The Aburame Clan’s compound.

“I wonder what the situation is like now.” Shibi Aburame’s heart was restless. He picked up his teacup, then placed it back down again.

He had just received news ten minutes ago that Tsunade had left the Hokage Building with Anbu. Although their destination was unknown, he naturally guessed they had gone to Root.

“Dad, no need to worry.” Shino Aburame adjusted his glasses and said, “Lady Tsunade will definitely succeed.”

If even Tsunade failed, then Konoha Village would struggle to find another ninja capable of saving Torune Aburame.

“It seems I’m getting old. I can’t even compare to your composure.” Shibi Aburame was stunned for a moment, then spoke with a wry smile.

“…” Shino Aburame hesitated, wanting to say something, but held back. He was actually very nervous, too.

But he was young and didn’t fully understand the cruel methods of Danzo and Root like Shibi Aburame did. He simply, instinctively, trusted the renowned Tsunade.

“Clan Head!” Just then, an Aburame Clan ninja rushed in and reported, “Kitazawa has brought Torune Aburame!”

“It’s done!” Shibi Aburame couldn’t help but sigh in relief upon hearing this.

“That’s great!” Shino Aburame’s composure finally broke, revealing genuine excitement. “I can finally see my friend Torune again.”

“Let’s go. We’ll meet them at the entrance!” Shibi Aburame glanced at the excited Shino and smiled as he spoke.

The two immediately left the house, heading straight for the entrance of the Aburame Clan compound.

“Torune, are you not used to it?” Kitazawa looked at Torune Aburame and asked.

“Yes.” Torune nodded.

If Anbu could still have holidays, then Root operated non-stop all year round. He had been there for nearly a year and had never once returned to the Aburame Clan.

Now, stepping back into his clan’s compound, it felt almost like a dream.

“It’s alright. You’ll get used to it again in a few days.” Kitazawa patted his shoulder reassuringly.

“Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa,” Torune said gratefully. Since Kitazawa had introduced himself as Shino’s teacher, Torune naturally addressed him the same way.

“Teacher Kitazawa…” Torune suddenly thought of something, his heart trembling as he asked, “Will I still have to go back to Root?”

The thought of returning filled him with dread.

In Root, there was nothing but training and killing—a living hell. Teammates who trained together one day could be forced to fight to the death the next.

“As long as Lady Tsunade is here, you won’t go back to Root,” Kitazawa spoke with certainty.

“Torune!” Shino Aburame’s voice carried from a distance.

Kitazawa couldn’t help but smile at the sound. In his opinion, Shino was always calm and mature, but now his behavior finally matched his age.

“Shino!” Torune quickly ran forward.

“Teacher Kitazawa.” Shibi Aburame approached, glancing at Torune before turning to Kitazawa. With solemn gratitude, he said, “Thank you so much!”

“It’s mainly Lady Tsunade’s credit,” Kitazawa replied modestly.

“Both Lady Tsunade and Teacher Kitazawa have shown great kindness to our Aburame Clan.” Shibi Aburame’s tone was serious. “If you ever need anything in the future, just come to the Aburame Clan. We will definitely do whatever we can!”

“Alright.” Kitazawa agreed, smiling. “Clan Head Shibi, I won’t be polite, then.”

“No need to be polite. We’re all good friends from now on.” Shibi Aburame laughed heartily.

As the Clan Head, he naturally had to consider the clan’s interests.

In the current situation, Tsunade becoming Hokage was almost certain. And Kitazawa, as her confidant, was worth befriending.

Not to mention, the Aburame Clan had already gained two major benefits—Torune Aburame and the Exploding Insect.

Could they have gotten these from Danzo?

It was already an act of grace if he didn’t treat the clan’s geniuses as expendable. To speak frankly, even Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn’t granted the Aburame Clan such benefits.

“What arrangements does Clan Head Shibi have for Torune now that he’s back?” Kitazawa asked, glancing toward Torune and Shino, who were happily chatting.

Shibi Aburame raised an eyebrow, realizing Kitazawa had something in mind.

