"To subject me to such a procedure is to declare your distrust for the entire Uchiha clan."
Under the immense pressure of the council, Uchiha Fugaku's voice was a low, forceful retort.
"I do not know what madness drove Yashiro and Tekka to this, but Lord Danzō, you must understand! The reason they did this is because you pushed them to the breaking point!"
Hearing this, Shimura Danzō's expression grew even colder. "Fugaku, what are you implying?"
"Today, you came to our clan to demand ten of our young Uchiha for your Root organization! We are all well aware of your methods, your attitude toward those who serve under you. As the head of my clan, how could I dare gamble with the lives of our next generation?"
Shimura Danzō slammed his hand on the arm of the sofa. "Fugaku! You dare question the village leadership! A ninja must be prepared to make any sacrifice for Konoha! The Yamanaka, the Nara—they understand this. Their clans have willingly joined our cause. Only you Uchiha remain so defiant!"
Uchiha Fugaku's voice rose, filled with righteous fury. "And that is why you orchestrated this! I am certain of it! You were the one behind today's incident! I, and the Uchiha clan, will not take the blame for your schemes!"
"How dare you!" Shimura Danzō roared, his body trembling with rage. "I am a senior advisor to this village! My only concern is the safety of Konoha! How dare you cast such doubt upon my honor?"
"Alright, that is enough!" Seeing the conversation spiral out of control, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately intervened.
"Fugaku, all that matters now is evidence. I will not embarrass you, nor will I needlessly persecute the Uchiha clan. Your clan has contributed greatly to Konoha's strength. But Minato and I were indeed attacked by Tekka and Yashiro. That is an indisputable fact."
"So, hand them over to us, and we will speak no more of this."
Fugaku's posture stiffened. "Lord Third, it is not that I refuse to hand them over. I truly do not know where they have gone."
Homura Mitokado scoffed. "Then you admit you have something to hide! You cannot even keep track of your own clansmen?"
Uchiha Fugaku felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He was trapped, with no way to defend himself.
"How about this…" Minato Namikaze suddenly interjected, his voice calm and reasonable. "Fugaku, I will give you a few days. Find Tekka and Yashiro, and then we will discuss this matter further. Does that sound fair?"
As he spoke, Minato's gaze met Fugaku's, a silent, fleeting message passing between them.
Uchiha Fugaku immediately understood and seized the lifeline he'd been thrown. "Lord Fourth, I will find them both. I swear it. And then I will give you all the explanation you require!"
"Good. Then you may go." Minato Namikaze waved his hand.
"Yes…" Uchiha Fugaku was about to turn and leave, but Shimura Danzō's sharp voice stopped him. "No! He cannot leave! What good are those two pawns? I demand we send for the Yamanaka clan at once and probe Fugaku's memories!"
Uchiha Fugaku's lips curled into a silent snarl, but he said nothing.
"Danzō, you will listen to Minato," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "After all, he is the Hokage now."
"Hiruzen, you…!"
"That is my decision. Fugaku, you may go back now."
"Thank you, Lord Third…" Uchiha Fugaku bowed with genuine gratitude, then turned and exited the office.
Bang!
The moment the door closed, Shimura Danzō's voice was cold with fury. "Hiruzen! You are too indecisive! Letting him walk out that door is a grave mistake!"
"Danzō, it is not that I am indecisive. It is that you are too extreme!" Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head wearily. He took a deep puff from his pipe and continued, "Let us investigate first. Then we will talk."
"Hmph!" Shimura Danzō's face was blue with rage. He stalked toward the door. "I truly do not know what the Second Hokage ever saw in you. Your soft character will only bring greater harm to this village!" After leaving those final, venomous words, Danzō stormed out.
"Hah…" Minato Namikaze sighed with relief. Danzō's departure lifted a great deal of pressure from the room.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up. "It is getting late. Let us adjourn for the night."
Homura Mitokado said, "Hiruzen, we should send some Anbu to guard you tonight. I am afraid something else might go wrong."
Koharu added, "That's right. If you are attacked again, your old bones may not hold up."
"I will be fine. All of you, go. Minato, you will stay."
"Then we will go back first," Homura and Koharu answered in unison.
As they left, Koharu paused at the door and looked back at the two Hokages, her voice cold. "This matter concerns not only the safety of the village, but the authority of Konoha's leadership! Hiruzen, Minato, I still believe it is best to place all members of the Uchiha clan under strict control."