Chapter 148: Chapter 148
Impeach the Hokage?
Kaito's words left everyone present dumbfounded because nothing of the sort had ever happened in Konoha's history.
But soon, everyone felt this was only natural. If you aren't planning a coup, then the only way to overthrow Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule would indeed be through impeachment!
Impeach the Hokage, is this truly a feasible strategy?
No one could answer this question, because there was truly no precedent!
Not even to mention the Hokage, there was barely a precedent for impeaching a department head.
It's not that it can't be done, but this is an incredibly troublesome matter, with an equally complex procedure to follow.
The difficulty of impeaching the Hokage need not even be considered, such a level of difficulty might just drive a person to despair.
What kind of confidence does this Uchiha Kaito have to complete such a task, has he obtained some evidence that assures him he can achieve this?
"Also, he said the Third Hokage is not a qualified Hokage, what exactly did the Third Hokage do?"
All the Konoha ninjas pondered secretly. At this moment, they all paused their actions, quietly watching Kaito and others.
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face also became strange and hard to look at, he did not expect Kaito to adopt the method of impeachment.
This method was something he hadn't anticipated, and it also completely contradicted his understanding of the Uchiha clan's actions.
Weren't the Uchiha people the kind to draw their swords against each other without hesitation once dissatisfaction arose?
While Uchiha Kaito was a bit of an outlier, as the clan leader shouldn't he take into account the views of his clansmen?
Or is it that Uchiha Kaito's prestige within the clan has grown to unimaginable proportions?
Regardless, neither of these was something to be pleased about for Hiruzen. He was one hundred percent sure that today's events were Kaito's conspiracy!
Kakashi siding with Kaito could very well be because of that damned Sharingan, and that Kaito might really have obtained some information.
Because strictly speaking, Sakumo Hatake's death, is indeed akin to Danzo's methods against the Uchiha.
Did this cunning Kaito pick up on a pattern, and manage to persuade Kakashi to investigate?
Especially considering this guy, he has the Mangekyou Sharingan!
Possessing the Mangekyou Sharingan means having the ability to leave subtle hints and trigger dangerous subconscious thoughts in others unknowingly.
Kakashi likely did get the evidence he wanted, otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken to me in such a manner previously.
Now, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no other choice but to take a more proactive approach, trying to find a way to turn things around.
"Impeaching the Hokage, you think you can just impeach whoever you like, Uchiha Kaito?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi glared at Kaito, stretching out his finger and pointing at Kaito as he spoke out loudly.
"Even though you're the head of the Security Department, you're just one person. To impeach me, you need more than just yourself!"
"What if it's not just me?"
Kaito calmly looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, and at this moment, a slight smile appeared on his face.
"Hokage-sama, don't be overly confident about certain things."
"I second the motion, Hokage-sama."
At this moment, Hyuga Hiashi stepped forward, raising his hand calmly and indifferently towards Hiruzen.
While Hiruzen was prepared, the moment Hiashi stepped forward, his face turned sour.
He knew very well of Hiashi's resentment towards him. Otherwise, Hiashi wouldn't have been the first to send his people into the Security Department, which was clear opposition.
However, just having the Uchiha and Hyuga, Hiruzen was still relatively calm.
"We second the motion, Hokage-sama."
However, the next moment, when Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi stepped forward and raised their hands, his face began to turn sour.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio was not to be trifled with. The influence of these three families in Konoha was immense.
Even individually, these clans were remarkable entities. Even if their power wasn't extraordinary, their connections were beyond imagination.
"We also second the motion, Hokage-sama."
Yet, what made Hiruzen's face turn paler was when the leaders of the Aburame and Inuzuka clans also stepped forward!
He incredulously looked at the two before him, especially at Shibi Aburame, causing his lips to twitch slightly.
The Aburame clan was a very low-key but immensely powerful family in Konoha.
Shibi Aburame's strength was a puzzling presence that one wouldn't dare underestimate, especially his mastery in insect control, unmatched in the ninja world!
However, this clan was too low-key, often overlooked.
Regardless of who it was, having an Aburame clan member by one's side was a source of absolute trust and comfort.
This was the unique characteristic of the Aburame clan, deeply ingrained in people's hearts!
In Hiruzen's mind, the importance of the Aburame clan was irrefutable and irreplaceable, regardless of their low profile and silence.
