Inside the Hokage Office, Anyo had long since left, and Hiruzen was talking with Minato.
"What?" Minato exclaimed in shock. "Really? But..."
Hiruzen smiled and nodded. "I've already made my decision. I've drafted your appointment and will submit it to the Daimyo in a few days. I'm telling you ahead of time so you can prepare yourself."
The dream he had once held as a child had suddenly come true. Minato felt as though he were dreaming.
Elsewhere, having achieved his objective, Anyo headed straight for Root's territory. This time, he wore no Anbu mask, simply walking openly up to the entrance.
On a long flight of stairs, Danzo and Anyo stood facing each other.
There was wariness in Danzo's vicious gaze. "Why are you here again? There's no one from your unit in Root."
Anyo leisurely took out his appointment letter and casually tossed it toward Danzo.
Danzo caught it reflexively, his anger soaring. Just as he was about to throw the scroll to the ground, a line inside happened to catch his eye, leaving him astonished and somewhat incredulous.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi actually appointed you Anbu Chief?"
"Good, now you know." Anyo took a step, his figure passing Danzo almost as though he had teleported. "If I remember correctly, Root is the Anbu's training division and falls under my authority."
Danzo nearly ground his teeth to pieces, but said nothing. Inwardly, however, he sneered. He alone knew the details of every member of Root. After undergoing layer upon layer of brainwashing and training from childhood, its members essentially answered to him alone. Even if Anyo had become chief, he was only their superior in name. He could not command Root.
Anyo gave Danzo a look with the hint of a smile. That glance pierced straight into his heart, making