"An Uchiha..."
The seemingly young Daimyo's envoy clearly knew about the Uchiha clan. After all, they were quite famous throughout the ninja world.
He suddenly asked again, "Is he alone? Or does he represent the entire Uchiha clan?!"
The Konoha ninja thought for a moment before replying, "Akainu Uchiha is more like a lone wolf. He's always been a bit of an outcast, even within the Uchiha clan itself, he's very independent. Though I hear he has a Genin from the Military Police Force accompanying him."
The Daimyo's envoy suddenly understood, smiling slightly. "Since he doesn't represent the entire Uchiha clan, then he's not a concern."
"Lord Daimyo has even sent 'Nango,' one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, to be my personal guard this time. He used to be an elite ninja from your Konoha, a Jonin, I believe."
"Nango," huh...
The Konoha ninja couldn't help but glance at a ninja among the group who had a very unique demeanor and a scar on his face.
"However, Ambassador, it's still best to be cautious... you should probably wait here for a moment or two. I'll be back shortly."
He kindly reminded them again.
Soon after, in the Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado... three of Konoha's four top elders were currently gathered.
The Konoha ninja who had spoken with the young envoy earlier was also present.
Koharu Utatane snorted coldly, "Hmph, that young man certainly talks big. We just made a polite gesture, saying Hiruzen would personally greet him, and he shamelessly took advantage of it."
Homura Mitokado slowly said, "His status is quite special, after all. He's Lord Daimyo's second son, Kuzuke Goen'in. Relying on that identity, he believes the Hokage himself should come to greet him."
As he spoke, Homura Mitokado looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and asked, "Hiruzen, what do you plan to do?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, puffing on his pipe, pondered for a moment.
He set his pipe down.
And stood up.
"Then I shall go, as he is an envoy sent by the Daimyo."
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly stated, "It hasn't been many years since the end of the Third Great Ninja War; the Nine-Tails' attack caused immense losses to Konoha; and last night's upheaval also severely weakened the village."
"In this situation, Konoha needs the Daimyo's financial support even more. Using my own reputation to gain more village funds will only benefit Konoha overall, with no downsides."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's noble words almost brought tears to the Konoha ninja present.
However, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado remained expressionless.
They both knew... once the story of "the Hokage lowering himself to the Daimyo for the future of Konoha" spread, Hiruzen Sarutobi would actually gain even higher political standing within the village.
"By the way, Hiruzen..."
Koharu Utatane suddenly stopped Hiruzen Sarutobi. She said gravely, "Are you sure you're not going to properly deal with that incident between Danzo and Akainu Uchiha last night?"
"Akainu Uchiha is too unpredictable. Even if you have your own ideas, you should at least share them with us, shouldn't you?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused.
He met Koharu Utatane's gaze and said slowly, "What I'm doing is making Akainu a bit more controllable. If he were to declare war on Konoha, even if we went all out and managed to defeat him, Konoha would pay an incredibly heavy price. For now, the most I can do is keep him stable."
Koharu Utatane couldn't help but say, "Hiruzen, this kind of leniency will only make Akainu Uchiha more audacious! Last night, he already publicly disregarded your authority in front of so many people. What kind of trouble do you think he'll cause next?"
"Hiruzen, we respect your decisions, but you really need to think carefully and not regret your choice."
Hiruzen Sarutobi found those words a bit familiar.
He almost instinctively blurted out, "I am the Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "I have my considerations as Hokage."
With that, he dropped the subject.
He turned and walked away under the watchful eyes of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.
Meanwhile...
Kuzuke Goen'in, the Daimyo's second son, suddenly noticed that one of the strongest guards his father had assigned to him was looking grave.
He couldn't help but ask, "Nango, you were once a Konoha Jonin. Have you heard the name 'Akainu Uchiha'? And I haven't seen you make that expression this entire journey... is that guy really that strong?"
"Lord Kuzuke, if he's the Akainu Uchiha I remember, then he's likely a troublesome individual."
Nango, one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, said gravely, "That man was the 'Lava Release Beast' active during the Third Great Ninja War. It's said countless powerful enemies died by his hand. Back then, he was hailed as a genius on par with Shisui of the Body Flicker, a double bloodline limit Uchiha."
"I've heard some things about him. Rumor has it he believes in the Way of Justice, and cannot stand the guilty. After joining the Uchiha Military Police Force, he's repeatedly solved various cases."
Hearing this, Kuzuke Goen'in mused playfully, "He doesn't sound like a heinous ninja, does he? Isn't he a righteous individual? If so, why did that person just tell me to avoid him?"
Nango took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Because his Way of Justice disregards anyone's status or rank!"
"Even if Lord Kuzuke is the Daimyo's son, with his extreme personality, he wouldn't hesitate to act if he found you to be guilty."
Nango warned, "Lord Kuzuke, Asuma Sarutobi recently returned to Konoha for his brother's funeral. He's... most likely still in Konoha."
"For your safety, I think it's best to call him over to protect you, Lord Kuzuke!"
Nango wasn't exaggerating.
If Akainu Uchiha targeted Kuzuke Goen'in, the Daimyo's son...
On his own...
He truly wasn't confident he could stop that "Lava Release Beast."
That guy...
He's a monster!
"Hey, hey! Nango, by saying that, are you implying that Lord Kuzuke is harboring guilt?"
Kuzuke Goen'in's retainer stepped forward, his tone displeased. "You'd best remember your place, Nango. You're just a ninja sent by Lord Daimyo to protect Lord Kuzuke."
"Hm? Nango, are you listening to me?!"
Nango, one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, had completely ignored every word the retainer said.
His expression was extremely vigilant as he stared directly ahead.
"Lord Kuzuke..."
Nango licked his somewhat dry lips. His hand was already on his ninja blade, and cold sweat had inexplicably beaded in his palm.
He spoke gravely, "I see you're quite curious about the most dangerous individual in all of Konoha."
"What a coincidence! That Akainu Uchiha..."
"He's right in front of us!"
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