At the head of the table.
The Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen, lightly tapped the edge of the table.
His black hair was thick, his eyes and brows still held the sharpness of his prime, and his steady voice carried an unquestionable force:
"The final round of the Chunin Ninja Exams in a month will be the moment when the entire Ninja World has its eyes on Konoha."
"Anyone who tries to overturn the table then had better first consider whether they can withstand the blades of us 'keepers of the hearth.'"
"They want to devour my Konoha?"
"Then they'll find this old man's blade is still sharp."
"Death is all I have to fear."
"Everyone, report the results of your discussions. Each clan's assignments and defense sectors."
Among the seats below.
Danzo's dark, close-fitting outfit accentuated his upright figure—
Since taking the Youth-Preserving Pill and shedding his aged appearance, his face had returned to its youthful form.
Though he still habitually furrowed his brows,
much of the malice in his eyes had receded,
replaced by a more visible composure and gentleness.
Hiruzen, you're back!!!
Shimura Danzō sat straight in his seat, watching the spirited Sarutobi Hiruzen with complicated feelings. Nostalgia?! Excitement?! Or perhaps relief?!
Having the youthful Shinobi Hero as a partner really did put him at ease.
Over these past few decades.
The two of them had fought countless bloody battles back to back.
They had earned their fearsome reputations through slaughter.
After all, how long had the First and the Second actually held office?
Danzo knew very well.
Just how terrifying this teammate was.
Lately, he had stopped hiding in the shadows. He patrolled the village in the mornings, and whenever he met the children of longtime neighbors, he would fish a piece of candy out of his sleeve