167 Shimura Danzo

Facing Danzo's pointed remark, Uchiha Bakugo remained calm and smiled.

"Hokage-sama has dedicated himself to Konoha for years. Of course, I don't doubt his intentions—I'm simply asking questions."

"After all, Hokage-sama's strength is undeniable…"

"Enough."

Sarutobi Hiruzen cut him off mid-sentence.

"I didn't expect Orochimaru to grow so strong so quickly. That was my mistake."

By taking responsibility outright, Hiruzen left Uchiha Bakugo with little room to press further.

But the Uchiha had already planned ahead.

Just as Hiruzen finished speaking, an Anbu suddenly appeared in the conference hall using the Body Flicker Technique.

"What is it?"

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, sensing an ominous feeling.

The Anbu hesitated before responding:

"Hokage-sama… A video is playing in the village."

"A video?"

Hiruzen frowned in confusion.

At this time, the ninja world had not yet developed advanced technology like in later years.

He had no idea what kind of video it was.

But Third Hokage quickly took out his crystal ball, infused it with Chakra, and was met with a shocking sight.

A blue slug, Katsuyu, opened its mouth, releasing streaks of light.

These lights fell onto a white curtain, revealing a scene that sent shockwaves through the village—the exact moment Sarutobi Hiruzen let Orochimaru go.

Beside him, the Ape Demon Enma was seen jumping anxiously, clearly opposed to the decision.

The contrast was damning, and the village erupted in uproar.

This was a new ninjutsu, developed by Simu and Katsuyu Immortal using the Yamanaka Clan's secret techniques—called "Den Den Mushi Video."

Watching the recording, Third Hokage was completely stunned.

Danzo, on the other hand, immediately exploded in rage.

"This is slander! Absolute slander!"

He pointed at the crystal ball, his voice filled with fury.

"This video was obviously fabricated by someone with an agenda!"

"Yes! It must be Hanyu Simu—this Katsuyu is his Summoning Beast!"

Danzo's voice was loud and defensive as he hastily called out to his Root ninja.

"Capture that Katsuyu immediately! We must find out who's behind this!"

His tone was urgent, laced with frustration.

Uchiha Bakugo was about to speak when a firm female voice cut through the tension.

"Is Elder Danzo in a hurry to destroy the evidence?"

Kushina stepped into the room, her expression cold and unyielding.

Anyone trying to slander Simu would have to go through her first.

Danzo immediately snapped back, trying to twist the situation.

"Uzumaki Kushina, are you accusing me of slandering the Hokage?"

Kushina let out a short, humorless laugh.

"I've always heard that Elder Danzo would do anything to get his way. Today, I see it for myself."

Danzo tapped his scepter against the ground, his voice rasping with threat.

"I am a Konoha elder! If you continue this slander, I can have you arrested and sent to Root!"

Kushina sneered, crossing her arms.

"Elder Danzo, maybe you should clean up your own mess first."

"Or better yet, why don't we wait until Simu brings Hanzo back to Konoha?"

Hearing those words, Danzo finally lost his composure.

"Presumptuous!"

He shouted, and several masked Root ninjas appeared beside him, their kunai aimed directly at Kushina.

As the Nine Tails Jinchūriki and someone close to Hanyu Simu, capturing Kushina would give him a powerful bargaining chip.

But Danzo's plan didn't stop there.

Under his secret orders, other Root members had already set out—

Targeting the small courtyard where Hyuga Lingyi and Uchiha Mikoto were staying…

Even the orphanage where Simu had grown up was not spared.

This time, Danzo was going all in—fully prepared to turn against Hanyu Simu.

A cold killing intent flickered in his aged eyes.

Yet despite being surrounded by four Jōnin-level assassins, Kushina remained calm.

A pale red cloak of Nine Tails Chakra surged from her body.

Four sharp chakra claws stretched out—

Effortlessly blocking the attacks from all four Root ninjas.

A flicker of pity flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

But as Hokage, he couldn't just stand by and watch Root ninjas attack Konoha's own people.

"Stop it, Danzo!"

Danzo let out a cold snort. "Stop."

At his command, the four Root ninjas instantly halted, their eyes locked on Kushina, still cloaked in Nine Tails Chakra.

For a moment, it seemed like the situation would return to negotiations.

But then—

BOOM!

A deafening explosion shook the village!

Everyone's heads snapped toward the source.

"That's… the orphanage!"

At Konoha Orphanage, raging flames engulfed the outer walls.

Dozens of masked ninjas had suddenly appeared.

They were Root operatives—silent, nameless, stripped of identity the moment they joined.