Now, when even such a silent and low-key clan like the Aburame clan stepped forward, the shock in Hiruzen's heart was, naturally, immense!
He truly didn't know why, why even the Aburame clan was opposing him.
Kaito was unaware of the high regard Hiruzen held for the Aburame clan. He didn't realize that he'd stumbled upon a treasure.
The other Konoha ninjas, watching seven major clans stand together, were equally as shaken as Hiruzen Sarutobi.
They had never dreamt that they would witness such a thing today, something so unsettling.
They knew very well, if these seven clans united, a storm was likely coming to Konoha!
Kaito calmly looked at the somewhat dazed Hiruzen and spoke again.
"I believe the number of people seeking impeachment should be enough now. Seven clan leaders, many of whom are heads of divisions and departments, are united against you.
Hokage-sama, have you ever wondered what you've done wrong?"
"What are you trying to do, incite civil unrest in Konoha?"
However, before Hiruzen could speak, Koharu angrily interjected, which caused Kaito to slightly furrow his brow.
"Do you show any respect for the Hokage at all? Do you still act like Konoha ninjas?
Look at what you're doing, you're only weakening Konoha. Are you waiting for other villages to wage war on us again?"
...
Koharu's voice was loud, and her words powerful, but neither she nor Homura Mitokado beside her could keep their composure.
Tonight, they had noticed the signal flare shining in the sky, immediately realizing something was amiss.
Especially after Kaito's previous attacks, they dared not let their guard down.
Thus, they immediately gathered their clan ninjas and deployed available personnel from the Anbu.
They had prepared thoroughly, but what they had not expected was, they were facing something even more terrifying than an attack from Uchiha Kaito!
Impeaching a Kage, this was something that had never happened in the history of Konoha, or the entire ninja world.
Kaito's words were shocking, but they had to admit, this political coercion left them at a loss.
Especially, the combined offensive from Konoha's two bloodline limit clans and five secret technique clans, no one could withstand such pressure!
However, they were smart people. Looking at the ground covered in Wood Release and Kakashi tied up by trees, they knew impeachment absolutely could not be allowed!
If this were permitted, it would set a precedent, and based on their understanding of Shikaku Nara, he would never do something without certainty of success.
Therefore, they had to find a reason, one that everyone would accept, to prevent this from happening.
Koharu was undoubtedly quick-witted, thinking instantly to use the prospect of war as an excuse.
Suddenly impeaching the Hokage could likely cause all sorts of trouble, potentially even leading to war.
However, the unfortunate thing was, she was facing the seven major clans, who had planned for a long time. How could they possibly abandon their plan due to her words?
"War is indeed terrifying, but what's even more terrifying is the wrong person leading Konoha, or even leading a war!"
Kaito looked at Koharu, his tone calm yet unmistakable.
"I acknowledge that Hokage-sama did once lead Konoha to its glory days, but do not forget what happened during the Third War, and do not forget why the Hokage once resigned!"
Kaito's words left Koharu speechless. Hiruzen had indeed lost his position as Hokage because the losses of the Third War were too great.
And he abandoned nearly all benefits that Konoha should have obtained, thus bearing immense public pressure!
Although the Third War has been over for many years, the ninjas present still remember that despairing war. They also remember that Konoha lost so much and gained nothing.
Looking at the seven clan leaders standing at the forefront of the crowd, the ninjas of Konoha had already started leaning towards a consensus.
Or rather, the moment these seven stood together to impeach the Hokage, these ninjas' hearts had already tilted.
"Shikaku, Shibi, why are you doing this?"
Seeing that the excuse of war wasn't going to work, Homura Mitokado turned his gaze to Shikaku Nara and Shibi Aburame.
"Don't you know the cost of doing this?
Don't you know what the consequences will be?
Why are you joining this Uchiha boy's madness?"
"This is our decision, Elder Mitokado."
Shikaku Nara sighed slightly, then spoke calmly.
"This is a decision made by all seven clans together, because the Hokage has indeed failed his duties."
"Did you really not prepare for this, Elder?"
Just as Shikaku finished speaking, Shibi Aburame opened his mouth. Even through the sunglasses, Homura could feel the chilling gaze.
"You should not forget Kimimaro, nor should you forget Torune."
Shibi Aburame only said two names, but it made Hiruzen and the others immediately understand his meaning.
Kimimaro and Torune were both forcibly taken by Danzo and made to join the Root.
What joining the Root means, perhaps others might not know, but how could they not know, and how could these clan leaders not know?
