Sarutobi Hiruzen's reputation suffered greatly due to the two consecutive Ninja World Wars that Konoha endured during his reign. As a result, he was ultimately forced to abdicate and retreat into the shadows.
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen has since reclaimed the position of Hokage, and he is determined not to be forced to relinquish the Hokage mantle again. Therefore, the civilian Anbu present at the time is now a source of instability.
Seeing the solemn expression on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face, Danzo immediately smiled and laid out his plan.
"Hiruzen, the casualties in Konoha have already reached intolerable levels. These individuals cannot remain here," Danzo stated firmly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes and replied solemnly, "What do you mean? They have all made significant contributions to Konoha."
Danzo waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry, I don't intend to kill them. However, they are no longer suitable to serve in Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen quietly observed Danzo, waiting for him to continue.
Danzo continued, "At one time, your personal Anbu numbered in the hundreds, making up 60% of Konoha's Anbu. Excluding clan-affiliated ninjas, civilian Anbu makes up the remaining 40%. Killing them would only weaken Konoha, but leaving them be poses a potential threat."
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and said, "Stop beating around the bush. Spit it out."
Danzo smiled slightly. "So why not transfer them to the Root, where their lives can be concealed, and they can serve Konoha in another capacity?"
"The Root has suffered substantial losses recently and requires urgent expansion. We have the means to ensure these individuals forget what Kaito said today."
Hiruzen Sarutobi furrowed his brows. He understood Danzo's intentions well; he sought to bolster his own forces.
Danzo's plan, however, gave him pause. Avoiding bloodshed was indeed the safest course.
Observing Hiruzen's hesitation, Danzo pressed on, adding another layer of persuasion.
"Hiruzen, time is of the essence. Konoha has been devastated by Kaito's actions, and these Anbu are tirelessly rescuing the populace. We can't afford to ignore Kaito's words any longer. If we wait until the rescued civilians start talking, it'll be too late to contain the situation."
Danzo's timing was impeccable; his words struck a chord with Hiruzen Sarutobi, breaking through his defenses.
After a long moment of consideration, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded reluctantly.
"These individuals are heroes of Konoha. Let's avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
Danzo's face blossomed into a satisfied smile. Everything had gone according to plan, and this news was a pleasing development. He had long coveted the power held by the Anbu.
He nodded to the Root operatives behind him, who promptly exited the room. Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that Danzo had already made arrangements beforehand, waiting only for his consent.
Helplessly shaking his head, Hiruzen Sarutobi could do nothing but watch.
Preparations were made swiftly, and the Root operatives quickly located the Anbu members present.
Confronted by the intimidating presence of the Root operatives, the Anbu members were swiftly subdued.
The Anbu members from Konoha's prominent families were given warnings and temporarily gathered, awaiting Danzo's orders.
They did not resist, having been informed of the 'House Rules' by their families when they joined the Anbu.
However, the civilian Anbu members were not as fortunate. Isolated and vastly outnumbered, they had no means to resist the Root operatives.
True to his word, Danzo did not harm these Anbu members. From now on, they would serve as his strength.
Danzo instructed his Root subordinates to use their secret technique on these civilians - the Seal of the Tongue's Curse. Once subjected to this sealing technique, the civilian Anbu members would be unable to reveal what had transpired that day.
Subsequently, the civilian Anbu members were escorted by the Root operatives to the Konoha Root base.
There, specialized personnel began the process of indoctrination, ensuring their unwavering loyalty to Danzo.
As the sun began to rise over Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi found himself troubled by the decision he had made. He understood the necessity of Danzo's actions in preserving the stability of Konoha, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he had compromised his own principles.
Danzo, on the other hand, was already moving forward with his plans. With the addition of the Anbu members to his ranks, he was poised to strengthen the Root and solidify his influence within Konoha.
The days that followed saw the Root operatives diligently working to integrate the newly acquired Anbu members into their ranks. Through a combination of psychological conditioning and rigorous training, the civilians were transformed into loyal operatives of Danzo's faction.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi grappled with the consequences of his decision. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny the practicality of Danzo's approach. The peace and stability of Konoha remained his top priority, even if it meant making difficult choices.
In the weeks that followed, the people of Konoha began to notice changes within the Anbu organization.
Rumours circulated about the sudden disappearance of certain members and the emergence of new faces among the ranks.
As the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi found himself facing scrutiny from both his advisors and the general populace. Some praised his decision to avoid bloodshed, while others questioned his willingness to compromise.
Deep down, Hiruzen knew that his actions had averted immediate conflict. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had set a dangerous precedent for the future.