"No, Itachi plans to join the traitorous ninja organization 'Akatsuki' that is active in the black market and act as a double agent for Konoha... As the Hokage, I can't just target a ninja who made significant contributions to the village based on mere speculation."
Shimura Danzo chuckled coldly, "I understand, Hiruzen. Next time, feel free to speak directly."
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't respond, only clasped his hands behind his back and looked again in the direction of the Uchiha Clan Land, sighing once more.
What words haven't been spoken directly?
Naturally, Sarutobi Hiruzen only said that he, as Hokage, could not take action but did not strictly forbid Shimura Danzo from acting against Uchiha Itachi.
Not explicitly stated, thus implicitly permitted.
This has been the mutual understanding between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo for years...
It is also part of Sarutobi Hiruzen's self-cultivation as the Hokage and Shimura Danzo's as the Root of Konoha.
"Hiruzen, why did you recently lift the order to monitor the Jinchuriki? Let me be honest with you, I can relinquish the oversight of the Nine-Tails; after all, over the years, the Jinchuriki has only interacted with you, and given you're the Hokage, it's impossible for you to give up controlling the Tailed Beasts..."
Shimura Danzo glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, speaking more than usual on this night when the Uchiha issue is about to be resolved:
"Hurry and restore Anbu's surveillance of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, don't forget the Night of Nine-tails."
"Danzo, your ambition has grown considerably compared to before..." Sarutobi Hiruzen looked surprised at Shimura Danzo but shook his head:
"But I'll tell you, something... terrible... no, something I can't even begin to handle has happened to the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki..."
"I lifted the restrictions on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and advised you all to stay away for your own good... Trust me, Danzo."
Is this a lie? It's actually the truth...
In Sarutobi Hiruzen's view, with Senju Tobirama's temperament and his plot to possess Naruto, if Shimura Danzo were to encounter Senju Tobirama with his usually domineering approach...
A fierce clash would be inevitable!
His teacher never tolerated anyone, even the legendary ninjas Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara...
Especially now with Senju Tobirama, seemingly corrupted by the Uchiha's madness after studying them excessively in his past life, turning his rebirth into an extremely dangerous, manipulative individual!
If Shimura Danzo doesn't handle this well, he's sure to receive a firm thrashing...
Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen anticipated.
There's something peculiar about Shimura Danzo; he always seems eager to challenge him regardless of the situation...
Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen speaks sincerely.
Shimura Danzo's temper flared instantly!
"Hiruzen, you're muddled! How are you serving as Hokage?" Shimura Danzo immediately felt Sarutobi Hiruzen could not take praise; after a bit of commendation, he pulls off such a catastrophic act.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is problematic, and you're lifting surveillance just like you're dodging the issue?
Shouldn't all resources and forces of the village be mobilized immediately, resolving the instability of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki at all costs?
Has being Hokage for so long made the once heroic ninja senile...
"Danzo, I know what you want to say... But you must trust this Hokage's judgment... If it were a regular problem, I would wish to control the Nine-Tails first and then address it..."
"But the problem is—"
Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a troubled expression, sighed, then spoke earnestly: "Overall, this is an order! It's for your own good, Danzo!"
This is also true.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hasn't yet figured out how to explain to Shimura Danzo and the others that their teacher reincarnated, taking over the Fourth Hokage's son, seeking eternal life and bringing peace to the entire Ninja World...
It's absurd.
The more sincerely Sarutobi Hiruzen speaks, the more agitated Shimura Danzo becomes.
"No! Hiruzen, even if you dismiss me again, dissolve the Root, you must let me take the Root and control the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!"
"The village couldn't bear a second Nine-tailed Fox Chaos! You're supposed to be Hokage; if not, then step down early and let someone with resolve do it!"
Shimura Danzo, spitting furiously, pointed at Sarutobi Hiruzen's nose, rattling on: "I'll tell you, Uchiha Clan matters are trivial compared to the Nine-Tails!"
"After tonight, I'll go to the Root to bring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki under control, and nothing you say will change that!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled inwardly, "That's right..."
This is how it is.
But outwardly, Sarutobi Hiruzen continued to show an angry expression, as if deeply frustrated by Shimura Danzo's distrust, arguing with him.
And then suddenly.
Both stopped their debate and looked up at the treetops.
At this moment, from above Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo.
Naruto was rapidly heading toward the Uchiha Clan Land!
"Damn! The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is heading to the Uchiha Clan Land? What's going on here! Hiruzen, this is the outcome of your reckless actions..."
Shimura Danzo quickly performed hand seals, intending to unleash a sharp Wind Release to strike down the moving Naruto.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki going to the Uchiha Clan Land?
Don't joke!
In the past, even within the village center, Uchiha members strictly adhered to the tacit rule left after the Night of Nine-tails, staying far away from Naruto, fearing misunderstanding from the village officials...