After saying this, Shibi Aburame slightly closed his eyes. His silence and reticence were not due to cruelty.
They were just not good at talking. The love for their clan and family has never faded.
Seeing their brothers, their children, taken away by Danzo, never to see them again, that pain is still unforgettable!
This was also a significant reason he was willing to support Kaito, to support the impeachment of the Hokage.
The Aburame clan were not slaves to anyone, he just hoped that the children of the clan could choose their future freely as they grew up.
Rather than being taken away from a young age, shackled like a dog with a curse mark, even if they knew they were alive, they could only treat them as if they were dead.
This contradicts the Will of Fire, this is not for Konoha, this is not the Will of Fire, this is for their own selves!
At this moment, Hiruzen and his two compatriots were compelled into a disquieting silence, especially as they noticed the curious gazes of the surrounding Konoha ninjas.
They knew that tonight's events would not be easily resolved.
"Ah."
After a long time, Hiruzen let out a deep sigh, his gaze slightly desolate as he looked at Kaito, at these seven clan leaders.
"You want to impeach me, you must certainly have enough reasons. I'm curious what great sins I've committed that could make you seven so unified."
"Hiruzen!"
Hearing Hiruzen's words, Koharu and Homura Mitokado's faces changed, but Homura was particularly calm at this moment.
He grabbed Koharu and then signaled something with his gaze. Koharu was stunned for a moment, and then her face turned somewhat pale.
After a while, she nodded seriously and then silently moved back.
Kaito noticed his little movement and gave a slight signal to Fugaku Uchiha beside him.
Fugaku nodded lightly, then also silently moved back and blended into the crowd.
Kaito looked at Hiruzen and then slowly began to speak, "Hokage-sama, firstly I do not deny that you are a Hokage who has brought glory to Konoha.
But time changes everything, and you, Hokage-sama, have also changed."
....
Time has always been the easiest thing to change a person. Naturally, Hiruzen could not escape this rule.
Kaito had no intention of defending Hiruzen. He simply aimed to state the facts as they were—as much as possible.
Hiruzen's dark secrets were too numerous. Kaito didn't need to invent anything to make him uneasy—it was enough as it was.
Even though many things in this, from Hiruzen's point of view, were right.
But since it is impeachment, it is not just about what he thinks is right or wrong, it is for everyone to make this judgment!
Kaito calmly looked at Hiruzen and spoke in a deep voice, "Third Hokage, you have unknowingly changed beyond recognition, you have unknowingly come to oppose everyone!"
Hiruzen did not speak, but quietly looked at Kaito, his fists clenched slightly, showing his inner dissatisfaction.
But in the end, he let go. He gently closed his eyes, as if indicating for Kaito to continue.
"Nobody wanted it to come to this, but for Konoha, we had to make a choice."
Kaito naturally had no intention of stopping, even though it would be better if the seven clans were together in this.
But the situation now was clearly his own stage, and he himself had similar experiences.
Though it was not a pleasant memory for Fugaku Uchiha, it was the reality.
"The first reason for our impeachment, Hokage-sama, is that your current position does not comply with the rule of law.
After the unexpected death of the Fourth, it was acceptable that you temporarily took up the role of Hokage due to various reasons. But this is not an excuse for you to permanently occupy the position!
Nine years have passed since the Fourth's death. Are you telling me that in nine years, a village as large as Konoha can't select a suitable Fifth Hokage?
Or is it that you simply don't trust the villagers of Konoha and only trust yourself?
Or perhaps, you're simply greedy for the full authority of the Hokage and want to monopolize this position?
Of course, perhaps Hokage-sama indeed wanted to select a suitable successor, but this successor could only be someone who would inherit your will, isn't that right?"
Kaito's voice, though not loud, still reached the ears of everyone present due to the effect of his chakra.
His first accusation was already quite severe, and this kind of charge made the Konoha ninjas who were watching whisper among themselves.
Indeed, Hiruzen has been monopolizing the position of Hokage since the death of the Fourth Hokage, never letting go all these years.
Was it a lack of trust in the villagers of Konoha or was he simply so greedy for power that even his successor had to be 'his own person'?
These whispers were definitely not loud, but for a ninja like Hiruzen, he could completely hear them.
At this moment, he couldn't help but feel a slight twinge in his heart. How was he going to explain this?
This question, he couldn't explain at all!
