A/N: Yeah I know I'm late, sorry about that. Anyway, this is the second longest chapter yet but felt like the longest, hope it doesn't bore you guys to death. Please review so that the next ones go better.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and its characters.
Danzo's Revolt: Declaration
Konoha Barrier HQ
The Barrier Headquarters was located exactly at the centre of the village. After the disappearance of Hinata Hyuuga, the Sandaime Hokage ordered Uzumaki Kushina and Jiraiya the Toad Sage, to create a sensory system around Konoha that could detect anyone entering or exiting Konoha. The Sensory Barrier was their answer with major support from the Hyuuga clan and a reluctant one from the Uchiha. The project took three years to be completed and another year for team selection before it was functional and another six months before the team had enough recruits to function 24/7, with two shifts.
Powered by a steam engine which converts energy to chakra, the barrier surrounded Konoha like a spherical energy field and could detect the chakra of anything that entered Konoha by land, air or water and would shown as a ripple on the sphere representing the barrier but the barrier could do more. When supplied with more energy it could monitor movement of everything within the barrier. Other than that the sphere could zoom into districts and streets of Konoha. The barrier in itself could not be seen by naked eyes or detected by RADARS or even by Doujutsus like Byakugan and Sharingan or by any sensory ability thanks to the seals in use.
However, the barrier could not project the actual visual. It could only project a schematic 3-D model of Konoha with small green dots representing Konoha's Shinobis, blue dots representing the civilians and red dots representing intruders.
As far as the general populace was concerned the Barrier could only detect people entering and exiting the barrier, only a select few knew its real ability, after all no one likes people spying on them especially their government.
The Barrier team was a small department with two divisions; the Detection division and the Interception division. The Detection division located in the first floor, consisted of three Jounin-level monks who monitored the sphere representing the barrier. The Interception division consisted of eighty Shinobis distributed as such; eight Jounins guarding the roof, sixteen Anbus spread out and guarding from the rooftops keeping an eye out for the HQ, four Jounins guarding the Detection Division, twelve Chuunins and four Jounins outside the Barrier room, Four Chuunins running and guarding the HQ's communication systems, eight Chuunins running and guarding the steam engine, twenty Chuunins at ground floor and four Chuunins at the gate. The Interception Division was led by Ryuu Hyuuga, a main branch member.
Currently, both the divisions were working round the clock. Everything seemed normal till a small ripple occurred right on top of the sphere.
"What the hell is that?"
"The roof squad's gone!"
"The gatekeepers are gone too!
"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" Just then a brown falcon drilled through the ceiling, before the monks could react the bird flapped its wing and feathers shot everyone in their forehead like bullets killing them instantly. Then the bird went through a few hand signs and fixed the hole in the ceiling. The falcon pulled out an earpiece out of its feathers and reported, "This is Kage is to Kenshin! Barrier HQ infiltrated!"
Soon the Interception division entered the room from all four sides led by a Hyuuga, all armed with all sorts of weaponry.
"Don't be deceived! It's a summon!" Hyuuga warned, but before the others could do anything the falcon made some swift handsigns and hit the ground creating smoke. Three ninjas emerged from the smoke catching the division off guard for a second. A second the intruders used by throwing lots of smoke grenades fogging the room in thick smoke as the defenders covered their nose.
"Ryuu-taicho! Our signals are being jammed! We can't reach anyone!" Kotetsu reported.
"Worry about that later, we are surrounded," Ryuu saw through the smoke, "Everyone, back to back," the team did so. With the smoke blocking everyone's sight, except Ryuu's, everyone anxiously anticipated the enemy to make a move.
"Damn! Make a move already!" Izomu made his irritation known as the whole division was beginning to get anxious from the lack of movement. Even the captain though as stoic as any other Hyuuga from outside, Ryuu was getting anxious.
'They have advantage in numbers, they should have attacked already. Just what are they waiting for?' Ryuu wondered as he kept his eyes on every intruder especially focusing on a man with orange hair seemingly the leader. He risked a strain in his eyes by focusing a lot of chakra into his Byakugan and it paid off. He could now see what was really happening behind the smoke, "They're holding their breath!"
