Hiruko exploded.
Yes, in the literal sense.
After continuously swelling, this former subordinate of the Third Hokage chose to self-destruct in front of everyone.
His rapidly expanding body generated terrifying power.
It was easy to imagine that, propelled by this force, the fragments of Hiruko's body would become the most horrifying attack, posing a lethal threat to the surrounding ninjas and villagers.
This thought caused everyone, including Hiruzen Sarutobi, to pale.
Fortunately, Danzo, who had been sitting in the corner, seemed to have foreseen this. The moment Hiruko began to self-destruct, Danzo quickly formed hand seals.
"Wood Release: Wooden Cage Technique."
A large number of tree branches sprouted around Hiruko, immediately forming a cage that tightly enclosed him.
At the same time, Minato, who had rushed over, exchanged a glance with Danzo and instantly understood his intention.
Minato appeared in front of the wooden cage, placed his hand on it, and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In the next second, a violent explosion erupted in the Forest of Death.
A crimson pillar of blood shot into the sky, creating a terrifying sight.
The intense smell of blood almost enveloped half the village. The sheer destructive power left everyone feeling a deep sense of dread.
After all, the people present were Konoha's most elite ninjas, and there were many villagers watching nearby.
If a traitor had wiped them all out, Konoha would undoubtedly have become the biggest laughingstock of the entire ninja world.
Thinking this, the looks directed at the Third Hokage grew even more uneasy.
No matter what, Hiruko had been his former subordinate, even a half-disciple.
Combined with Hiruzen's earlier indecisiveness, this dangerous situation had arisen.
Hiruzen, too, seemed to realize this, and his expression darkened further.
In stark contrast were Danzo and Minato.
One was decisive and resolute, reacting immediately.
The other was brave and fearless, trusting Danzo's judgment and carrying it out without hesitation.
No wonder they had been able to defeat so many enemies...
Under the subtle gazes of the crowd, the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, spoke with a grim expression:
"I declare the village to be in a state of emergency. I will thoroughly investigate this matter to ensure that nothing like this happens again!"
The Hokage was getting serious.
This was the first thought that crossed everyone's mind after hearing his words.
After all, the impact of Hiruko's actions was too significant.
His special status, his shocking statements, and his public self-destruction would all push the already turbulent situation in the village toward an uncontrollable direction.
"I hope you can give the village a clear explanation, Hiruzen," Danzo said coldly before leading his subordinates back to the Root headquarters.
"I will, Danzo," Hiruzen replied, his voice icy as he stared at Danzo's retreating figure.
The many jonin who had overheard this exchange glanced at each other, sensing an overwhelming pressure, as if a storm was about to break.
Perhaps the hidden tensions that had been simmering since the end of the war were about to erupt fully because of this incident.
Next would come the critical moment of choosing sides!
Under the Hokage's orders, the ANBU swiftly mobilized, thoroughly investigating various experimental sites within the village to eliminate any potential risks.
This kept Orochimaru extremely busy.
If not for his extensive network of informants, he might have been dragged into the spotlight and exposed!
---
As for Danzo, after igniting the situation, he returned to his lair—the Root.
In the dark underground, Danzo sat in his usual chair.
But surprisingly, Hiruko, who was supposed to have died in the explosion, was also present, kneeling on one knee and pledging his loyalty to Danzo.
"I pledge my allegiance to Lord Danzo, until death."
This situation had to be traced back to the moment when the three members of the Earth Branch squad defeated Hiruko.
After defeating him, they didn't immediately take him to the Hokage building. Instead, they made a deal with him.
The terms were simple:
If he chose death, they would kill him on the spot.
If he chose life, he would join the Root and become Danzo's subordinate.
Hiruko chose the latter without hesitation.
He even used a clone he had cultivated for years to publicly stab his former leader, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in the back.
In other words, the one who had self-destructed was merely a monster clone that looked exactly like Hiruko.
It wasn't the real him.
As for whether Hiruko felt any guilt for betraying Hiruzen?
Hiruko made it clear: there was none.
Ever since Hiruzen had taken the other three as disciples but not him, Hiruko had lost all gratitude and loyalty toward the Hokage.
If Hiruzen chose his disciples based on talent, then Hiruko could also choose a leader with more potential.
Like Lord Danzo before him.
Looking at Hiruko kneeling before him, Danzo slightly raised his chin, marked with a cross-shaped scar.
"From now on, you will be in charge of the Root's experimental projects," he said, narrowing his eyes. The killing intent in his gaze was almost tangible, like ghostly flames in the darkness.
"Don't entertain any unnecessary thoughts, or you'll die a miserable death."
Danzo couldn't fully trust Hiruko, but he also wouldn't discard such a useful tool.
At the very least, Hiruko's Chimera Technique had its merits.
The fact that he had created such a technique was enough to prove his talent.
Moreover, Danzo was currently in desperate need of scientific talent, so he decided to make use of Hiruko for now.
As for what would happen in the future, that could be dealt with later.
As long as Danzo's own power was strong enough, what did it matter if Hiruko collected five Kekkei Genkai?
Sensing Danzo's warning, Hiruko quickly lowered his head and reaffirmed his loyalty.
"I will remain loyal to Lord Danzo and the Root, and I will never do anything I shouldn't!"
Danzo waved his hand dismissively.
"Take him away. And while you're at it, remove the puppet curse from Kakashi."
Hearing that Danzo had seen through his Puppet Technique, Hiruko's expression changed. He once again gained a new appreciation for the vast capabilities of the "Darkness of the Shinobi."
After all, his Puppet Mark was extremely well-hidden, and most people wouldn't even notice it...
Hiruko bowed respectfully and said, "Understood."
After Hiruko left, Shisui Uchiha spoke up.
"Sensei, I don't think Hiruko is truly loyal."
Hearing this, Danzo chuckled lightly.
"Shisui, as a leader, you don't need to earn the loyalty of everyone."
He slowly stood up and began to instruct Shisui in a teaching tone.
"For those who are loyal, of course, we must cherish and nurture them.
"But for dogs like Hiruko, who have ulterior motives, what we need to do is strike them with a stick and then give them a bone.
"While they guard our home, we gradually instill fear in them.
"And once their value has been fully extracted, if they still can't be tamed, then we must make the most of their remaining worth.
"Kill them when necessary."
Danzo raised his head and stared coldly at his top disciple.
"Cruelty is a required course for becoming the 'Darkness of the Shinobi.'"
Such blunt words left Shisui momentarily stunned, but then he nodded firmly.
"I understand, Sensei."
_
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