He believed he was right, he always believed he was right, that he could lead Konoha to become better and stronger.
He had proven his capabilities in his youth, but he couldn't say this.
Because once he said it, it would truly mean he did not trust everyone in Konoha. This would push him to oppose everyone, it was as if he was asking for his own demise!
Moreover, Kaito's accusations and charges against him did indeed comply with the rule of law. He had indeed abdicated back in the day, and Konoha did elect a Fourth Hokage.
At this moment, Hiruzen felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, he knew he had fallen into Kaito's plot, and he knew this situation would be very difficult to handle.
But he didn't expect that just at the start, he would already feel so uncomfortable!
"This is my first reason for impeachment, and the second is your favoritism towards your former close friend and classmate, Danzo Shimura.
Not only have you shown favoritism, but what exactly have you and Danzo done together? Do you not have a clear account in your heart?"
Kaito continued to speak, only when he mentioned Danzo, his gaze shifted to Yamato, who was controlled by Shisui on the side.
"Danzo has been killed by me, everyone should remember that.
But what Danzo has done, perhaps no one knows, and even who Danzo is might not be too clear to everyone present?"
Who Danzo was indeed far too unfamiliar to all the ninjas of Konoha.
If Kaito hadn't attacked and brutally dismembered him with his clan a year ago, perhaps no one would have realized that Danzo was such a terrifying existence.
He commanded an organization similar to the ANBU, his elite ninjas were countless, and even included many from the great clans.
Such a figure, hidden in the shadows, did indeed instill fear and unease.
And what this mysterious and terrible fellow did also aroused people's curiosity, even though he was dead.
"Danzo was a childhood friend of the Hokage-sama, as well as a classmate, and they were both disciples of the Second Hokage."
Kaito, seeing the emotions already brewing, directly gave the answer.
"But this fellow's actions were never honorable, and the things he did can only be described as outrageous.
According to investigations, countless people were assassinated by him for various reasons, many of whom were Konoha's meritorious ninjas.
For example, Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake, the father of Kakashi Hatake!"
Kaito's words immediately sparked an incredulous discussion among all the ninjas present. They couldn't believe that there was such a demon in Konoha.
What they found even harder to believe was that Sakumo Hatake was assassinated. Wasn't the White Fang of Konoha known to have committed suicide in their memory?
"I know, everyone has many questions, but since I stand here today to say these things, naturally I have evidence."
Such noise proved how explosive Kaito's words were. However, due to the noise, Kaito had to increase his chakra output while speaking.
When his voice rose again, it immediately silenced everyone present. They all watched Kaito closely, waiting for him to reveal the answer.
...
Kakashi was still bound in the Wood Release. Although Kaito didn't let him down, his thoughts at the moment were not focused on this.
He felt very emotional inside, especially seeing Hiruzen and the others silent, a sense of indescribable pleasure filled his heart.
He himself could not remember how many years had passed, he hadn't felt so liberated in his heart for a long time.
Even though so many years had passed, the image of his father in his heart was still so clear.
His father was a gentle and kind man. Whenever someone encountered difficulty, his father would always provide encouragement and help.
And his father loved Konoha so much that he was even willing to sacrifice his own life for it.
Yet such a gentle man was driven to death in such a despicable manner by someone with an ulterior motive, and was even further harmed by malicious gossip after his death.
And the one who drove him to his death, while constantly claiming to do everything for Konoha, still sat at the table of Konoha's highest power, still above the law, and still did everything he thought was right as he pleased!
Kakashi truly could not accept such a tragedy, and it nearly pushed him into the dark abyss.
If not for Obito, if not for his own teacher who pulled him back, perhaps he would still be a living dead lost in the dark.
Kakashi silently looked at Kaito not far away, quietly listened to him narrating the deeds of Danzo and Hiruzen, and his eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.
He quietly lifted his head to look at the moon in the sky. Tonight wasn't a full moon night, the moon in the sky was like a small curved boat, also like a shallow smile.
It seemed like his father was smiling at him.
"Father..... I've cleared your name....."
At this moment, he could no longer control his emotions. The tears that had been brewing in his eyes flowed down, and then slowly fell onto the ground.
And the ninjas who were attentively listening to Kaito's narration were also silent at this moment.
They really did not expect that the suicide of Konoha's White Fang, had such an unbearable and ugly hidden truth.
Most importantly, almost everyone in Konoha had become an accomplice at that time, they collectively killed this hero of Konoha!
