Uchiha Kai's brow twitched.
He hated being interrupted—but since it was Hiruzen Sarutobi… forget it.
After all, the man was still the Hokage.
Without hesitation, without circling around, Kai laid everything bare.
He explained the Aburame clan's situation in simple terms, then stated his position clearly.
"Hokage-sama, that's how it is.
Aburame came directly to me, and as head of the Police Force, I must act for the peace of the village.
"First of all, there is no such administrative unit as 'Root' in Konoha.
According to the village's legal interpretations, so-called Root is merely a training division of the Anbu.
"In essence, Root has only secondary authority:
it may requisition shinobi or civilians only with Anbu's approval and a written permit.
"Yet after my investigation, I found no such record of Anbu authorization.
Since Root is subordinate to Anbu, and Anbu reports directly to the Hokage, I have no choice but to come to you, Hokage-sama.
"By Konoha law, no department may conscript shinobi without their consent—except under unavoidable circumstances such as wartime.
Even then, after the war ends, the shinobi must be allowed free choice.
"In the village's own operational documents, I found no legal chain of command assigning authority to Root.
Therefore, I request that Hokage-sama investigate the irregularities of this so-called 'Root Training Division,' and order the release of the Aburame prodigy, Aburame Ryoma.
"Even if he must serve, he belongs in the front-line command corps—not under Root."
Kai's expression remained calm.
Yes—he had no intention of sneaking around in a mask to rescue someone.
That would be nothing more than a last resort.
War was an extension of politics.
Even if he freed Ryoma that way, the boy could never walk openly in the sunlight.
Unless absolutely necessary, Kai would follow the proper procedures.
Besides—Root itself was illegitimate, closer to a criminal organization than a lawful unit.
No approval. No conscription orders. No enforcement powers. No authority at all.
So what was there to fear?
He didn't believe for a second that Hiruzen would dare refuse.
In fact—if Hiruzen did refuse, then he would be the one breaking the rules first.
And if that happened?
Kai would rally the banner of righteousness throughout the village, then lead the Police Force in a direct, open raid on Root.
In every world, righteousness was the most powerful weapon.
Sneaking in the shadows to save people? That was beneath Uchiha Kai.
Namikaze Minato: "…"
Hearing Kai's intent, Minato was stunned.
Completely dumbfounded.
Yes—Namikaze Minato was shocked and speechless.
He had heard of Root before, and never liked it.
But what could he do?
Hiruzen always shielded Danzo. Minato had no way to interfere.
The truth was simple: Minato was a powerful shinobi, but a novice at power struggles.
And without a clan backing him, he could never outmaneuver Hiruzen.
That was precisely why Hiruzen had dared let him rise.
"Hokage-sama!" Minato spoke up firmly.
"Kai is right. Aburame Ryoma must be released.
Danzo-sama has gone too far—how can someone be forced into Root without their consent?
This cannot be allowed!
"And as Kai said, Root is only a subordinate branch of Anbu.
It has neither the authority to conscript nor the right to enforce!"
Minato didn't hesitate.
Though aligned with the Hokage's faction, he still had his own sense of justice.
A gentleman knows what he must do, and what he must not.
He had always disliked this matter.
Before, he was powerless.
Now that Kai stood with righteousness on his side, Minato was glad to lend his voice.
And besides—
He doubted Hiruzen would punish him for it.
More importantly, though he lacked Kai's cunning in politics, he had his own methods.
By siding with Kai now, he could later draw him into private talks—and perhaps glimpse the man's true intentions.
Hiruzen's words earlier had already left Minato doubtful.
He trusted his instincts more.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was cornered.
Kai's opening words had already given him a headache.
Now even his cherished disciple's disciple—the future Fourth Hokage—had stepped to Kai's side.
Damn it all.
Hiruzen nearly spat blood in anger.
Worst of all—he couldn't outright refuse.
Kai's reasoning was airtight: Root simply had no such authority.
So long as no one brought it up, it wasn't a problem.
But now Kai had said it aloud.
If Hiruzen denied him, who knew what chaos that fox would stir in the village?
So, bitter and unwilling, after finishing his pipe, Hiruzen let out a long, helpless sigh.
"Anbu!"
"Go tell Danzo—bring Aburame Ryoma here!"
His headache only deepened.
Minato's defection didn't trouble him—he knew the boy's idealistic character better than anyone.
In this case, Kai was on the right.
If Minato hadn't supported him, that would have been suspicious.
After all, an idealist was easy to control even in power.
If Minato had chosen silence instead, Hiruzen would have doubted his suitability as Hokage.
What truly unsettled him was the Aburame clan.
Good heavens—
Just last night, he was humiliated in the Jounin council chamber.
He had expected some clan to make a move sooner or later…
But not this fast.
Barely a night had passed, and already the Aburame had tilted toward Kai.
Damn them!
The Aburame were hateful indeed.
Yes—Hiruzen was certain.
Otherwise, why would that sly fox Kai suddenly stand for their sake?
He had never been so "righteous" before.
Time ticked by.
Roughly twenty minutes later, the office doors slammed open.
Shimura Danzo stormed in, face dark, fury blazing in his eyes, dragging Aburame Ryoma behind him.
"Hiruzen, what nonsense is this?"
"And you, Uchiha Kai—how dare you demand someone from my Root?!"
"Rebellion! Outright rebellion!"
"Cursed Uchiha—Hiruzen, you're too soft!"
"If it were up to me, I'd wipe out the Uchiha at any cost!"
"You're raising a tiger to devour you. One day, Hiruzen—you'll regret this!"
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