As soon as he said that his men fell unconscious one after another, "Shit! Damn you!" Ryuu cursed as his consciousness slipped away.
With everyone unconscious, Fuu waved his hand. A young boy opened a scroll and within seconds all the smoke was sealed away.
"Tie them up," Fuu ordered and the infiltrators got to work. Fuu clicked his earpiece and spoke, "Torune! Status report!"
"We've secured the ground floor and you?"
"Secured."
"I will inform Kenshin-taicho. Over."
Fuu cut the transmission and turned to the boy holding the scroll, "Sai, set up the seals." Sai nodded and got to work. Fuu walked over to the orb and took charge of the Barrier.
Naruto's Cell
It had been an hour or so since the brawl between Tsubasa and Itachi, yet neither had moved an inch since then, as Itachi stared at Tsubasa and Tsubasa seemed to stare right back despite his eyes being shut. The Anbu guards stood stiff as a statue ready to strike at any wrong moves. Seeing no way of breaking Tsubasa's mental defences Inoichi had left the cell to check on other captives.
Kushina felt disheartened, her fiery spirit that had just reawakened dimming again. as she realised just how out of reach her son was. 'Naruto is right here in front of me but his soul remains with Danzo. And with the trouble he has caused he'd be lucky to get a probation. But even then he'll try to return to Danzo,' Kushina shook her head, 'No I've got to figure something out. I won't let my son be taken away from me again Dattebane!'
Kakashi's thought were also running along similar lines as he glanced between Kushina and Naruto. He wanted to comfort her but he wasn't sure how she'd react, they hadn't spoken since the day at the hospital, 'I'm not sure what to do Obito. Every time I try to do something good it blows up in my face, especially when it's a promise. I suppose the least I can do is try that Naruto gets a second chance.'
Jiraiya barged into the cell surprising everyone except Itachi and Tsubasa who were still locked in their staring contest, "Well, I see the kids are getting along. So anyone up for snacks?" Jiraiya asked with a grin holding a few packs of chips, as others gaped at him.
"Sensei, is that why you're here?" Kakashi asked feeling the same awkwardness.
"No, I was actually looking for you guys and Inoichi. Where is he?"
Just then Inoichi entered looking serious and somewhat curious, "Jiraiya-sama, were you looking for me?"
"Sensei's orders! We've got to move!" Jiraya spoke up his mood suddenly very serious.
"Now? But why?" Kushina asked the question on behalf of everyone.
"Actually, you guys might need to reschedule your plans a bit..." a playful and smooth voice spoke up, everyone turned to the door to find a tall young man with red hair and amber eyes smirking at them.
Tsubasa recognised the voice as, "Masaru-taicho?"
Danzo's Cell
In a dimly lit room with a tinted window, Danzo sat at the desk placed in centre of the room with his hands cuffed, as he stared at the empty chair opposite to him, waiting for someone to occupy it.
As soon as Danzo arrived at the North Gate and surrendered to the Anbus, the Anbus handed him over to the Interrogation and Information Department. Now he was expecting either Ibiki or Inoichi, the top dogs of the department, to come and interrogate him.
Danzo's back straightened up when he heard the door creak open, after a few steps a person pulled the other chair and took his seat.
Danzo felt his lips curl into a smirk, "So the Big Boss decides to dirty his own hands."
Hiruzen didn't react instead asked, "How did you hide Root from us?"
"By keeping Root away from your radar," Danzo stated the obvious. Hiruzen wasn't amused, in a swift motion he pulled Danzo's hair and banged his head to the desk. Danzo felt the concussion as his forehead bled. The table also suffered a dent from the impact.
"I'm not in mood for attitude, so let me paraphrase the question, where are your hideouts located?" Hiruzen warned as his eyes turned dangerously dark.
Despite the concussion, Danzo merely wiped his forehead and said, "I don't know."
