellion extinguished after their annihilation, the council's influence in the village was rapidly waning.
The advisory council's members shared honor and disgrace, so unless absolutely necessary, Koharu was reluctant to abandon Danzō.
But this time, Danzō had gone too far—and too foolishly.
If she stubbornly protected Danzō now, it wouldn't just implicate her but also push the hard-won Uchiha Shinji to the opposing side.
In the Hokage's office.
Jiraiya and Tsunade reported the details of the attack to the Third Hokage, saying, "Sensei, if we let Danzō continue acting recklessly, the village will lose its future!"
The Third, puffing on his pipe, remained silent, his face grim.
Seeing this, Tsunade stepped forward. "Sensei, Danzō's actions were witnessed by all the ninja academy students. If you keep shielding him, what will those kids think? This isn't just about Uchiha Shinji!"
Jiraiya echoed, "Old man, it's time to make a decision!"
The Third removed the pipe from his mouth. "So, what do you think I should do with Danzō?"
Tsunade said bluntly, "Strip him of his advisory council position, take him into custody, and disband Root entirely!"
The Third responded, "Danzō has done much for the village."
Jiraiya countered, "Orochimaru also did much for the village, but when he erred, didn't you personally deal with him, Sensei? Merits don't justify unchecked actions!"
The Third looked at his two prized disciples and sighed.
His bond with Danzō was genuine, but protecting him wasn't just about sentiment. He truly needed someone like Danzō to handle matters he couldn't address directly.
But Tsunade and Jiraiya had a point.
Danzō was spiraling out of control!
Privately deploying forces to assassinate a fellow village shinobi was no small crime, and with the incident blowing up so publicly, with the entire village watching and countless external eyes on them, the Third found himself unable to shield Danzō this time, even if he wanted to.
After all, compared to the village, Danzō was expendable.
After weighing his options, the Third declared, "Gather everyone. We're holding a high-level meeting now!"
As Shinji stepped out of the Hokage building, he looked up to see Anbu shinobi darting out, heading to various parts of the village.
"A high-level meeting, huh?"
Shinji muttered to himself, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Sure enough.
Moments later, under the Anbu's summons, the village's top brass gathered in the Hokage building for an emergency meeting chaired by the Third himself.
At the meeting, the Third directly revealed Danzō's unauthorized attack on Uchiha Shinji.
With undeniable evidence and captured operatives, Danzō had no room to deny it. He only sneered coldly, "These Uchiha remnants—shouldn't they be eradicated?"
"Danzo!" Koharu snapped angrily.
The other attendees kept their eyes down, knowing that since the Third had brought the matter to light, he had already decided its outcome. They just needed to wait for the verdict.
The Third spoke, "Danzō, as a member of the advisory council, you brazenly attacked a village shinobi, knowingly breaking the law. In the name of the Hokage, I hereby strip you of your advisory council position!"
Danzō's expression froze. "What did you say?"
The Third continued, "Effective immediately, Root is disbanded, its base sealed, and all Root shinobi are to report to the Anbu within a set time!"
Danzō gripped his cane tightly in anger.
Tsunade, still unsatisfied, stood and asked, "Sensei, Danzō's crime is attacking a fellow village shinobi. By regulation, he should be taken into custody!"
Before the Third could respond, Mitokado Homura interjected, "Danzō was, after all, a member of the advisory council. Imprisonment isn't necessary—let him reflect in seclusion."
With that, Homura glanced at Koharu.
Koharu nodded. "Yes, let him reflect in seclusion."
Homura and Koharu weren't defending Danzō—they were protecting themselves. If Danzō could be imprisoned, then they, as fellow advisory council members, could also be locked up for some misstep, which they couldn't tolerate.
Punishment stops short of the advisory council!
That was what they were safeguarding!
"Hmph, you'll regret this!"
Danzō let out a cold snort and stormed out of the meeting room, seething with resentment.
After Danzō left, the Third said, "Due to Danzō's removal from the advisory council, I propose that Jiraiya and Tsunade join the council to strengthen it!"
Koharu and Homura's faces changed instantly, and they exchanged glances.