Chapter 333: Opposing Philosophies
The Root commander felt severe pain radiating throughout his body. He slowly moved the rubble atop him and took several deep breaths of air. At that moment he noticed the last remaining root ninja being killed by Hiruzen's Anbu from the corner of his eyes. "To think I would be reduced to such a state within the span of an hour…"
"It was much more than an hour." Hiruzen replied as he recalled the day he assigned his agents with the task to infiltrate Root.
Danzo's jaws clenched as he looked up at his rival. "Yes… You've been studying me for some time now haven't you?"
Hiruzen nodded. "It took years but I've compiled a detailed list of your men, your assets inside and outside the village, your contacts in the capital and the structure of your Root… The more I learned, the more I knew you would become a problem one day. But I couldn't act rashly."
"That's why you've waited until now. You've been looking for an opportunity to get me while I was at my weakest.(Cough)" Danzo coughed up some blood and he felt his vision blurr for a moment. 'It looks like this arm isn't as good as the one Orochimaru gave me. The power of Hashirama's cells is much weaker in this.'
Hiruzen let go of his staff and it turned back to its monkey form. Enma understood why Hiruzen did such a thing. "Are you sure you don't need me here?" He still asked.
"I'm sure. This is between me and him now. Thank you for the assistance Enma."
The summoning creature nodded and gazed at Danzo. A moment later it vanished in a puff of smoke.
Danzo looked up at the Hokage and saw a hint of regret in his eyes. "Hmph. Even now after everything, you feel pity for me… Well, I don't need it."