"Third Hokage, I know this goes against my duty, but..."
At the Third Hokage's words, there was a long silence in the shadows. Then, as though he had hesitated for a long time before finally making up his mind, a voice came from within the darkness.
"I understand your unease and concerns."
In response, the faint melancholy in the Third Hokage's eyes slowly faded, replaced by a sigh.
He knew very well what the ninja behind him, one with no presence and who had taken concealment to its utmost extent, wanted to say.
Since he had made this decision, he had naturally considered the consequences.
It was no wonder that this ninja, who should not have felt unease or concern, was now displaying both.
He had even somewhat forgotten his duty.
For this ninja, who had abandoned his name and his life to become a complete shadow, there should have been no interfering with any of his decisions. This ninja was merely a receiver; he should not even have had a voice.
And precisely because of that, this ninja was now violating his duty.
Precisely because he could abandon his name and life and become a complete shadow, one who should not even possess a voice, he was now abandoning his duty and speaking up.
Because only someone who deeply loved the village, someone willing to give everything for it, would make such a choice.
And precisely because of that, he would abandon his duty for the village at this moment.
"Then, Third Hokage, why..."
As though hesitating again, as though he had made up his mind, the ninja in the shadows once more broke the duty and oath he had sworn, speaking out.
"You're worried about Danzo, aren't you?"
Hearing this, the Third Hokage no longer beat around the