Chapter 122: Danzo's Original Intent

"Tragic, truly tragic."

Hiruzen Sarutobi led his unit of ninja forward. As they passed that battlefield, a heavy gloom settled upon every face. Hiruzen’s gaze swept over the scene of devastation, which was almost too gruesome to behold, and an indescribable sorrow welled up in his heart. Even someone as hard-hearted as Danzo Shimura could not help but knit his brows, rendered speechless by the sight.

The Anbu ninjas were no match for that iron man; in their hearts, they had already braced themselves for this possibility. Yet, seeing the carnage of the battlefield firsthand, they were still profoundly shaken.

After parting ways with Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame, Hiruzen and his group continued to receive a steady stream of intelligence. The first report had arrived from an unknown source, but as Hiruzen unfurled the scroll, he recognized Orochimaru’s handiwork at a glance. He was all too familiar with Orochimaru’s writing style, and Orochimaru understood Hiruzen’s reading habits just as well. The report was concise: the Village Hidden in the Rain had recently been attacked by an unidentified iron being. Its combat prowess was terrifyingly immense—even elite jonin, and those powerful enough to suppress jinchuriki, were left in unknown states of life or death after encountering it.

It was this intelligence that had prompted Hiruzen to divert his path to the Root’s headquarters to mobilize the organization and its leader, Danzo Shimura.

Subsequent reports confirmed the veracity of Orochimaru’s warning. Although it seemed to be a different variant, the iron being attacking Konoha displayed equally overwhelming power. According to the reports, its strikes were swift and lethal, as merciless as the scythe of death. Its movements were agile and precise, rivaling those of master taijutsu specialists. Every blow carried such immense force that the Anbu ninjas could barely withstand them. One by one, they had fallen, their blood soaking the earth.

Even while still some distance from the battlefield, Hiruzen’s group could smell the pungent stench of blood hanging in the air. That scent seemed to tell the tale of the brutal slaughter that had unfolded there.

"He must be the hero who gave his life to deliver the intelligence." Hiruzen looked toward the edge of the battlefield at the remains of an Anbu ninja, with only a single hand left visible, his heart filled with profound respect. Aside from that hand, the rest of his body had merged with the flesh and soil on the ground, making him unrecognizable.

Looking at the surrounding traces, it was not hard for anyone to imagine the agonizing pain the ninja must have endured to ensure that information reached them. The report was filled with details regarding the iron being’s combat style and physical durability. While it could not guarantee a certain victory, the information was enough for veteran commanders like Hiruzen and Danzo to devise strategies to save more lives.

The psychological impact on Danzo was particularly severe. When he first received Hiruzen’s mobilization order, he had felt a surge of intense irritation. For a long time, he had harbored resentment toward Hiruzen, believing his decision-making to be consistently indecisive. Yet, at the same time, he felt a flicker of satisfaction in his pride, thinking that Hiruzen had been forced to turn to him in desperation. *Hmph,* he thought with a trace of smugness, *so even you, Hiruzen, have a day where you must beg for my help.*

However, he was simultaneously reluctant, unwilling to commit his own forces. Deep down, a dark thought had even sprouted: he considered standing by and watching Hiruzen meet his end, all to satisfy his long-held selfish desires.

"Danzo, listen to me. This crisis is not on the level of the Nine-Tails incident; it is far beyond that," Hiruzen said, his expression grave, his eyes filled with deep anxiety. "The enemy is much stronger than the Nine-Tails. I have no confidence that I can defeat them."

"This is not just a mission where I have resolved to die; if we do not stand united now, the entire village could be completely annihilated. The village that the first two Hokage poured their heart and soul into building and protecting could be wiped off the map."

Danzo had initially intended to roar "alarmist," but when he saw the deep wrinkles, age spots, and the pale, graying hair of his old comrade, his heart trembled. Listening to the declaration of a man prepared to die on the battlefield, a wave of intense bitterness washed over him.

His gaze lingered on Hiruzen’s face, as if seeing the marks that time had carved upon them both. Days of struggle and the efforts they had invested for Konoha surfaced in his mind. His resolve began to waver, and a complex emotion spread through him. He couldn't help but think: if Konoha were truly destroyed, what would all their years of effort amount to? His eyes revealed a flicker of confusion and struggle, unsure of how to choose.

Although he had always been dissatisfied with Hiruzen, in this moment, the tide of memory pulled him back to their youth. Back then, they were filled with dreams and passion, fighting for the future of the village. The sun had shone upon their vibrant faces; sweat had dripped down their cheeks, their eyes full of conviction and tenacity.

*I may have many grievances against Hiruzen,* he thought silently, *but Konoha—that is the place where our teacher’s heart and soul reside, and has it not also been the home of my own efforts? I cannot stand by and watch it be destroyed. The first two Hokage gave everything they had to forge the Konoha we know today; I cannot let it all be in vain.* His expression became complex, filled with conflict, regret, and a profound sense of responsibility.

After a fierce internal struggle, like a raging storm in his mind, Danzo finally made his decision. He straightened his back, a firm light appearing in his eyes.

He gathered all his Root ninjas, his gaze sweeping slowly over the faces of his subordinates. "Root! My proud subordinates! Konoha has reached its most critical hour. Have you ever considered that if the great tree falls, how long can we, the roots exposed to the harsh sun, possibly survive? We have always operated in the darkness, performing the deeds of the shadows—that is our way. But protecting Konoha has always been our primary mission! In this battle, we shall not spare our lives! We must give our all!"

His voice rang out like a bell, echoing in the air and igniting the fighting spirit in every Root ninja. With that, he led them into swift action. He understood that at this critical juncture, personal grievances had to be set aside; the safety of Konoha was paramount. At this moment, he held only one conviction: to protect Konoha at any cost.

And so, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura led their respective forces, speeding toward the Forest of Death like arrows released from a bow.

Leaving behind a detachment to recover the fallen, they continued to race through the wind, following the tracking ninjas to find Hinata. Hiruzen’s eyes were filled with resolve as he clenched his fists, whispering to himself, "For the sake of Konoha, I will never retreat." Danzo’s face was solemn; he knew this was a battle of life and death.