A forest where the sunlight was blocked by leaves.
"I know very well why you want the position of Hokage, and I can understand it."
"After all, our teacher's decision back then was indeed somewhat hasty."
Sarutobi Hiruzen paused here. His gaze darkened, and the sunlight around them seemed to be completely blotted out at that moment, shadows gradually closing in on the two of them.
"But what you've been doing lately has gone too far."
Danzo had always pursued the position of Hokage only because he wanted to make up for the cowardice of his youth. Sarutobi understood that clearly, so he could forgive many of Danzo's actions.
But not this time.
"Fine."
Before Sarutobi could finish, Danzo immediately agreed. "Root will disband within the next few days. Everything will be handed over to the Anbu. I don't want my elder's seat either. You won't even need to notify me when you hold meetings in the future."
His answer was decisive, his expression calm—so calm that Sarutobi felt inexplicably unsettled.
"You..."
Sarutobi opened his mouth, wanting to ask something, but he did not know how to say it.
What exactly are you trying to do?
He had asked that question far too many times, but the current Danzo would not reveal anything because of it.
Meeting Danzo's calm eyes, Sarutobi nodded and took back what he had intended to say. "As long as you agree, that's enough. I don't want these matters to ruin the friendship we've had for so many years."
The surrounding shadows receded, and sunlight once again shone upon the land.
"Elephant."
An Anbu Ninja wearing an animal mask appeared in a flash at Sarutobi Hiruzen's call.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the Anbu Ninja and said, "You'll be responsible for the Newspaper Office from now on."