"Itachi, this is the Clan Leader. We'll be living nearby from now on."
Mikota brought Itachi to visit, but she hasn't told him about her relationship with Uchiha Yoichi yet. She plans to hold off until Itachi is a little older.
Although some within the clan might have guessed Mikota and Uchiha Yoichi's relationship, they wouldn't gossip about it openly, especially since one is the Clan Leader and the other is responsible for the clan's finances.
It was purely through strength that Uchiha Yoichi managed to defeat Uchiha Fugaku, who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, and even made him defect. Yet, Uchiha Itachi remains unaware of this incident as nobody has told him.
"Clan Leader, I am Uchiha Itachi."
Uchiha Yoichi nodded slightly and said to Uchiha Itachi, "Train well. If you need anything in the future, just ask the clan directly."
"Thank you, Clan Leader."
Uchiha Itachi bowed to express his gratitude, then looked at his mother, unsure of what to do next.
Mikota held Itachi's hand and gave Uchiha Yoichi an apologetic smile, as she hadn't been able to spend time with Mr. Yoichi lately.
"The third round of the Chunin Exam is in a few days. You can take Itachi to watch it then; the Uchiha clan has front-row seats."
Uchiha Yoichi continued, "Tomorrow, I'll be meeting the Daimyo with Senior Sakumo, and we might discuss some new ventures."
"I know. Recently, I've been talking with Nonou, the orphanage director we funded last time. She seems interested in helping me, and she's quite capable. If she assists me, things will be much easier in the future..."
Mikota stroked Itachi's hair, smiling as she spoke.
"Yakushi Nonou?"
"Yes, Mr. Yoichi, do you know her?"
"She should be a ninja who withdrew from the Root, with strong espionage skills. It's not surprising that you've taken a liking to her..."
Uchiha Yoichi touched his chin as he spoke. This woman's abilities were impressive enough to make Danzo issue threats, and she was specially tasked with high-stakes espionage missions.
Hearing about the Root, Mikota furrowed her brows and quickly asked, "Mr. Yoichi, should I stay away from her... or even stop funding the orphanage..."
"No need for that. Just provide the standard support. She should have already left the Root, and she's not very willing to work for Danzo either."
Uchiha Yoichi shook his head and said, "Just give her adequate compensation. Managing the business won't be difficult for her and can save you a lot of time. Plus, there's no need to fear betrayal—we are the Uchiha!"
Messing with an even more formidable enemy for Danzo?
If the Uchiha gets provoked, it's different from a clandestine operation against another Ninja Village. The Uchiha are right in Konoha. If they retaliate, it would be openly and boldly, unless you join the Anbu.
"I understand, Mr. Yoichi. I'll make contact with her then."
Mikota then discussed some other matters with Uchiha Yoichi while Uchiha Itachi listened from the side.
Previously, when his mother missed the meeting time, he felt quite despondent. However, in recent days, her company has gradually made him forget about it.
The only thing that puzzled Uchiha Itachi was that he couldn't ask about his father; nobody would tell him, and his father's past words were also very peculiar.
When Mikota spoke, she looked at Uchiha Yoichi with very tender eyes, almost as if they were glistening with water. She hadn't come to see Mr. Yoichi for several days.
Today, as she settled into the new home nearby, Mikota planned to sneak over once Itachi fell asleep...
After Mikota took Uchiha Itachi away, Uchiha Yoichi left the house, intending to take a walk around.
——————————
In the Hokage Office, Danzo pushed the door open and walked in. His heart sank upon seeing Orochimaru inside.
Besides Orochimaru, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura were present.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Danzo expressionlessly. Once Danzo closed the door behind him, Hiruzen asked, "Danzo, is there something you'd like to tell me?"
"About what? The Wood Release, Hiruzen? There's nothing much to say."
Danzo replied calmly, "During the third exam, you will naturally see the Wood Release Kekkeigenkai, and the noble families of each country and other Ninja Village ninjas will know. Its impact is much stronger than just the Chunin Exam."
The two types of powers that stabilized the Warring States Period, the Mangekyo Sharingan and the Wood Release—the Uchiha have shown the Mangekyo Sharingan, proving their strength on par with a Perfect Jinchuriki in the Hidden Cloud battlefield.
At this Chunin Exam, if the Wood Release emerges, it will unquestionably intimidate other Ninja Villages.
"Danzo, since Teacher forbade any private experiments on the First Hokage's remains, what you and Orochimaru did is wrong. It's a desecration of the first-generation's remains, which is forbidden in Konoha!"
"Teacher Sarutobi, I was unaware of this matter. I thought it was your order, considering Lord Danzo is the Hokage assistant. Haha, I guess this counts as me being oblivious..."
Orochimaru chuckled with a hoarse voice. He could easily claim ignorance of the situation, as Danzo had been the one directing him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone was momentarily stifled. Moving past Orochimaru, he addressed Danzo, "Danzo, the Wood Release Ninja will be handed over to the Anbu; I'll handle him afterwards."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Hiruzen."
Danzo, having anticipated this question, let out a cold chuckle and said, "Shen was a Root Ninja who had carried out infiltration missions. He has two Juinjutsu on him; even if he goes to the Anbu, the traces from the Root on him will make it impossible to adjust to Anbu."