He believed that everything he did was for Konoha to stand tall with the strongest possible stance, eliminating every hidden danger, even if his methods could not bear the light.
But now, within "his own" department, Kagami had bound his hands and feet with "rules"!
Bang!
He slammed a fist into the stone table, leaving a shallow mark.
In a fit of anger, he only grew angrier, feeling as though even the air in this underground base was suffocating.
He rose abruptly and strode out of Root without bringing any attendants, heading straight toward the Sarutobi Compound.
At that moment, he did not want to think about schemes or calculations. He only wanted to find someone he could talk to, even if it was just to drink.
Sarutobi Compound, rear courtyard.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat surprised by Danzo's sudden visit, but the moment he saw Danzo's gloomy expression and the oppressive aura around him, he understood.
He asked nothing. He merely waved for his clansmen to prepare several pots of good liquor and a few simple but authentic drinking dishes, then led Danzo to the quiet corridor in the rear courtyard.
The two sat facing each other, drinking in silence at first.
After several cups of strong liquor, Danzo's tightly wound nerves seemed to loosen slightly, and his suppressed emotions finally found an outlet.
"Hiruzen."
He stared at the swaying liquor in his cup, his voice hoarse.
"Tell me, back then... why did Teacher choose Nangō Kumoi for the position of Hokage at the very last moment?"
He raised his head, his eyes filled with deep confusion and a trace of resentment buried far beneath the surface.
"By seniority, by strength, by our understanding of and contributions to Konoha... were you and I truly unqualified back then?
"If you or