Chapter 23: Twists and Turns

Shimura Danzo, the Clan Head of the Shimura clan, Assistant to the Third Hokage.

Of course, there is another lesser-known identity: the leader of Root!

Upon hearing this name, the crowd erupted in an uproar, and the brewing murderous intent instantly dissipated.

"It's Danzo-sama, how could he be here? Could it be that Hokage-sama really won't let us into the village?"

"Damn it."

"How can this be?!"

As Konoha Ninjas, who doesn't know of Danzo's reputation?

He merely stood there, causing the crowd to change color, their hearts filled with fear and their spirits low.

"Uchiha Shisui, are you questioning the Hokage's orders?"

His voice was deep as he allowed Uchiha Shisui to stand beside him, several masked Ninjas surrounding them, closely watching Shisui's every move.

"The subordinates do not dare; it's just that the crowd's emotions are hard to suppress. Kai is only worried that everyone might be deceived by a spy, so we ask for Danzo-sama's decision."

Danzo glanced at Shisui in surprise, then scanned the crowd.

Kai's expression was unfriendly, showing no fear as he met Danzo's gaze.

"Hmph~"

Evil Uchiha!

Seeing Uchiha Kai being so rude, Danzo coldly snorted and said in a deep voice, "This is the Hokage's order. You are not allowed to enter the village now; wait for further orders!"

"We will follow Danzo-sama's instructions."

Danzo had spoken, and Shisui, remembering Sima Yi's advice, did not object.

"Hmph~"

Kai also merely let out a cold snort, silently calming his aura.

The crowd sighed, feeling unwilling but helpless under the weight of power.

"Not allowed to enter the village? How come I, an old man, was unaware that the Hokage had such an order! Or is someone falsely transmitting the Hokage's orders?"

Swish, swish, swish~

Dozens of figures rushed in from the direction of Konoha. Two Root Ninjas immediately stepped forward to block them, but they fell to the ground instantly.

The group surrounded the Root Ninjas, and a leading figure stepped forward slowly. He appeared elderly and also leaned on a cane, yet his aura was astonishing.

"Great Elder!"

Upon seeing the newcomer, the Uchiha clan members displayed looks of surprise.

The arrival was none other than the Great Elder of the Uchiha Clan, surrounded by dozens of elite Uchiha Ninjas, among whom two exuded particularly impressive presences.

Danzo's expression changed, and he asked, "Why are you here?"

The Great Elder brought not just anyone but members of the Police Department.

He looked at a Root Ninja, only to see the man shake his head in confusion.

The Uchiha Great Elder ignored him and turned to Shisui, saying, "Hmph, shameful! Uchiha clan members, follow me!"

With that, he turned and left, showing no concern for Danzo's displeased expression.

With a whoosh, the Root Ninjas all drew their weapons, hostile toward the Great Elder.

"Hahaha, what's this? Are you planning to fight me?"

The Great Elder let out a cold laugh, completely unfazed by the group of Root Ninjas. But as long as he stood there, the Uchiha clan members in the area felt a sense of reassurance.

Uchiha Kai and Uchiha Kinha.

They all activated their Sharingan, staring intensely at Danzo and all the Root Ninjas.

They were just waiting for a command!

Who held the greater power, Shimura Danzo or the Uchiha Great Elder?

There was no doubt that as long as the Third did not intervene, the Great Elder possessed the strength to easily wipe out the entire Shimura clan from Konoha.

Danzo was well aware of this and knew he could not underestimate the Uchiha's strength.

But if he just let them leave like this, what would happen to his reputation later?

"Uchiha members, openly attacking ANBU, what do you want to do?"

At this moment, the situation changed again as several people walked in from the distance.

Shisui's expression shifted slightly, Danzo snorted coldly and straightened his chest, while the Great Elder slightly tightened his grip on the cane.

It's that damned woman!

Kai looked past the newcomer toward her back, cursing inwardly.

"Whether it's ANBU or something else, Assistant Utatane should know in her heart."

The newcomer was indeed one of the Hokage's assistants, Utatane Koharu, and following her were Eastern Front Medical Squad Captain Utatane Kaori and two ANBU members!

The Great Elder responded verbally but felt that things were a bit tricky. If it were just Danzo, he could forcefully take everyone away.

Others might not know about Root, but Shisui and the Great Elder were well aware of their identities.

Even if a fight broke out and all these Root members were killed, the other party would have no way to deal with him because Root was, after all, an identity that existed in obscurity, without any official recognition.

But with Utatane Kaori and the ANBU's appearance, the Great Elder had to abandon this idea; their presence truly represented the Hokage's will.

If he remained stubborn, perhaps they could enter, but regarding the Hokage…

"Don't change the subject. Uchiha Shisui, take them to the rear to set up camp and await further orders immediately!"

Utatane Koharu, knowing the Uchiha Great Elder was difficult to deal with, directly issued orders to Shisui, bypassing the Elder.

Shisui could not refuse the Hokage Assistant's order. He glanced at the Great Elder and, seeing his calm expression, lowered his head in acceptance.

"How can this be!"

"Why won't you let us in?"

"Hokage-sama, how can he…"

Seeing the situation settled, everyone felt as if their hearts were dead. It was just about entering the village, yet they couldn't understand what it was all for.

Among them were also several elderly men who had participated in wars multiple times; they felt even more frustrated. Clearly, they used to be able to enter the village smoothly before. Why was this time filled with twists and turns, forcing them to wait here?

What are we really waiting for?

But since the orders had already been confirmed, they had no choice but to obey, not wanting to be seen as rogue ninjas.

With sighs of resignation, everyone slowly turned around.

Whoosh~

Suddenly, another ANBU member flickered into position in front of Shisui and the others. He had silvery hair that glimmered in the setting sun.

"On the orders of Hokage-sama, the villagers have been fully evacuated. Uchiha Shisui is to lead the ninjas into the village immediately, and along the way, instruct your subordinates not to disturb the villagers."

The sudden turn of events left everyone dumbfounded, and Danzo was stunned for a few seconds before stepping forward to confront the ANBU member. He asked, in disbelief, "What does this mean, Saru?"

"This is Hokage-sama's order; please execute it!"

His tone was calm, and after speaking, he vanished with a Body Flicker, offering no further explanation.

"Hahaha, since it's the Hokage's order, Shisui, why aren't you executing it immediately!"

The Great Elder laughed loudly, his voice laced with mockery as he glanced at the two before leaning on his cane and leaving.

The clan members he brought quickly followed, heading in the direction of Konoha.

Danzo's expression was dark as he was about to say something when a Root member approached him and whispered.

Danzo then suddenly understood. He looked grimly at the Great Elder's departing figure, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

Almost simultaneously, another ANBU Ninja rushed to Utatane Koharu's side and whispered something in her ear.

"What?"

She exclaimed in surprise, then looked toward the direction of Konoha.

The location was only about three miles from the Konoha gate, and with good eyesight, one could easily see what was happening over there.

She saw that near the Konoha gate, thousands of people had gathered, densely packed together, all gazing toward this scene.

Some of them were from the Uchiha clan, while others were ordinary citizens from within Konoha. They had come here only to wait for their family members to return safely from the battlefield.

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