Danzo had already become the target of public outrage.
If the situation continued to escalate, it would inevitably affect the Hokage himself.
Naturally, the Third Hokage couldn't allow the situation to continue.
He believed Sakumo was smart enough—since he had voluntarily resigned and stepped back, he would also stop his subtle manipulation of public opinion.
And if he didn't stop, then he would be made to stop.
Of course, by then, Sakumo wouldn't be smiling so calmly anymore.
Hearing this, Danzo exploded in anger. He glared at the Third Hokage and said furiously, "Hiruzen! You agreed to deal with White Fang—you were involved too! Everything I did was for you! And now you're blaming me instead? You're even stripping me of my position?"
Wasn't this just crossing the river and demolishing the bridge behind him?
So he helped Hiruzen, and now he had to take the fall alone?
What did that make him?
Hiruzen's personal scapegoat?
As for those clan talents—wasn't he gathering them to strengthen Root?
Why had he created Root in the first place?
Wasn't it all for the village? For Hiruzen?
If not for him—if not for Root—handling all those unsavory matters behind the scenes over the years…
Would Hiruzen have been able to sit so securely as Hokage?
Would Konoha even be what it was today?
Seeing his reaction, the Third Hokage instead calmed down. He looked at Danzo indifferently and said, "In any case, the matter of White Fang ends here. Ten minutes ago, he voluntarily resigned as the head of ANBU. He is no longer a threat to the Hokage position."
"As for whether everything you've done was truly for me—you know that best yourself."
"I never told you to threaten the clans or take their talents by force."
"Your Root has long exceeded the limits I allowed. I chose not to say anything before, hoping you would exercise restraint. But now the clans have come directly to me with complaints—do you still intend to refuse to release them?"
"Do you know how terrible your reputation has become in the village these past few days? If I don't punish you symbolically, how am I supposed to satisfy the people? How am I supposed to calm the clans?"
All of that was nothing but excuses.
In truth, the Third Hokage had long felt that Danzo and his Root were becoming increasingly uncontrollable.
This incident provided the perfect opportunity to remove Danzo from his position and weaken Root.
In doing so, he could satisfy the clans, placate Sakumo, weaken Danzo's power and influence, and further solidify his own authority.
A perfect outcome in every sense.
Of course, it meant Danzo would have to bear some of the cost.
But in the Third Hokage's view, that was perfectly acceptable.
"You…!"
Danzo's eyes turned bloodshot as he stared at the Third Hokage.
From the determination in Hiruzen's gaze, he understood—this decision was final.
A so-called explanation to the clans?
More like an excuse to suppress him.
So my recent actions have finally crossed his bottom line… He's been waiting for this moment to strike me down.
Could it be that the reversal of public opinion was also your doing, Hiruzen?
Danzo sneered inwardly.
He felt completely betrayed.
He admitted he had miscalculated this time—he had underestimated the Third Hokage's cunning.
He had always thought Hiruzen lacked decisiveness, even saw him as somewhat weak.
Now it seemed that was all an act.
A façade.
In reality, Hiruzen was ten times more calculating and ruthless than he was.
I'll remember this lesson.
Danzo suppressed his fury, then looked at the Third Hokage with a cold expression. "Hiruzen… you'll regret this."
With that, he turned to leave.
Halfway out, he stopped and said without turning back, "The people will be returned. I'll also relinquish my authority as your advisor. Congratulations."
Then he pushed the door open and walked out swiftly.
This time, the Third Hokage had won.
Completely.
Only Danzo had lost—and lost thoroughly.
A world where only Danzo was injured had come into existence, but he had no intention of accepting it.
Next time… next time I won't lose again.
Walking back, Danzo's face remained cold and unapproachable, but his mind was racing.
For now, I can only lie low.
I must learn from this lesson and continue to build strength. But I can no longer underestimate Hiruzen. I'll have to be even more cautious from now on.
He swore that next time, he would not fail.
…
At the Yamanaka clan compound—
"I think you were too impulsive this time, Inoichi. You shouldn't have taken the lead. You've probably offended both the Hokage and Danzo."
Nara Shikaku said with a frown as he sipped his drink.
Yamanaka Inoichi shook his head helplessly, then spoke seriously, "I had to step forward this time. You know what happened to Yamanaka Fū. And not just him—many talented individuals were taken by Danzo under threats, and there's been no news of them ever since."
"If this continues, how will our clan develop? We might not even be able to preserve our clan's secret techniques."
"So even if this decision was somewhat impulsive, I don't regret it."
As the new head of the Yamanaka clan, there were things he had to do—and things he couldn't avoid.
At this moment, Akimichi Chōza waved his hand dismissively. "I don't think it's a big deal. This situation involves so many clans. The Third Hokage wouldn't dare target the Yamanaka clan over this. As for Danzo—he can barely protect himself right now."
"Besides, the Ino-Shika-Chō have always stood together. If something happens, we face it together. Even if the Hokage and Danzo are dissatisfied, they'll have to think carefully before acting."
He had long been displeased with Danzo.
He wasn't exactly satisfied with many of the Third Hokage's actions either.
It was just that he was usually too laid-back to get involved.
But that didn't mean he—or the Akimichi clan—were afraid of trouble.
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