After thinking for a moment, he said, "Then we'll each contribute some from our personal stores. Don't refuse-I know you've kept plenty for yourselves. If you don't agree, I'll take this straight to the Hokage and confront him."
You bastard!
Koharu was speechless with rage, and Homura's face darkened.
Like you're any better, Danzō. You have no shame.
The Shimura and Sarutobi clans had taken the most, and now he had the audacity to criticize them.
"Fine, fine!" Koharu snapped, her voice shaking with anger. "Take it. But this is the last time. Don't expect our help again. If you pull this stunt one more time, we'll go straight to Hiruzen."
Danzō didn't care.
He knew that once Koharu calmed down, they'd still come to his aid.
They were all rotting from the same tree. If their corruption were exposed, none of them would escape punishment. Their crimes would be enough to strip them of their positions and land them in prison for life.
Even if the Third Hokage showed mercy, others would jump at the chance to destroy them.
Danzō knew Koharu and Homura wouldn't take that risk.
"Make sure to deliver it to the Foundation as soon as possible. I need it urgently," Danzō said as he brushed past them, leaving without another word.
Koharu trembled with fury, pointing after him. "Can you believe him? He's completely out of control!"
Homura could only smile bitterly.
Yelling at him wasn't going to change anything. They had allowed him to get away with too much for too long.
"Knock knock."
"Come in."
Third Hokage put his thoughts aside as he tidied up his desk.
The door to the office opened, and Minato walked in, bowing respectfully to the Hokage.
"Ah, Minato. What brings you here?" Hiruzen's face softened as he greeted him with a warm smile, clearly pleased to see him.
Minato smiled back, looking a bit shy. "Hokage-sama, Xin is planning to take his team on a mission outside the village. I've been feeling a bit stuck in my training lately, so I was hoping to join him, maybe clear my mind. I'd like your permission to go."
"Oh?" Third Hokage raised an eyebrow.
He hadn't expected Xin to be planning a mission outside the village. Curious, he asked, "Where is Xin planning to take his team?"
"It seems like they're heading to the Land of Rain and the Land of Iron. He said he wants his team to experience the dangers of the shinobi world and the harsh realities of war. I don't
know exactly what mission he'll choose, though."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. He would be informed of any mission Xin accepted, so Minato had no reason to hide anything.
The Land of Rain and the Land of Iron, huh?
Minato looked at the Hokage, clearly hoping for his approval.