NOVEL NEXT Chapter 43: Chapter 43 : Reaction
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Some celebrated, while others drowned in despair. As the Uchiha clan rejoiced, the Third Hokage and Danzo sat in the Hokage's office, their expressions grim.
"At twelve years old, how could he coordinate with Tsunade and the others to assassinate Hanzo of the Salamander?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the intelligence report from the Anbu, reading it over and over, yet he still found it hard to believe.
It was absurd. At that age, the boy wasn't even a Jonin yet.
Danzo's face darkened as he exhaled slowly before speaking. "Is there a possibility that this is the power of the Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan?"
"It is said that once an Uchiha awakens the Mangekyō, they gain strength on par with the Kage-level."
The Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe, his face concealed momentarily behind a veil of smoke. Though Danzo's claim seemed far-fetched, it was not without precedent.
His mind drifted back to his younger days when Hashirama Senju had led them into battle. He recalled Uchiha Kagami's final stand—how, after their teacher's demise, Kagami had awakened his Mangekyō and annihilated the pursuing forces of the Kinkaku Squad in a single, decisive strike.
Even from several kilometers away, Hiruzen could still remember the towering form of Susanoo. Its blade alone had torn through the landscape, making mountains tremble. Even with his current strength, he wasn't certain he could have bested Kagami at that moment.
Knocking the ash from his pipe, the Third Hokage finally spoke. "This hasn't been confirmed yet. What is certain, however, is that Uchiha Shin has developed a Lightning Release technique strong enough to take down a Kage-level opponent."
"In any case, this Uchiha brat is dangerous. His existence alone threatens us." Danzo's tone grew sharper. "Last time, so many Senju clan remnants returned safely from Uzushio. I suspect he was the one behind it."
Danzo always assumed the worst, but this time, his theory had merit.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, recalling how Uchiha Shin had personally escorted an orphan from the Uzumaki clan back to Konoha. That alone had been suspicious.
"We must remain vigilant. Your dear student, Tsunade, might side with the Uchiha because of this boy," Danzo warned. His voice carried a bitter edge. "Her brother, Nawaki, is alive and well now. He didn't die on the battlefield as you wanted."
Hiruzen's face turned even grimmer.
His goal had been to further weaken the Senju clan's influence in Konoha. Without a successor, they would eventually fade into obscurity. But now, things had deviated drastically from his plans.
He unconsciously touched the wound on his face, a scar left by Uzumaki Mito's wrath. She had nearly torn Konoha apart when she learned the truth about Nawaki's survival. If not for his swift promises and concessions, she might have actually killed him in her fury.
She was old, nearing her end, but as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, she was still someone he could not afford to anger.
This time, his actions had only been subtle manipulations. If he had directly acted against Nawaki, Mito would have turned against him completely.
After careful consideration, the Third Hokage's expression hardened. "The plan against the Senju clan will be shelved for now. Uchiha Shin's reputation has grown too large—we must suppress him. He will not participate in the upcoming war. Danzo, monitor his movements, but do not act recklessly. We will decide our course later."
The escalating war remained the primary concern.
Konoha and Sunagakure were already at each other's throats, and Amegakure had only just fallen. Hiruzen had to monitor the movements of the other hidden villages as well. There were too many pieces on the board, and he couldn't afford to make rash decisions regarding Uchiha Shin.
Danzo scowled, his anger barely contained. "We already see the threat he poses to Konoha, yet you still hesitate! Hiruzen, which side are you on?"
Danzo slammed his fist onto the desk. "Shin is set to become the leader of the Uchiha's hawk faction. If he ascends to the position of clan head, the entire Uchiha clan will become a disaster!"
Hiruzen merely cast a cold glance his way. "Danzo! I am the Hokage! You are the Root. Do not forget your place."
"I even covered for you when you sent the Root after Nawaki. That reckless decision of yours brought unnecessary trouble onto me!"
Danzo stiffened.
I know you're the Hokage. No need to rub it in! he thought bitterly.
If I hadn't hesitated back then, you would never have taken the title from me!
You speak as though I acted alone, as if you weren't complicit!
Resentment festered deep within him. He had never forgotten that fateful day when their teacher, Tobirama Senju, chose to be the bait. In that moment of hesitation, he had lost his chance—Hiruzen had stepped forward instead, securing his path to becoming Hokage.
That bitterness had never faded.
"Hmph." Danzo shot him a glare before turning on his heel and storming out.
After their discussion concluded, the orders were relayed.
Meanwhile, in Amegakure, Uchiha Shin and Tsunade had been stationed there for nearly a month.
"The old man finally sent word for us to return to Konoha. Says the situation isn't urgent," Tsunade said, waving the sealed letter in front of the others. She glanced at Uchiha Shin, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, none of whom seemed surprised.
If this had been an important order, it would have arrived much sooner. The delay made it clear—there was nothing of urgency.
"Is the war in the Land of Wind already settled? They don't need us?" Orochimaru frowned. He had planned to use this war to build his reputation for his future bid as Hokage. Konoha's decision displeased him.
Jiraiya merely stretched and yawned. "Who knows? But if the old man says we don't need to worry about it, that means we get to relax."
Tsunade sighed and turned to Uchiha Shin. "Shin, should we return or stay in Amegakure?"
She was indifferent to either choice. Over time, she had come to trust Shin's judgment more than her own.
Shin took a bite of roasted boar meat that Mikoto had prepared for him and pondered for a moment.
The Third Hokage wasn't planning to act against them yet.
As long as things hadn't escalated into outright conflict, returning to Konoha was the best course of action.
"Before we leave, let's deal with the chaos here. Some Konoha shinobi have been looting and killing civilians. We'll clean up the mess and send them back in batches."
His tone was calm, yet decisive.
Amegakure had been devastated in the war, and now, as the defeated side, it had no means to resist. Many Konoha shinobi had taken advantage of the situation to pillage and indulge in their bloodlust. It was a common occurrence in war.
Even if Tsunade and the others disapproved, they couldn't oversee every single soldier.
But Shin wasn't doing this out of morality.
He had another goal.
Nagato and Konan—he wanted to find them before anyone else did.
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Bonus Chapter - 200 Power Stones