The Third Hokage and Danzo's Memories-What Is a Closest Friend?

Within the silent Root Base, in a dimly lit conference room, the tense atmosphere almost made the surrounding air solidify.

Seated on two chairs facing each other were two of the most important figures in Konoha — Shimura Danzō and Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Their faces were serious, and it was clear that their in-depth discussion had been going on for quite some time.

Shimura Danzō's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table unconsciously, the sound particularly abrupt and jarring in the deathly silent room.

A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, as if he were subtly mocking something, or perhaps he had a premonition of what was about to happen.

Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained his composure, placing his hands clasped on the table and leaning slightly forward, displaying an attitude that allowed him to calmly handle any situation.

His gaze was calm, exuding a reassuring strength.

However, beneath this seemingly calm exterior, is his inner self as composed as he appears?

A tense atmosphere filled the air, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression appeared calm and composed, it was easy to tell from his tense jaw and sharp eyes that his communication with Danzo had not achieved the desired effect.

On the walls of the conference room hang scrolls depicting the long history of Konoha, like silent witnesses, bearing witness to every important moment.

In this tense and oppressive atmosphere, time passed by second by second. Danzo and Hiruzen's conversation became more and more intense, their positions became more and more firm, and the contradictions between them became more and more irreconcilable.

Finally, with a loud slam of the table, Danzo stood up, his eyes flashing with a fierce light, while Hiruzen also stood up without showing any weakness, his gaze blazing and showing no sign of backing down.

A moment later, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly sat back down in his chair, his movements appearing somewhat weak, as if enveloped by an invisible pressure.

His eyes pierced through the dim light and the gloom of the conference room, fixing firmly on his stubborn old friend before him.

At this moment, his eyes were no longer as sharp as before, but filled with deep weariness, as if the argument had exhausted all his energy.

"Danzo..." Hiruzen's voice was low and slow, as if it were slowly drifting out from the dust of time, carrying an indescribable sense of vicissitude.

His gaze was solemn, as if carrying countless memories and emotions. "Do you still remember that time?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the conference room fell into a deathly silence, with only the old clock on the wall ticking away, marking the passage of time.

Danzo's eyes flickered slightly. Although his face remained cold and resolute, Hiruzen's words had clearly touched upon some deep-seated memories within him.

Yes, he certainly remembered.

Danzo's gaze pierced through Hiruzen's face, as if traversing the river of time, returning to those years.

At that time, their teacher, the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, was unfortunately attacked and passed away. Konoha was in turmoil, beset by internal and external troubles and fraught with crises.

It was an era full of uncertainties and crises. They not only had to deal with external threats, but also had to find a balance in the internal power struggles.

Against this backdrop, Hiruzen and Danzo, as disciples of the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju and promising young ninjas of Konoha, resolutely took on the responsibility of protecting and leading the Konoha.

At this moment, Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts traveled together through the river of time, returning to that era.

That day, the sky was shrouded in thick, dark clouds, and the entire village was immersed in a somber and oppressive atmosphere, as if foreshadowing a great disaster about to befall the village.

The sudden death of the Second Hokage plunged Konoha into chaos, with disagreements and controversies arising over the selection of a new Hokage, and dissenting voices rising from one another.

Meanwhile, enemies outside the village also took the opportunity to launch an attack, with ninjas from Sunagakure and Kumogakure frequently harassing the Konoha.

In this turbulent time, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward and took on the responsibility of becoming the Third Hokage.

He faced an unprecedented and arduous task: not only to quell internal strife but also to defend against external threats.

He knew perfectly well that he could not accomplish this task alone, so he decided to seek support and help; he needed allies, he needed assistance.

Thus, Hiruzen embarked on the road to the Shimura Clan without hesitation, a road that was both familiar and unfamiliar to him.

When he stepped through the gates of Shimura's residence, Danzo had been waiting quietly for a long time.

Their eyes met in the air; without exchanging a single word, they understood each other perfectly.

Deep in Danzo's memory, the scene of that day remains vividly clear.

That day, Hiruzen held his hand tightly, conveying boundless trust and hope to him.

Young Hiruzen's eyes were clear and bright, like flowing streams, reflecting his sincere friendship and expectations for the future.

"Danzo," Hiruzen's voice was deep and powerful, "I need your support. I need you to serve as Konoha's advisor, to work together to pacify Konoha and restore its vitality."

On that very day, Hiruzen said to him, "I am a leaf bathed in sunlight, and you are a root in darkness. Although we are in different places, we are both an inseparable part of Konoha. Our goal is the same: to defend this land and protect the villagers here."

"No matter what, you will always be my most cherished friend. I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, swear I will never do anything to harm you, and Konoha will never forget your contributions. Our alliance will be an unbreakable pillar for Konoha."

That day, the sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

Standing in Hiruzen Sarutobi 'Danzo house, facing Shimura Danzō, Hiruzen Sarutobi solemnly made a vow.

Danzo slightly, indicating his willingness to accept Hiruzen's invitation to become Hokage Advisor.

At that moment, their eyes met, and they made a joint promise that no matter how many difficulties and challenges lay ahead, they would work together to protect the peace and prosperity of Konoha.

However, time flies, and years pass quickly.

Memories are like the receding tide, leaving only a cold, indifferent outline of reality.

Danzo is no longer the close friend who fought alongside Hiruzen; his mindset has undergone a complete transformation.

Hiruzen, however, still held onto a sliver of hope for Danzo.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze pierced through countless years, returning to reality. He stared at Shimura Danzō before him, his heart filled with disappointment and helplessness.

He couldn't understand why his once dearest friend had become so distant, why he had strayed from his original intentions and embarked on a dark path.

A deep sadness flickered in Hiruzen's eyes. He gently shook his head, as if trying to shake off the confusion and bewilderment in his heart.

Danzo at this moment was no longer the comrade-in-arms who was willing to share hardships and joys with him back then.

Hiruzen's voice carried a hint of weariness, yet was filled with sincerity. "Danzo, think again about what I told you. Our initial intentions were all for Konoha, but the methods and means we use shouldn't lead us astray from our original goals. I hope you can reconsider and return to our shared path."

However, Danzo closed in meditation, did not react at all.

His eyes were closed, his expression calm to the point of being indifferent, as if Hiruzen's words had no effect on him whatsoever.

Danzo's attitude filled Hiruzen with despair; he realized that today's conversation would be fruitless.

Hiruzen took one last deep look at Danzo, his disappointment evident in his eyes.

He slowly stood up, turned and walked towards the door, each step appearing unusually heavy.

Hiruzen Sarutobi opened the meeting room door and walked out, leaving Danzo in the dimly lit room.

The moment the door closed softly, the meeting room fell silent once more.

Danzo kept his eyes closed, but only he knew whether he was truly unmoved.