Chapter 115: Compromise!

After instructing a faction to notify Minato, Fujinaka Genma departed from the Root headquarters with a four-man team.

His next destination was the Root training base.

As soon as they left, just as Fujinaka Genma had anticipated, someone immediately went to report to Hiruzen Sarutobi, while others spread the news throughout Konoha.

The one Fujinaka Genma left in charge, Fromyi, could not restrain everyone.

Hokage’s Office.

Minato Namikaze, who was working, and Kushina Uzumaki, standing beside him, both reacted with shock upon hearing the Root ninja’s report.

Fortunately, Minato Namikaze had already had in-depth discussions with Fujinaka Genma and was mentally prepared, so he did not panic.

Kushina Uzumaki, however, immediately asked after her shock: “Did Genma get hurt?”

This question left the Root ninja deeply embarrassed.

So many people attacked one man—and not a single wound was inflicted? If this got out, it would make the Root look utterly incompetent!

But lying wasn’t an option either.

So the Root ninja gritted his teeth and said: “Lady Kushina, please rest assured—Lord Genma suffered no harm whatsoever.”

Kushina Uzumaki immediately relaxed and smiled: “That’s wonderful.”

As for that man, Danzō—if he hadn’t moved first, Genma would never have struck.

Kushina Uzumaki stood squarely on Fujinaka Genma’s side; whether Genma had struck first didn’t matter to her.

Even if he had, Danzō deserved to die.

He leaked intelligence to the Stone Village last time!

Minato Namikaze sighed bitterly, then grew solemn and said to Kushina Uzumaki: “Kushina, issue an immediate order: no Root ninja may leave the village.”

This incident must not leak outside, nor must it affect Root ninja on missions beyond the village.

“Yes!”

Kushina Uzumaki obediently departed to carry out the order.

Then Minato Namikaze ordered the Root ninja to recount the entire incident from beginning to end.

Meanwhile,

At Hiruzen Sarutobi’s home, after hearing the Root ninja’s report, Hiruzen Sarutobi could hardly believe it.

On his very first day in office, he killed his predecessor!

And it seemed Fujinaka Genma had not yet fully secured control—otherwise, no Root ninja would have dared sneak here to report to him.

“I understand. Return immediately and restrain everyone—no one is permitted to leave the village or spread rumors.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi issued the order with the sternest expression and tone.

He knew well that many within the Root were fanatically loyal to Danzō, and the Shimura clan was itself a ninja clan.

Most crucially, the war had not yet fully ended—Konoha absolutely could not descend into internal chaos.

“That boy, Genma… he’s still too young…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, his heart aching deeply.

After dismissing the Root ninja, he immediately set out for the Hokage Tower.

By the time Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived at the Hokage Office, Mizukami En and Tōnami Koharu, along with an elder from the Shimura clan, had already arrived.

“Third Hokage, that brat Fujinaka Genma has directly killed Danzō.”

The Shimura clan elder burst into tears the moment he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Tōnami Koharu spoke next: “Regardless of circumstances, Danzō served Konoha faithfully. Fujinaka Genma has no right to execute him.”

“Hiruzen, the Fourth Hokage must immediately remove Fujinaka Genma from office and hand him over to the Shimura clan for punishment,” said Mizukami En.

Though they grieved Danzō’s death, they feared for themselves.

Danzō had barely stepped down and was already killed—what would Fujinaka Genma do to them next?

It was the fear of the rabbit’s death making the fox grieve.

Minato Namikaze had already told them the full account.

“Danzō struck first. Genma’s actions were justified.”

“If Danzō dared assassinate the new Root leader, he could just as easily assassinate the Hokage!”

Minato Namikaze’s expression grew grim.

He had not said this before—but now he did, and it caused Mizukami En and Tōnami Koharu to change expression.

“Fourth Hokage, this is merely Fujinaka Genma’s side of the story.”

“Perhaps Danzō was only testing his strength, not intending to kill him.”

The Shimura clan elder argued.

At that moment, Kushina Uzumaki returned and kicked the Hokage Office door clean off its hinges, roaring: “Does Genma’s strength even need testing?”

“Even if your entire Shimura clan combined, Itachi couldn’t defeat Genma!”

“Don’t think the matter of Danzō leaking intelligence to the Stone Village is over.”

“If not for the sake of the greater good, Danzō would have been quietly eliminated long ago!”

Kushina Uzumaki’s ferocity left the Shimura clan elder speechless; he could only choke out: “Th-this… there’s no proof!”

“Do Itachi really think no Root ninja will come forward to testify?”

Kushina Uzumaki sneered.

The Shimura clan elder’s face turned pale.

He knew many Root ninja had already submitted to Fujinaka Genma.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and sighed, looking at the composed Minato Namikaze: “Fourth Hokage, what is your view?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, sighed, and looked at the calm Minato Namikaze. “Fourth Hokage, what do Itachi think?”

Minato Namikaze had already prepared his response: “The village will not reveal Danzō’s true cause of death—he may be buried as a hero.”

Kushina Uzumaki scowled, opening her mouth to protest—but Minato Namikaze stopped her.

Tōnami Koharu, however, was dissatisfied: “So Genma faces no punishment?”

Minato Namikaze replied coolly: “Did he do anything wrong?”

“If Danzō died for the village, he is a hero—his death has nothing to do with Genma.”

“Of course, if Itachi insist on pursuing it, this matter may be put to a vote by all Jōnin.”

Tōnami Koharu paled and fell silent.

Mizukami En also fell silent.

“Then it is decided!”

Hiruzen Sarutobi declared, fully endorsing Minato Namikaze’s resolution.

Because it was the most advantageous course for Konoha.

If today it had been Fujinaka Genma who died instead of Danzō, he would have made the same conciliatory choice.

If today it had been Fujinaka Genma instead of Danzō who died, he would have made the same conciliatory compromise.