Everyone's gaze turned to Hiruzen, as if seeking confirmation. However, Hiruzen could only close his eyes without uttering a word.
What could he say?
Kaito had spoken about the number of times Danzo reported and the general content. This indicated that he had fully read those reports.
If that's the case, what was there for him to refute?
What he lamented most now was that he never expected Kakashi would betray him.
In addition to that, he was also pondering a question, why he ended up in such a situation.
"Was I wrong? Shouldn't I have supported Danzo's idea to deal with Sakumo Hatake?"
Hiruzen was somewhat lost in his thoughts, but soon he became resolute again.
He was sure about this matter, and he also believed that this was beneficial to Konoha. Moreover, in his view, Sakumo Hatake did not deserve this!
He didn't have the experience, he never learned any management related knowledge, letting him take charge would harm Konoha, wouldn't it?
Therefore, he was not wrong, not wrong...
"Hokage-sama, I have a question for you."
Just then, Kaito suddenly interrupted Hiruzen's thoughts.
"According to my report, Hokage-sama, you believe that Sakumo Hatake lacks the ability and experience to manage Konoha.
So, I would like to ask Hokage-sama, who is born with these abilities?
And, Hokage-sama, if I remember correctly, when you were chosen by the Second Hokage, you didn't seem to have any experience or abilities in this area either!"
Hiruzen slightly opened his mouth, but in the end, he didn't utter a single word. This question caught him off guard once again.
Back then, he was only in his twenties, and even though he had some relevant knowledge from his prior education.
But he knew very well that what he learned only made sense once he truly took on the position, and those learnings were fundamentally useless!
From the position of the Hokage, everything in the world had undergone quiet changes.
The world was no longer just black or white, and there was no longer such clear good and evil in the human world.
If anything, the most beautiful aspect of this world was the exquisite grey, and as Hokage, one must delve into this grey!
He could not be 'too white'. Excessive kindness and justice could lead to disastrous results for the village. Likewise, he could not be 'too black', as this could also bring about destruction to the village.
As a Hokage, one must stand in the middle ground, constantly adjusting and controlling based on the interests of Konoha.
And constantly reminding oneself not to step into either side, these things are truly not something one can learn by teaching.
Hiruzen sighed slightly, and suddenly a warning bell rang loudly in his heart.
He widened his eyes at the ninjas in front of him who were looking at him with complex expressions, especially those with disappointment, regret, and even hatred. He suddenly thought of a question.
"Did I really control myself, not stepping into either side?"
Once he realized this question, Hiruzen's body started to tremble uncontrollably.
Because he dared not contemplate this answer, as he felt that what he would find would definitely not be the answer he wanted!
"It's clear, Hokage-sama, you did not."
Kaito noticed the abnormality of Hiruzen, although he felt it was somewhat baffling. Why did this old man start to tremble like this?
Could it be that he had also trained in the art of persuasion, being able to talk people to death just like Naruto in the future?
However, as an Uchiha, Kaito felt that it was more likely he was just very good at deception.
Even though he indeed had a history of persuading people like Shisui to be completely loyal to him, that was just because they were Uchihas as well.
He gently shook his head, then spoke with immense seriousness.
"So, Hokage-sama, if you do not possess such ability, how can you determine that others will certainly not do well?
Even if he does not succeed, can't you, Hokage-sama, assist him? Can't the members of the Nara clan assist him?
Why must you kill him, why do you have to cause his death?
In the end, Hokage-sama, you are just craving the power in your hands, in the end, you trust no one, you only trust yourself!
And your actions have put you at odds with everyone else, do you realize that, Hokage-sama!"
...
"Damn it, why has it turned out this way!"
Koharu quickly maneuvered through the crowd discreetly. She had been attentively listening to Kaito's speech. The more she heard, the greater her inner sadness and rage.
The things Kaito was saying were essentially damning her old classmate and friend to hell, how could she not be furious?
But what saddened her was that she could do nothing to stop it. How could you rest when the seven major clans of Konoha are joining forces?
The worst part was that it was all true, it was not just groundless accusations.
The root of the action report had undoubtedly been leaked, and now that damned Kakashi had gotten a hold of it, there was no way to stop it!
Recalling the past, she sighed deeply inside.
There were many things that she didn't think were right to do, but she had never really opposed them.
