The next day
Shimura Danzō led the members of Root to Sarutobi Hiruzen's office.
At Shimura Danzō's signal, Yamanaka Fu knocked on the door. Knock, knock, knock.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who hadn't returned home all night, was smoking as he pondered the situation. When he heard the knock, his eyes lit up. He's here!
So he opened the window, and the office, which had been shrouded in a haze, suddenly cleared a little.
Then he walked over and opened the door. Shimura Danzō, Yamanaka Fu, and Aburame Torune stood before him.
"Danzō, you finally came." Sarutobi Hiruzen gave him a big hug.
"Hiruzen, have you really made up your mind? You've decided to recommend me as the Fifth Hokage?" Shimura Danzō was in high spirits. He'd waited more than thirty years for this position, and now that Sarutobi Hiruzen was willing to give it to him, how could he not be overjoyed?
As for whether this was an attempt to dump the burden on him, or some kind of scheme, he no longer had the inclination to think about it. The Hokage Position was right within reach!
Shimura Danzō hadn't slept all night. He'd tried on the ceremonial robes he'd secretly had custom-made several times, and had even cheerfully asked his subordinates, "What do you think? Do they look right? Do they fit?"
He was still full of energy and vigor now, and he smiled at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen patted him on the shoulder. "Danzō, for Konoha's sake, and for our teacher's sake, I've thought it over and over. You're still the best choice for Fifth Hokage."
"I'm at ease leaving Konoha in your hands from now on." Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and led him to the Hokage's seat.
Shimura Danzō, whose face was usually stern, broke into a smile. Then