"It was the negligence of Koharu and me on this matter," Homura Mitokado admitted solemnly. "Danzō wanted to expand Root, so he submitted a request for additional funding and equipment. Koharu and I approved it, unaware that he was diverting those resources for human experimentation."
Their responsibility was undeniable, and there was no point in avoiding it. During the early years of Hiruzen Sarutobi's third term as Hokage, the truth of Danzō's clandestine activities had been hidden even from the leadership.
"It truly was negligent," Tsunade said coldly, sneering as she folded her arms.
She had long seen through the nature of the elder advisors—always present for benefits, always absent for blame. When things went wrong, they were the first to wash their hands of it.
Faced with Tsunade's scorn, Homura and Koharu looked uncomfortable. They had no way to refute her. All they could do was curse Danzō and Orochimaru silently. If it weren't for them, none of this would've come to light. The shame was palpable—an utter disgrace.
The Third Hokage continued, unshaken, "During the Third Great Ninja War, Danzō and Orochimaru's behavior became erratic. They used the chaos of war to abduct war orphans collected from Konoha and other places as experimental subjects. Even after the war ended, they didn't stop."
He paused grimly. "The first Hokage's cells… They are terrifying. Once transplanted into a human host, they behave as if cancerous—turning the host into a tree-like creature. Many died. When the orphan population declined, Orochimaru shifted his attention to villagers and even active shinobi in the village."
Everyone's expressions darkened.
Like Jiraiya, most of them abhorred such cruel experiments. Using enemies or condemned criminals for unethical research was bad enough, but targeting Konoha's own people crossed a line that couldn't be ignored.
"According to records recovered by the Police Force, many villagers and shinobi went missing after the war—including Uchiha clan members," Fugaku added, stepping forward calmly.
Even Uchiha? That revelation sent a ripple of unrest through the room. Crossing the line to kidnap civilians was one thing, but abducting clan shinobi?
That was a direct attack on Konoha's founding families.
"The Shimura clan had the highest number of missing members," Fugaku continued, tone carefully neutral. "Whether they were forcibly taken or offered willingly, we don't know."
The words struck like lightning.
Did the Shimura clan willingly send their own people into Orochimaru's hands? Or had Danzō used his influence to cover his tracks?
Everyone's eyes turned toward the Shimura clan's patriarch.
His expression twisted in fury. "Uchiha Fugaku, you've crossed the line! Are you accusing my clan of complicity in this madness?!"
The Shimura patriarch couldn't accept such a damning implication. If Konoha's political structure believed his clan aided Danzō's crimes, their reputation would be annihilated.
"Hokage-sama, the Shimura clan was never involved in these twisted experiments!" he declared urgently. "We would never condone sacrificing our own for forbidden science."
The Third Hokage raised a hand to calm the tension.
"I believe you. The Shimura clan will not be blamed for Danzō's personal crimes."
The patriarch's expression relaxed—grateful yet bitter. Still, he sent a vicious glare Fugaku's way. Uchiha Fugaku had struck a precise and painful nerve.
"We all know what happened next," Sarutobi said heavily. "I realized Orochimaru's heart had been consumed by darkness, and I recommended Minato Namikaze to succeed me as the Fourth Hokage. Shortly after, Anbu uncovered Orochimaru's crimes."
Sarutobi lowered his head slightly.
"All of this happened under my watch. It was my mistake, my failure. I will answer to the villagers. But first, we must discuss the appointment of the Fifth Hokage."
He knew the village would be rocked by scandal. He also knew his time as Hokage had come to a natural end. He would step aside and allow the people to choose a worthy successor.
"Wait."
Tsunade's voice cut through the tension like a blade. She stood tall, arms crossed, her eyes glaring.
"Before we talk about the next Hokage, I want to know: what do you plan to do about Danzō?"
Everyone fell silent. A tough question. One that burned the lips of every council member but none dared to voice—until now.
Orochimaru had fled, becoming a missing-nin. They couldn't reach him. But Danzō was still in the village, comfortably living in retirement.
And Tsunade wasn't about to let that continue.
Hiruzen looked weary. "Given the crimes committed under his command in Root, I recommend the immediate dissolution of Root and the arrest of Shimura Danzō. He is to be taken into custody and placed in Konoha Prison."
This was a diplomatic move. Danzō's influence ran deep. Imprisonment was the safest option—contain him, but don't provoke further instability.
"There's more," Sarutobi added. "Danzō, as an advisor to the Hokage, has likely placed his loyal subordinates in key areas across Anbu and beyond. For this reason, I propose that Uchiha shinobi be tasked with guarding his prison cell."
It was both a symbolic and practical decision. The Uchiha harbored deep resentment toward Danzō—there was zero chance they would ever collude with him. If anything, Danzō would be lucky to survive their "guardianship."
"Lord Hokage, while I appreciate the trust," Fugaku began cautiously, "Danzō is a cunning man. If anything goes wrong under our watch, the blame will fall squarely on the Uchiha."
"I believe in your clan's integrity," Sarutobi interrupted. "You won't let me down, Fugaku."
Faced with that endorsement, Fugaku had no room to refuse. He nodded reluctantly. "Very well."
"Then let us move forward with the vote for the Fifth Hokage," Sarutobi said.
The room turned instinctively to Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Koharu and Homura, despite everything, hoped one of the two would accept responsibility.
"Don't look at me," Jiraiya said, hands raised. "I'm not cut out for politics. Let me train, spy, fight—I'll do that. But don't lock me in an office."
Everyone understood. Jiraiya had the capability but not the temperament.
Which left Tsunade.
She looked uneasy, clearly wrestling with old pain. She had lost too much to the title of Hokage. Her loved ones—Dan, Nawaki… It all tied back to the same cursed chair.
But this time, the decision wasn't hers to make.
"She's the right choice," Sarutobi said decisively. "In terms of power, lineage, reputation—no one is more fitting than Tsunade."
She didn't object. Not immediately. And in that silence, the decision was made.
Fugaku remained calm, but inside he was elated. This was the result Uchiha had been waiting for. Tsunade wouldn't persecute them like Danzō and Sarutobi had. She might not be an ally, but at least she wasn't an enemy.
Across the room, Hiashi Hyuga narrowed his eyes at Fugaku. Something didn't feel right. There was more going on beneath the surface than he could see.
Jiraiya sighed but accepted the outcome. The elders and the clan heads nodded one after another. There was no real opposition.
Not even Danzō could object.
Because Danzō's future was no longer a seat at the table—it was a prison cell.
Guarded by the clan he had tried so hard to destroy.
If Yan had been here to witness the moment, he might've volunteered to oversee Danzō's imprisonment himself—just for the satisfaction.
Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage.
The village would never be the same again.
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