Hiruzen stood up and raised his fist but Danzo interrupted, "Your brutality is truly impressive but of no use for I fear neither pain nor death. As for the information you seek, I have forgotten so even if you were to have a Yamanaka cut out my brain and eat it or have Shisui to hypnotize me into answering or have Itachi burn me with Amaterasu my answer would remain 'I don't know'."
Hiruzen remained stoic as he saw the logic in Danzo's words, "Just like that time when Hyuuga Hinata was kidnapped."
Danzo nodded, "Yes, that time I 'forgot' Root was still running, this time I forgot where Root hides."
"Is it then safe to assume that you were behind the disappearance of Hyuuga Hinata?"
"It is the absolute truth, and I must say the young lady turned out a very fine Kunoichi."
Hiruzen took his seat still staring into Danzo's lone eye, as if trying to read Danzo's schemes, but like Root they were well hidden, "So, why 'surrender' yourself?"
Danzo couldn't help but smirk, "Now that's the question I was searching for, I believe every accused is given a trial before being convicted."
"You want a trial?"
"With a jury consisting of clan heads and the division heads. You may even call the civilian representative if you like."
"That sounds more like a vote."
"Maybe it is."
"And why would I play this your way?"
"Because you were planning to have a trial anyway and I am tired of hiding so I will try that Root gains official recognition. I will plead guilty to make things easier for you."
"And what if you lose the trial?"
"I will surrender completely and so will Root."
"And why exactly should I hold on to your words? For all I know you surrendered so that you can retrieve Naruto from our captivity or maybe to distract us while your subordinates prepare a coup d'etat."
"No Hokage-sama, neither of that. Root's sole purpose of existence is to protect Konoha not to harm her. I only want to convince the people that they need Root and hopefully reinstate Root as a legal organization."
Hiruzen stared at Danzo for a while, then he turned to the window where Tenzo and Okami were standing on the other side. Hiruzen nodded to them before turning to Danzo.
"Very well, I shall arrange a trial within an hour."
"The sooner the better," Danzo nodded as Hiruzen left the cell without a second glance greeted by Tenzo.
"Hokage-sama, with all due respect you shouldn't have agreed to his plea," Tenzo complained, "He could be up to something."
"He is, which is why I shall tighten Konoha's security further," the Hokage determined, "In the meanwhile keep your eyes on Danzo." Tenzo nodded as the Hokage left.
Konoha Forest
The lively forest reeked of silence and death as the corpses of Konoha's scouting teams littered the forest floor. Of the 45 three-man squads none had been spared by Root's 9 five-man ambush squads. The job didn't require too much effort, all the ambush squads had to do was isolate each scouting team, jam their talkies and attack. Each squad were experts in the field scouting teams stood no chance. The hard part was keeping the illusion that Konoha's scouting teams were still alive, but Kenshin had planned for that. He specifically sent 45 Root nins so that after exterminating each scouting team the Root ninjas could pretend to be the leaders of the scouting teams and answer transmissions from Konoha on their behalf. The plan worked out very well.
A mile away from the scene Kenshin and his fellow commanders discussed the next course of action over the map of Konoha.
"Just why exactly are we attacking from only one side? Why can't we spread out and blitzkrieg the whole place?" Feng questioned.
"Because it's stupid," Hikari retorted, "According to Fuu, Konoha's mainstream forces are evenly spread out, splitting our own forces would be risky."
"Even with my aerial support?" Kenshin interjected.
"Unless, you can summon enough falcons to swarm the sky," Hikari replied.
"But that would tire you out," Nin added, "And put you out of the fight. It seems we're out of options here," everyone nodded in agreement, "Konoha has very thick forest cover outside the walls, our forces can stay hidden up to 50 meters from the walls considering there is a Hyuuga at every gate and 20 meters if otherwise. I suggest we enter by the West Gate."
"But the North Sector is the least guarded and also has some important buildings like the Hokage Tower and the Ninja Academy," Kenshin pointed out.
