MM Racing Chapter 194 Threat
Chapter 194 Threat
As Danzo Shimura gave the order, a squad of masked ANBU soldiers dressed in black night clothes suddenly appeared in the Hokage's office. They silently and swiftly surrounded Hiashi Hyuga, gripping their gleaming ninja swords tightly, ready to attack at any moment.
Faced with this sudden turn of events, Hyuga Hiashi remained remarkably calm. Although a sense of panic lingered within him, his expression remained composed, his gaze fixed firmly on Sarutobi Hiruzen. He knew that while Shimura Danzo was an elder of Konoha, any action against the head of the Hyuga clan required the direct order of the Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Therefore, Hiashi simply stood there silently, awaiting Sarutobi Hiruzen's response.
However, Hiashi Hyuga didn't take the menacing ANBU squad seriously. As the leader of the Hyuga clan, he possessed an incomparably pure Byakugan, with unfathomable strength. Furthermore, the advanced training methods he had learned from Kanan Hyuga in recent years had allowed his power to leap forward dramatically. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi, hailed as the strongest Hokage of Konoha, were to personally attack him, he was absolutely confident he could escape this office.
After a slight surprise, Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated for a moment. His gaze swept back and forth between Hiashi Hyuga and Danzo Shimura as he pondered to himself.
Hiashi Hyuga's expression remained calm, as if he had anticipated the situation; while Danzo Shimura looked agitated, seemingly eager to take action. Hiruzen Sarutobi knew Danzo's character well; he would never act rashly without a certain degree of certainty. This made Hiruzen wonder if Danzo had already mastered some method to deal with the potential threat that Kanan Hyuga might pose upon his return to Konoha.
However, when he saw Hiashi Hyuga's equally calm expression, another thought arose in his mind. As the leader of the Hyuga clan, Hiashi Hyuga would naturally not face the pressure from the Konoha leadership unprepared. His composure might mean that he also held enough leverage, and even had the confidence to deal with Danzo Shimura's sudden attack.
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt as if he were caught between two powerful forces, unable to make a decision. He realized that whichever side he chose could lead to unpredictable consequences. Moreover, he noticed that everyone else in the office was focused on him, clearly waiting for his response. This invisible pressure made him feel somewhat suffocated.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was filled with inner conflict and struggle. He knew that this decision was crucial, and the slightest mistake could lead to catastrophic consequences. Whether Konoha could continue to exist in this world, or whether it would become a thing of the past in the ninja world, all depended on his choice.
If he decides to support Shimura Danzo's action against the powerful Hyuga clan, although eliminating them wouldn't be difficult given their current strength, it would bring terrible retaliation from Hyuga Kanan, who could intimidate the entire ninja world. Even if the entire village of Konoha were to defeat Hyuga Kanan, Konoha would likely suffer severe damage, possibly even being razed to the ground.
However, if Danzo's actions are not stopped now, and Hyuga Kanan is allowed to return to Konoha, their hard-won regime may collapse. At that point, they will lose all power, and all their previous efforts will have been in vain.
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep thought. He had to weigh the pros and cons and make a difficult but wise decision. This decision not only concerned his personal fate but also the future of the entire Hidden Leaf Village. Every choice came with enormous risks and costs, and he felt unprecedented pressure.
Danzo Shimura stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a grim expression. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through Hiruzen's body, instantly seeing through the hesitation and confusion in Hiruzen's heart. Hiruzen Sarutobi was once a ninja hero with unparalleled courage and determination, but now he had become indecisive, devoid of his former heroic spirit.
"How disappointing, Hiruzen Sarutobi. You are no longer the great Hokage who could lead Konoha to prosperity. Now you are just a coward, swayed by emotions and unable to make decisive decisions. I, Danzo Shimura, am the one truly qualified to lead Konoha forward! Only under my leadership can Konoha continue to create glory!"
His voice was filled with confidence and authority, as if the entire world should obey his command. He firmly believed that he was the one who could save Konoha, and that Hiruzen Sarutobi was an obstacle to his ideals. At this moment, he decided to take matters into his own hands and make the final decision for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
As Danzo Shimura waved his hand, the Anbu squad, which had been ready to strike at any moment, seemed to receive some kind of signal and instantly launched an attack on Hiashi Hyuga. Their movements were extremely swift and coordinated, as if they had practiced countless times before, showing no hesitation or indication of waiting for orders from Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage.
