Danzo's voice was low and steady. "I am Danzo. I serve as a Hokage Advisor."
"Oh."
Mamoru looked up, his tone neither warm nor distant, his face showing no emotional fluctuations.
He suppressed all the wariness and rejection in his heart, only giving a slight nod. "Hello, Advisor."
"Well then, Hiruzen, I'll take my leave first."
Danzo leaned on his wooden cane and slowly rose from his chair. The tip of the cane hit the floor with a soft "thud," sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet hospital room.
"Mm."
Hiruzen leaned back, sinking into the soft pillow, his voice carrying a faint exhaustion from recently recovering. "Lately, please trouble yourself and the two elders to take care of the village's affairs."
"Rest well and recover." Danzo said, then turned and walked toward the door.
Just an instant before stepping out of the room, his footsteps paused almost imperceptibly. He turned his head, his gaze crossing his shoulder to give Mamoru a meaningful glance.
That look was deep and cold, like a glimmer of light in a deep winter pool, withdrawn in an instant.
Click!
The hospital room door was gently closed, cutting off that gloomy, shadow-like figure along with the faintly unsettling aura.
"A scary person."
Only after the sound of footsteps faded away did Mamoru whisper a comment, without concealment or embellishment.
"Hahaha..."
Hiruzen laughed, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out, diluting the heavy atmosphere from just now.
"Danzo is the head of 'Root,' a subordinate organization of the Anbu. Having carried that responsibility for many years, his temperament inevitably makes people feel he's somewhat unapproachable."
"Root?" Mamoru emphasized his tone on purpose, his voice revealing a hint of doubt.
Hiruzen explained patiently, his tone calm, "It's the training and reserve department of the Anbu. Many elite members of the Anbu were developed and selected from Root."
"Is that so?"
Mamoru lowered his eyelids slightly, as if asking casually, "The Anbu should be an exclusive force directly under the Hokage's command. Is it really appropriate to let someone else, especially someone who also holds the position of Advisor, have such deep influence within it?"
"I..."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly, the light coming through the hospital window reflecting tiny specks of light in his pupils.
His voice remained gentle, yet it seemed to hold the weight of many unspoken past events. "I trust Danzo. And the village... also needs someone like him."
Mamoru shrugged and didn't press further.
The old fox was hiding words within words, simply refusing to explain things clearly.
He tactfully remained silent.
Hiruzen changed the subject, his tone becoming more formal, "By the way, based on your outstanding contributions in this incident, by the joint decision of the Konoha Council and the Jonin Council, you will be exceptionally promoted directly to Special Jonin."
"Huh!?" Mamoru showed an expression of obvious shock.
He subconsciously pointed at himself to confirm. "Skipping Chunin and going straight to... Jonin?"
"That's right. Your judgment, strength, and responsibility shown in this battle against foreign enemies were witnessed by everyone. This is a decision made after unanimous approval by the higher-ups."
Hiruzen smiled, intentionally slowing down his speech. "Congratulations on your promotion to Special Jonin."
Special Jonin—part of the Jonin rank, their comprehensive ability lies between Chunin and Jonin. They possess extraordinary expertise in a specific field.
"Then... will I continue to stay in Team 8?" Mamoru quickly calmed down and asked a question he was more concerned about.
Hiruzen shook his head gently. "Team 8's squad formation will be maintained for the time being. The vacancy will be filled by selecting a suitable person through other means in the near future."
"As for you, naturally there will be new arrangements."
"New arrangements..." Mamoru repeated in a low voice, already having a premonition in his heart.
Hiruzen's gaze became serious and profound as he slowly asked, "Mamoru, do you have any intention of joining the Anbu?"
Without waiting for Mamoru's answer, he added, "Of course, you don't have to give me an answer now. You can go back and think it over carefully."
Mamoru was momentarily speechless.
Joining the Anbu? This was completely different from the direction he had envisioned.
But regardless, jumping from Genin to Special Jonin was practically being air-dropped from the grassroots level to the edge of management. This was no small step.
"There is one more important thing." Hiruzen's voice pulled his thoughts back.
His tone became somewhat heavy as his gaze turned toward the peaceful scenery of Konoha outside the window. "It's about the candidate for the next Hokage."
Mamoru's heart stirred. "You're going to step down?"
Hiruzen's voice revealed the vicissitudes of time. "From this injury, I've gradually come to understand that one must accept getting old."
He withdrew his gaze and looked at his bandaged arm. "Even if the injury heals, this body is no longer what it used to be. While I can still support the position, it's time to seriously consider and select someone who can shoulder the responsibility of the next Hokage."
Compared to the imposing Danzo from before, Hiruzen on the hospital bed did indeed seem much older.
The position of Hokage was indeed a labor-intensive role that required one's full heart and soul.
Thoughts raced through Mamoru's mind—was it really okay to tell him about these personnel layouts and future considerations involving the core of power?
Was this a signal that he was viewed as a trustworthy 'insider,' or was it another more subtle test?
"Having said so much, you probably think I am a bit long-winded."
Hiruzen seemed to see through his thoughts, and his face regained that gentle smile.
"Specialized personnel will contact you later to inform you of the specific promotion process and upcoming missions. Go on."
Mamoru did indeed need some time alone to digest this series of sudden information and changes.
"Understood."
He said no more, turned, and walked toward the hospital room door, waving his hand casually with his back to Hiruzen. "Old man, pay attention to your rest. Don't overwork yourself."
As he passed the table piled with gifts, he unhesitatingly snatched a red apple from one of the fruit baskets before walking out.
The door gently closed.
Silence returned to the hospital room.
Hiruzen looked at the closed door, a look of being caught between laughter and tears on his face, eventually just smiling and slowly shaking his head.