"Yes, but it also has the Hokage Mountain which makes it a difficult terrain to capture. But by capturing West Sector we will control Naka river, hydraulic turbines and agricultural fields effectively cutting off Konoha's water supply, electricity and food supply. The West also happens to home the Uchiha clan, Aburame Clan and Sarutobi clan. By capturing these clans we could harass the clan heads to surrender."
"Yeah whatever," Feng agreed dismissively, "I still say we climb over the walls and blitzkrieg the whole place. What do you say Masaru?" Feng asked in jokingly, though he really wanted to know what Masaru was thinking because Masaru had not spoken a word since Danzo's orders, and that never happened.
"That plan would work if we outnumbered our enemies," Hikari dismissed on Masaru's behalf, because she knew how Masaru felt about their coup even if he wouldn't voice, 'And it's probably best that he keeps his feelings to himself.'
"But I am curious, about what my fellow Commander and cousin feels," Kenshin dashed Hikari's hope of avoiding confrontation between Masaru and the other commanders.
Masaru remained silent for sometime, as he analysed his fellow commanding officers, though they were expressionless on the outside he could see the warning in eyes of Kenshin and Nin while Hikari seemed nervous and Feng despite his aloof exterior seemed sympathetic. Satisfied with his observation Masaru decided to humour Kenshin.
"I won't lie to you Kenshin. As you've all probably guessed, I think all this revolt and all is fucktarded. It doesn't matter if we win or lose, Konoha will suffer heavy damages, might even end up being destroyed. I've already seen one village's destruction, I'd hate seeing the same happen to Konoha. But anyway, Danzo-sama's set on his decision and there's no changing his mind, so I'll do what I've got to do. I may not like it but I will not betray the cause."
After a moment of dead silence Kenshin turned to the map, "We should leave some troops behind to deal with any possible reinforcements," Kenshin suggested and the commanders discussed more plans.
Konoha Courtroom
The Courts of Konoha were divided into Civilian Courts for cases like property disputes and Criminal Court for criminal offences. The Criminal Courts were further divided into Court of Criminal Offence for crimes like Theft, Robbery, Rape, Murder, Drugs, etc. and Court of Military Offence for crimes like Assassination, Defection, Terrorism and Rebellion.
The Court of Military was benched by The Hokage, his Advisers Koharu and Homura, Okami the Anbu Commander and Shikaku Nara the Jounin Commander. Normally this trial would be taking place in Konoha's Court of Military Offence with only the judges, the accused, witnesses and the security present. But this case was special as the existence of Root affected every citizen of Konoha and Hi no Kuni as a whole and so all clan heads except for Uzumaki Kushina and Yamanaka Inoichi, division heads and Kotaru Yamaoka, the only civilian representative, were present. Shimura Danzo, the accused, stood in the middle of the court.
"Shimura Danzo, you are being tried under the offence of High Treason, Defying Orders, Defying Military Orders, Defying the Daimyo, Threatening Citizens of Fire, Hiding and Destroying Evidence, Smuggling Citizens of Fire, Protection Of Children Act, Protection of Orphans Act, Violating Child Rights, Abducting Clan Heirs, Abducting the Jinchuuriki, Undermining the Hokage's Authority, Undermining the Daimyo's Authority, Acting Without Orders, Illegally Amassing Military Force, Illegally Amassing Weapons, Acting Against Orders, Acting Against Interest of Konoha, Acting Against Interests of Fire, Conspiring Against Fire, Collaborating with State Enemies, Conspiring Against Konoha, Conspiring Against Hokage, Conspiring Against the Daimyo and Rebellion. Do you have anything to say before we proceed?"
"No, I plead guilty, for most of them," Danzo pleaded.
"'Most of them'?" Okami asked.
"Yes Okami-san, 'Most of them'" Danzo emphasized, "Sandaime-sama has charged me with Acting Against Interests of Konoha, Acting Against Interests of Fire, Conspiring Against Fire and Conspiring Against Konoha but I appeal innocence from these charges as the sole purpose of Root is to protect Konoha and the Land of Fire at all cost and never to scheme against the very nation it vowed to protect, as such Collaborating with State Enemies is also out of question. As for Scheming Against Hokage and Daimyo, there never were such schemes."
