The Ultimate Ninja Tool of the Shinobi World

Danzo's thick skin was practically impenetrable—like the fortified walls of a stronghold. No accusation could dent his facade.

Shimura Danzo's expression remained cold, his voice steady and insidious as he smiled faintly.

"Of course, this has nothing to do with me.

Although Root was disbanded at Hiruzen's request years ago, those were still my subordinates. As the head of the Shimura clan, if anyone from my clan is involved in such disgraceful conduct, I am obliged to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Perhaps someone is interfering—trying to stir conflict between me and Hiruzen."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, ever calm, placed his pipe back between his lips and took a deep puff. His silence thus far hadn't been out of surprise—the argument between Tsunade and Danzo had played out exactly as he had expected.

After all, the intel they'd obtained originated from the Interrogation Corps.

All signs pointed to the Shimura clan's involvement,

But none of the evidence directly implicated Danzo as the mastermind.

And truthfully, Danzo's reasoning wasn't baseless.

Hiruzen knew too well how fragile political alliances in Konoha could be.

If someone was orchestrating this from the shadows to fracture their leadership…

He finally spoke, his voice low and deliberate.

"Danzo, since you're so committed to investigating this incident, do you have any leads?"

At Hiruzen's question, Danzo's lips curled slightly—his gamble was working.

The Third Hokage hadn't changed—still hesitant after all these years.

There was a brief flicker of triumph in Danzo's eyes as he straightened and addressed the room.

"There's no need to investigate further.

I already know who the true mastermind behind this operation is."

"What???"

The room went still.

Every shinobi and elder present turned toward Danzo in disbelief.

Sarutobi's pipe paused mid-puff.

"You already know who's responsible?" he asked sharply. "Who is it?"

Danzo's gaze swept across the room. He responded in a grave tone:

"It was the Shimura clan's elder—Shimura Egawa."

"What?!"

The announcement sent a shock through the Hokage's office.

Everyone—from Sarutobi and Tsunade to the masked Anbu agents—knew of Shimura Egawa. Even if they hadn't interacted directly, his reputation preceded him.

In his prime, Egawa had reached jōnin level—a formidable shinobi in his time.

That ended when he was nearly killed in an enemy ambush. His heart had been critically damaged, and although his life was saved, he was forced into early retirement from active duty.

Egawa had since turned to commerce, becoming the Shimura clan's primary financier and business strategist. His cunning and wealth were nothing to scoff at.

Sarutobi narrowed his eyes. "Danzo, if this is true... what evidence do you have?"

"I have everything needed."

Danzo's tone was confident—almost too calm. His eyes revealed nothing.

He knew this move wasn't without risk, but political survival demanded sacrifice.

As long as he remained part of the Konoha Council of Elders, there would always be another opportunity to recover. In the world of high-stakes politics, scapegoating was a tool of survival.

Sarutobi leaned forward. "Why do you possess such evidence?"

Danzo replied smoothly, "I had been suspicious of Egawa's activities for some time. But I never imagined he would go so far as to tamper with the Scroll of Seals. This information I've gathered over weeks clearly details how he secretly cultivated power under the clan's name. Hiruzen—see for yourself."

Without flinching, Danzo handed a neatly bound report to the Hokage. He put on the solemn expression of a leader heartbroken by betrayal within his ranks.

Hiruzen took the report with a heavy sigh, pipe hanging from his lips as his eyes scanned the pages.

His face darkened.

Egawa's behind-the-scenes activities were even more insidious than he feared—illegal casino dealings, backdoor funding networks, and the establishment of covert squads in the Land of Fire. In any village, this level of activity bordered on treason.

Harboring such hidden forces was a direct challenge to the authority of the Hokage.

Slamming the report shut, Hiruzen barked to the nearest Anbu:

"Bring Shimura Egawa here—immediately!"

A flicker of killing intent passed through his eyes.

Moments later, escorted by Anbu, an elderly man entered—clearly older than both Danzo and Hiruzen. His gait was measured, but his eyes were sharp.

"Lord Hokage, I was told you summoned me?"

Shimura Egawa quickly assessed the room—he recognized many of the faces, including Tsunade, several high-level Anbu, and of course, his own clan leader: Danzo.

He tried to remain composed, though unease crept in. His son had participated in tonight's operation to discredit the young ANBU known as Tian Yu.

But something was wrong.

There was no trace of Tian Yu, nor of any of his captured operatives.

Before Egawa could even greet the elders, Danzo marched toward him with sudden force. Without hesitation, Danzo's hand lashed out.

SLAP!

A harsh, echoing sound rang through the room as Danzo struck Egawa across the face.

"You shame the Shimura name!" Danzo snarled. "This disgrace falls on all of us!"

Egawa stumbled back in disbelief, holding his cheek.

"What are you—?!"

"You still deny it?" Danzo snapped, eyes narrow. He flung the incriminating dossier at Egawa's chest.

Egawa caught the papers reflexively, then flipped them open.

His face paled instantly.

Cold sweat broke out across his brow as he read line after line—details only a deep investigation could have uncovered.

Behind him, Sarutobi's presence was like a looming mountain.

Private militias. Embezzlement. Direct contact with foreign mercenaries.

And—worst of all—evidence of tampering with the Scroll of Seals.

Egawa's hands trembled.

"H-Hokage-sama, I—I can explain—"

Sarutobi's voice cut like steel.

"Egawa. We've known each other for decades. I hoped the rumors were false.

If this was simply a matter of personal ambition, I could offer you a hearing.

But stealing from the Scroll of Seals... That is high treason.

You'll spend the rest of your life in prison, if not worse."

Boom!

The words hit Egawa like a lightning bolt. He turned, stunned, to face Danzo—his trusted patriarch, his ally.

"You… it was you?! You betrayed me?!"

Danzo's face didn't flinch.

He simply looked away.

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