"What do you want me here for, Hoshino Maki?"
Danzo's tone was indifferent, and his expression distant.
But Hoshino Maki knew the old man was probably in a decent mood. Otherwise, he would have already scolded him for addressing him so casually.
"Wouldn't you like to come visit Kikyo Castle, sir?"
Hoshino Maki didn't answer him. Instead, he asked a question of his own.
"Shikaku's in charge now. I'm just helping out." Danzo's expression darkened. "And don't tell me you think Kikyo Castle belongs to you now."
Hoshino Maki chuckled. "Of course not. I'm just waiting for the right opportunity to hand it over to Hokage-sama."
Danzo's expression softened slightly. "Remember what you said."
"Of course. I'll keep my promises. When the time comes, Hokage-sama will save Konoha from disaster, and Sarutobi will have no choice but to slink off the stage."
Danzo's eyes narrowed slightly. "Sarutobi has served Konoha for many years and made great contributions. Don't humiliate him too much."
Hah, so now you weren't even calling him Hokage anymore?
Hoshino Maki murmured his agreement, and Danzo seemed satisfied with his attitude.
"What about Shikaku?"
"Don't worry. I won't be giving him a warm welcome. He's shut up in a little room right now, hungry and reflecting on his actions!"
"Shikaku, are you sure you don't want any?"
In the most lavish room in Kikyo Castle, Hoshino Maki shoved a piece of lobster into his mouth and looked at Shikaku Nara, sitting stiffly across from him, perplexed.
"You know why I'm here. There's no need to waste time with this."
Shikaku frowned at the sumptuous meal before him.
It all belonged to Konoha, yet the man in front of him was enjoying it lavishly.
Just thinking about it made Shikaku lose his appetite.
Hoshino Maki chuckled and