Hiruzen Sarutobi wished to uncover whatever contingency Orochimaru had left behind in Konoha.
Though Orochimaru had defected, to Hiruzen he remained like a venomous serpent hidden in the shadows—capable of striking at any time.
The group of Orochimaru's confidants currently detained in the ANBU prison were the most likely carriers of that hidden backhand.
From a purely practical standpoint, Hiruzen did not wish to oppose Danzō's proposal to conduct memory searches.
However, most of those detained were special jōnin or full jōnin.
In a shinobi village, genin were numerous but expendable. Chūnin formed the backbone. But jōnin—
Jōnin represented true military strength.
Each one was an elite, with influence in village affairs.
Hiruzen understood that forcibly searching their memories without clear evidence of guilt would spark outrage among all jōnin.
Such an act would make every ninja fear for their own safety.
And when that happened, the village leadership—himself included—would face universal opposition.
Hiruzen exhaled smoke slowly.
"Danzō has crossed the line. Take my order and stop him immediately.
"The village will not permit the forced memory search of any ninja."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Ibiki bowed.
But before he could depart, an ANBU appeared in a flicker.
"Third Hokage-sama! Uchiha Yuan appears to have defected. He is currently engaged in battle with Danzō-sama's forces."
"What?!"
Hiruzen's expression changed instantly. He immediately grasped the likely cause—Danzō must have attempted memory extraction.
He set down his pipe and rose.
"ANBU Squad One—proceed to the ANBU prison immediately. Stop the fighting at all costs. Inform them I will follow shortly."
"Yes!"
Several ANBU knelt and vanished in unison.
"Send word to Special Jōnin Might Guy and Shisui. Have them proceed to the ANBU prison and restrain Uchiha Yuan."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen gazed toward the direction of the ANBU prison, deep in thought.
Was Yuan's violent reaction merely his temperament?
Or was it proof of deep collusion with Orochimaru?
—
ANBU Prison.
When the Four Violet Flames Formation rippled beneath Yuan's punch, shock spread through the gathered shinobi.
"What a terrifying strike… No wonder he once forced the Fourth Raikage to retreat," the cat-masked ANBU muttered.
"Maintain alert status. Reinforce the barrier!"
Additional ANBU moved to support the four maintaining the formation.
Such monstrous taijutsu… Another Might Duy? No wonder this brat has always been so arrogant, so dismissive of authority.
Danzō's lone eye gleamed sharply.
Though he had read reports of Yuan's prowess, witnessing it firsthand was different.
ANBU recruits were at least special jōnin level. Four of them together maintaining the Four Violet Flames Formation could restrain even a Tailed Beast for a short time.
Yet Yuan's single punch had shaken it.
That only hardened Danzō's resolve.
He could not allow such an abnormal force to exist within the Uchiha clan.
Inside the barrier, Yuan slowly lowered his fist.
A patch of charred skin marked his knuckles—burned by the searing heat of the formation.
Noticing the tension among the ANBU, he lifted his chin proudly.
"As expected of Konoha's ANBU. This barrier is formidable.
"But relax—I won't attack again.
"That punch was simply to demonstrate something.
"You cannot hold me here. If I wished to leave, you could not stop me."
The cat-masked ANBU unconsciously exhaled.
The slaughter of Root had left a heavy impression on him.
And even the Four Violet Flames Formation might not suffice.
He now clearly understood—
Uchiha Yuan was terrifying.
Even if everyone present attacked at once, they might not be able to stop him.
"Why defect, Uchiha Yuan? You previously cooperated with ANBU missions."
"Who said I defected?" Yuan's voice turned icy. "Why would I defect?"
He turned toward Danzō and spat.
"So this is your method, old dog?
"Brand me a traitor to justify killing me. How despicable. You're like a maggot—disgusting."
Danzō's face darkened further, his eye blazing with murderous fury.
"How dare you insult Danzō-sama!" a surviving Root operative barked.
Root shinobi were trained as tools, loyal only to Danzō.
Yuan cast them a cold glance.
"A few lucky scraps that survived… and you dare bark at me?"
The cat-masked ANBU turned to Danzō.
"Danzō-sama, what exactly is happening?"
From Yuan's words, it was clear the claim of "defection" might not be true.
Danzō offered no answer. His cold gaze fixed upon the ANBU captain until the latter lowered his head under the pressure.
Suddenly, Yuan looked toward the entrance of the underground chamber.
"It seems the Third has sent someone."
He had already noticed an ANBU being dispatched earlier.
Moments later, several figures appeared atop a nearby stone platform—Morino Ibiki and seven ANBU.
Ibiki stepped forward and addressed Danzō.
"Danzō-sama. By order of the Third Hokage, the village will not permit the forced memory search of any ninja."
The confrontation had reached its peak.
Some people die…
But they don't die completely.
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