"Usagi Xin and Nawaki are close friends, and there's also Kushina. Because of them, Tsunade has grown closer to him over time. We should stay out of this. Crafting a new weapon isn't easy either there isn't much chakra metal left in the village," Homura said.
"What? How can that be?" Koharu's eyes widened. She clearly remembered there was plenty left the last time they checked.
The Third Hokage hadn't been handing out chakra metal to Shinobi for any rewards or weapon crafting lately, so how did it run out?
"Ahem," Homura coughed lightly, glancing toward Konoha Hospital.
Realization dawned on Koharu's face as her expression tightened.
Danzo. It was him again. He had been quietly diverting chakra metal resources. If the Hokage ever found out that these vital supplies were gone, they would both be in serious trouble.
"What does he even need all that chakra metal for?"
Chakra metal was incredibly expensive. Even a small piece cost millions of ryo, and it wasn't the kind of material you could just go out and buy-connections and influence were needed to acquire it.
Konoha had a decent stockpile of chakra metal, but now it had mysteriously disappeared, diverted by Danzo.
This was outrageous.
It was one thing for Danzo to misappropriate funds or medical equipment from the medical department, but now he was dipping into their precious supply of chakra metal.
What was he thinking?
Equipping Root's shinobi with upgraded weapons?
Most of Konoha's elite Jonin didn't even have chakra-infused weapons, but Danzo was decking out his private army with them?
"Who knows? Why don't you ask him yourself?" Homura replied, making it clear he had no intention of taking the fall for Danzo's actions.
If the Hokage started looking into the matter, Danzo would have to answer for it. Homura wasn't going to cover for him.
Not long after, they arrived at the hospital and entered Danzo's private, luxury ward. Looking at the man who was bedridden and unable to move, Koharu wasted no time with pleasantries.
"Danzo, you've diverted most of the chakra metal from the logistics department. What are you using it for? This is a serious issue. If Hiruzen finds out, he'll be furious."
Danzo opened his one good eye, his voice indifferent. "I have my reasons."
As for what those reasons were, he didn't bother to explain.
"You―!" Koharu was already fuming after her earlier confrontation with Tsunade, and now Danzo's dismissive attitude pushed her over the edge.
"Danzo, you know how precious chakra metal is. If this gets out and Hiruzen learns about it, we're not going to cover for you."
Danzo closed his eye again, ignoring her, leaving Koharu trembling with frustration.
"Fine! Have it your way, Danzo!" she spat, storming out of the room in anger.
She swore that if this mess ever came to light, she wouldn't lift a finger to help him. She was done with Danzo's reckless behavior. If he kept acting like this, he'd bring the whole house down.
"Danzo, you..." Homura sighed, caught between a rock and a hard place. He could only follow Koharu out of the room, leaving Danzo behind.
Once they were gone, Danzo opened his eyes again, and two Root operatives quietly appeared in the room.
"Lord Danzo, we've received a letter from Orochimaru," One of the shinobi reported.
"I see. Leave it here. Send a reply in my name. Tell him the chakra metal he needs has been secured, and I look forward to a successful collaboration," Danzo ordered.
"Take the materials to Orochimaru at the camp in the Land of Rivers. Make sure no one else handles them-deliver it to him personally."
"Yes, Lord Danzo." The Root operatives swiftly left the room.
The hospital room returned to its quiet state.