"I'm getting on in years. Deciding on the next Hokage early will make Konoha more stable."
After meeting Tsunade's gaze for several seconds, Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and spoke slowly.
"Why are you asking me?"
Tsunade curled her lip. "Shouldn't you be asking Danzo about this? He'd definitely be happy to answer."
"You know Danzo can't become Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen rejected the idea without hesitation.
"Then why do you indulge him so much?"
Tsunade asked in dissatisfaction.
"Where there is light, there are shadows. Some things need Danzo to handle."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said blandly, "As long as I keep a firm grip on him, there won't be any major problems."
"You're confident you can control Danzo, but what about the next Hokage?"
Tsunade said with a grave expression, "If they can't control him, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"That's why the identity of the next Hokage is so important."
Sarutobi Hiruzen admitted, "At the very least, Hatake Sakumo won't do. He can't handle Danzo."
"So you already knew about the rumors surrounding Hatake Sakumo."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes slightly.
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately felt somewhat awkward.
It was impossible for him to be completely unaware.
Root was not an independent organization. It belonged to the Anbu, so he would receive more or less related information.
"Other than Hatake Sakumo, only the three of you are qualified to become Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen gave a light cough and changed the subject.
"I'm not interested!"
Tsunade answered without a second thought.
"If you're not interested, then why are you involving yourself in Hatake Sakumo's affairs?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. "Tsunade, you actually care deeply about Konoha."
"I care about Konoha. That doesn't mean I care about being Hokage."
Tsunade replied bluntly.
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent for several