Seeing Shishou emerge from the other side of the forest, both the Third Hokage and Danzo were taken aback.
Neither of them had noticed when Shishou had appeared there.
Danzo was especially shocked, realizing that he had just been chasing a clone.
Realizing he had been played by a clone, Danzo's face grew increasingly grim.
After hearing Shishou's words clearly, both Danzo and the Third Hokage felt as if they had fallen into an icy abyss.
Danzo was distressed because his actions had been exposed.
The Third Hokage, on the other hand, was worried about the potential damage to Konoha's reputation.
If it became known that Konoha was ambushing clients and partners, it would severely damage the village's reputation.
At that point, no clients would dare to come to Konoha for missions.
Konoha would follow in the footsteps of Sunagakure, falling into financial ruin.
For a brief moment, the Third Hokage even considered silencing Shishou to keep the secret.
However, seeing Danzo in his current state and knowing that Shishou kept his distance, the Third Hokage dismissed the thought.
This man was not easy to kill.
"Please go and organize the goods."
Calling his clone over from a distance, Shishou patted him on the shoulder and spoke.
Since they were in front of the Third Hokage, Shishou didn't want to reveal that it was a shadow clone.
Once the clone was out of the Third Hokage's sight, Shishou dispelled it.
Shishou then turned to the Third Hokage and said,
"Third Hokage-sama, I need an explanation from you."
Hearing this, the Third Hokage glanced at Danzo, his face dark and grim.
If looks could kill, Danzo would have died a thousand deaths by now.
"This was my own doing."
"It has nothing to do with Konoha!"
Facing the situation, Danzo straightforwardly took full responsibility.
Since the matter was already exposed, it was better to make a concession.
In this way, the Third Hokage might show him some leniency.
Sighing, the Third Hokage looked at Shishou and said,
"Mr. Lurigan, could you do me a favor and let this matter go?"
"As for your losses, I will compensate you doubly."
Seeing the Third Hokage like this, Shishou also sighed.
He suddenly felt some sympathy for the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage was already 67 or 68 years old, yet he was still holding on to support Konoha, because the village had no strong successors.
Meanwhile, with external threats looming, Danzo was still dragging him down.
The Third Hokage was Tsunade's teacher, and thus Shishou's teacher as well. He shouldn't push him too hard.
Thinking shamelessly, Shishou looked at the Third Hokage and said,
"I've encountered many situations like this; it was just a momentary lapse of greed."
"Since the Third Hokage has spoken, there's no need for compensation. I'll pretend this never happened."
"In the future, if there are any rumors, feel free to come to me."
Hearing this, the Third Hokage was delighted and looked at Shishou with gratitude.
Then Shishou turned to Danzo and said,
"I'll let you go back this time. I'll pretend I didn't see or hear anything that just happened, and I won't mention it to anyone."
"But, I need your method for training in Wind Release jutsu."
"And, you must leave your Baku here."
Although Danzo was ugly and wicked, his expertise in Wind Release jutsu was undeniable.
Shishou wanted to see how he achieved it.
What!
He wants my Wind Release jutsu training method and Baku!
Danzo glared at Shishou, wishing he could tear him apart.
Not only had Shishou taken his Hashirama cell arm with four Sharingan, but now he had the audacity to make more demands.
But!
But Danzo had to agree.
He understood what Shishou was implying.
By emphasizing once again that he would pretend nothing had happened, Shishou was signaling that if Danzo agreed, he would keep everything a secret.
This included Danzo's attempt to kill Anko and the existence of the arm with Hashirama cells.
And the Hashirama cell issue was something Danzo could not let Hiruzen Sarutobi discover.
It would nullify years of Danzo's efforts.
"Danzo, why aren't you agreeing yet?"
Seeing Shishou's demands, the Third Hokage urged Danzo repeatedly.
To him, Shishou's conditions were entirely reasonable.
"Fine!"
"I agree. I hope you keep your word."
"Here are my Wind Release training notes and the contract scroll for Baku."
Danzo glared at Shishou, then took out two scrolls from his storage scroll.
Because of Hiruzen Sarutobi's presence, Danzo had to swallow his anger.
"I would like the Third Hokage to verify these for me."
Shishou trusted the Third Hokage more than Danzo.
With his reputation as a master of ninjutsu, the Third Hokage could easily identify any issues with the scrolls.
"Alright."
The Third Hokage nodded, feeling obliged to return the favor Shishou had just shown him.
Moreover, he feared Danzo might do something unwise to provoke Shishou.
Taking the scrolls from Danzo, the Third Hokage spent over ten minutes examining them before saying to Shishou,
"They're indeed fine."
After the Third Hokage finished, Danzo snatched the scrolls back, and in front of both of them, he nullified his contract with Baku.
Having done this, Danzo walked towards Shishou with the scrolls.
"Don't come any closer."
Seeing Danzo approaching, Shishou quickly retreated and formed a water clone to retrieve the scrolls from Danzo.
Since he couldn't use shadow clones, wood clones, or insect clones in front of the Third Hokage without raising suspicion, he used the water clone technique taught by Mei Terumi.
Seeing Shishou's caution, Danzo's mouth twitched involuntarily.
He had been contemplating whether to use Kotoamatsukami on Shishou when he got close.
But Shishou didn't give him the chance, keeping a fifty-meter distance.
Danzo's Kotoamatsukami had a range of only fifteen meters...
This was already impressive due to Kotoamatsukami's immense power.
Normal genjutsu, even those using Sharingan, had a range of only five meters...
That his Kotoamatsukami could reach fifteen meters was already terrifying.
"I've taken care of all the Root members and Anko. Your secret is safe."
As Shishou's water clone took the scrolls, he whispered in Danzo's ear.
Was that what he had sent the clone to do?
Danzo's eyes narrowed as he turned to leave.
Although he didn't know Shishou's motive, this was indeed the best outcome for him.
Otherwise, he would have had to find a way to deal with those people himself.
Since Shishou had already handled it, all the better.