Perhaps it was for power, after all, she had reached the pinnacle of Konoha's power, and although she had not become a shadow, she was not far off.
Having experienced such power, she naturally did not want to lose it, she started compromising and giving in on many things as long as they did not involve her.
Whether these things were right or wrong, the only thing she cared about was the benefit, maybe her own benefit, maybe for the benefit of the clan.
The Utatane clan is not a large clan, even compared to the Hiruzen clan, which excels at mastering ninjutsu, there is a huge gap.
But now her clan has amassed a vast fortune in Konoha, all because Hiruzen is the Hokage, and she is the Minister of Finance!
For the sake of the clan or herself, there are not many paths she can take, and the current situation is precisely the result of her step-by-step journey.
"That Danzo guy..."
Thinking of this, Koharu sighed silently.
However, soon, the figure of Danzo Shimura appeared in her mind. Although she and Danzo were indeed teammates and friends, she really didn't like Danzo.
He was extremely self-centered, and would do anything to achieve his goals, regardless of the consequences.
To put it bluntly, he was the one who caused the situation today, he was the one who harmed them all!
"Maybe, if I had been more decisive and done something back then..."
Koharu murmured softly to herself, but everything was too late. All she could do now was struggle at the end!
Looking at the note in her hand, Koharu squeezed it tightly in her palm.
She had spotted the person she needed to deliver the message to, but the crowd was too thick around her for her to reach him in time.
Kaito and the others' impeachment absolutely must not succeed. All they could do was besiege and take down Kaito and his ilk.
And they absolutely must not let the impeachment matter reach the ears of the feudal lord, that way, Hiruzen could keep his position.
With such a position, many things can be explained slowly later, and some things can also be changed gradually later.
Although Hiruzen might not be able to stay as the Hokage for long after tonight, it's still a thousand times better than him being forcefully removed, or even sentenced to punishment!
But dealing with Kaito, Shisui, and Fugaku with their three pairs of Sharingan eyes is not going to be easy.
All she could think to do was alert all the ninjas present. The note in her hand contained the plan to strip Kaito and others of their positions and label them as rogue ninjas.
The key to this plan is that their own people, disguised as civilian ninjas in the crowd, would take action against Kaito and his allies.
The best outcome for these people is to die at Kaito's hands, which would provoke feelings of anger and fear among everyone.
Only then can these Konoha ninjas be led to besiege Kaito and solve the problem of these three pairs of Sharingan.
"Ptui!"
Suddenly, Koharu, who was hurriedly moving towards the front, felt a cold sensation in her chest and heard the sound of metal cutting through flesh.
But as the coldness spread, she instantly realized that she had been stabbed in the chest!
"You....."
Koharu wanted to say something, then she felt her strength quickly draining from her body. In an instant, she became exceptionally weak.
People around her were still focused on the front, not even those beside her took a glance at her. She sat helplessly on the ground.
Struggling to lift her head, she saw a person opening her hand and taking out the note. At this moment, she clearly saw who had attacked her.
"Uchiha... Fugaku..."
Koharu said in a stuttering voice, her eyes full of shock and unease.
"Rest in peace. Your friends, your clan members, will soon join you."
Uchiha Fugaku glanced at the note, then he took out a pen and began to quickly mimic the handwriting. Afterward, he stood up and disappeared into the crowd.
Koharu's expression of despair intensified. She extended her hand wanting to cry out, but she couldn't.
Her breath was getting weaker and weaker, and just as her consciousness was about to leave her brain, she suddenly saw the ninjas around her turning to look at her.
What made her even more desperate was that in the eyes of these ninjas, there wasn't just coldness, but also a hint of crimson...
...
"Lord Hokage, this is the second allegation, and the first against your dealings with Danzō."
Kaito calmly looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi in front of him, unaware that another member of the Konoha F4 had been dispatched by Uchiha Fugaku.
He merely continued as planned, outlining the sadness and sins created by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
What Kaito never expected was that Hiruzen suddenly heaved a deep sigh, then lifted his head and stared at Kaito with extreme seriousness.
After a long time, he slowly opened his mouth to speak: "The second allegation about my relationship with Danzō, is it about the Wood Release?"
Hiruzen addressing this directly threw Kaito off, especially what he said next stunned Kaito even more.
"If it is about that, then I confess, I did indeed allow Danzō to research the Wood Release, even using the remains of the First Hokage."
As soon as these words came out, the entire scene fell into an eerie silence...
//
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