Chapter 518 - 512 : Root’s Fate

Chapter 518: Chapter 512 : Root's Fate

Danzo's expression became even more grim on hearing Hiruzen's words. He had known Hiruzen for too long and knew that he wasn't bluffing. While Danzo wasn't a weakling and wouldn't be afraid if Fujin or even some other Kages said it, it was different with Hiruzen. He knew that even with Shisui's eye, Hashirama's cells and Izanagi, he wouldn't stand much chance against Hiruzen.

He asked, "You will kill someone who has worked with you for over 6 decades, given everything to the village including my limbs just because that boy accused me of something that I didn't do?"

Danzo knew Hiruzen had a soft spot for him and the other two elders. The four of them truly had been through thick and thin together. Even though Danzo did many things that opposed Hiruzen directly or indirectly, this was the first time Hiruzen had threatened him in this manner.

Hiruzen didn't back off and replied, "I wouldn't have a choice. Fujin isn't Shisui or Itachi. Both of them matured too quickly because of the Uchiha Coup. When you attacked Shisui, both he and Itachi thought about the village and didn't retaliate as the Uchiha clan will get a reason for officially launching a coup. Shisui chose to take his life while Itachi kept his mouth shut. As a result, you didn't face any consequences for your actions.

Even though Fujin is mature for his age as well, he hasn't gone through something similar. If you attack, he won't see any reason to not retaliate and start a huge fight. A fight that will alert everyone. Once it is out in the open, I won't have a choice but to kill you.

Even if you kill Fujin without giving him a chance to retaliate, your actions would show that you'll target every new rank S ninja that appears in Konoha irrespective of how loyal he or she is to the village. As Fujin said, your past contributions mean nothing if your current actions actively harm the village. Konoha will be better off without you if you fall that low."

He took a pause before continuing, "I forgave your previous actions because I hoped that you did what you did believing that it was for the good of the village. However, your actions have long stopped being for the good of the village, Danzo. If you were to continue down this path, then I would forget our friendship and comradery and kill you with my own hands."

Hiruzen's tone was extremely serious. It was the same when he disbanded Root after the Uchiha Massacre. Danzo understood that he wouldn't be able to change Hiruzen's mind. Fortunately, he had a few more cards.

He asked, "What about the Root Laboratory? Will you be bringing it to the open? You know very well what consequences it will have if what happens inside gets leaked to the public."

Hiruzen thought for a few seconds and asked, "Do you still want to continue experimenting?"

As he said, Hiruzen's eyes lingered on Danzo's bandaged arm. Danzo replied, "There is no one else in the village who could handle that."

Danzo turned around and looked at Hiruzen once, before leaving his office without speaking a word. On this day, Danzo had lost a lot. And unlike the Uchiha incident, he didn't think that he had committed any fault. Things just spiral out of control somehow. He was in no mood to discuss anything else with Hiruzen.

As he left the office, his expression became very ugly. He thought, 'Such a terrible day. Of course, I'll be prepared for an attack. Those bastards! I hope they attack once again. This time, I'll catch and kill them myself even if I have to sacrifice a few eyes! I haven't even done anything recently to attract such hatred.

Also, I need to find out what happened with Torune. Why did he attack Fujin and expose his skills? As long as he hadn't used his ability, I could have said that Fujin was making things up. But by mentioning that ability, Fujin made his words sound too convincing.'

As he thought of Fujin, Danzo's mood worsened. He thought, 'The odd feeling I am getting about this boy has gotten even worse. I never expected him to do something like this. He gave the clans an opportunity that they had been looking for decades! Unfortunately, Hiruzen completely trusts him. I can't do anything to him in the near future. Otherwise, Hiruzen might truly carry out his threat.'

With nothing else to do, Danzo left to see what was left of his base. He would be spending a considerable amount of time adding more seals to the Root Laboratories to ensure that they could withstand a destructive jutsu if the Root was attacked once again.

Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen let out a sigh. Unlike all the times he acted, he truly was tired. The Root was attacked twice in two days inside Konoha and they still hadn't found any culprit. On the other hand, Danzo was returning back to acting however he wanted. Both incidents gave headaches to Hiruzen.

He thought, 'Danzo, I truly hope you don't do anything outrageous once again. I would hate having to kill you myself. Sigh, age hasn't been kind to me. I can't continue as a Hokage for long in this way. I can no longer take decisions as ruthlessly as I once did.'

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