At Konoha's Sixth Training Ground, the moonlight grew brighter and brighter as Mito's figure gradually vanished into its glow.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around to face the bound Danzo, his voice carrying a trace of heaviness and reluctance.
"Danzo, since Lady Mito has arranged it this way, take a break for now." The Third Hokage's words held a hint of helplessness, but even more, concern and understanding for an old friend.
Danzo's body swayed lightly in midair, yet he still gave no response, as though immersed in his own thoughts. But Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that his old friend had not lost consciousness. At this moment, he had simply chosen silence.
"Enough. I know you're still awake." Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, his voice softening further. "This is for the best. Lady Mito is right. Handling Konoha's darkness for so long has made both of us forget who we once were."
He stepped closer to Danzo, his gaze filled with deep contemplation and emotion. "We were once boys with dreams, determined to protect this village. But now, we need to find that original resolve again and reexamine the paths we have taken."
"Tomorrow, I'll announce this publicly."
Though Danzo offered no response, Hiruzen Sarutobi could still feel his presence—a silent weight pressing down on both their hearts.
"I know what you want to say: that I'll regret this. But this time, I absolutely won't. I am Konoha's Hokage, and I can only be Konoha's Hokage."
Watching Danzo show no desire to acknowledge him, a wave of desolation rose in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart. He knew what lay hidden behind Danzo's silence.
Lady Mito's words echoed in his heart like the tolling of a morning bell and an evening drum: "Before anything else, you must be Konoha's Hokage, then Hiruzen Sarutobi."
He reflected on how much