Chapter 229 - 229 (2/2)

The 3rd was also very embarrassed. He did not expect that Danzo would actually kill one of Jiraya's disciples.

”I had no idea about this! The one who killed them is Hanzo!”

Danzo's justification seemed so dull, and the 3rd on his side sighed in frustration, feeling his old friend's deeds aging him in an instant.

”Danzo, you can't get away with this, and I can't help you anymore! I won't try to get the killing of my student's apprentice go unpunished! You're on your own!” After saying that, the 3rd got up and left.

After the 3rd left, the office fell into silence for a while, with Minato, Ryo, and Danzo all staring at each other without uttering a word.

In the end, Danzo couldn't go on: ”This is the end of the matter. I won't defend myself. What are your conditions, Hokage sama?”

Minato had his answer ready: ”Danzo, I have two conditions. The first is the disbanding of Root, starting today. You get to keep a very small team in the headquarters, just enough people to guard its records. The second is your resignation from your post as Councilor!”

Danzo immediately stood up raising his voice: ”What? That's impossible! You…”

”Danzo san, I advise you to think well before complaining. If you refuse, I will not hesitate to deliver the contents of the scroll to Jiraya san, who would then immediately learn that his disciple died because of you!” Ryo interrupted him.

Danzo's face was heavy as he took he while to think, and then he eventually sighed and said: ”Just do what you want, I've lost this time!” Finishing his words, he left the office.

As Minato watched him leave, he felt finally relieved. Finally, the matter of Root was satisfactorily resolved.

Ryo was still somewhat dissatisfied with the result. Although Danzo took a big hit this time, he did not completely finish him off. He knew that he would eventually try to raise his head again.

”Ni-san, why not be tougher in your judgment? You could have taken away the rest of his authorities after his confession!”

”The matter is not so simple! Danzo's forces are not limited to Root. A number of small and medium sized clans in Konoha follow him. If we put him under too much pressure, he'd probably defect, and hurt Konoha greatly.”

”I don't think so.” Ryo shook his head, ”While Danzo is indeed too stubborn and greedy, he is really loyal to Konoha. Otherwise, the 3rd would not have tolerated him for so long.”

Minato was surprised; he never expected to hear those words from Ryo's mouth!

”Alright Ni san, I'll be going now! I have something to do in Orochi san's lab.” Ryo immediately disappeared from the office.

After he left, Minato recalled what he had just said and then thought: ”Is he really loyal to Konoha? I sure hope so!” After that, he got back to his tedious work.

The next day, an earth shattering event occurred in Konoha, as Danzo announced his resignation from the Council in public. On top of that, Root was also disbanded.

Of course, that last bit was done in confidentiality. After all, there were not too many people knowing of Root's existence in the first place!

Besides the higher-ups attending the meeting of the previous evening, everyone was puzzled. Konoha's ninjas main topic of discussion for many days was Danzo's announcement.

Ryo however had no time to pay attention to that, for unexpected developments occurred in Orochimaru's lab!