Naruto slowly turned around and swallowed hard. The group before him put immense pressure on him.
At the center of the group stood Danzo Shimura, one of Konoha's top officials and the man in control of Root.
Danzo Shimura's right eye was wrapped in bandages, while his left eye was narrowed to a slit. His gaze could not be seen, nor could his presence be sensed. Though much of his body was swathed in bandages, he gave off not the slightest killing intent and appeared refined and gentle.
Danzo Shimura said nothing. He merely kept staring at Naruto.
"Fifth Hokage, save me!" Naruto suddenly burst into tears, threw himself forward, and clung to Danzo Shimura's leg.
"Fifth Hokage?" Danzo Shimura asked in confusion. "What is going on?"
Putting on an obedient expression, Naruto said, "Orochimaru has taken the Third Hokage hostage. The Third Hokage is trapped inside a barrier now."
At that moment, the Root members gave slight nods, signaling to Danzo Shimura that Naruto was telling the truth.
Naruto continued, "Before the barrier went up, the Third Hokage sent word that if anything happened to him, the next Hokage would be Lord Danzo."
Danzo Shimura was deeply shaken. He could not believe that old man would make such an arrangement.
Danzo Shimura had coveted the position of Hokage for a long time. Long ago, the position had been right before him, practically within his grasp.
Back then, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had taken Danzo Shimura and Hiruzen Sarutobi on a mission. An accident occurred, and in order to save everyone, one person had to remain behind to hold off the enemy.
The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had asked, "The one who stays behind will most likely die. Which of you is willing to remain?"
At the time, the