Chapter 358: The End of Darkness, Part 3
A difficult gulping sound rippled through the room as the Konoha council members stared in horror at Danzo Shimura. A whispered "monster" escaped from one of the clan leaders, a sentiment that resonated with everyone present. Though Kakashi had already learned of the repulsive secrets Danzo concealed beneath his heavy robes, seeing the reality was still enough to unsettle him.
Among the senior ninjas, a few veterans recognized something off. Though they knew Danzo bore multiple Sharingan, the sight of a human face on his right shoulder was too strange to ignore. The face, though lacking definition, was disturbingly familiar to some. Few dared to identify it openly, as the truth of whose face it was known only by a select few was far too sensitive. But as the Fifth Hokage, Kakashi wasn't about to tiptoe around the issue.
"Danzo Shimura," Kakashi addressed him coldly, "my god has long told me you defiled the legacy of the First Hokage. To think you went so far as to graft his face onto yourself truly despicable."
Danzo remained composed, replying icily, "I am the Root of Konoha. Everything I have done was for the village. I am in the right, Kakashi. This is my duty, my Root will."
Kakashi's tone hardened as he countered, "Konoha has no need for the so called will of the Root. The Will of Fire is more than enough. Don't twist your vile intentions into a virtue, Danzo Shimura! You are nothing but a traitor to Konoha!"
Kakashi then declared, "Danzo Shimura, in my capacity as the Fifth Hokage, I am officially revoking your status as an advisor. You are also under arrest on charges of illegal human trafficking, theft of Konoha bloodlines, and leaking classified secrets. You may resist, but consider the consequences."
Danzo's frigid gaze locked onto Kakashi, who had stood calmly through the charges. "I am Konoha's Root, Kakashi. I have done nothing wrong. Only the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, has the authority to judge me!"
As he spoke, Danzo rapidly formed hand seals, shouting, "Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves!"
Despite Danzo's reputation, his hand seals were unremarkably slow barely more than that of an average Chunin. It was obvious that his right arm was struggling to perform hand seals with any real speed or finesse. Nonetheless, the A rank jutsu tore through the air like artillery shells. But Kakashi didn't so much as flinch. His Hanhai Avatar blocked every blast with ease.
Frowning, Danzo changed tactics, gripping a kunai and charging directly at Kakashi. Though he prided himself on being able to take on any opponent, he knew he couldn't overpower the assembled Jonin through sheer strength alone. He would need to rely on cunning and experience, aiming to recreate his success against Shisui by catching Kakashi off guard.
"Got you!" Danzo lunged forward, aiming his kunai at an unguarded section of the chakra armor around Kakashi. However, as the kunai struck, it shattered with a metallic clang, leaving Danzo momentarily stunned.
In a flash, Kakashi's chakra avatar vanished. Before Danzo could react, a powerful kick sent him sprawling backward, crashing through a pile of rubble. The impact left Danzo groggy as Kakashi spoke in a voice laced with scorn.
"Pathetic," Kakashi mocked. "You rushed in blindly without knowing your enemy's abilities. I almost can't believe you were ever a student of the Second Hokage. Or have your years skulking underground left you this soft?"
Furious, Danzo struggled to his feet, glaring at Kakashi. "Don't get too full of yourself, brat! That was a momentary lapse. Summoning Jutsu: Baku!"
A monstrous beast, towering over ten meters, materialized on the battlefield. Baku's powerful aura filled the room, marking it as one of the rarest and most terrifying summons in the ninja world. But against Kakashi's might, it didn't stand a chance.
"Tsukuyomi!"
Before the Baku could attack, its body froze, and it faded away, as if it had been nothing more than a mirage. Kakashi's ally, Itachi Uchiha, now stood at his side, his Mangekyo Sharingan gleaming with intensity.
"Hokage sama," Itachi intoned coldly, "this criminal should be dealt with by our Police Force. Not only did he desecrate the First Hokage, but he also stole from our clan. Let us be the ones to settle this debt."
Kakashi didn't doubt Itachi's resolve to exact justice. But he said, "Very well. Before you do, allow me to demonstrate what happens when he defies Konoha."
At first, Itachi was confused by Kakashi's words, unsure what he intended. But in a moment, he understood.
Activating his Mangekyo, Kakashi invoked the legendary Kamui technique a jutsu ranked among the top three in the world. Unlike Obito's defensive Kamui, Kakashi's left eye housed the offensive Kamui, making it one of the deadliest powers in existence.
Danzo had no chance to react. Just as he reached for a shuriken and began to prepare a Wind Release jutsu, space itself twisted around him. A second later, Danzo's body was pulverized into a bloody mist, splattering across the floor like a ghastly painting.
Even the seasoned shinobi were taken aback by the gruesome sight, their stomachs churning. The Uchiha clan members stood frozen in stunned silence, uncertain of what to do. Despite their satisfaction at Danzo's demise, many had hoped for the chance to avenge Shisui in a more personal way.
"Hokage sama," Itachi murmured, barely able to suppress his dismay. This wasn't the end he'd imagined for Danzo swift and merciless, but leaving him without the satisfaction of personally avenging Shisui.
Kakashi's calm voice drew them back to the present. "Watch."