Konoha, Root headquarters.
"Lord Danzou, this is the roster for this round of the 'Jonin Selection.'"
The subordinate handed over a small booklet.
It contained information on the Chunin and Special Jonin who had been recommended, nominated by the Konoha High Command, or volunteered.
They...
would undergo the examination at the end of this month.
Under the personal supervision of Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, they would compete for Jonin qualifications.
"Hmm..."
Shimura Danzō took the booklet.
Using the candlelight, he narrowed his eyes in the darkness and flipped it open.
Hatake Kakashi... Hyuga Mami...
One photograph and file after another passed by.
Among these candidates were young prodigies and late bloomers.
There were men and women.
There were teenagers, adults, and even middle-aged people...
But...
They were utterly uninteresting.
Yes.
Shimura Danzō had never before been as uninterested in the Jonin Selection as he was now.
In the past,
he would always think carefully about which Jonin to recruit into Konoha's ANBU... or even Root.
"Indeed... it still has to be Hyuga Sho!"
Shimura Danzō's narrowed eyes made his expression even more sinister and terrifying.
"Any news about Gui?"
Shimura Danzō set down the roster and asked.
"Lord Danzou, we still have no information on her whereabouts."
The subordinate speaking raised his head, revealing his face.
He was not wearing a mask.
Instead, a pair of black sunglasses covered his eyes.
Judging from his features and inner clothing...
he was a ninja of the Aburame Clan.
Aburame Ryoma.
The strongest Elite Jonin in the Aburame Clan in recent years.
He was second only to the clan head, Aburame Shibi.
Because of his strange methods, Aburame Ryoma could even contend with Orochimaru.
He was a formidable figure outside the Ten Heavenly Stems' organization.
"Let's go."
Shimura Danzō rose to his feet,