Chapter 123: The Witch's Allure Is Truly Terrifying?!
No—what on earth is happening with Hiruzen Sarutobi?!
Listening to the ANBU operative's detailed explanation, Uchiha Kazuki was left completely dumbfounded, as if struck by lightning, frozen in place.
He could understand Danzo's gender transformation situation—after all, that had been his own doing through the cursed ring.
But what about Hiruzen Sarutobi's behavior?!
Could it be that this elderly Hokage was actually planning to follow in the notorious footsteps of Emperor Roselle and engage in... that?!
"Ahem, don't mention this to anyone else." The operative glanced around guiltily before coughing twice and leaning closer to lower his voice conspiratorially. "You haven't witnessed it yourself, but Danzo as a woman is absolutely stunning—like a celestial beauty! That figure, that flawless skin, those captivating eyes... tsk tsk... if I didn't know the truth, I'd probably have been tempted myself!"
How absolutely revolting!
Uchiha Kazuki silently took half a step backward, the corner of his mouth twitching involuntarily.
It seemed he had severely underestimated the supernatural power of Witch pathway Beyonders in this world. Their charm-based abilities were evidently more dangerous than even sophisticated genjutsu!
"Ahem, enough gossip. I should go find the Hokage now."
The operative's expression instantly became professionally serious. "Let's not waste any more time. You can report your mission results and head back to rest sooner."
Suddenly not wanting to go anymore...
Uchiha Kazuki forced an awkward smile and nodded reluctantly. "Alright then."
Sarutobi Clan Residence
Uchiha Kazuki followed the operative without being questioned or impeded, passing smoothly through the traditional garden.
The courtyard featured classic Japanese architectural styling—pebbled pathways winding through carefully arranged bamboo groves. The specific variety was unknown to him, but despite winter's arrival, the plants remained vibrant and green as jade.
At the corner of the corridor, two sliding wooden doors stood open.
The Hokage they'd come to find—Sarutobi Hiruzen—was wearing a loose traditional robe while sitting casually in the living room. Several exquisite dishes and sake bottles were laid out on the low table before him. He sipped his drink contentedly, kneeling comfortably on the tatami mat while admiring the peaceful snow-covered courtyard scene.
"Reporting to Hokage-sama, Uchiha Kazuki has returned," the operative announced formally, kneeling respectfully by the doorway.
"Lord Hokage, I've come to deliver my mission report."
Uchiha Kazuki bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"Ah, Kazuki! Good to see you've returned safely."
Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his sake cup with a warm chuckle, beckoning him closer. "Don't be so stiffly formal. Come, sit down, and let's talk comfortably."
The ANBU operative discreetly withdrew, giving them privacy for the discussion.
Uchiha Kazuki settled into a cross-legged position opposite the Hokage, his brow furrowing imperceptibly. A peculiar lingering scent seemed to permeate the air around them.
This wasn't an ordinary physical 'odor.'
Rather, it registered as a corrupting spiritual aura—a kind of insidious decay that subtly influenced both mind and body at the metaphysical level.
This immediately put him on high alert.
A ripple of genuine concern flickered deep within Kazuki's eyes as he quietly activated his spiritual vision. The results surprised him considerably.
"This is... residual spiritual contamination from a Witch!"
A strange expression crossed his features as he observed Sarutobi Hiruzen more carefully.
Pink, pleasurable emotions—like burning flames—were consuming the Hokage's mental state. Even his deeper astral body appeared tinged with hazy gray corruption, like invasive bacteria slowly and insidiously eroding his mind and physical vitality.
Good heavens!
Uchiha Kazuki felt utterly shocked, as if struck by metaphysical lightning.
This corruption was progressing far too rapidly!
Fortunately, he was Sequence 5 and possessed 'Lie' detection abilities to help maintain his neutral expression, otherwise he might have completely lost his composure.
Unexpected! Completely unexpected!
The biggest beneficiary of this entire chaotic situation was actually Hiruzen Sarutobi himself?!
That cursed Danzo... he's really committed to the role!
"Hmm? What's wrong, Kazuki?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi—sporting prominent dark circles beneath his eyes and appearing noticeably weakened—coughed twice upon noticing Kazuki's peculiar stare. "Is there something on my face? Why are you looking at me so strangely?"
Well, nothing visible on your face, but you're probably secretly overjoyed inside...
