Chapter 316: Chapter 316: Danzo's Dismissal, Root Members Arrested

Chapter 316: Chapter 316: Danzo's Dismissal, Root Members Arrested



"What has he done this time to make Hiruzen this furious?"

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged worried glances as they watched the Third Hokage's expression. It was clear that Danzo was in serious trouble. It wouldn't be surprising if, not long after regaining control over Root, Danzo faced yet another complete removal from power.

As the footsteps grew closer, the door opened slowly, and Danzo entered, leaning on his cane. "Hiruzen, is this about the supply request? Has it been resolved?"

Danzo's question immediately triggered a change in the atmosphere, and he sensed it. The Third Hokage's face was darker than a storm cloud, and Koharu and Homura were eyeing him with concern.

Realizing something was wrong, Danzo's instinct kicked in; he knew that behind Hiruzen's anger likely lay some secret action he'd taken. He'd been prepared for such an eventuality, but this situation still unnerved him.

"You still have the nerve to bring up supply requests?" The Third Hokage was so furious his voice trembled, pointing a shaking finger at Danzo. "Danzo, explain this to me - why has Root filed request after request for supplies, citing flimsy justifications, while you've added request after request on behalf of ANBU as well! Who gave you that authority?!"

Koharu and Homura looked at Danzo with wide eyes. Had he really done this? Taking a risk on supplies was one thing, but impersonating the Hokage? That was a new level of audacity.

"Explain yourself!" Hiruzen's voice thundered, growing increasingly strained with each unanswered question. "Who gave you permission for this? I never saw or signed any requests like these! Who authorized this, Danzo?!"

The supplies had long since been funneled into Danzo's research and projects, and it was unlikely he could recover even a fraction of them. Given the funding pit that was his experimentation with Orochimaru, the supplies had been almost immediately drained.

For once, Hiruzen's patience had reached its limit. "Danzo, is this really the stance you're taking?"

The Hokage's words were final, and Danzo's silence confirmed it.

"Very well." Hiruzen's voice was ice-cold. "As of today, Danzo Shimura is dismissed from his position as advisor to the Hokage, and all Root members are to be detained immediately." Danzo's loyalists in Root were known to be devoted to him. Hiruzen knew that removing Danzo wouldn't give him control over Root's operatives. Instead, he would have them all detained, neutralizing their influence.

"Yes, Hokage-sama." The ANBU moved swiftly, carrying out the order without hesitation. Koharu tried one last time, protesting weakly, "Hiruzen, isn't this too drastic? Perhaps Danzo might come to his senses in time. Maybe he'll regret his actions."

With a firm tone, the Hokage replied, "Would you rather I strip him of his rank and contain Root, or leave Tsunade no choice but to publicize his transgressions?"

Koharu fell silent. The implications were clear. If Tsunade were to expose everything Danzo had done, the village elders would all face severe repercussions. Even Homura and Koharu, with their shared ties to him, could be implicated.

Seeing the gravity of the situation, Koharu and Homura quickly dropped their objections, knowing that if things went public, their own reputations might not survive. For once, they recognized the need for silence, realizing that Danzo's actions had left them no safe alternative.

BONUS CHAPTER