The ripples created by Shisui Uchiha's death were not limited to the Uchiha Clan; they had a massive impact on the Konoha high-ranking officials as well. Although the battle between Simu and Shisui that day was not long, it had created an enormous commotion. Furthermore, Hiruzen Sarutobi had always been intentionally or unintentionally sending people to monitor Root's movements. Consequently, when the Wood Human and Susanoo engaged in their grand battle, his gaze was already fixed there through his crystal ball. While he could only glimpse a portion of the fight, that part alone—specifically Simu's Wood Style and terrifying strength—had dealt a massive blow to the old Hokage's heart.
After all, the Wood Human Jutsu and Wood Dragon Jutsu Simu used were far too similar to those of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. This caused the Third Hokage to develop a firm conviction that he must never make an enemy of such a person. More importantly, it meant Danzo's Wood Style experiments had actually succeeded. Despite this success, Danzo had chosen not to inform him, instead secretly nurturing such a powerful Wood Style user. What is he trying to do? As a politician, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately became alert.
Danzo had coveted the position of Hokage for a long time. He had even orchestrated an assassination attempt on the Hokage when the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, passed away and Hiruzen resumed his position. Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi's wariness toward Danzo reached its absolute peak at this moment. However, the current situation was that while the Uchiha had lost Shisui, their influence remained very strong. He had to use Root to keep them in check. Consequently, it was not yet the time to deal with Danzo. Despite this, he felt it was necessary to give him a warning.
At Root, Danzo showed no surprise when he received the Hokage's summons. When Simu caused such a stir, he knew the matter of the Wood Style user could no longer be hidden. His only regret was failing to obtain Shisui Uchiha's intact corpse. Arriving at the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed no anger on his face. "I didn't expect your Wood Style experiments to actually succeed, Danzo," he said.
Familiar with the Third Hokage for many years, Danzo felt a sense of foreboding upon seeing this expressionless face. "It was just a stroke of luck," Danzo replied with an equally blank expression, though he grew tense internally.
The Third Hokage smiled and took a deep drag from his pipe. Amidst the swirling smoke, he continued, "Exactly how many Wood Style users does Root have?" Just as Danzo was about to answer, the Third Hokage added softly, "I want the truth this time." The tone was not heavy, yet the atmosphere in the office instantly froze. Danzo could clearly feel his old friend's dissatisfaction. He knew his repeated deceptions had finally pushed Hiruzen Sarutobi's limits. If he continued to hide things, even their years of friendship would not protect him.
Thinking of this, Danzo answered decisively, "Two."
"Only two?"
"Only two!" Danzo put on a serious expression. "Strictly speaking, the Wood Style experiments were not a complete success. Out of a hundred test subjects, only two succeeded."
Hiruzen Sarutobi showed no surprise when he heard Danzo mention "a hundred test subjects." Human experimentation had always existed. It wasn't just Danzo; even his own teacher, the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, had performed many human experiments. Otherwise, where did people think Konoha's many forbidden jutsus came from? It was simply a matter that wasn't suitable to discuss openly. The main reason the Wood Style experiments were banned was that the consumption of resources and lives was too high.
As Danzo had just said, only two people out of a hundred managed to survive the experiment. In the dozens of experiments before this one, hundreds or even thousands of subjects had met the same fate—death. Because the mortality rate remained so high, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as Hokage, had ordered the prohibition of any further Wood Style experiments. Clearly, Danzo, as a high-level official, had chosen not to follow that ban. Of course, Danzo's ability to conduct experiments for so long without being caught was partly due to the Third Hokage's deliberate negligence. Nevertheless, this matter was unseemly on the surface.
As Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi also possessed enough authority to intervene and impose reasonable punishment on Root. Therefore, he rareley displayed the full majesty of his office. "If I recall correctly, I already ordered a ban on this experiment, didn't I?" Faced with Hiruzen's questioning, Danzo was unable to argue. Although he could have said Hiruzen had allowed it, where was the evidence? At most, it would just suggest the Anbu's surveillance was ineffective, which the Third Hokage might use as an excuse to plant more spies in Root. Consequently, a cornered Danzo could only remain silent.
Hiruzen Sarutobi rose slowly with his pipe, looking out the massive window behind his desk to take in the entire village. "Danzo, the Anbu has been short-handed lately. Transfer those two Wood Style users over."
These words struck Danzo's mind like a heavy hammer. He looked up in disbelief. "Hiruzen! Those two can only reach their full potential within Root!"
The Third Hokage finally turned around. He stared at Danzo and said coldly, "Danzo, I wasn't negotiating with you just now. This is an order from the Hokage! Root is a part of Konoha. Since it is a part of Konoha, it must follow orders! Furthermore, you were the one who violated the ban first. You wouldn't want others to find out you used the First Hokage's cells for human experiments, would you?"
The Third Hokage's words left Danzo speechless. Regardless of the circumstances, he had violated the ban. Moreover, the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, was Konoha's spiritual icon. If the news of him using Hashirama cells for human experiments came out... Heh, he would be completely barred from the Hokage's seat forever. After all, he only had one Mangekyo; he couldn't control every citizen of Konoha.
"Hiruzen, you will regret this!" In the end, Danzo could only spit out those words like a beaten dog.
Seeing this, the Third Hokage didn't repeat his classic catchphrase, but simply watched Danzo leave. Regardless of the situation, a powerful resource like Wood Style had to be held firmly in the hands of the Hokage. Back at Root, Danzo immediately flew into a rage, and dark clouds seemed to hang over the entirety of Root. He had originally thought that Hiruzen would only give him a mild warning as usual. He hadn't expected him to be so... decisive. Is he starting to realize the threat Root poses to him? As a fellow schemer, Danzo quickly sensed the change.