"Shimura-san, even if we accept your plea, that still leaves you guilty for rest of the charges and each charge most heinous in their own right. So tell us, why must you be let off so easily? Why should an organization whose very existence is a gross violation of Konoha's sovereignty and the bane of humanity be allowed to exist?" The wise Hokage demanded as everyone in the room stared at Danzo, each with the steely gaze expecting an answer from Danzo. Another man would have been cut to pieces by the sharpness of the glare the council was giving, the killing intent from Hyuuga Hiashi alone would probably have done the job but the old war hawk had faced many terrifying armies to be easily intimidated.
"Yes, I admit that Root has violated several conventional morals and ethics, and will continue to do so in the future because Konoha's welfare depends on these deeds, on people who can dirty their hands without hesitation while Konoha carries on with a clean conscious. This was the very reason I created Root and it was approved by Sandaime-sama and the previous clan heads under Root Act a year into the Shinobi War. We eliminated several threats against Konoha both political and military without leaving proof against Konoha. We struck the enemy in places none of you could reach. Can any of you deny the role Root played in the war?
"Indeed, with Root's foundation we dealt with Konoha's enemies without raising suspicions bypassing all diplomatic issues because as far as records were concerned Root never existed and so no one could blame Konoha. Few might even argue that Root was the reason wars didn't drag on longer than they did, and a few among them might argue that Root was the reason Konoha emerged victorious after every war. However, what these few can't argue is that Root has committed unnecessary acts of violence even against bystanders and civilians. These acts are as good as terrorism and if ever traced back to Konoha will lead to hostilities against us. This is why I banned Root with unanimous support from the current clan heads right after the Third Shinobi War."
"Like I said, regretful but necessary acts to protect Konoha," Danzo repeated not at all apologetic.
"And why exactly should we allow such despicable acts to take place at all just to get to some people? We are not at war with any country and in case we do end up at war we have a capable military force to call forth."
"WE ARE AT WAR! But you are too blind to see it, YOU ALL ARE!" Danzo seethed, "Tell me, do you honestly believe that the other Hidden Villages are not scheming? Are you unaware of Kumo's recruitment drive? I thought the Hyuuga affair would open your eyes. Are you remotely aware of the activities in the Land of Rice Fields, the country's upcoming ninja village Otogakure and its leader? Do you really think Kirigakure has given up on Uzugakure's ancient knowledge? What has the last Uzumaki done to secure that knowledge? Has your Toad Sage, with all his 'Research' tactics been able to give you even a rumour about Amegakure ever since Hanzo's lock down? And the so-called 'innocent civilians' you fret over, where exactly do you think our enemies get their revenues and resources from? If you all would only take a moment from trivial clan and civilian issues and look outside you would realize that Konoha is surrounded by enemies at every front."
It took a moment for Danzo's words to sink in but the room was filled with murmurs as the jury discussed the new information and the possible truth in Danzo's statement. Only the bench remained quite, somewhat aware of the information they didn't want to go public but now couldn't help but curse Danzo for causing a panic in the council room. Danzo smirked noticing the rising panic himself. Shikaku on the other hand wouldn't stand allowing Danzo to control the crowd with panic and so spoke.
"Shimura-san, the information you give only verifies that our neighbouring states are improving their military strength, which is expected of any military state. We ourselves have undergone some changes to improve Konoha's military strength. If other states are doing the same it still does not prove that Konoha is under attack."
"And what of Kirigakure's ambitions towards Uzugakure?"
"Again, this suggests a possible attack at Uzu not Konoha and let me remind everyone that Uzugakure is an abandoned village with no resources except the rumoured hidden vaults, whose existence is denied by the current Uzumaki clan head. As for Kiri our intelligence confirms that with the ongoing civil war Kiri won't be able to attack any country for another decade or so."
"I beg to differ Shikaku-sama, but my sources tell me that the civil war will be over by this year, and while you may not believe in the existence of Uzu's vaults Kiri and many others do. In fact Kiri has established its presence in the neighbouring Land of Waves."
