They all didn't know that at the moment they were surrounding and killing Danzo, a far greater incident was taking place in Konoha village: the Kyuubi Jinchuriki had been captured and extracted, as well as the appearance of a black-robed figure suspected to be First Place of the Gold List to hold back Hashirama and Tobirama.
If not for that, their plan would most likely have failed. The three Hokage actually had already realized when Danzo left the village; if not for the black-robed figure's appearance, they most likely would have chased to check the situation. Danzo indeed deserved to die, but the Hokage wouldn't let him die outside just like that.
Along with that, the golden scroll in the sky suddenly emitted dazzling golden light, bathing the earth, and slowly opened. All inhabitants in the Three Realms instantly looked up at the sky.
What would the Gold List do this time?
On the Gold List, rows of text appeared:
[Strongest List: Shimura Danzo has died, his ranking is removed from the list, rankings below rise one level]
[Adding new 100th rank to fill the vacancy]
[Rank 100: Galdino]
[Origin World: One Piece World]
[Description: Member of Baroque Works founded by former Shichibukai Crocodile, code name Mr. 3. Devil Fruit user of Doru Doru no Mi. After being defeated by the Straw Hat Pirates and imprisoned in Impel Down, he was rescued by Crocodile after the World Government was overthrown. Currently serves in the World Council as Crocodile's subordinate.]
[Abilities: Wax-Wax Fruit abilities, Busoshoku Haki (Beginner Level), Marine Rokushiki (Beginner Level)]
Beside the Gold List appeared an image of a bespectacled man in blue uniform, with a tuft on his head forming the number "3", appearing to have a somewhat cunning aura. The appearance of this news made the Three Realms slightly shocked.
One more figure from the Strongest List died?
Especially on Konoha village's side. Hashirama and the others who had just finished tidying the battlefield were momentarily stunned, then their faces changed drastically.
"Shimura Danzo died?"
"Who killed him?"
They simultaneously recalled the scene they saw in the crystal ball before. Danzo secretly left the village as if searching for something, and finally mysteriously died.
Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged glances—their figures instantly vanished from their place. Hiruzen also shouted loudly: "Anbu!"
*WHOOSH!* *WHOOSH!* *WHOOSH!*
Dozens of masked figures immediately appeared on surrounding rooftops, all kneeling awaiting orders.
"Go outside the village and find out if anything is wrong!"
"Yes, Sir!"
Those dozens of Anbu members directly vanished.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
"Danzo actually died?" Jiraiya felt surprised, while Kakashi appeared deep in thought.
Regarding that cunning old man, almost no one in Konoha liked him. After Hashirama and Tobirama returned, Danzo's lifelong dream of becoming Hokage was almost impossible to realize.
The reason they still let him live was only because the timing wasn't right. The deeds he did over these years were indeed difficult to forgive. Others might not know, but the Third Hokage understood him very well.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
Hashirama and Tobirama's figures appeared at the place where Orochimaru and the others fought before. The battlefield here was chaotic; large trees had fallen, and the ground had burn marks from fierce fire.
"Should be here..." Hashirama furrowed his brow staring at the battlefield.
"Look at this!" Tobirama found something, pointing at marks of great pressure on the ground.
Hashirama approached to examine, then his eyes narrowed.
Those were traces of a large reptile passing through, and around it were giant footprints as if a giant had walked there.
"Manda!"
"Susano'o!"
Both exchanged glances—the answer was already clearly visible before their eyes.
"That Orochimaru dared to act against Danzo at a time like this? Based on Hiruzen's information, they should have had dark transactions—why suddenly become enemies? And here are attack marks from the Uchiha clan's Susano'o... Could that be Sasuke?" Tobirama somewhat didn't understand. After all, the Sharingan in Danzo's body was assistance from Konoha scientist Orochimaru for his transplantation process.
Hashirama said flatly: "Every cooperation is built on interests. Now Danzo has no use value left; his power was almost entirely taken over by us, and he lost trust in the village. For someone blinded by ambition like him, this is the same as slow death. Regarding that Susano'o... it seems that really was Sasuke!"
Neither of them expected Sasuke's growth speed could be this fast. When he defected before, he had just awakened three-tomoe Sharingan, but now he could already use Susano'o. That was an ability that could only be used by Mangekyou Sharingan.
"Such a pity..." Hashirama sighed: "If that child were still in the village, his talent wouldn't be inferior to Naruto's. Moreover, their elements complement each other; one Lightning and Fire element, one Wind element. With them in the future, Konoha wouldn't need to fear enemies."
Tobirama was silent for a moment then said: "No one knows the future for certain. We all know Uchiha Itachi's situation; Sasuke was just blinded by vengeance and instigated by Orochimaru. He has strong bonds with Naruto—perhaps someday he can be called back!"
Hashirama nodded and said: "Orochimaru chose to act now most likely to assist Akatsuki's movement—he's also their member. But I don't understand why he killed Danzo—for Sasuke's sake? He's not the type of person with a kind heart..."
They didn't yet know that Orochimaru had left Akatsuki.
"Originally his strength would be difficult to kill Danzo, considering Danzo had eleven Sharingan that could use Izanagi for a long time. It seems the benefit Orochimaru gained from the Hidden Expert List isn't simple! This Hidden Expert List..."
Both couldn't hold back their envy. They had to acknowledge, in terms of growth potential, rewards on the Hidden Expert List were very overpowered; even if they obtained them, their power could leap far.
"The future belongs to them!" Hashirama smiled bitterly. That was reality.
When these children on the Hidden Expert List grew up, the stage of history would become theirs, and many people on the Strongest List would be displaced.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
However, in the sky that had just calmed, the golden light didn't fade—instead it continued emitting dazzling brilliance.
[Gold List of Three Realms: MYRIAD BEASTS LIST BEGINS]