Chapter 75: The Game in the Shadows
Konoha, Hokage Building.
The office where Hiruzen Sarutobi was located remained brightly lit. Accompanying the brilliant light was a room full of tobacco smoke, which drifted, regrouped, and dissipated freely under the illumination.
"Any leads?"
[As I write this, I hope readers will remember our domain name, the super smooth Taiwan novel-chasing Divine Artifact.]
Because of the 'Flying Thunder God Incident,' Hiruzen Sarutobi had encountered a predicament unlike any he had faced since taking office. This was because, besides pointing toward that mysterious person, the spearhead of this incident deeply involved him as well.
After all, the Flying Thunder God Technique was a closely guarded secret of Konoha. Those with the authority to access the records detailing its specific cultivation methods and principles were very few in all of Konoha.
"According to the investigation, it's highly likely that this incident was carried out by Danzo Shimura in collusion with outsiders," reported an Anbu Ninja standing to the side, wearing an animal mask with four red marks and possessing silver hair. "Furthermore, there is a high probability that this person is a member of the Akatsuki Organization."
"Is that so..." Hiruzen Sarutobi still didn't let go of his pipe. "Any clues regarding this person's identity?"
"None. However, I discovered something very interesting. The culprit who masterminded the 'Flying Thunder God Incident' once requested the contact information for the Rogue NinjaOrochimaru from Danzo Shimura."
"Danzo, Orochimaru, the Akatsuki Organization, and a mysterious person who can use the Flying Thunder God Technique..." Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand to rub his temples. "Things really are complicated!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew this matter was complex, but the degree of complexity still exceeded his imagination. There were three major factions involved on the surface, and not a single person implicated was simple.
"Kakashi, continue to keep an eye on Root. I want to know the moment Danzo makes any move!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's face darkened. "Too many people are involved in this incident, and Danzo has already shown signs of becoming uncontrollable. For the sake of Konoha, I'll have to trouble you more this time."
"I understand. I will keep a close watch on Danzo Shimura."
Kakashi Hatake nodded slightly and accepted the task. After finishing his report and receiving the new round of instructions, Kakashi prepared to leave.
"Kakashi!"
"Hokage-sama?"
Just as Kakashi Hatake pushed the door to leave, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly called out to him. "You've been serving in the Anbu for nearly ten years now, haven't you?"
"Hokage-sama, to be precise, I have served in the Anbu for nine years, three months, and five days," Kakashi Hatake replied matter-of-factly, turning back.
"Once the storm of this incident passes, you should resign from the Anbu..." Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly. "Konoha is currently facing a gap between generations, and the implications of this matter are so vast. I'm worried..."
Kakashi Hatake naturally understood what Hiruzen Sarutobi was worried about, and he had long harbored the idea of leaving the Anbu. After all, Naruto was about to graduate from the Ninja Academy.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
"Mhm." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction. "After you resign, how about becoming a lead teacher? It's time you took on a few Disciples!"
"I..."
Kakashi Hatake already understood what Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to do. Although he didn't want to agree, when he thought about his teacher's child... Kakashi's heart softened after all.
"Everything shall be as Hokage-sama arranges!"
After speaking, Kakashi Hatake pushed the door and left. In the inadvertent glance before closing the door, he seemed to see a fleeting look of anticipation in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
"What a pain..."
Kakashi Hatake let out a sigh. Having spent nearly ten years struggling in the Anbu and experiencing countless events, he had long since shed his youthful naivety. He could understand the meaning behind most things just by hearing the beginning.
"I've become a candidate for the next or the one after next Hokage!" Kakashi Hatake shook his head as he walked further away.
...
Konoha, Root Base.
"Danzo-sama, according to information sent back by the intelligence personnel planted near Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kakashi Hatake will be leaving the Anbuin a few days!"
"Is the intelligence reliable?!"
"Your subordinate has confirmed it multiple times; there are no issues with the source or the authenticity of the intelligence!"
"Hmph!" Sitting on the leader's chair, Danzo Shimura's face was as dark as ink. After a cold snort, he slammed his hand down hard on the armrest. "You've really grown old, Hiruzen!"
Danzo Shimura coldly glanced at the Root Ninjakneeling half-way down before him. "How is the guidance of public opinion among the civilians going?"
"Due to Hiruzen Sarutobi's intervention, the results are very unsatisfactory."
"Mhm, as expected," Danzo Shimura stroked his chin. After a moment of thought, he asked again, "Have those two replied to my proposal for an alliance?"
"Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado have both rejected your proposal!"
"Bastards! Useless fools!" Hearing his subordinate's report, Danzo Shimura was infuriated. As he stood up abruptly, he also kicked over some decorations in front of him. "They're just like Hiruzen Sarutobi, they've all lost their edge! They are satisfied with just a tiny bit of profit; they truly are two short-sighted giant rats!"
By taking advantage of this 'Flying Thunder God Incident' and through some 'evidence' and maneuvering, Root's strength had expanded like never before. Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi's influence was not only weakened but also infiltrated by many of Danzo Shimura's spies.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible for Danzo Shimura to know most of the details immediately after Hiruzen Sarutobi made a decision.
"Dammit!"
How could Danzo Shimura not know that this was Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentional doing? He knew it all too well!
Having clashed with Hiruzen Sarutobi openly and secretly for so many years, the two were friends, comrades-in-arms, fellow Disciples, and even more so, incompatible enemies. They were well aware of each other's thoughts.
"Do you think I'll give up like this? Do you think I'll compromise!" Danzo Shimura roared repeatedly. "You're dreaming! So what if you are the Hokage! So what if you've secretly chosen the next Hokagecandidate in your capacity as Hokage!"
"Where exactly did I lose! Where did I lose!" Danzo Shimura was on the verge of losing control. "Sensei! I refuse to accept this! I refuse to accept it!"
"What if you don't accept it?!" A suppressed voice came from the shadows. "To be able to lose even with such a good opportunity placed right in front of you really makes me see you in a new light!"
Naruto, wearing the Akatsuki Organizationuniform, walked out of the shadows to Danzo Shimura. A fleeting look of ridicule appeared on his face, which had been altered by the Transformation Jutsu, and he well-concealed the disgust in his eyes.
"Shut up!" Danzo Shimura bellowed. "Do you really think this old man has no way to deal with you!"
"I know you've always had ways."
Naruto's voice was unhurried. Even facing Danzo Shimura's threat, he leisurely stroked the Little Nine-Tails lying on his shoulder a couple of times.
"It's just that none of your ways are very effective... How about... I help you once more?!"
"I don't need it!"
"Hey! Regardless of whether you need it or not, I didn't just come here to mock you this time. I have a deal that I think you'd be very happy to cooperate with me on again."
Without waiting for Danzo Shimura to speak, Naruto took a scroll from his robes and casually tossed it to him. "No need to be in a hurry to refuse. After you see it, I guarantee you'll agree!"
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