Vega's Whereabouts

Shimura Danzo's words weren't about whether to hand Veigar over for Danzo to train, but rather about the truth of what Shimura Danzo had said.

Would Shimura Danzo really give up his position as the leader of "Root"?

Shimura Danzo was one of the people who understood Hiruzen Sarutobi the best, and vice versa.

From the founding of "Root" to its gradual loss of control, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a sense of having lifted a rock only to drop it on his own feet.

At the time, out of trust in Shimura Danzo, he had created the Anbu training department, the so-called "Root" of Konoha, within the Anbu that only obeyed him, and handed it over to Shimura Danzo's command.

But what about now?

Did the current "Root" still recognize him as Hokage?

After all, to this day, even he, the village's Kage, could not investigate the specific internal situation of Root. It only obeyed Shimura Danzo.

The title of "Anbu Training Department" was essentially defunct. Shimura Danzo hadn't failed to return the ninja who underwent training in Root to him, but they were the ones with the lowest talent and strength, like discarded people.

Shimura Danzo's influence was too great now. Although the power of Root had not been fully exposed, Hiruzen Sarutobi had a feeling that if this continued, "Root" might affect Konoha's stability in the future.

He was still in the position of Hokage now and could suppress Shimura Danzo, but what about the Fourth and Fifth Hokage?

Did Hiruzen Sarutobi want Shimura Danzo to hand over the position of Root's leader?

Yes.

But he couldn't.

Firstly, there wasn't anyone he considered more suitable to be the leader of Root than Shimura Danzo.

Secondly, there were many things that could only be planned and acted upon in secret, requiring Shimura Danzo to handle them.

Therefore, Shimura Danzo could not give up the position of Root's leader yet.

Putting down his pipe, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up at Shimura Danzo again and said, "The person can be handed over to you."

"But, not now."

Upon hearing the first part of Hiruzen Sarutobi's statement, Shimura Danzo's heart rejoiced, but the latter part poured cold water on his hopes.

Then, Shimura Danzo heard Hiruzen Sarutobi continue, "Although Root is independent, it must still obey the Hokage."

"Since you believe Vega Koshima is the most suitable candidate for the second leader of Root, I agree in principle."

"But as the Kage of the village, I must consider the next Hokage."

"Because Root, which represents the roots of Konoha, must also be handed over to the next Hokage."

"I will first observe Vega Koshima. When the time is right, I will bring him into the Anbu and then hand him over to you."

"As you said, we are both getting old after all."

Shimura Danzo also understood the warning in Hiruzen Sarutobi's words. It was a clear indication that he was still the Hokage, and Root did not need a second leader yet; it was a force being prepared for the next Hokage.

Moreover, in the selection of Root's successor, he, Shimura Danzo, only had the right to recommend, while the final decision rested with him, the Hokage.

At this moment, Shimura Danzo understood that reaching this point was Hiruzen Sarutobi's greatest concession.

Furthermore, Hiruzen Sarutobi's strength was still at its peak, and he still possessed the demeanor of a ninja hero, not yet the future "Ninja Bear."

And Root's power had not yet fully permeated every corner of Konoha, so he couldn't force Hiruzen Sarutobi to concede too much.

Although he hadn't achieved the best outcome, he had at least gained the possibility of obtaining Vega Koshima.

Shimura Danzo was also well aware of Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions, which were to insert a spy into Root, or even regain control of Root.

However, as long as Veigar joined Root, he could turn all of Hiruzen Sarutobi's previous efforts into nothing.

Vega Koshima would sooner or later become one of the sharpest blades in his hand.

Shimura Danzo met Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze and said, "In that case, I can wait."

"I still have matters to attend to at Root, so I'll take my leave now, Hiruzen."

With that, Shimura Danzo turned and left. Hiruzen Sarutobi then said to Shimura Danzo, "Withdraw the Root members. He doesn't need to be monitored."

Shimura Danzo's footsteps didn't falter; he merely nodded and quickly disappeared from Hiruzen Sarutobi's sight.

The "he" here referred to Vega Koshima.

If a few more years passed and Shimura Danzo's influence grew stronger, he probably wouldn't have agreed to Hiruzen Sarutobi's terms so readily. Instead, he would have feigned compliance while directly taking Veigar to Root.

The Dove, a Root ninja monitoring Veigar, was highly capable, making Veigar unable to detect him, and even many Jonin couldn't find him. However, to Hiruzen Sarutobi, Dove was like a firefly in the dark.

So conspicuous, so bright.

After Shimura Danzo left, Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Minato Namikaze, "Jonin Minato, forget what you just overheard."

Minato Namikaze replied solemnly, "Yes, Third Lord."

Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Alright, Vega Koshima is also in your hands now, Minato."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's shift in his address to Minato reflected his attitude towards Minato Namikaze.

Veigar, still lying at home, had no idea that a struggle for his fate had just unfolded.

Receiving Shimura Danzo's new orders, Dove quickly withdrew with two subordinates, abandoning the surveillance of Veigar.

In the afternoon, Veigar woke up from his bed. Seeing that it was almost time, he hurried towards the Hokage Tower.

"Click."

As the camera shutter clicked, Veigar, having his picture taken, completed his ninja registration and successfully became a Genin of Konoha Village.

Ninja Registration Number: 009917.

Shortly after, Veigar was led into the Hokage's Office once more, where he met the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Konoha Jonin, Minato Namikaze.

Upon entering, Veigar respectfully addressed Hiruzen Sarutobi, saying, "Third Lord."

Hiruzen Sarutobi carefully examined Veigar, who wore the Konoha Ninja Headband, and said with a smile, "Veigar, you are now a Genin of the village. I hope you will uphold the Will of Fire and contribute to the protection of Konoha."

Veigar lowered his head and responded loudly, "Yes, Third Lord."

"I will definitely do my utmost to protect the village with all my duties and responsibilities."

Nodding inwardly, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Then, Genin Veigar, your team leader from now on will be Jonin Minato here beside me."

"I believe he will train you to become an extremely outstanding ninja."

At this moment, Minato Namikaze took over from Hiruzen Sarutobi, turned to look at Veigar, and said, "I am Minato Namikaze, and I will be your teacher from now on."