“If Teacher Kitazawa is willing, I’d like him to transfer to First Year Class A to study,” Shibi answered after a moment of thought, clearly guessing only half of Kitazawa’s intent.

“I don’t think that’s appropriate.” Kitazawa cleared his throat. “He’s used to Root’s training. Returning to the Ninja Academy might make him feel out of place.”

“Teacher Kitazawa is right.” Shibi Aburame was momentarily stunned, then asked, “Then what do you suggest we arrange for Torune?”

“Does Clan Head Shibi know about Lady Tsunade’s previous conflict with Danzo?” Kitazawa hinted, “Nono Yakushi.”

“I’ve heard about it.” Shibi Aburame nodded.

It was from that incident that many clans began to believe Tsunade intended to remain in Konoha to contend for the Hokage position.

“Senior Nono has an adopted son named Yakushi Kabuto. His experience is quite similar to Torune’s.” Kitazawa said calmly.

“I see.” Shibi Aburame’s face showed realization. He now understood why Tsunade had conflicted with Danzo back then.

“There’s a Chunin Exams next month.” Kitazawa stated his purpose, “I plan to serve as a temporary team leader and participate with Kabuto, but we’re still missing a teammate.”

“Then Torune it is!” Shibi Aburame said without hesitation. “It’s his luck to become your student!”

Kitazawa, after all, was someone extremely close to Tsunade—and quite possibly her future student as well.

If Torune could become Kitazawa’s student, it would be a meteoric rise, marking him as part of the Hokage lineage.

Even though Kitazawa said ‘temporary team leader’.

“Thank you for your trust.” Seeing this, Kitazawa said with a smile, “In a few days, have Torune come to the Academy, and I’ll take him to meet Kabuto, and we’ll do some special training.”

“No problem.” Shibi Aburame immediately replied, “I’ll have Shino take him to the Academy then.”

“Mm.” Kitazawa nodded and said, “I won’t interrupt your reunion; I’ll take my leave first.”

“Teacher Kitazawa, won’t you stay for a simple meal?” Shibi Aburame quickly asked.

“No, I still have things to do.” After declining, Kitazawa turned and left.

“It really has to be Lady Tsunade.” Shibi Aburame looked at Kitazawa’s retreating figure and couldn’t help but exclaim.

Compared to the gains, the Aburame Clan paid a minimal price. The last Hokage who was so generous to them was Minato.

It was a pity he died young. Now, with another opportunity before the Aburame Clan, he naturally couldn’t miss it.

Kitazawa returned home smoothly, but Konoha Village became lively because of Tsunade.

The previous incident of rescuing Yakushi Kabuto involved going to the Land of Earth, so not many people knew about it.

But this time, it was a direct forced entry into the Root base. The Root base was in the Death Forest, just a few minutes’ walk from Konoha Village.

Coupled with the skirmish between Root Ninja and Anbu Ninja, the commotion was so great that any sensory Ninjutsu user could easily tell what had happened.

Konoha Military Police Force

“Clan Head.” Uchiha Yashiro said in a deep voice, “That’s how the incident unfolded.”

“This truly is an earth-shattering event.” Fugaku slowly exhaled.

Tsunade led Anbu to forcibly enter the Root base, and a fight broke out. It had been a long time since such a major event had occurred in Konoha Village.

“Good fight!” Uchiha Tekka said very happily, “Danzo and Root always target us; now they’re finally getting their just deserts!”

“So reckless, what kind of decorum is that?” Uchiha Yashiro couldn’t help but glare at him and ask.

Although he was also happy to see Danzo suffer a setback, he didn’t show his joy as openly as Uchiha Tekka.

However, he could understand. After all, what’s youth without a little hot-headedness?

“I’m just saying.” Uchiha Tekka shrank his head and said, “Itachi personally beat up Root Ninja!”

Towards the end, his tone was filled with deep envy. If conditions allowed, he would have long since rushed to Root to vent the anger in his heart.

“Yashiro, rein in the Ninja within the clan and tell them not to act on their own because of this.” Fugaku thought for a moment and said.

Although Danzo suffered a loss, it was limited to that. Root was still there, and the Uchiha Clan couldn’t be overly optimistic.

