Though Shikaku felt disappointed by Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, he did not let it show on his face.
At the same time, he cursed himself inwardly. He had actually entertained a sliver of naive hope just now—how could Root truly be disbanded?
To the Third, Root had never been a dispensable department, nor could it be replaced by the Anbu.
It was the shadow that had to exist—the roots Konoha's great tree drove deep into darkness.
Without Root, who would do the things that had to be done but could not be brought into the light?
And who would bear the infamy that was destined to be carried?
The Third himself could never allow his hands to be stained by such blemishes.
Therefore, "Root" had to exist, and it had to continue operating.
At that moment, Utatane Koharu spoke in a hoarse voice and raised the crucial question. "Then... who will take over as Root's leader?"
The office fell silent for a time.
Nara Shikaku went straight to the side and began drafting tomorrow's announcement. Jiraiya folded his arms and silently stepped aside, his expression far from pleasant.
Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses and waited in silence.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze slowly swept across their faces.
He knew full well that Koharu and Homura had indeed colluded with Danzō before and committed grave mistakes, but this was not the time to hold them accountable.
After all, they were old comrades who had walked the road with him for years. They understood Konoha's dark side and the significance of Root's existence.
It existed to shoulder those responsibilities the Hokage could not bring into the light.
Only by placing it in their hands could Root continue to operate as "the Hokage's shadow."
As for Jiraiya—
He had repeatedly refused even the position of