At that moment, Hiashi Hyuga turned and gave Hiruzen Sarutobi, who remained silent, a deep look of disappointment and disdain in his eyes, seemingly very dissatisfied with the Hokage's performance. However, this was only a brief pause; the next moment, Hiashi Hyuga moved with lightning speed.
He unleashed the Gentle Fist technique unique to the Hyuga clan, his figure moving like a ghost among the numerous ANBU members. Each strike was incredibly precise, leaving the attacking ANBU members almost powerless to retaliate, instantly sent flying. Their bodies crashed against the office walls and windows with dull thuds.
At the same time, Hiashi Hyuga didn't stop. Instead, he seized the opportunity and leaped out of the window. His figure was as light and agile as a bird, quickly flying towards the Hyuga clan's territory. Behind him, only a messy office and the wounded and lying Anbu members remained.
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to snap out of his daze. His face turned extremely grim, and his eyes were fixed on Danzo Shimura, as if trying to see through his eyes to his deepest thoughts. The Konoha high-ranking officials around him also showed expressions of astonishment. They stared at Danzo Shimura in disbelief, thinking to themselves, "Danzo is so audacious, showing no regard for the Hokage's reputation, openly ordering ANBU ninja to attack the Hyuga clan leader from his own village!"
As the leader of the Hyuga clan, Hiashi Hyuga held a pivotal position and significant power within Konoha. However, no one anticipated that Shimura Danzo would so decisively order an attack against such a formidable opponent. Even more shocking was the fact that Hiashi Hyuga's strength far exceeded their expectations. This ANBU squad, tasked with the operation, was no ordinary unit; its leader was a Jonin, and it commanded three elite Chunin of considerable skill. Yet, this elite team was instantly defeated by Hiashi Hyuga, even sustaining serious injuries.
This series of unexpected events made everyone present realize that things were probably out of their control. What was initially thought to be a simple exchange had turned into an armed conflict, and it seemed that there were more unknown secrets and conspiracies hidden within.
Danzo Shimura seemed unwilling to linger any longer. He needed to return to the Root base immediately and urgently dispatch all Root ninja to encircle and annihilate the Hyuga clan. Only by controlling the Hyuga clan could he ensure his advantageous position. This was a crucial bargaining chip for controlling Hyuga Kanan in the future, and he absolutely could not allow Hiruzen Sarutobi and his associates any opportunity to exploit it. After Danzo Shimura's hasty departure, the other Konoha high-ranking officials also panicked and left one after another. They really did not want to stay in the office and become the target of Hiruzen Sarutobi's venting of anger. Therefore, everyone chose to return to their respective clans early and silently await further developments. In just a short while, the once noisy and chaotic office instantly became quiet and deserted, leaving only Hiruzen Sarutobi standing alone in place.
Hiruzen Sarutobi silently picked up his pipe, put it in his mouth, and took a deep drag. The smoke rose slowly, filling the air. He squinted slightly, enjoying the tranquility and relaxation of the moment. However, beneath his calm exterior, a barely perceptible hint of joy flickered.
The joy vanished in an instant, as if it had never existed. Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly regained his usual serious expression, put down his pipe, and lightly tapped the table. With a crisp tap, a figure appeared before the table like a ghost. The newcomer knelt on one knee, head bowed, eyes lowered, quietly awaiting Hiruzen Sarutobi's instructions.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze was piercing as he stared at the person before him, his voice low and firm: "Immediately arrange two small teams to secretly monitor the area outside the Hyuga clan's territory. Remember, no matter what happens, you must not act rashly. You only need to observe quietly and keep a close eye on the situation there. If any major changes or unusual circumstances occur, report to me immediately. There must be no delay!"
His tone exuded an unquestionable authority, leaving no room for disobedience. The person accepting the mission nodded respectfully and replied, "Yes, sir!" Then, like a gentle breeze, he vanished from the spot, silently carrying out Hiruzen Sarutobi's orders.
As the figure disappeared, Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe, walked to the window, and stared intently at the direction of the Konoha gate, as if waiting for someone to return.