Yellow Dog gathered two weeks' worth of scrolls, compiling evidence that Root's intelligence network had collapsed.
Several squads attempting to eliminate targets listed in the Assassination Manual had stalled completely.
He brought Fox with him into the Hokage's office.
"Third Hokage-sama," Yellow Dog began, "since Root's collapse, the intelligence system has ceased functioning.
The Assassination Manual's progress has halted. Multiple squads have attempted missions only to arrive too late—their targets had already vanished.
The spy network has always been controlled by Root. The intelligence handlers across the major villages only accept orders from Advisor Danzo.
But Danzo-sama cannot personally contact that many handlers. Communication with them is highly sensitive—sometimes loyalty verification requires direct meetings.
Without a functioning intelligence system, ANBU cannot continue eliminating targets. More importantly, it wastes the sacrifices of our spies.
They risk their lives gathering information in enemy villages—yet that intelligence cannot reach us.
At the same time, assassination attempts against Konoha shinobi by other villages are increasing.
In this exchange, Konoha is suffering heavy losses.
Even if Root begins rebuilding now, training nine competent members will take at least three months—more likely half a year.
Hokage-sama, I request that ANBU take over the spy network so that it may function again."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took the scrolls with practiced calm, skimming through reports detailing failed missions caused by delayed intelligence.
Information delayed by even a single day rendered operations useless.
And yet…
He hesitated.
Continuing to weaken Danzo felt like kicking a man already down.
Root had already suffered catastrophic losses.
"I will consider this," Hiruzen said slowly.
Yellow Dog was about to speak again when a knock sounded at the door.
An assistant rushed inside.
"Hokage-sama, the clan heads of the Hyuga, Yamanaka, Aburame, Akimichi, and Inuzuka clans have arrived downstairs requesting an audience.
Judging by their expressions… they do not seem pleased."
"Let them in."
Yellow Dog moved to leave but was stopped.
"Stay and listen."
Fox remained as well.
A show was about to begin.
The five clan heads entered.
Before the Hokage could speak, they began expressing their grievances, anger clear on their faces.
The Inuzuka clan head, Inuzuka Kari, spoke first.
"Hokage-sama, you know our clan's strength lies primarily with our ninken partners.
Previously, to support Advisor Danzo, our clan sent two Tokubetsu Jonin to Root.
But carrying ninken during assassination missions immediately exposes their identity. Those two had no choice but to abandon their partners and fight using only taijutsu and scent tracking.
That was already the greatest support the Inuzuka clan could provide.
Both of those shinobi died in Root missions. We voiced no complaints.
But last night, Advisor Danzo came personally to our compound and demanded three more Tokubetsu Jonin.
Hokage-sama… the Inuzuka clan is simply unsuited for assassination roles. We rely too heavily on our ninken.
Please understand our circumstances."
Even Hiruzen showed rare discomfort.
Recruiting Inuzuka into Root truly was pushing too far.
ANBU favored taijutsu and standard techniques to conceal identity. Bringing a ninken was essentially announcing one's clan.
Danzo's demands were excessive—though understandable given his desperation.
"I understand, Kari-dono. I will inform Advisor Danzo not to recruit from the Inuzuka clan this time."
Next, Yamanaka Inoen spoke.
"Hokage-sama, Root's casualty rate is too high.
Over the past years, every Yamanaka sent to Root has died within six months.
Our clan supports Konoha without hesitation—but could our members be assigned directly to ANBU instead of Root?
We are willing to sacrifice for the village, but we wish that sacrifice to have meaning."
The Ino-Shika-Cho alliance formed one of Hiruzen's core support bases.
With both the Yamanaka and Akimichi leaders present, it was clear they were approaching their limits.
They were not refusing sacrifice—they wanted meaningful sacrifice.
Akimichi Yamashiro, missing an arm, raised his remaining one.
"Hokage-sama, I believe Advisor Danzo's command decisions are flawed.
ANBU faces dangerous missions too, yet their casualty rates remain acceptable.
Root's losses are… excessive.
Even during the worst days of the Second Shinobi War—when Konoha fought Iwa, Suna, and Kiri simultaneously—our casualty rate wasn't this severe."
His bluntness served as a shield.
Anyone else criticizing Danzo would seem politically motivated.
But Yamashiro's straightforward personality allowed him to speak openly.
Yamanaka Inoen quickly interjected.
"Yamashiro! You mustn't speak like that about Advisor Danzo."
Yet his tone suggested he shared the sentiment.
Aburame Ichima stepped forward next.
"Hokage-sama, the Aburame clan is already small.
Over the past two years, ten of our members have entered Root or ANBU. Seven have died.
We request a period of recovery.
After war, recovery is natural, is it not?
Our clan's reproduction is slow. Outsiders rarely marry into our clan."
"I understand," Hiruzen replied quickly. "The Aburame clan's contributions are well known. I will ask Danzo not to recruit Aburame into Root this time."
Finally, Hyuga Tengetsu spoke.
"Hokage-sama, even during peacetime the Hyuga bear heavy burdens.
We handle village surveillance, daimyo protection, and fortress security.
This request for Tokubetsu Jonin for Root… I simply cannot spare anyone.
Those with sufficient ability are already assigned to critical duties."
Hiruzen exhaled deeply, smoke curling upward.
The clan leaders were not being unreasonable.
Their sacrifices had already been immense.
Fox watched quietly.
After sustained pressure, Danzo's political credibility was finally collapsing.
"I will instruct Danzo to focus on training civilian shinobi rather than recruiting from clans for the next few years," Hiruzen said.
The clan heads nodded in agreement.
Just as they began to relax, the office door suddenly swung open.
No announcement.
The newcomer required none.
Danzo.
The clan leaders immediately rose to their feet.
Danzo's gaze swept across them.
None dared meet his eyes.
Everyone knew he had suffered a crushing defeat.
And confronting him now would only invite retaliation.