Chapter 36: Group decision

"Koharu was right. Before Uchiha Qin Yu's true intentions were revealed, suspicion was inevitable, and Danzo played the role of the antagonist. It was the best course of action at the time." Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement.

"Are you all out of your minds?" Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, suddenly scolded.

"Don't forget Minato's report. We must avoid provoking Uchiha Qin Yu further, or he could become Konoha's greatest threat."

Suddenly, both Homura and Koharu froze in shock.

"Hiruzen, what do you mean? What happened between Yamanaka Torifu and Uchiha Qin Yu?"

In their eyes, Hiruzen was always calm and collected. His emotions rarely showed such volatility—this meant something was seriously wrong.

"Torifu is dead—killed by Uchiha Qin Yu."

The Third Hokage took out a scroll and threw it toward Homura. "This is the report from Minato. Review it and think of an appropriate response."

"Torifu Yamanaka, killed so effortlessly?" Homura's expression shifted dramatically.

He quickly opened the scroll and began to read.

As time passed, both his and Koharu's expressions turned pale.

In their eyes, Torifu Yamanaka, a high-ranking member of the Yamanaka clan, was a master of the Mind Transfer Technique and had undergone intense ANBU Root training under Danzo.

He was particularly skilled in sensory and psychological warfare ninjutsu.

If the two had fought, Torifu's keen sensory abilities should have detected any changes in his opponent's chakra and allowed him to react first.

Yet, as described in the scroll, Torifu failed to react before being trapped in a genjutsu, then incinerated by Amaterasu—the inextinguishable black flames of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Even without witnessing the battle firsthand, the report alone sent a chill down their spines.

"According to Minato's account, Qin Yu hasn't even displayed his full strength yet. His rapid learning ability seems tied to his Mangekyō Sharingan," Hiruzen said gravely.

"Minato noted that Qin Yu has always despised unnecessary conflict and preferred to remain in the shadows. This time, however, he was forced into battle—and managed to repel both Kumogakure and Kirigakure forces."

"Even Jūzō Biwa of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and Kushimaru Kuriarare have been killed by him. These are feats only a handful of Konoha shinobi could achieve."

The Third Hokage turned to Koharu and Homura.

"Now, tell me—what should we do?"

Their expressions turned grave.

Originally, they believed Qin Yu to be just another talented prodigy, like many before him. Someone who could be controlled through pressure on the Uchiha Clan.

But now, Uchiha Qin Yu had not only been hiding his true power for years, but had also demonstrated a terrifying strength.

He had even dared to kill Root operatives loyal to Danzo—an act of defiance that showed no fear of consequence.

"Hmph, how pathetic. You still hesitate."

Danzo Shimura suddenly burst through the office doors.

"Lord Hokage..." The two ANBU stationed outside looked conflicted.

"Stand down. I knew he'd come," Hiruzen commanded.

In Konoha, Danzo was a unique figure. His Root organization operated independently of the Hokage's direct authority.

In essence, Root functioned outside the standard power structure of Konoha's leadership.

Danzo often dispatched Root agents in secret, even monitoring the Hokage's office.

"Hmph, you hesitate over a mere child. I question whether you're still fit to lead Konoha."

Danzo sneered coldly. "Had I not prepared contingencies, you would have already made a disastrous decision."

"Danzo, don't twist things. Hiruzen never meant it that way," Homura tried to mediate, knowing full well the stubbornness of his old comrade.

"Disappointing. Even you side with Hiruzen now?" Danzo sneered.

"Konoha is weakened because of your indecisiveness. If you'd listened to me and acted with strength, we wouldn't be fighting on three fronts now."

Homura sighed deeply. "Danzo, don't misunderstand. Everyone here wants to protect Konoha—Hiruzen included."

"If you have a suggestion, share it with us."

"Danzo, Homura is right. If you have a valid plan to strengthen the village, I'm willing to listen," Hiruzen added.

Koharu remained silent but nodded in agreement.

"It's unnecessary," Danzo scoffed. "Uchiha Itachi is a dangerous variable—a threat to the stability of Konoha."

"And don't forget, allowing the Uchiha Clan to shelter such a power will only embolden their arrogance. I've already taken measures to handle him."

This revelation shocked Hiruzen and the others.

While they had been discussing how to appease Qin Yu and perhaps use his abilities to strengthen Konoha, Danzo had already taken matters into his own hands.

This completely undermined Minato's peace-seeking strategy.

"Are you insane, Danzo? You're provoking Qin Yu again—you'll force him to defect!" Hiruzen roared.

"If Qin Yu were to leave the village, with his power and reputation, any hidden village would welcome him with open arms—and use him against us."

Koharu and Homura's faces turned pale.

Never before had they seen Hiruzen this furious.

Danzo's unchecked actions had always been tolerated, but now Hiruzen's patience had reached its limit.

This showed just how much Hiruzen valued Uchiha Qin Yu.

"Danzo, this is your final warning. Call your agents back immediately—or face the consequences," Hiruzen commanded, voice thunderous with authority.