Chapter_4_The_Unspoken_Understanding_Between_Rizan_and_Tuanzang

Chapter 4: The Unspoken Understanding Between Hiashi Danzō and TsuchimaraThe office of the Hokage was filled with thick smoke—full of second-hand tobacco. Yet, the culprit, Sarutobi Danzō, felt no shame at all and continued to smoke without pause. His deep gaze was fixed on the crystal ball on the table. Inside the ball was a scene of a blonde boy running around the streets, seemingly searching for someone.Knock, knock, knock!Danzō first hid the crystal ball under the table before saying, "Come in."A ninja from the hidden forces entered and handed Danzō a document. "Hokage-sama, this is the information about Nobutaka Shirayama and his family."Yes, Nobutaka Shirayama had only had slight contact with Naruto, but Danzō had already taken a fancy to him. He glanced over the document and was immediately surprised. "So he's the nephew of Yeshima… No wonder the surname seemed so familiar. His parents were also heroes who sacrificed for Konoha. The name 'Shirayama' carries the will of fire from birth."As he read on, Danzō's admiration for Shirayama grew; his background was impeccably clean and respectable. He then understood why Shirayama would be so willing to help Naruto. "Anyone who is bullied deserves his support—there's a strong will of fire in him. Although he is a bit too greedy for money, and his methods can be a bit extreme…" Danzō rubbed his chin, wondering whether he should allow Shirayama to get closer to Naruto. After all, Shirayama came from a minor clan, had a clean background, and seemed to be a kind person… "Let things take their natural course. Naruto needs to make his own friends; I won't interfere."Danzō put the document down and said to the ninja, "Continue with the protection mission. Make sure to record any special circumstances and report them promptly." "Yes, Hokage-sama."The ninja left, and Danzō returned to dealing with other village affairs.Meanwhile, in a dark and twisted corner:"Nobutaka Shirayama?" "The nephew of Yeshima Shirayama? Hmph!"Tsuchimara slammed the document on the table with a snap and let out a cold grunt, his face expressionive with anger. Yeshima Shirayama was one of the village's elite shinobis, a top fighter with a steadfast character. He remained calm in big situations and was meticulous in his work. Tsuchimara had previously invited Shirayama to join the Root, but he was rejected. He had long forgotten about it until now, but the information about Shirayama's nephew brought it back to mind. Despite his anger, Tsuchimara didn't take it too seriously. If it were someone from an unknown background or a powerful clan trying to get close to a Jinchuqui, Tsuchimara could have made a fuss with Danzō to gain some advantages for the Root. But with Shirayama's clean background and the identity of a hero's orphan, as well as Yeshima's protection, there was no need to bother Danzō."Continue with the surveillance mission," Tsuchimara ordered. The Root ninja left, and Tsuchimara returned to focusing on other village matters.At the same time, in a dark and twisted corner:"Nobutaka Shirayama?" "The nephew of Yeshima Shirayama?" Tsuchimara groaned and slammed the document on the table, his expression furious. Yeshima Shirayama was a leading shinobi, one of Konoha's best combatants. Yet Tsuchimara felt annoyed that someone with such a promising background was being associated with Naruto.At the Iro-Nashi Ramen Shop:Chutaya had finished four large bowls of ramen. With the last bite, a satisfied look appeared on her face. At home, she always held back her eating out of consideration for etiquette and appearance. "Amazing!" Chikubo, who had been watching, exclaimed in surprise. Although some adults could eat several bowls at once, it was rare to see such a young girl eat so much. Chikubo also noticed that Chutaya's belly hadn't even swollen much. Where had all the food gone?Hearing Chikubo's exclamation, Chutaya realized that many people in the ramen shop were watching them. Her big eyes blinked rapidly, and her face turned red as if it were about to steam. She looked unsteady, and even Shirayama feared she might faint. "Are you full?" she asked."Full… very full!" Chutaya nodded. Shirayama still looked at her with skepticism. After eating five bowls of ramen without any obvious effects, was she really from another dimension? "Since you're full, let me take you home," she offered. It was getting late, and it would be dangerous for Chutaya to walk alone in the village.After saying that, Shirayama thought for a moment and then paid for their meals. Chutaya instinctively clutched the hem of her clothes. For some reason, she felt a sudden sense of loss and reluctance. "Chutaya, it's time to pay," she said.Seeing Chutaya off in a daze, Shirayama couldn't help but remind her. Although a daughter of the日向 clan shouldn't have trouble paying for a few bowls of ramen, it wouldn't be right for her to do so. However, she decided to let it go. The money from those five large bowls could probably be used to exchange for a gift card. "Ah? Okay," Chutaya replied, quickly taking out her wallet. Shirayama was amazed to see how much cash was in it—several tens of thousands of coins. Although Chutaya rarely left home, the clan always gave her some pocket money. For a moment, Shirayama wavered, but then he remembered that there was no reason for him to take anything from her. "At least, I should wait until seven years later…" By the time she finished paying, she noticed Shirayama murmuring to himself. Chutaya, knowing she had forgotten to pay, carefully leaned in to listen to what he was saying. She rarely behaved so boldly, but today she felt a bit more relaxed."What are you doing?" Before Chutaya could hear clearly, Shirayama snapped back to reality and looked at her with curiosity. Chutaya's face turned red, and she quickly pulled away, avoiding his gaze. Shirayama, with a question mark on his face, decided not to press further. "Let's go; it's getting late."