Only now did Danzō realize something was wrong. His gaze shifted toward Koharu and Homura. So the chakra metal issue came to light, and you didn't even warn me?
But Koharu and Homura kept their heads down, pretending not to notice.
This was your mess, Danzō. You deal with it.
"We need an explanation, Danzō!" the Third Hokage shouted, slamming his hand on the desk.
"Do you have any idea how much money the village spent on that chakra metal? How many favors I had to call in to get it? And you thought it was a good idea to use it all to arm Root with chakra weapons?!"
Even Anbu didn't get this kind of special treatment. What in the world was Danzō thinking?
The rarity and value of chakra metal were beyond question. But what really enraged the Hokage was the fact that Danzō had done this behind his back.
And worse-Koharu and Homura had known about it and said nothing, keeping him in the dark.
The three of them had worked together to conceal this from him.
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
The Third Hokage felt like a puppet leader, betrayed by those closest to him.
He had given them their authority, and now they had the audacity to go behind his back and act without consulting him. Did they not respect him at all?
"I took it," Danzō admitted, seeing no point in lying now that the secret was out. Denying it would only make Hiruzen angrier.
"And where is the chakra metal now?" the Hokage sneered. "Don't tell me you've already used it to forge weapons."
Go on, Danzō. Show me what you've done this time.
Remaining calm, Danzō replied, "The metal... I intended to give it to Orochimaru. He's a war hero and has done so much for the village."
"I knew he wanted to give Nawaki a fine weapon, so I decided to provide some of the chakra metal."
"To give to Orochimaru?"
The Third Hokage let out a bitter laugh.
Yes, Orochimaru is a war hero. He's done more for the village than most, and as my student, I would have no problem rewarding him with some chakra metal.
In fact, I've already arranged for a chakra blade to be crafted for Orochimaru, so he can give it to Nawaki.
But now? There wasn't a single scrap left!
And who gave Danzō the authority to move materials from the logistics department?