Most importantly, Itachi was involved. He worried that some young Ninja within the clan might be tempted to imitate him.

“Yes, Clan Head.” Uchiha Yashiro immediately said.

“I’m going home for a bit.” Fugaku stood up and said.

In Uchiha Yashiro’s recent account, he noticed an unexpected figure: Kitazawa.

In what capacity was Kitazawa involved in this matter? Logically, as a Ninja Academy teacher, he shouldn’t have appeared.

But since he did, it means his relationship with Lady Tsunade is closer than he imagined.

Perhaps Kitazawa has already become Lady Tsunade’s student; it just hasn’t been announced yet.

However, this time period is quite sensitive.

It wasn’t convenient for him to directly approach Kitazawa, so he decided to find another way, which was through his son, Sasuke.

Incidentally, he also needed to find Itachi to confirm the situation again. After all, he was a direct witness.

Uchiha Yashiro’s information was all hearsay, and it was possible that some important details were missed.

Uchiha Residence

Today is Sunday.

Sasuke didn’t go to school. He was practicing the Genjutsu: Unknown Fire, which Uchiha Itachi taught him, in the courtyard.

“Dad?” Sasuke instinctively turned his head upon hearing footsteps, and was momentarily stunned.

“Itachi hasn’t returned yet?” Seeing him alone, Uchiha Fugaku asked.

“No.” Sasuke asked curiously, “Dad, why are you home at this time?”

“I have something to do.” Fugaku paused, then asked, “How is your relationship with Kitazawa?”

“Relationship?” Sasuke was taken aback, then thoughtfully said, “It’s alright, I guess.”

“If you have the chance, you can try to deepen your bond with him,” Fugaku suggested.

“Okay.” Although Sasuke was a bit puzzled, he still agreed. After all, Kitazawa had helped him a lot.

“Teacher Kitazawa’s birthday is next month!” Sasuke suddenly remembered something and said, “I plan to give him a Ninjutsu as a gift!”

“He likes Ninjutsu?” Fugaku asked thoughtfully.

“I’ve given him several Fire Release Ninjutsu before, and he was happy to accept them, so he should like them,” Sasuke said uncertainly.

“Alright then.” Fugaku nodded and said, “I’ll pick a Ninjutsu for you to give him then.”

Although Sasuke was the second young master of the Uchiha Clan, the gifts he could give were at most B-Ranked.

Fugaku planned to give Kitazawa an A-Ranked Ninjutsu.

Being Hokage isn’t about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and social etiquette.

However, the Uchiha Clan, under the suppression of Danzo and Root, found it difficult to engage in social niceties.

Furthermore, the Uchiha Clan was inherently proud, and they would absolutely refuse to befriend Ninja Clans and Ninja weaker than themselves.

But with Tsunade, it was a different story. How does the saying go? Never provoke a Medical Ninja, especially the most outstanding Medical Ninja.

Moreover, Tsunade’s status and strength were more than sufficient.

“Okay!” Sasuke was just worried about what gift to give.

His father’s help certainly saved him trouble.

“You continue training, I’m going to find Itachi.” Fugaku patted his head and said.

—

Hokage Office

After Tsunade left, Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a sigh of relief.

Although Tsunade was his student, her fiery temper was very difficult for him to handle. The key was that he was in the wrong, so he couldn’t pull rank as her teacher.

“Hokage-sama.” Haru walked in and said, “Lord Danzo will be here soon.”

“None of them gives me a moment’s peace.” Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a headache coming on as soon as he heard Danzo’s name. But he still had to see him.

“Hiruzen!” Danzo immediately complained upon seeing Hiruzen. “Tsunade has truly gone too far this time!”

“How so?” Hiruzen retorted indifferently.

“She led people to force their way into Root and even injured Root members!” Danzo asked emphatically. “Isn’t that going too far?”

“It was the Root members who disregarded the Hokage’s order I gave her.” Hiruzen asked with dissatisfaction, “Is Root your Root, or Konoha’s Root?”

“Of course, it’s Konoha’s Root.” Danzo said with a serious expression, “Everything I do is for Konoha!”

