Naruto: I Can Reach the Full Level with One Click

The vast Hokage office was engulfed in a heavy, oppressive silence.

Faced with Hiruzen Sarutobi's fury, both Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado turned pale with tension.

However, their frustration with Danzo Shimura's reckless actions was just as clear.

"Hmph, you've really lost the fire you once had," Danzo scoffed, though there was a subtle hint of hesitation in his voice.

For years, no matter his secret maneuvers, Sarutobi always seemed one step ahead. Despite multiple attempts to claim the Hokage position, Danzo had repeatedly lost to Hiruzen's wisdom and leadership.

In the past, had Sarutobi been less forgiving and less committed to the well-being of Konohagakure, the Root organization might have been dismantled entirely.

"Rest assured, this time I didn't send anyone from Konoha," Danzo stated coldly. "The ones I dispatched are rogue ninjas with no ties to us. No matter the outcome, there'll be no trace linking it back to me."

"If the plan fails, Uchiha Qin Yu will simply assume that the attack came from another village—especially given how much his abilities have drawn attention recently."

With that, Danzo turned and left, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake.

Watching the door close, Hiruzen rubbed his temples, weighed down by the burden of leadership.

"Hiruzen, what will you do now?" Homura asked, unable to mask his concern.

Koharu remained silent, her gaze heavy on the Third Hokage, waiting for his decision.

They both knew that Danzo's latest scheme was already a compromise. