In the spacious conference room of the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage sat in the main seat, flanked by his trusted advisors. To his left were Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, while Shimura Danzo occupied the seat on his right. Behind them, the heads of Konoha's notable clans and elite jonin from civilian backgrounds filled the rows.
Shimura Danzo's face was a mask of anger and disdain. Only his left eye was visible beneath his bandages, radiating a frosty glare that warned others to tread lightly. Despite his intimidating demeanor, many of the gathered clan heads exchanged furtive glances, whispering amongst themselves.
They all understood the gravity of recent events. Takasaki Kazushi, Iwasaki Yu, and Hoshino Atsumi—the heads of three clans allied with the Shimura family—had been assassinated in a single night. Everyone knew these killings were no coincidence, and many suspected that they were tied to Danzo's connections.
"It seems the Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja has a vendetta against the Shimura family," one clan head murmured quietly.
"You're just realizing this now?" came the curt reply from another family head nearby.
The first speaker frowned but nodded thoughtfully. "I suspected something was wrong after Aburame Shiwei and Shimura Daisuke's deaths. This recent incident confirms it."
As the whispers subsided, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. All eyes turned to the Third Hokage as the meeting formally began.
Danzo broke the silence, his voice sharp and accusing. "Uchiha Fugaku!" His glare focused on the Uchiha clan leader, his tone icy. "Your Security Department oversees Konoha's safety. Three clan heads have been murdered in their homes. How do you explain this negligence?"
Uchiha Fugaku met Danzo's accusation with a calm demeanor. "Advisor Danzo," he began, his voice measured and steady, "your claims are unfair. The Security Department's jurisdiction does not extend into private clan compounds, nor do we have authority to patrol such areas without permission."
Danzo's fist slammed onto the table, his voice rising. "Don't try to evade responsibility! The Security Department is tasked with maintaining the village's safety. Are you telling me these murders are none of your concern?"
Fugaku's expression darkened, his voice taking on a sterner edge. "Shimura Danzo, your accusations are baseless. If the Security Department cannot access a clan compound, how can we be held accountable for what transpires within it? By your logic, if your Root base were infiltrated, would the Security Department also bear the blame?"
Danzo shot to his feet, his visible eye blazing with anger. "How dare you address me like this, Uchiha Fugaku!"
Fugaku rose to meet him, refusing to be intimidated. "Respect is earned, Danzo. If you wish to throw baseless accusations, do not expect reverence in return!"
The Third Hokage intervened, raising a hand to calm the rising tempers. "Gentlemen," he said, his tone firm, "this is not the time for infighting. The murders are a grave matter, and we must focus on finding the culprit rather than assigning blame prematurely."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement, echoing the Hokage's sentiment. Reluctantly, Danzo and Fugaku sat down, though tension still crackled between them.
Turning to the assembly, the Hokage asked, "What do the rest of you think about this incident?"
Hyuga Hiashi spoke first, his voice calm and authoritative. "The murders occurred within clan compounds, which are outside the jurisdiction of the Security Department. Blaming the Uchiha clan for these deaths is unwarranted."
Several other clan heads nodded in agreement. Among them were the heads of clans who had formed alliances with the Uchiha under Fugaku's strategic outreach.
Danzo's gaze darkened further, but before he could respond, Shimura Naoya, the new head of the Shimura family, stood. "While it's true the murders occurred in clan compounds," he said loudly, "the fact remains that the Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja somehow infiltrated the village. Surely, this points to negligence on the part of the Security Department."
Naoya's statement hung in the air, but the silence that followed was deafening. He glanced around, expecting support from the heads of allied clans, but was met with downcast eyes and averted gazes.
Confusion flickered across Naoya's face. "Why isn't anyone backing me?" he thought. His eyes sought out the new head of the Aburame clan, hoping for an ally. However, the Aburame clan leader looked away, pretending not to notice him.
Turning his gaze to the acting heads of the Takasaki, Iwasaki, and Hoshino families, Naoya silently implored them to speak. Yet, they too remained silent, their expressions carefully neutral.
The reason was clear to everyone but Naoya: the Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja had targeted those closely associated with the Shimura family. To openly align with Danzo and Naoya now was to risk becoming the next victim.
Realizing he stood alone, Naoya faltered, his argument unraveling.
(End of Chapter)
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