Danzo Shimura was not only Sarutobi Hiruzen's close associate but also a shadowy partner in many of Konoha's darkest decisions. Together, they orchestrated operations that were hidden from the public eye, often crossing moral boundaries in the name of protecting the village. Because of this bond, no matter what evidence was presented, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never easily hand Danzo over.
"Since the authenticity of this evidence is still unverified…"
"Danzo cannot be judged a traitor just yet..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen declared with a calm but firm tone, masking his growing anxiety.
He silently praised himself for his quick thinking. If he could shield Danzo for now, he would surely find a way to rescue him later through bureaucratic maneuvering or legal pretext.
Hearing his response, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura quickly followed his lead.
"Yes! These so-called documents might be forged…"
"This proves nothing!"
"Hurry and release Danzo—he is still a village elder!"
Their panicked cries were like two parrots echoing each other, desperately grasping for control.
"Both of you, shut your mouths."
"You have no right to speak here."
Byakuya snapped, his voice cold and final.
Silenced instantly, the two elders dared not make another sound. Byakuya's strength had been on full display lately—even the Root forces had suffered overwhelming defeat. Provoking him now could easily mean death.
"Hmph… as expected of the Hokage…"
"How utterly shameless…"
Byakuya sneered at Hiruzen.
He had to admire, albeit with disgust, the old man's ability to lie through his teeth without flinching.
With the level of strength he now possessed, Byakuya could execute Danzo on the spot without resistance. But he held back—not because of hesitation, but to extract more negative energy from their fear and humiliation.
"Hokage-sama is absolutely right..."
"Since this evidence could be fake..."
"In that case..."
"Sealing Technique: Uchiha Suppression Barrier!"
Byakuya appeared before Danzo in a flash, clapped his hands together, and instantly sealed all chakra pathways in Danzo's body. A moment later, a glowing barrier surged up around Danzo like a crystalline cage.
"Byakuya, what are you doing!?"
Hiruzen shouted, his voice betraying panic.
He was terrified that Byakuya might kill Danzo without warning.
"Since the authenticity is still pending confirmation..."
"Then we'll keep Danzo sealed right here until it's verified."
"We wouldn't want to punish an innocent man, right?"
Byakuya said mockingly, his words sharp as blades.
"You dare imprison me in public!? This is humiliation! Release me immediately!"
Danzo roared, struggling in vain.
This was the main gate of Konoha. Being caged here was worse than death—it was a statement, a disgrace witnessed by everyone.
"What are you shouting for?... A traitor doesn't get to pick where he's detained."
Byakuya snapped coldly.
Then, ignoring Danzo entirely, he turned to his people.
"Uchiha clan, move out!"
"This is the village we have bled for. Let us return."
With that, he strode into Konoha, unbothered by Danzo's curses or Hiruzen's indecision.
"Sarutobi! Get me out of here!"
Danzo pleaded desperately as Hiruzen lingered.
But Hiruzen hesitated. He knew clearly—if he acted now, Byakuya would strike, and he no longer had the strength to resist him.
"…Stay calm, Danzo."
"I'll... find a way to get you out soon."
Hiruzen muttered without conviction and turned his back.
"No! Sarutobi, come back! Don't leave me like this!"
Danzo shouted after him, voice filled with desperation.
Seeing that Sarutobi Hiruzen could no longer be relied upon, Danzo Shimura turned his gaze toward Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
The two elders felt Danzo's eyes on them but quickly looked away, avoiding his plea for help.
Obviously, neither of them had any intention — or ability — to intervene on his behalf.
As the Hokage and the village leadership departed one by one, the surrounding ninjas also began to disperse.
No one had expected to witness such a scandalous scene today:
The elder of Konoha and leader of the Root organization, Danzo Shimura, bound and humiliated at the village gates like a criminal — no, like a spectacle.
Now, only Danzo remained, imprisoned and exposed.
"Damn it… damn that Uchiha Byakuya!" Danzo hissed through clenched teeth, his face twisted with fury.
First, Root had been annihilated by Byakuya. Now, he was reduced to this disgraceful state, watched and mocked by villagers like a caged animal.
He had never suffered such humiliation in his life. The fire of rage in Danzo's heart was already erupting like a volcano.
[You feel Danzo Shimura's fury — gained 3000 Negative Energy. Ninjutsu +300]
[You feel Danzo Shimura's hatred — gained 4000 Negative Energy. Taijutsu +400]
[You feel Danzo Shimura's humiliation — gained 5000 Negative Energy. Chakra +500]
[...]
Seeing the rapidly increasing stream of negative energy notifications, Byakuya couldn't help but smirk.
As expected, sparing Danzo had been the right choice.
If he had killed him outright, how could he harvest this much negativity?
But just as he stepped foot into the Uchiha district, Byakuya's smile vanished.
"…Damn it. What the hell happened here?"
The once-bustling streets of the Uchiha compound now stretched out before him — desolate, broken, eerily silent.
Shutters were closed, houses were crumbling or entirely gone.
A place once filled with life now felt like a ghost town.
The Uchiha clan members behind Byakuya also noticed the ruin, and their faces darkened.
"This… this was my house! Where did it go!?"
"My home is empty — the furniture, everything's gone!"
"What the hell happened while we were gone!?"
Before Byakuya left on his campaign, this street had been one of the liveliest parts of the village. Now, it was devastated.
Just then, a lone Uchiha clansman hurried toward them.
When he saw Byakuya, his expression lit up with disbelief and relief.
"Lord Byakuya!? Is it really you!?"
"You're back — thank the heavens! The Uchiha clan is saved!"
Byakuya stepped forward, his eyes sharp.
"What happened to the Uchiha district? Who did this?"
The clansman's face twisted with resentment as he answered:
"It was Fugaku. Uchiha Fugaku betrayed us all. Everything that happened… he's behind it."
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