In the office, Hiruzen was frowning, seemingly troubled by something.

Opposite him was Root Leader Shimura Danzo, a comrade he had fought alongside since childhood.

Even now, despite their political disagreements, Hiruzen was often willing to trust this dear friend Danzo.

No matter what purposes the other party had, good or bad, the other's loyalty to Konoha was not weaker than his own.

As long as there's absolute loyalty to Konoha, willing to sacrifice, Danzo's past mistakes could be offset by his contributions.

Within the growing radical faction inside Konoha today, Danzo's presence became important.

"Did you specifically ask me here to discuss something?"

Having been busy with Root affairs, they hadn't met for over half a year.

The manpower of Root still needed nurturing and expansion, but under Anbu's limitations, strength could only grow slowly.

But about this matter, he believed Hiruzen wouldn't bring it up, and in terms of balancing policies, Danzo admitted he could not compete.

"According to Kakashi's surveillance, there seems to be some disorder within the Uchiha."

"Is that so? That clan's style is just like that, but if left unchecked, they might adopt some stances unfavorable to the village."

"Such as?"

"A coup."

Danzo sparingly uttered these two words.

"That's too severe."

Hiruzen shook his head.

"I'm just expressing my viewpoint. If you disagree, I just hope you won't regret it when the time comes."

Danzo sneered coldly.

In the past, he might not have thought this way.

But now, in the Ninja Realm, there was already a precedent.

That was the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura of Hidden Mist Village, the only one among the Five Kage to have successfully risen through a violent coup.

Moreover, according to intelligence, Karatachi Yagura's position as Mizukage was very stable.

A violent coup requires one condition: possessing great military strength to carry out a decapitation strike.

And the Uchiha just so happens to have such power.

With such a successful case, how could the radical faction of the Uchiha not be excited?

Even Danzo had to admit that the Uchiha had such an opportunity against the high ranks.

Uchiha Fugaku's performance in the Third Great Ninja War was exceptionally brilliant, even matching the Sannin.

But due to some political reasons, he wasn't widely promoted by the higher-ups.

Now there's also Shisui of the Body Flicker... the power of that young man even inspired awe in Danzo.

Formidable youth.

Uchiha Shisui is definitely another Uchiha Ruri.

"Regardless, they are a part of Konoha. As long as things don't get that far, there's no need for armed conflict. Moreover, I've already reached an agreement with Fugaku to induct his son Itachi into Anbu after this Chunin Exam, to ease relations with the Uchiha."

Hiruzen didn't want to waste more time.

For so long, there had been no result from Anbu, and even Shisui hadn't been able to root out the mole Uchiha Ruri planted within the Uchiha Clan.

If that's the case, then another way to monitor the Uchiha must be taken.

"Did Uchiha Fugaku agree?"

"Yes, he agreed."

"He's probably coming to monitor Anbu and our actions."

A sharp glint flickered through Danzo's eyes.

"I've seen that child, he's one who can think about the bigger picture from a Hokage's perspective. He will be one of us."

Hiruzen affirmed.

"Ten years ago, your assessment of Chiba Hakushi was the same."

Danzo gave Hiruzen an odd look.

"..."

Hiruzen's mouth twitched slightly.

Danzo's words brought back unpleasant memories for him.

"Itachi is different from Chiba Hakushi. He will never become an evil renegade ninja like Chiba Hakushi. He is Konoha's Uchiha Itachi."

"Let's hope so."

Danzo thought of his collaboration with 'Madara' and could only betray Hiruzen once more.

However, in the end, Hiruzen would surely forgive him, just like the mutual understanding in the past.

This old friend was truly getting old.

"Have Koharu and the other one agreed?"

Danzo asked again.

"No, they both strongly oppose it. So I need your opinion."

After listening to Hiruzen, Danzo nodded.

Those two usually seemed harmless, but in targeting the Uchiha, they also adhered to their teacher, the Second Hokage's will.

Such an important department as Anbu shouldn't allow members of the Uchiha Clan to join.

The Uchiha already have control over such an important department like the Security Team, and further empowering them in the village would not only inflate the Uchiha Clan's ambition, but also displease the other clans.

"Since you, as Hokage, have no objection, I, as the Root Leader, naturally have no problem either. As long as it's beneficial for the village, I'll certainly support it."

"Hearing you say that reassures me. After all, a place like Root isn't suitable for Itachi's development."

Two years ago, Danzo had proposed letting Itachi take the Chunin Exam alone, training him into a sharp blade like Konoha White Fang and the Yellow Flash.

But such a matter was denied by Hiruzen.

At the same time, it made Hiruzen realize that Danzo had also noticed Itachi's existence, hoping to bring Itachi into Root.

His statement was to make it clear to Danzo that Itachi belonged to Anbu, not Root.

Root had always been just a branch of Anbu.

"Wouldn't it be better to let Itachi decide for himself? That child harbors darkness."