The lead had come from Shimura Danzō. He now primarily handled matters concerning the Intelligence Department, overseeing its discipline, inspections, and supervision. Although he did not directly participate in its day-to-day operations, his role was not to be underestimated.
In Kazemori Masaki's previous life, many people had greatly underestimated Shimura Danzō's abilities because of his many misdeeds in his later years. They often regarded him as little more than Hiruzen Sarutobi's lackey, someone whose sole purpose was to take the blame.
In truth, however, Shimura Danzō was exceptionally capable. He and Hiruzen Sarutobi had been both friends and rivals since childhood. In the original timeline, Hiruzen Sarutobi had ranked first among all the Second Hokage's students, while Shimura Danzō had ranked second, his strength surpassing even Kagami Uchiha of the Uchiha Clan.
Unlike Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had a natural affinity for all five chakra natures, Shimura Danzō had managed to surpass someone from the Uchiha Clan through his mastery of Wind Release alone. His talent and abilities were beyond question.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi had intended to sacrifice himself to cover their retreat, he had entrusted all the responsibilities that followed to Shimura Danzō. None of their fellow students had raised any real objections, which made Danzō's standing as the second-best among them clear.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi took power, Shimura Danzō served as the Hokage's aide and established Root, an Anbu reserve unit, to conduct espionage abroad. Although the original story had not detailed all the spies he trained, the "Wandering Miko," Yakushi Nonō, and Kabuto Yakushi alone were enough to demonstrate his contributions to the village's prosperity.
Utatane Koharu's claim that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō had together ushered in Konoha Ninja Village's golden age was not baseless. It was the truth. At the time, Shimura Danzō had been second