In matters related to the development of the Root Organization, Shimura Danzo was very diligent.
Even though Mokgetsu's reply reached him in the evening, Danzo still read it immediately, setting an example of a leader working overtime.
Upon reading the beginning content, Danzo nodded, thinking that the Root members he cultivated from a young age were indeed reliable.
Even though Mokgetsu had already left the Root, becoming the vice-principal of the Ninja Academy and made some achievements on the battlefield, it was not difficult to see from Mokgetsu's reply that he still respected him immensely.
When Danzo saw that Mokgetsu was worried about secretly training for the Root would lead to Sarutobi Hiruzen blaming him, Danzo couldn't help but show annoyance.
Danzo was not angry at Mokgetsu but at Sarutobi Hiruzen, because all his recent proposals were rejected by Hiruzen, and knowing Hiruzen, Mokgetsu's concern was justified.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not wish for the Root to grow stronger, and secretly recalling Mokgetsu to the Root for special training was something Hiruzen would definitely not want to see.
Danzo wanted to handle this matter secretly, as he knew that negotiating with Sarutobi Hiruzen would inevitably lead to some complications.
However, he knew it would be difficult to hide this from Hiruzen's Anbu, since Mokgetsu also had responsibilities at the Ninja Academy, needing to teach there, and coming to the Root for special training would have to be at night, which could easily be discovered.
"I'll have to talk to Hiruzen," Danzo thought after weighing the pros and cons, realizing that discussing with Sarutobi Hiruzen was the best choice.
Attempting stealth could lead to discovery, and once discovered, Mokgetsu's role as a secret agent would be compromised, and Danzo might face consequences from Hiruzen for violating the rules, further weakening the Root.
Danzo had high hopes for Mokgetsu's future, believing that Mokgetsu, if developed well, could become a solid support for him. It would be a great loss if Mokgetsu's potential were exposed due to this matter.
The next morning, Danzo walked into the Hokage Building, heading straight for the Hokage Office.
Danzo did not knock, simply pushing the door open.
"In such a hurry, is there something urgent?" Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up, seeing Danzo, and put down the document in his hand, asking.
Recently, he had called Danzo to task quite a few times, so he did not comment on Danzo's lack of knocking.
After all, Danzo was his old classmate and a Hokage Assistant; occasionally scolding him sufficed, but not all the time, as respect needed to be maintained.
"You know, the Root Organization has lost many excellent members for Konoha to gain more advantages on the battlefield," Danzo replied without revealing his purpose immediately, first playing the sympathy card.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not speak, inserting a pipe into his mouth, taking a deep drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke, saying,
"Hasn't fresh blood already been added?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew Danzo wasn't lying, just exaggerating the facts a bit, but he would not agree to the expansion of the Root Organization.
The Root had developed to such strength it was almost like a second Anbu, and if not for Danzo being the leader, Hiruzen wouldn't tolerate such a force in Konoha.
It's important to remember that the Anbu is directly under the Hokage, while the Root Organization is not.
"New people were added, but they cannot compare to the excellent members of the Root Organization who were lost, causing the Root's strength to decline and affecting work in many areas," Danzo said, eyes fixed on Hiruzen's eyes in a deep voice.
The look in Danzo's eyes seemed to say that the Root Organization had bled for Konoha, suffered for Konoha, and did Hiruzen see fit to be more lenient?
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, only quietly meeting Danzo's gaze.
He felt he had already afforded Danzo and the Root Organization ample leniency and didn't feel he owed them anything.
"I need Habu Mokgetsu to help me train new Root members. The current Root needs someone like him with excellent teaching abilities," Danzo clenched his fist, speaking with a cold face as if this was his final stance.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not immediately respond, taking down his pipe and tapping it on the table, showing a thoughtful expression.
Letting Mokgetsu return to the Root directly was impossible. With Mokgetsu's abilities, returning to the Root would greatly enhance its strength.
Hiruzen thought for a moment and said, "Letting Mokgetsu train Root members is permissible, but it can only be short-term training and must be alongside the Anbu."
"The Anbu has also recently added some newcomers, so if there's training to be done, let it be together."
Sarutobi Hiruzen also wanted to see if Mokgetsu could demonstrate his teaching ability with already developed ninjas as he did at the Ninja Academy.
Danzo was about to say something, but was cut off by Hiruzen.
"Danzo, don't forget the original purpose of the Root Organization."
Danzo instantly found himself speechless because the reason for the creation of the Root Organization was precisely for training Anbu ninjas.
The two then discussed the specifics of the training, with Danzo maintaining a cold demeanor throughout, as if Sarutobi Hiruzen owed him three hundred million Ryo.
After stepping out of the Hokage Building, Danzo's expression returned to normal.
As the leader of the Root Organization, Danzo had confidence in his acting skills. In the Hokage Office just now, he mostly acted to make Hiruzen feel like he was taking a loss.
Although there were some unexpected developments, Danzo felt that his fundamental purpose was fulfilled and considered the effort worthwhile.