“I’ve heard that many times before,” Hiruzen glanced at him and said.

“Hiruzen, if you wanted Torune Aburame, you just had to tell me.” Danzo changed the subject and said, “Tsunade clearly used this incident to target me!”

“If I wanted him, would you give him to me?” Hiruzen snorted coldly and said, “Over the years, Root has done many things it shouldn’t have!”

“Hiruzen, if you want him, I will naturally give him to you,” Danzo emphasized again. “Everything Root does is for Konoha!”

“Enough, don’t I know you well enough?” Sarutobi Hiruzen said calmly, “I’ve just discussed it with Tsunade; all Root members you recruited in violation of regulations must be sent back.”

“What? That’s impossible!” Danzo exclaimed in shock and anger. “Without them, would Root still be Root?”

“Don’t forget that Root’s original roster was seventeen people. Look, how many people you’ve recruited now?”

Sarutobi Hiruzen said without hesitation, “There’s no room for negotiation on this matter; you will carry it out when you return.”

“Hiruzen!” Danzo said angrily, “Where there is light, there is shadow; the existence of Root is indispensable!”

“I’m only asking you to send back the illegally recruited personnel, not to disband Root.” Sarutobi Hiruzen’s tone turned cold, and he asked, “Do you really want me to order the disbandment of Root?”

“…” Danzo’s heart was greatly shaken. He looked at Hiruzen, unable to believe that he would actually say something about disbanding Root.

You’ve changed, become so unfamiliar.

“Hiruzen, you will regret this!” Danzo said through gritted teeth. He no longer dared to continue the conversation.

Because he understood Hiruzen, now that he had said so much, there was no possibility of changing his mind.

“Danzo, I am the Hokage!” Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at him and retorted sharply.

Bang!

Danzo stormed out. He knew there was no point in talking further. The disbandment of the excess Root members had become a foregone conclusion.

With this order, Root’s power would shrink by at least half.

“Haru, charge the cost of replacing the door to Danzo’s account.” Hiruzen looked at the empty doorway and instructed.

—

Anbu Base – Not Far from the Hokage Building

Itachi stood by the window, looking at the thriving Konoha Village.

After a long while, he let out a sigh. He had a rare opportunity to get close to Danzo today. And it was this encounter that confirmed one thing for him.

Shisui’s eye was indeed in Danzo’s eye socket.

Danzo was not a Ninja of the Uchiha Clan, so he couldn’t deactivate the Mangekyo Sharingan. Therefore, at close range, he detected something unusual.

After all, Shisui’s other eye was in his possession. But unfortunately, he couldn’t take revenge for Shisui.

Because this would completely ignite the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village.

However, Itachi also saw hope. That was Tsunade-sama becoming the new Hokage.

Given her aversion to Danzo, perhaps the Uchiha Clan could retrieve Shisui’s Mangekyo Sharingan.

Just then, Itachi’s heart stirred, and he turned to look at the door.

“Itachi.” Uchiha Fugaku walked in.

“Father.” Itachi was somewhat surprised, but quickly guessed why Fugaku was looking for him.

“Why did Tsunade ask you to go to Root with her?” Fugaku asked directly. He understood his son’s intelligence, so he didn’t beat around the bush.

“It’s because Kakashi-senpai and I followed her on a mission to the Village Hidden in the Grass last time,” Uchiha Itachi replied. “Lady Tsunade probably thought our strength was decent.”

“I see.” Fugaku had thought it was Sarutobi Hiruzen’s arrangement. If it truly were, the implications would be worth savoring.

“If there are any more missions from Lady Tsunade, you can try your best to get them,” Fugaku thought for a moment and said.

“I understand.” Itachi paused, then said, “There’s one more thing.”

He recounted Sarutobi Hiruzen’s handling of Root.

“What?” Uchiha Fugaku showed a shocked expression. He had thought the matter was over, but he didn’t expect such an explosive follow-up.

This was the biggest setback Root had suffered since its establishment. Their numbers had been cut by more than half; it was a devastating loss.

But from another perspective, the pressure on the Uchiha Clan would be greatly reduced. This was undoubtedly a new dynamic for Konoha Village!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep