Do you know what happens when the village's top powerhouses get caught doing scientific experiments by kidnapping villagers?
Two things. One, either the whole village riots on getting to know an of the incident shaking the foundation of the existing structure of power leaving the government extremely weak and passive or in entirely new hands. OR, A high level meeting is called for select few of the 1% and favors silence the voices of the lost. Like this one.
Every major clan's and many mediocre clan's heads sat around a round table glaring at Danzo. That was the other purpose of calling the Uchiha. So that the Hokage couldn't sweep it under the rug as he had a tendency to do so.
I was here as a curtesy and involved party. Because every other clan here had at least one Jonin. Even the medium ones. I felt kinda small and insignificant in terms of combat power. But hey, at least I was here.
Since the meeting is called I'm assuming Hiruzen will focus on damage control. While the clans will show outrage for more favors. Their research hadn't gotten brazen enough to hit the core in any clan. Only periphery and branch members. It would be a grim calculus. But for the long-term good of the clan. It was necessary.
Hiruzen began with one of his long and tedious speeches. About the will of Fire and 'accidentally' going too far. For a while, the heads stayed silent. But as his forgiveness part dragged on. Uchiha Fugaku stood up. "Pardon me, Lord Third, but it feels as if you're telling us to forgive and forget the fact that one of your most trusted advisors broke the 5-Kage Accord and kidnapped, tortured, and murdered our children, all so that he could steal the powers of our clan's Kekkei Genkai through inhumane experiments."
Whoa, starting with the big guns, are we? His old man sat behind him. It appears this debate is going to be Fugaku's proving ground before he becomes the Clan head.
The Hokage stopped. His eye twitched at the interruption. But he could not answer back. He was in a passive position.
"While admitting that Danzo might have gone a bit too far this time, at heart, he had the best interests of the village."
He wanted to say more, but Fugaku cut him off with an enraged scream.
"A bit too far! A bit too far, Lord Hokage? Kidnapping fellow Shinobi, forced human experiments, killing fellow Shinobi, and trying to steal our Kekkei Genkai. All are crimes punishable by death. And death is what he shall receive."
This was gonna be a long one. For I knew for a fact that Hiruzen won't let Danzo die. Even if it makes sense. And he will pay for it. For the clans know it. And this makes Danzo more valuable to them alive. I just hope Danzo pays dearly enough to cripple his power for a while.
He won't go down easy, I know. But this incident had violated the fundamental principle of politics - Interests. Reputation, Money, military command power, everything comes and goes. But researching Kekkei Genkai harmed the foundational interests of all major clans present. This time, Hiruzen will have no friends, and he'll have no allies.
The room felt like a pressure cooker. The walls of the Council Chamber had witnessed wars, coronations, betrayals—
Fugaku's accusation still hung in the air like a blade pressed against a throat.
Hiruzen inhaled deeply. "While Danzo's actions were—"
Hyuga Hiashi rose, silencing him.
"With respect, Hokage-sama… you cannot claim ignorance."
His lavender eyes sharpened like Byakugan focused through anger.
"Root operatives have been seen in our districts. Children have disappeared from the Hyuga branch families. You did not stop it."
His words struck harder because they were facts. Uchiha wanted a Hokage of their own. Discrediting the current one not only harms him but also all those he might recommend.
Hiruzen tried to respond— but another voice cut him down.
Shikaku Nara didn't bother standing. There were no Naras or Chozas there. But there were Yamanakas. The three supported the Hokage. But they supported each other first.
"If the Hokage admitted oversight, the entire clan system loses faith in his judgment. If he denies it, he insults our intelligence."
A complete checkmate phrased like a lazy observation.
The Akimichi Head, fists like boulders resting on the table, snarled:
"Our children march to war so this village may eat! Yet the Hokage allows a councilor to feed on his own allies like a parasite! What do you call that—leadership?!"
Even the air froze.
Finally, Danzo spoke.
"You all whine of ethics while you feast on security that I provide." His voice was low, cold.
"I did what was necessary. And I would do so again."
Uchiha sparks lit like gunpowder.
Fugaku stepped closer, voice chillingly calm: "Say it louder. The Yamanaka are taking notes."
Danzo's single eye narrowed.
"Because I assure you, the ones who died and whose eyes you kept in bottles, do not feel safe at all."
The Yamanaka continued.
"We have already read the minds of several Root operatives."He placed scrolls on the table.
"They confirm orders. They confirm deaths. They confirm intent."
Danzo scoffed. "Mind manipulation—hardly reliable—"
Inoichi leaned forward, tone deadly soft: "You are welcome to let me dive into yours, Shimura."
Danzo paled for the first time. Apparently, the weak Yamanaka was somewhat close to the head. So they were out for vengeance.
The Hyuga were Neutral as ever. I would think that as a newly appointed head, Hyuga Hiashi would want to make an impression. But beyond initial condemnation. Nothing. They along with Aburame and Inuzuka just sat back and relaxed. They had no people there. They'll get no compensation. Why make needless enemies in the Hokage faction.
I knew I was here as a courtesy. But I couldn't stop myself.
"Lord Third. With all due respect. I made those paralysis tags for Konoha's enemies. I did not know that all of us here are counted among them."
The rest of the clans joined in.
The Hokage glared, but said nothing. Why was I antagonizing him, you ask? Well, knowing Danzo, our mutual understanding will not last much longer anyway. At least this way, I might find allies.
Orochimaru still sat unbothered. It grated on my nerves, but there was nothing I or anyone could do about it. He had worn a mask, so mind-reading was useless. Danzo's evidence and papers were useless, as by inducing the discovery of the framing materials on himself. He had effectively discredited anything Danzo could produce. Many knew, but they could not say. Besides, attacking a Sanin along with Danzo was too troublesome. So, by tacit agreement. Everyone left him alone.