Silence filled the meeting room after Shimura Naoya's attempt to shift blame to the Security Department. The other clan heads exchanged looks, unwilling to align with him, fearing further association with the Shimura family.
Finally, an aged voice broke the quiet.
"I think there is some truth in what Patriarch Shimura said," Utatane Koharu stated, her tone measured but firm.
As one of the three senior advisors, Koharu's words carried weight. Historically aligned with the Third Hokage and Danzo in suppressing the Uchiha clan, her support for Naoya Shimura wasn't unexpected.
Danzo Shimura glanced at Naoya with approval. Despite Naoya's earlier missteps, his quick thinking had provided an avenue to redirect the meeting's focus.
"Uchiha Fugaku," Danzo said, his voice sharp and accusing. "How do you explain this? If the Security Department had been more vigilant, perhaps the Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja would never have infiltrated Konoha, let alone assassinated three family heads."
Fugaku, unfazed, responded calmly. "I don't believe this warrants an explanation."
Danzo's visible eye narrowed dangerously. "So, you admit the Security Department bears responsibility for these murders?"
"No," Fugaku replied firmly. "What I mean is that anyone with basic reasoning can see that blaming the Security Department for failing to stop a ninja with space-time ninjutsu is absurd."
A murmur rippled through the room as Fugaku continued, his tone steady.
"Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninjas are known for their ability to manipulate space-time. Such an enemy doesn't infiltrate Konoha through conventional means but simply appears within the village using their unique abilities. To suggest the Security Department could predict or prevent such a breach is unreasonable and, frankly, ridiculous."
Danzo's face darkened further. His argument dismantled, he sat silently, though his aura radiated fury.
The Third Hokage, observing the exchange, coughed lightly to reclaim the room's focus. "Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninjas indeed possess unique abilities. It would be unfair to lay blame on the Security Department in this matter—"
"Hokage-sama," Fugaku interjected, his calm voice commanding attention.
The interruption earned a flicker of irritation in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, though he masked it quickly with a polite smile. "Yes, Patriarch Fugaku?"
Fugaku's expression was thoughtful, almost curious. "Many in Konoha have now fallen victim to this Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja. With the exception of one public attack, all the other victims—Aburame Shiwei, Shimura Daisuke, Takasaki Kazushi, Iwasaki Yu, and Hoshino Atsumi—were connected to the Shimura family."
He paused, his eyes locking briefly with Danzo's. "Doesn't it seem strange that this ninja's hostility seems so concentrated on one specific faction? Why would a Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja target the Shimura family so exclusively?"
The Third Hokage frowned, the question hanging heavily in the air. Turning to Danzo, he asked, "Counselor Danzo, it is clear that this ninja has a grudge against the Shimura family. Do you have any insights or theories about their identity?"
Danzo's jaw clenched, his left eye glinting with frustration. "No," he answered curtly. "I have no knowledge of such a person."
His irritation was palpable. Over the years, Danzo had made countless enemies across the shinobi world, many of whom might seek vengeance. Identifying one individual among them was a futile exercise.
Mitokado Homura spoke next, his voice cautious. "Counselor Danzo, it is imperative to consider any past actions that might have provoked such hostility. If we can determine this ninja's identity, it could give Konoha the upper hand."
"I have already stated," Danzo snapped, "that I do not recall encountering anyone fitting this description."
The Third Hokage exchanged a brief glance with Homura, then sighed. It was evident they wouldn't get further cooperation from Danzo.
Fugaku, however, wasn't ready to let the matter drop. "Hokage-sama," he said, his tone respectful yet insistent, "a ninja doesn't develop such a grudge against Konoha—or the Shimura family—without cause. I believe understanding this reason is vital to addressing the threat effectively."
Danzo's gaze sharpened, his tone biting. "What are you implying, Fugaku?"
Fugaku met Danzo's glare without flinching. "I'm simply raising a question. If there is a history between this Wood Release Bloodline Genkai ninja and the Shimura family, it is a matter worth exploring. Ignoring such connections could endanger Konoha further."
Danzo's aura turned icy, his lips curling into a sneer. "You tread dangerously, Uchiha Fugaku."
The tension was palpable as murmurs began spreading among the assembled clan heads.
"Fugaku's right—this ninja is clearly targeting the Shimura family for a reason."
"Could it be something from Danzo's… clandestine operations?"
"If so, his actions have brought a grave threat to the village."
Danzo's fists clenched beneath the table as he heard the whispers. The accusations, whether spoken aloud or not, were clear: Konoha was suffering because of his past.
Even those who remained silent exchanged knowing glances. The image of the Shimura family was tarnished further with every passing second.
The Third Hokage raised a hand to quiet the room. "This meeting is about uniting Konoha in response to a common enemy," he said, his tone firm. "Assigning blame is secondary to finding solutions. Let us focus on how we will counter this threat."
Danzo seethed in silence, though his thoughts churned with murderous intent toward Fugaku. For the first time in years, he felt an overwhelming urge to act personally against an enemy within the village.
(End of Chapter)
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