Shinnosuke Sarutobi was his son and the current head of Konoha's Anbu, possessing the strength of an elite jonin. If he continued to hone his skills for several more decades, it wouldn't be impossible for him to reach the Kage level.
All along, the Third Hokage had considered grooming Shinnosuke to compete for the position of the next or even the one after the next Hokage. Unfortunately, whether in terms of strength or accomplishments, Shinnosuke was not qualified to compete for the Hokage title. Serving as the Anbu Commander was already the peak of his potential.
If he were to replace Danzo... would the war at the front lines become easier to handle?
The Third Hokage fell into deep thought but soon shook his head and abandoned the idea.
First, Shinnosuke's strength wasn't enough to lead teams on missions behind enemy lines. Second, he lacked the necessary darkness in his heart—he wouldn't be as decisive as Danzo in dealing with certain matters.
Most importantly, once someone took the position of Root's leader, their career would essentially be over.
Having dismissed the idea of replacing Danzo with Shinnosuke, the Third Hokage also abandoned the thought of using Kakashi as a substitute.
He didn't care about Kakashi's future, but Kakashi simply wasn't qualified to replace Danzo. Compared to Shinnosuke, Kakashi lacked both experience and significant achievements. Moreover, his raw strength was even weaker.
After careful consideration, the Third Hokage let out a soft sigh. There was no second Danzo in Konoha. He couldn't do it without the old Danzo.
Some things could only be done by Danzo. Only Danzo could execute some missions on his behalf.
The only question was—what harsh conditions would Danzo demand this time?
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Half an hour later, the Third Hokage arrived at the Root headquarters.
As he stepped inside, he narrowed his eyes at the completely renovated base. He recalled issuing an order to reform the Root organization, having voiced concerns in meetings about Root being too dark and straying from the Will of Fire.
But when had Danzo ever listened to him? And yet, Danzo had actually gone ahead and revamped Root.
Was this renovation not too drastic, though? This place no longer resembled Root—it looked more like an academy filled with the Will of Fire.
Danzo always had his own agenda. If he had gone to such lengths to change Root, there had to be a deeper reason.
Was it possible that Danzo truly wanted to "cleanse" his reputation and step into the light?
After some internal speculation, the Hiruzen continued walking toward the depths of the base, soon finding Danzo seated at his desk, engrossed in reading.
The book in Danzo's hands was not some inappropriate material but rather a notebook written by Tobirama Senju.
Seeing this, the Third Hokage felt even more uneasy.
Upon hearing footsteps, Shisui—posing as Danzo—lifted his head, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said, "Hiruzen, what brings you to visit an idle man like me?"
Hizuren casually found a seat and, while observing Shisui, remarked, "Since when did you take such an interest in these writings, Danzo? You're actually studying the works of Tobirama-sensei?"
"Of course, I'm studying Tobirama-sensei's philosophy," Shisui replied nonchalantly. "In the past, I was too busy managing Root and never had personal time. Now that I've stepped away, revisiting my old interests is only natural."
Saying this, Shisui passed Tobirama's notebook to the Third Hokage and added, "Hiruzen, you should read Tobirama-sensei's notes more often as well. You'll gain different insights at different times."
When Shisui first took over Danzo's identity, he was extremely cautious, fearing any misstep might expose him.
However, as time passed, he became more comfortable in the role, even developing his own interpretation of Danzo's character, adding a new dimension to it.
His first command after assuming the role was to change Root's entire aesthetic—a decision that had earned him Byakuya-sama's praise.
Moreover, Byakuya-sama had once told him about Danzo's defining traits: he desperately desired to become Hokage and frequently used Tobirama's ideologies to pressure the Third Hokage.
Since then, Shisui has delved into Tobirama's works and even come to accept some of his viewpoints, such as the idea that the Uchiha are inherently dangerous. But if the Uchiha are all villains, could it not also be said that those from the Senju lineage were all hypocrites?
Villains and hypocrites had established this village out of necessity. Sooner or later, internal conflicts over interests would lead to its decline.
The Third Hokage, however, ignored the notebook, his expression turning serious. "Now isn't the time for this. Why did you refuse my orders to lead Root in battle at the front lines?"
Shisui retrieved the notebook and replied casually, "Root has already been disbanded. I can't head to the front lines alone and have no one under my command. It's not that I refused the order—I don't have the means to comply."
The Third Hokage gave him a pointed look. "Do you really expect me to believe that Root has been disbanded? When has Root ever truly been dissolved? You've merely sent your people on temporary missions, ready to recall them at any moment."
Shisui shook his head. "That was the past. Now is different. With the Uchiha issue resolved, Root has lost its purpose. Naturally, I saw no reason to keep it operational. And besides, after the Uchiha incident, Root can no longer remain in the open. If we continue to operate, it will only make the major clans in Konoha more wary. Wasn't your decision to disband Root originally meant to alleviate their concerns? So, why are you questioning me now?"
The Third Hokage furrowed his brows. "The front lines need Root. Without Root conducting sabotage operations behind enemy lines, our war with Iwagakure will cost us many more lives."
Still flipping through the notebook, Shisui replied, "Sabotage missions don't align with the Will of Fire. Between short-term gains and the village's long-term philosophy, I believe preserving the Will of Fire is more important."
Hering this, Hizuren was visibly shaken. Something felt off. Danzo seemed... different.
In the past, whenever they argued, it was always him who invoked the Will of Fire. But now, Danzo couldn't seem to stop bringing it up.
He stared at Danzo for several seconds before cutting straight to the chase.
"The village needs Root. Name your conditions. I can restore Root's funding and even grant you a request—so long as it doesn't violate the Will of Fire."
Hearing this, Shisui looked up again, a faint smirk forming on his lips.
"Hiruzen, I do have one condition. Since Root is an organization under the Hokage's authority, then any and all of Root's actions—including covert operations behind enemy lines—must have official authorization. Every mission order must be personally signed and issued by you from now on."