Chapter 1034: , the source of Kakashi

For a time, Hatake Sakumo's heart fell into a dilemma.

Accepting the Root might be a good choice, but hiding in the darkness all the time was not a long-term way of survival for a ninja.

When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.

This saying was not just for listening.

A ninja who stays in the depths of darkness for too long will never be able to return to the sunlight again.

Actually, in Hatake Sakumo's heart, there had always been an unattainable extravagant hope.

And this extravagant hope was exactly what most Konoha ninjas longed to become—Hokage.

Because of staying in the position of Mist Anbu Chief for many years, Hatake Sakumo had long since seen through one thing.

In Konoha, as long as one's body is stained with darkness, one will never be able to touch the position of Hokage, which symbolizes "light."

Now, taking advantage of the achievements of defeating the Land of Wind, perhaps it was the best time for Hatake Sakumo to withdraw from the Mist Anbu.

After thinking repeatedly, Hatake Sakumo finally made up his mind.

"Lord Hokage, the responsibilities of the Mist Anbu are already as heavy as Mount Tai, and they have already made me very overwhelmed on weekdays."

"If the Mist Anbu merges with the Root, I am afraid I will be unable to continue."

"So please allow me to refuse."

Hatake Sakumo's voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally firm.

Hearing Sakumo's words, a trace of surprise flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

At the same time, his brows were also instantly locked tightly, and a trace of imperceptible gloom appeared in his gaze.

In fact, from the moment Hatake Sakumo stepped into the door of this office, he had already stepped into the "Hongmen Banquet" carefully designed by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

As long as Hatake Sakumo had just agreed to Sarutobi Hiruzen's request, what awaited him would be an unavoidable tragic ending.

But what Sarutobi Hiruzen did not expect was that Hatake Sakumo had actually resisted the temptation of power and chose to refuse.

If talking about strength, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen was probably at the bottom.

But if talking about political means, he and his master, the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, were absolutely the most brilliant existences among all successive Hokages.

With Sarutobi Hiruzen's political wisdom, he instantly understood something.

And Hatake Sakumo's action made Sarutobi Hiruzen even more wary of him in his heart.

This time Hatake Sakumo had made great achievements; as Hokage, he must reward Hatake Sakumo, otherwise it would be easy to chill the hearts of other ninjas in the village.

Originally, he had given the proposal of merging the Root and expanding the Mist Anbu's power as a reward to Hatake Sakumo, which was just right.

Now Hatake Sakumo's refusal forced Sarutobi Hiruzen to have to give other things as rewards.

And with Hatake Sakumo's current achievements, what could Sarutobi Hiruzen give that would be worthy of this achievement?

Ninjutsu?

With strength at Hatake Sakumo's level, ordinary ninjutsu was already very difficult to play a role in improving strength.

And powerful ninjutsu that fit Hatake Sakumo's attributes could basically be counted as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

And Hatake Sakumo was most proficient in sword techniques, and in this ability, there basically did not exist anyone in the Ninja World stronger than Hatake Sakumo.

Money?

Not to mention whether Hatake Sakumo himself would accept it.

With Hatake Sakumo's achievements, it was absolutely not something that could be measured by money.

And as a Kage-level powerhouse, how could Hatake Sakumo be short of money?

Talking and talking, there was still only one kind of reward that could satisfy Hatake Sakumo—power!

And for the power in the "dark," Hatake Sakumo chose to refuse.

Then it was very obvious that only the power standing in the sunlight could truly satisfy Hatake Sakumo.

And this was the place Sarutobi Hiruzen was most wary of in his heart.

With Hatake Sakumo's current prestige, once he really obtained this kind of "power," it would directly threaten Sarutobi Hiruzen's status.

And Sarutobi Hiruzen would absolutely not allow anyone to threaten his status as Hokage!

Thinking of this, a trace of cold light flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

"Sakumo, you make this somewhat difficult for me."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile, his tone of voice as if he were just teasing Hatake Sakumo.

While speaking, his fingers were also slowly tapping on the table before him.

If Danzo, who was most familiar with Sarutobi Hiruzen, appeared here, he would definitely be able to see that the seemingly kind and amiable Sarutobi Hiruzen was brewing terrifying killing intent in his heart.

"Sorry!"

"I've made it difficult for you, Lord Hokage."

"Please let me serve Konoha wholeheartedly in the position of an ordinary ninja!"

Hatake Sakumo obviously did not notice the killing intent in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart; he responded seriously to Sarutobi Hiruzen, trying to use a way of retreating to advance to achieve his goal.

Because he knew very well in his heart that Sarutobi Hiruzen would absolutely not let him continue to stay in Konoha as an "ordinary ninja."

"..."

Silence, long silence.

Finally, after a period of time, a long sigh appeared in the room.

"Hoo."

"Alright."

"Since this is your thought, then I will respect it."

Sarutobi Hiruzen pretended to be difficult and responded, his face still carrying a kind smile.

Seeing this, Hatake Sakumo could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"However..."

"Before this, there is a matter that needs you to handle."

While speaking in a gentle tone, a trace of cold light suddenly flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes. ===== CHAPTER 1036 =====