"Which again does not amount to attack at Konoha," The Hokage rebutted Danzo, "Even if we suppose that our neighbours are scheming against us and that the lives of civilians of other nations don't matter to you but what of civilians of Hi no Kuni? Why should we allow our civilians, our children be moulded into mere weapons to be used and discarded by you as you see fit?"
"To ensure absolute loyalty."
"Absolute loyalty?" Hiashi scoffed, "If you want robots so badly why don't you manufacture them? Why involve our heirs?" Hiashi asked in a voice that seemed to dare Danzo to utter another word and pay hell for it.
"My apologies Hyuuga-sama but you out of everyone must know that childhood is the most crucial time to instil lifelong values like discipline and loyalty."
"ABSURD! You call brainwashing children instilling values?"
"Every guardian has his own way of teaching his ward, from what young Hinata tells me Hyuuga clan isn't precisely the ideal day care centre," Hiashi's anger flushed away replaced by guilt, though it was unlikely that the kind girl would say that, it wasn't false.
"And just who died and made YOU the guardian of OUR children?" Inuzuka Tsume growled.
"The children are the future of Konoha! To maintain Konoha's position at top of the world we need our children to grow into strong and loyal soldiers! This is exactly what Root does."
"And just who asked for Root's help?" Tsume snubbed.
"Yeah we can raise our children to become strong and loyal ourselves!" Akamichi Chouza voiced his agreement and so did everyone in the jury.
"Pardon me, but your version of 'strength' and 'loyalty' is the reason why I believe Root should remain operational."
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN BY THAT? YOU CALLING US WEAK AND DISLOYAL?" Others in jury supported Tsume's outrage.
"Well Inuzuka-san, would you slay your children if Hokage-sama asked you to?" Danzo's query caught everyone off guard, "Or maybe Akimichi-san would? Or maybe Aburame-san would? Or Hyuuga-san? Or Kurama-san? Anyone among you?"
Everyone found their tongues stuck to their jaws. Family or nation, never an easy choice to make. When everyone failed to answer Danzo's question Shikaku decided to answer on their behalf, "Shimura-san, the question you pose is a very specific situation that occurs rarely. A Hokage can never give such an order except in the most extreme cases, and I have no doubt that in such a case the Shinobi of Konoha will not hesitate to do the needed. If you doubt me why don't you ask Morino Ibiki about his brother, Shisui Uchiha about Tsuki or ask Asuma Sarutobi about the Incident with the Twelve Guardians? The greatest sacrifice would be the one by our late Yondaime, the one who died sealing the Kyuubi into his newborn son to save our village, the hero whose son you stole from his mother."
"Nara-sama, these are people who have indeed passed the test of loyalty when Konoha asked for it and I respect them. However, I am afraid not all your shinobis are like them else why have so many ninjas defected from Konoha? Why is our defection rate is second only to the Land of Water, a nation at civil war? And do I need to elaborate 'situations' Konoha had to deal with?" Danzo turned towards the Uchiha head, who glared right back, and then to the Sandiame, "Hiruzen, you may be soft hearted but surely you're not a saint yourself. You have taken many questionable decisions and hidden many secrets from the public in the name public interest and the greater good. Then why must you punish me for doing the same? You know better than me these clans are more interested in increasing their influence in this village then dealing with the enemy. The civilians are no better, they send their children to join our military only for glory and salary not out of patriotism. While you all indulge in petty politics basking under Hiruzen's soft-hearted ideals, Konoha's enemies are neither few nor idle. And you expect me to leave Konoha under your care? No. Konoha needs an army whose loyalty is not divided towards their clans but united towards Konoha, soldiers who do not hesitate to erase all threats to Konoha even friends and family, soldiers that have no attachment whatsoever except towards Konoha, soldiers willing to go places where other shinobis don't dare to go near, an army willing to commit deeds that even you, the Hokage, don't have the stomach to commit for the sake of Konoha, an army that will destroy itself if need be all for the sake of Konoha. Root is that army..."
