Watching his old friend leave so smugly, Sarutobi's wrinkled face creased into a chrysanthemum-like smile.
Oh, Danzo, Danzo. I know you so well. How could I possibly not have thought of that?
"Lord Hokage, you can send the next interim leader over whenever you like."
Otsu spoke sincerely.
Yes, the sooner they arrive, the sooner they die, and the sooner Lord Danzo returns.
When the time comes, we'll use the head of that interim leader he sends to respectfully welcome Lord Danzo back.
The two-day deadline has arrived! Welcome back, Lord Danzo!!!
The thought was a little exciting. When the time came, would Lord Danzo promote him to Kō for his outstanding performance?
Danzo: You don't understand the pain of losing your one true love.
"In that case, let's do it now."
Sarutobi narrowed his eyes and smiled, speaking gently.
?
"N... now?"
Sarutobi's move startled Otsu. Hadn't he just said he would find someone later?
Looks like he came prepared.
Unfortunately, even if you send that deserter over, he'll be dead in less than half a day!
Clap, clap.
Sarutobi clapped his hands, and an ANBU member stepped out of the group behind him.
He wore a fox mask, his long black hair tied behind his head, and carried a long sword on his back.
"Itachi, I'll leave Root in your hands. Can you manage that?"
Time rewound to the night Shisui died.
After burying Shisui's body, Itachi was summoned to the Hokage's office by Sarutobi.
The moon had been full that night. Itachi walked slowly along the road, without his usual brisk decisiveness.
He was thinking about how he could change the current situation and fulfill his dead best friend's dream.
An idea of being so filial that his whole family died inexplicably surfaced in his mind.
*How