At the Hokage Building.
As Danzō and Mangetsu Hōzuki were heading to the Hokage Building, Shinji and the others were sightseeing in Konoha.
Speaking of which, this was Shinji's first time in Konoha.
Unlike other transmigrants who wished to stay in Konoha every day, licking this person's boots or holding onto that person's thigh.
Otherwise, how could he be considered such a failure?
As for Tobi, Shinji wasn't sure what his mood was like now.
He probably never imagined that one day he would return to Konoha in such an identity and under such circumstances.
"So this is Konoha. It seems to be just that. It's just that there are more people, the place is bigger, and it's more prosperous… Other than that, there's nothing different."
Hidan, also visiting Konoha for the first time, made this assessment after looking around for a while.
The passersby immediately showed expressions of disdain upon hearing this.
"Arrogant. As if there's a place better than our Konoha."
"Oh, why bother with these country bumpkins? They're clearly from a small place and haven't seen the world."
"They look fierce and carry weapons. They don't look like good people at all. I don't know how the guards at the gate let them in. Did they take money?"
The whispers from the surroundings immediately ignited Hidan's temper.
"Huh? What did you say? Believe it or not, I'll cut you down right now!"
Seeing that Hidan was about to reach for his weapon, Tobi quickly rushed over and hugged Hidan tightly.
"No! Hidan-senpai, you can't cut them! If you do, we'll be arrested."
"Tobi, let go of me! I have to cut these guys down!"
"Senior Shinji, hurry up and help, I can't hold back Hidan-senpai anymore…"
Hidan lunged forward, while Tobi desperately held him back, preventing him from drawing his weapon.
The villagers who were gossiping earlier were not stupid. Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, they quickly ran away.
Shinji also felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Hidan's actions just now were akin to going to the capital and saying the surroundings were nothing special. Whether it was true or not, if the locals heard it, how would they feel?
"Alright, why bother with ordinary people? I think I saw a tonkatsu restaurant up ahead. I wonder if it's good."
"Huh? Where? Where? Tobi, what are you hanging onto me for? Get down quickly."
Hidan, who hadn't eaten tonkatsu in a long time, was instantly attracted, his eyes practically shining. He didn't know why he loved this dish so much.
After packing several portions of tonkatsu, they ate as they walked.
Shinji continuously observed his surroundings. He had an idea in mind, but he wasn't sure if it could be realized, so he decided to look around first and scout the area.
After walking for four or five blocks, a familiar sign made Shinji pause.
"I heard Ichiraku Ramen is the best ramen shop in all of Konoha."
"It's not bad, but 'the best' is a bit exaggerated."
"Not bad? You've eaten there before?"
Tobi chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, I came to Konoha once before and ate ramen there. It tasted really good, and the value for money was high~"
Shinji smiled, pretending to believe him.
"That's good then. Let's go, we'll try it too."
A trip to Konoha wouldn't be complete without trying the legendary Ichiraku Ramen and meeting the great BOSS, Teuchi.
Just then, someone inside lifted the curtain and walked out.
"Aha, I'm so full! It's truly the happiest thing to eat a bowl of ramen made by Uncle Teuchi after completing a mission!"
"One bowl? You ate five big bowls of ramen just now, Naruto!"
"Maa Maa Don't worry about such details. Sakura also ate heartily just now, eating her big bowl of ramen faster than me."
The girl's face immediately turned red, and she quickly glanced at the cool-looking boy beside her, explaining flusteredly, "No way, you must have seen wrong."
"Eh? I clearly saw… mmmph mmmph mmmph…"
"If you dare to speak nonsense again, today next year will be your death anniversary, understand?"
The pink-haired girl violently choked the yellow-haired boy, her face contorted into a terrifying expression as she 'negotiated' with a smile.
The yellow-haired boy quickly nodded, indicating he understood, before being released.
"Are you really trying to strangle me, Sakura?"
"Sasuke, don't walk so fast, wait for me~"
"Damn Sasuke, hmph, just you wait!"
Only after the three youths disappeared did Shinji and Tobi, who had stopped in place, withdraw their gazes.
"What's wrong? Are there problems with those kids?" Hidan scratched his neck, not understanding why those kids had caught the attention of these two.
"Probably, but it's none of our business."
Shinji wondered what Tobi's expression would be if there was one more person following behind Naruto.
What a pity.
He didn't get to see that god-like figure who could force a 50/50 split.
...
Hokage's Office.
Danzō walked out of the office with a blank expression, but inwardly, he was overjoyed.
Although a perfunctory gesture was needed to give Mist Hidden an explanation.
As compensation, all the 'reasonable' requests he had just made were approved.
[Root] would grow stronger under his leadership!
Speaking of which, the reason Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed to so many of his requests this time was thanks to the mastermind who sent people to assassinate him.
If not for this incident, Hiruzen Sarutobi would not have compromised so much.
After Danzō came out, Kakashi Hatake, who had been waiting outside for a long time, brushed past Danzō.
Neither of them spoke, both treating the other as air.
One viewed the other as a traitor, the other as a tumor in Konoha.
As the saying goes, if you don't see eye to eye, you don't need to say much. Without the certainty, engaging in a war of words is meaningless.
Knock, knock, enter.
"Oh, it's Kakashi. Did the mission go smoothly?"
Inside the room, Hiruzen Sarutobi, with a troubled expression, immediately hid his feelings after looking up.
Some things should not be revealed until they are confirmed.
After Kakashi finished reporting the mission, Hiruzen, who had been distracted the whole time, nodded.
It was just a C-rank mission. If it weren't for the involvement of a Jinchūriki, he wouldn't have even asked.
"Kakashi, I have a top-secret mission for you to complete. The Seventh Squad's upcoming mission is temporarily canceled."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Although somewhat confused, Kakashi agreed.
However, when he learned the content of the mission, his expression immediately became extremely serious and heavy.
"Although it's highly unlikely that anyone from the Anbu did this, someone must have stolen the information to know the time of Danzō and the others' return, and then arranged for people to ambush them on their route."
"If it's not one of our people who leaked the information, then it must be from Mist Hidden. So you must investigate thoroughly."
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