Interested in Joining Root?

"Don't worry, Hiruzen. You'll definitely return victorious."

"The Nine-Tails hasn't been fully unleashed like before, and its strength isn't as great as it was then. I've already sent someone to notify the Barrier Team and begun organizing the villagers' evacuation."

Utatane Koharu spoke quickly as she explained the current situation. She looked at the Third Hokage's present state with some surprise, as if she had seen Hiruzen from decades ago—the young, spirited man who had just become Hokage.

But that feeling vanished in an instant. She sighed to herself, her mood unable to help sinking as she quietly murmured that the former Third Hokage was truly gone forever.

The Third Hokage leaped from the window with the Anbu. His departing figure carried a touch of desolation against the pitch-black sky and the moon that had already begun turning orange. Perhaps the Third Hokage, too, was truly gone forever.

Watching the Third Hokage's retreating back, Danzo gave a soft snort. A pleased smile hung on his face. Naturally, he could think of what the Third Hokage could think of. Now was the best opportunity for him to become Hokage.

Of course, the best opportunity came with enormous risks. Yet he was completely confident. What Hiruzen Sarutobi could not do, Shimura Danzō could easily accomplish.

Feeling thoroughly cheerful and at ease, Danzo hurried over to Sasuke, who was clearing the dinner table.

After clearing the table, Sasuke would usually take advantage of the night to train alone outside in the courtyard for a while. But seeing the Anbu and Root members outside, he probably could only stay home and read tonight.

He had many books to read, whether they concerned taijutsu and Ninjutsu training, Genjutsu, relatively non-secret forbidden techniques, or even quite a few storybooks.

"Why didn't he come here?"

Before Sasuke