The enumeration went on and on, the clan heads sitting stone-faced, knowing exactly what to expect from the report, while the civilian part of the council, which had thinned out over the past few days and was outside the informed circle of people, could not boast such skills, turning paler than chalk and puffing out their eyes.
The jonin council was not far behind them, some of whom had supported Danzo's militaristic proposals on more than one occasion, even if they hadn't been involved in his dealings.
The huge list of proven crimes, many were in awe - it was one thing to receive such information in portions, in the course of the investigation, and another thing - all together.
- ...recruiting supporters among Konoha's loyal forces to violate their oaths, covering up drug distribution and obstructing police work," Commander Anbu finally finished the list after a dozen minutes, "I might add that the perpetrator had access to strategic-level classified information and is a huge risk to the well-being of Konoha alive. Immediate elimination and destruction of the body without a showy execution, will be the most correct solution in this case. I have everything, Hokage-sama.
Many of the council members were in agreement with the Chief Anbushnik's proposal, supporting it with nods.
- Thank you, Sowa-kun," Hiruzen gestured for his subordinate to return to his seat and addressed the Council, not showing the storm of emotion that was raging inside him, 'due to the severity of the crimes committed, Shimura Danzo is sentenced to death,' he had a hard time saying those words, but there was no other way out - his old associate had crossed the line long ago, and when the truth came out, it was too late to do anything about it.
Hokage tilted his head to hide the expression of fatigue on his face - the last few days, full of not the most pleasant revelations and events, had been very difficult for the aging shinobi, leaving him devastated morally.
- I propose a vote on the Commander's proposal," the Uchiha leader suddenly spoke up, "with the additional condition that clan observers be present when the sentence is carried out.
Despite the funeral mood of the crowd, the sharingan wielder was exuding a vengeful joy - as an ideological follower of the Second Hokage, Shimura had been eager to get in the way of the Founder Clan at every opportunity, as it had recently become clear, and was no stranger to framing fellow clansmen and then looting their bodies, and the imminent death of an outspoken enemy could not help but inspire him.
- I agree," Nara raised his hand lazily and suddenly decided to clarify his motivation, "a show execution would be an unnecessary risk, and besides, it would be impossible to limit information about Shimura's crimes, which could negatively affect the morale of our armed forces and encourage other Great Villages to act aggressively.
Naturally, Akamichi and Yamanaka supported their ally.
- I'm for it," Hyuga suddenly spoke up almost immediately, despite his rivalry with the other dojutsu wielders, "keeping the Elder's death quiet won't work for long anyway, but it will buy time for Anbu Ne to reorganize.
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