Danzo Shimura couldn't help but scowl.
If only Kurenai Yuhi had appeared, Danzo would have acted without hesitation.
But Sarutobi Asuma was a different matter altogether.
Asuma, the son of the Third Hokage, held a position that could influence his father's decisions.
"Asuma, stop me if you can!" Danzo challenged.
Asuma scratched the back of his neck, letting out an awkward laugh.
"I don't fully understand what's happening here, but Kurenai asked me to protect this kid for a day. So, I'll do just that."
Danzo's frown deepened. All this... for a simple favor out of affection?
Yet, Danzo wasn't ready to back down. Ryuji's speed and skills were exceptional, and with him injured today, this could be the last opportunity to eliminate him so easily.
"If you want to stop me, bring your father here first!" Danzo spat, shoving Asuma aside and preparing to attack again.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from the entrance.
"Hurry up, Hokage-sama! If we delay any longer, it'll be too late. Don't you still want the ninja tools our family sponsors?"
"I'm old. My bones can't handle running anymore," came the wheezing response.
Moments later, Tenten appeared, dragging the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, by the hand. Hiruzen was panting, gripping his staff tightly for support.
"Danzo, you cannot kill this boy!" Hiruzen declared firmly.
Danzo's scowl deepened even further. Does Ryuji have so much influence that even the Third Hokage intervenes in person?
Despite this, Danzo's hatred for Ryuji burned as fiercely as ever.
"damn it!"
*[System Alerts]:*
- *Favorability with Sarutobi Hiruzen: 40 points.*
Notice: Unlockable abilities at higher favorability levels.
- At 50 points: *Fire Dragon Bullet!*
- At 100 points: *Demonic Monkey Summon! Activate to become the next Hokage!*
- *Favorability with Sarutobi Asuma: 54 points.*
- At 50 points: *Chakra Blade!*
- At 80 points: *Chakra Blade: True Edge!*
- *Favorability with Danzo Shimura: 20 points.*
Infinite killing intent towards the host is activated.
Danzo's low favorability was expected, but Ryuji was surprised that Hiruzen's favorability had dropped by ten points.
Ryuji smirked inwardly. The Third Hokage is a master of appearances. He may act friendly, but his true opinions are hidden beneath the surface,ares more dangerous than someone like Danzo, who openly reveals his intentions.
Ryuji recalled incidents involving Hatake Sakumo and the Uchiha clan—events where Hiruzen and Danzo's shadows always loomed in the background.
Perhaps Hiruzen and Danzo were alike at their core, with one merely being better at concealing his ambitions.
Good thing the system warned me, Ryuji thought. Otherwise, I might've fallen into the trap of believing Sarutobi Hiruzen was truly honorable.
"Don't stop me today, Hiruzen! I will kill this boy!" Danzo growled, closing in on Ryuji.
Hiruzen let out a long sigh and gave a resigned smile.
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen was the Third Hokage and the supreme leader of the Hidden Leaf Village, there were things he simply couldn't stop, especially when Danzo Shimura was involved. Danzo had been his ally for decades, and some matters were beyond his control.
"Who wants to kill this boy, Ryuji?!"
With an enraged shout, Hyuga Hiashi appeared, dressed in his characteristic white robe, and glared at Danzo Shimura with his activated Byakugan.
Danzo froze, frowning as he assessed Hiashi.
Although Hiruzen and Danzo were lifelong friends, Hiashi was a different figure altogether. As the patriarch of the Hyuga clan, he represented one of the most influential families in the village.
The Hyuga clan, though allied with the Hokage lineage, could be considered an autonomous pillar within Konoha. If Danzo killed Ryuji, he risked losing the clan's support—something that could have severe consequences in the future.
Furthermore, since the death of Hizashi, Hiashi's brother, the political system Danzo represented had been a source of discord within the clan. Thus, offending Hiashi directly was an unforgivable mistake.
However, Danzo was not willing to back down.
"Hiashi, are you here to protect this spy? Or are you saying the entire Hyuga clan has betrayed Konoha?"
Danzo tried to hide his frustration, but deep down, he knew his plan was in jeopardy. Ryuji was a problem that needed to be eliminated. His identity was riddled with gaps and mysteries, but what bothered Danzo most was his talent—a potential he couldn't afford to ignore or leave in someone else's hands.
Hiashi frowned. He knew Danzo's words were a trap, but he couldn't back down now. Although Ryuji's past was uncertain—with no parents, no mentors, and no birth records—his talent made him invaluable.
Danzo stepped forward, his tone sarcastic and defiant.
"Do you have complete proof of Ryuji's identity? Who were his parents? Who brought him into this world? Where is his record?"
Each of Danzo's questions pushed Hiashi back a step. He knew he couldn't answer with certainty, and the pressure was beginning to build.
Danzo smirked slightly, sensing he had the upper hand. But just as he was ready to deliver his next verbal blow, a voice filled with scorn echoed through the air.
"Shimura Danzo, do you still remember the batch of human experiments from a few years ago?"
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