Amid the chaos, the orphanage director stepped forward—

Shielding the children like a mother protecting her cubs.

"Who are you? How did you enter Konoha? Why are you attacking the orphanage?"

The orphanage director spread his arms wide, shielding the dozens of children behind him.

The lead ninja silently drew his sword.

Its cold, polished blade reflected the terrified yet innocent faces of the children.

But these ninjas felt nothing.

They were Root operatives—emotionless killing machines.

Without a word, their blades fell toward the children.

The director braced himself, ready to fight to the end.

Then—

A calm, lazy voice echoed through the night.

"Danzo really does have a dark heart."

A figure appeared between the director and the assassins.

Behind him, the kanji for "Justice" fluttered in the night breeze.

A scaled hand, covered in cyan dragon armor, effortlessly caught the falling blade.

"Hanyu Simu?!"

The lead Root ninja's eyes widened in shock.

How did he return to the village so quickly?

A flicker of cold fury flashed in Simu's eyes.

He had assumed Danzo had at least some bottom line—that he wouldn't stoop so low as to attack an orphanage.

But now…

The thought alone sent a terrifying wave of pressure surging from Simu's body, crashing over the Root ninjas like a tsunami.

Their minds froze for an instant, their bodies stiffened under the overwhelming force.

But an instant was all Simu needed.

In a golden flash, the Ama no Murakumo sword formed in his grasp.

The ninja in front of him never even had the chance to react.

A thin red line traced across their throats.

A second later—

A dozen heads flew into the air.

Blood splattered, bodies collapsed, and silence fell over the orphanage.

The director stared at the scene, his voice trembling with disbelief.

"Simu…?"

Simu turned his head and flashed a warm smile.

Stepping forward, he gently ruffled a child's hair.

"It's okay now, Dean."

The orphanage director let out a shaky breath, rubbing his hands together awkwardly.

"Thank you, Simu."

Simu scratched the back of his head.

"No need to thank me. If it weren't for me, they wouldn't have attacked you in the first place."

Even the slowest person would realize something was wrong.

Ordinary ninja wouldn't be able to breach Konoha's defenses—let alone a dozen at once.

But why?

Why attack an orphanage?

The dean's confusion deepened, but before he could ask, Simu clapped a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, this will be over soon."

Then, Simu's eyes shifted toward the nearby woods.

His expression hardened.

"Take care of the children, and stay inside. No matter what happens."

The dean nodded firmly.

"Understood."

A dozen ninjas wearing Konoha forehead protectors appeared hurriedly, bowing respectfully to Simu.

Shikaku, as a strategist, had anticipated Danzo's tricks, but Simu's deep connection to the orphanage made him act personally.

These Konoha shinobi lurking around the orphanage, waiting for the right moment, weren't just any ninja.

They were all members of the Konoha Military Police Force—the Uchiha clan.

Meanwhile, Hyuga Lindy and Uchiha Mikoto had already taken shelter within the Uchiha district.

If the Root wanted to make an arrest, they'd have to declare war on the Uchiha first.

Back in the Conference Room

Kushina's body stiffened as the sound of a distant explosion echoed.

A realization struck her like lightning.

Her chakra surged violently, Nine Tails' aura bursting forth.

The crushing pressure filled the room instantly.

"Kushina, calm down!"

The Third Hokage's voice was urgent.

If Kushina lost control and caused a rampage, the entire village would plunge into chaos.

But Kushina's blazing eyes were locked onto Danzo.

Her voice trembled with fury.

"You actually attacked children?"

Danzo frowned, his expression doubtful.

"What are you talking about?"

Kushina's presence grew ominous.

The air in the conference room grew tense as the Jōnin instinctively braced themselves.

Sensing an opportunity, Danzo seized the moment and shouted:

"Nine Tails is about to go berserk! If we don't act now, we must subdue her!"

Fear of the Nine Tails clouded their judgment.

Many Jōnin hesitated—but some, influenced by Danzo's words, prepared to act against Kushina.

Uchiha Bakugo was just about to step in when—

A terrifying aura suddenly engulfed the entire Hokage Building.

Even Nine Tails' presence was instantly suppressed.

A cold, commanding voice echoed through the room.

"Let's see who dares."

Simu's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

The door burst open with a powerful kick.

All the Jōnin instinctively stepped aside.

Simu strode in, making his way straight to Kushina's side.

With a casual flick, he threw Hanzo's battered body at Danzo's feet.

"Elder Danzo, are you doing well?"

A smirk played on Simu's lips.

"Or should I have Hanzo speak on your behalf?"

.

.

TO BE CONTINUED

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