"So that's all there is to it?" Homura whispered feeling anger and disappointment at Danzo's words, "Even after several years of service you find our commitment towards Konohagakure lacking." Danzo realised the diplomatic slip he made as he saw Homura's anger reflect in everyone's eyes but before he could correct himself Koharu spoke up.
"Root is not an army, it's an unwanted weapon. A weapon built using the souls and emotions of Konoha's children."
"Koharu, most of these children were orphans, their lives had no purpose. Root moulded them into fine soldiers and gave them a purpose to live and die for."
"A purpose I'm sure none of them actually asked for," Homura rebutted.
"This discussion is pointless," Hiruzen interrupted, "Shimura Danzo, no matter what justifications you give the fact remains you have committed despicable crimes against Konoha and humanity as a whole, a criminal like you has no right to question loyalty of others. I suggest the board comes to a decision."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Danzo stared at them stoic as ever, but then his lips curled into a smirk.
"Anything funny?" Hiruzen asked.
"I knew none of you would understand. Age and bloodshed instead of making you wise, strong and stern has softened your hearts and made you pacifists, and the present peace has made you blind to the threats that lurk within and outside Konoha and too weak to deal with them as they should be dealt with. But still I tried to reason with you," Danzo lamented, then he stood upright, held his cane firm and declared, "Very well! I declare war on Hiruzen Sarutobi and his allies."
"Traitor!" Okami got up and pointed his finger at Danzo, "Anbu seize him!"
The Anbu guards rushed towards Danzo to seize him, except for one who rushed between them before she struck the other Anbus down with a few punches. Before anyone else could react Danzo and the kunoichi disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Konoha- Barrier HQ
Danzo and the kunoichi appeared in the Barrier Room in a puff of smoke courtesy of a Summoning Jutsu by his subordinates.
"Well done Nami, you may join the others," Danzo ordered. Nami bowed before taking her place with others. The HQ had been sealed off by powerful seal, no one could enter the HQ unless summoned from inside. They had also gotten rid of all the Hiraishin seals. Danzo turned to the Barrier Orb being run by Fuu. The Orb allowed him to analyse every part of Konoha and everyone present within Konoha and about a kilometre around it. He checked Root's 4000 soldiers present ready to face off against Konoha's 20,000. Konoha's forces were much larger but Hiruzen had sent a lot of units outside Konoha. Even now Root was outnumbered five times over, but Danzo was confident that his cold blooded soldiers would crush Hiruzen's sheep.
And while Hiruzen had been prepared for a possible attack by Danzo, he didn't know how many forces Danzo commanded or about their skills while Danzo knew everything he needed to know about Konoha and with the Barrier HQ under him Danzo could now monitor everything happening within Konoha and from what he could see Hiruzen's forces were far too spread out to block his cold-blooded army's onslaught.
Of the 4,000, 3200 ready to breakthrough the West Gate, 500 protecting their rear, 300 already inside Konoha consisting of his 200 double agents and the 100 at the Barrier HQ ready cause chaos from within.
Torune rushed to Danzo, bowed before him and presented an earphone which Danzo accepted and plugged into his ears. He blew into the mike to check if it was working then gave one last look to his soldiers before blowing the bugles with one word, "ATTACK!"
And all hell broke lose as the orb projected Root's forces made their move. Or at least the hell would have broken lose had something very strange that baffled Danzo not happened. Within a blink of an eye the 200 sleeper cells just disappeared, the Barrier HQ was surrounded by Konoha's 500 Shinobis, the West Gate was blocked by Konoha's 7000, 2000 coming in from the North and 2000 from South to flank Root's main force.
'It seems Hiruzen was far more prepared than I thought, but to deceive me in such a manner..." Danzo focused on the Barrier Sphere as his soldiers got into positions, 'No it's too sudden, it's too well planned and it's too precise, someone must have informed Hiruzen,' Danzo narrowed his eyes as Fuu and Torune looked at him for directions, "We have traitors amidst us." Danzo concluded.