The Will of Fire Was the Best Way to Dispel Darkness

The Third Hokage's orders had been urgent, so Simu and Kinoe quickly arrived at the Hokage's office to report in.

As he approached the door, Simu could clearly sense countless hidden gazes watching him.

They were likely ANBU ninja responsible for protecting the Hokage.

Ignoring those wary stares, Simu casually pushed open the office door. Inside, he saw the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in Hokage robes. His hair had completely turned white, and his face was dotted with age spots.

A rotten smell hit him right in the face.

Simu grumbled inwardly.

"Greetings, Lord Hokage," Kinoe said politely.

Since they had been assigned to the ANBU for missions, they had to act like subordinates to earn his trust.

At least, that was what Kinoe thought.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Kinoe, his sharp gaze seeming to want to see through him.

Ordinary appearance, excellent composure, able to swiftly adapt to sudden missions, no unnecessary emotions in his heart.

Seeing Kinoe like this, the Third Hokage could not help but sigh inwardly. This kid was born to be a ninja, especially the kind who hid in the darkness, like ANBU or Root.

As for the other one...

After examining Kinoe, Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze back to Simu.

The hostility radiating from this guy was practically overflowing. From the moment he entered, he had been glaring at him as though Hiruzen owed him money!

Was it because of Danzo?

Hiruzen Sarutobi came to that conclusion easily.

No one knew better than him how outrageous Danzo's brainwashing methods were.

Nearly every Root member was utterly loyal to him—devoted to the point of death!

When necessary, these people would willingly give their lives for Danzo.

Judging from B's Wood Release talent, which was enough to contend with the Mangekyō Sharingan, the Third Hokage