"I don't know. Would you be interested in taking part in this plan?"
The Third smiled at Hiroki and tossed the question to him.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, have you lost your mind!? He's just a child!" Shimura Danzō slammed the table and roared.
"Danzo, calm down." Hiruzen sighed and looked at Shimura Danzō seriously.
"Who needs to calm down? Me? Or you!?" Shimura Danzō was practically laughing with rage. "I think you've completely lost your senses! You should retire from the position of Hokage!"
"How old is he!? You want him to fight Hanzo of the Salamander? Are you sending him to his death!?"
"—" Hiruzen took a deep breath and stared into Shimura Danzō's eyes. "Of course not! Danzo! Trust me."
Danzo took a couple of deep breaths too, trying to steady himself.
As the leader of Konoha's Root, he really shouldn't let his emotions show so openly. But Hiruzen's question had been so absurd and shocking!
Hiroki had already proven his worth and his talent. He'd shown what he could do and what he was capable of. All he needed to do now was train under Danzo in Root while Orochimaru and the others fought Hanzo. Then he would quickly become a Jonin.
After that, he would naturally become the youngest Shadow Candidate in Konoha's history!
How could they send a ninja like that to the battlefield in the Land of Rain to fight Hanzo of the Salamander and die?
But despite his anger, Danzo knew his old friend wouldn't make such a suggestion without good reason. So he waited for the Third to explain.
"Hiroki, I'm sure you realize that your ability could make the difference in a battle between Jonin—or even stronger opponents!"
The Third smiled at Hiroki, speaking to him almost as an equal.
Although Hiroki