Kazuki forced a concerned smile, using every ounce of his Spectator pathway training to control his expression. He took a steadying breath. "No, nothing like that, Hokage-sama. I was simply somewhat surprised to see you looking so physically drained. Please take better care of yourself. Even with demanding official duties, you absolutely must get adequate rest."
Official duties? What official duties?
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed several times, a hint of embarrassment crossing his weathered features. "Yes, yes... I'll certainly take better care of myself. Don't worry about me."
"Hokage-sama, regarding the Kirigakure situation," Uchiha Kazuki shifted to business with appropriate gravity, "I firmly believe they've formed a military alliance with Iwagakure and are actively preparing to wage war against Konohagakure!"
It must be acknowledged that Hiruzen Sarutobi still retained some measure of professional rationality. He immediately refocused and responded in a serious tone: "I've already made preliminary defensive arrangements for this contingency. I've secretly mobilized select shinobi forces and quietly positioned them along our border. Once Kirigakure and Iwagakure officially launch hostilities, we'll have legitimate justification to strike back decisively!"
"Hokage-sama, once warfare begins, please exercise extreme caution regarding Sunagakure and Kumogakure," Uchiha Kazuki reminded him, appearing genuinely concerned for the village's security.
"Don't worry about Sunagakure—they won't attack us," Hiruzen Sarutobi stated with confident assurance. "As long as we demonstrate overwhelming strength during the initial stages of conflict, both Kumogakure and Sunagakure will hesitate before acting rashly against us."
"Since Hokage-sama possesses such confidence, I'm relieved."
Uchiha Kazuki raised an eyebrow subtly, his gaze briefly drifting toward the adjacent room before speaking tactfully: "I only just returned to the village. Now that I've completed my mission report, please allow me to respectfully take my leave."
"Ah yes, you may go rest now."
Hiruzen Sarutobi patted his shoulder with evident satisfaction, speaking earnestly: "Although your methods were admittedly somewhat excessive this time, you've still rendered tremendous service to the village. I'm planning to officially appoint you as ANBU Commander. Perform your duties well."
Uchiha Kazuki expressed appropriate gratitude, then conversed casually for several more minutes before finally departing from the residence.
After Kazuki left completely, the wooden door to the adjacent room slid open quietly.
Danzo—radiating residual warmth—emerged wrapped only in a thin blanket. Her long hair cascaded elegantly over bare shoulders, her cheeks were flushed with color, and wisps of steam rose from her lips. Her alluring gaze swept across Hiruzen Sarutobi before she sneered mockingly: "So, finished with your business discussion?"
Hiruzen's eyes tracked Danzo's movements, and he swallowed visibly. "Yes... all finished."
Danzo casually tossed a strand of hair over her shoulder. Her long, snow-white legs crossed gracefully, offering tantalizing glimpses of her figure barely concealed beneath the thin blanket. Her body—brimming with supernatural pleasure and seductive allure—was undeniably captivating to observe.
Danzo picked up a sake cup from the table and drained it in one smooth motion. Then she glared at him fiercely. "Don't you dare forget what you promised me!"
Though her eyes blazed with anger, the Witch pathway's inherent charm proved undeniable—even her fierce glare carried irresistible seductive undertones.
"Don't worry! When have I ever broken my word to you?" Hiruzen Sarutobi thumped his chest confidently. "We've been comrades for so many decades—don't you trust me by now?"
Trust you? You shameless old lecher!
Veins throbbed visibly at Danzo's temples as she suppressed her burning rage. She pursed her lips tightly and turned away, refusing to acknowledge him any further.
Walking along the road back toward his quarters, Uchiha Kazuki felt speechless, rubbing his forehead wearily.
He had to frankly admit he'd severely underestimated Witch pathway Beyonders. Their extraordinary characteristics and inherent charm abilities far exceeded what ordinary mortals could reasonably resist!
Even the legendary Emperor Roselle himself couldn't withstand such supernatural allure—so how could Hiruzen Sarutobi possibly fare better?!
"The Witch's corrupting influence... is genuinely terrifying..."
His face twitched slightly as he recognized the urgent need to accelerate his strategic timeline.
Otherwise, Hiruzen Sarutobi... might genuinely succumb completely to the Witch's corrupting power!
[End of Chapter 123]
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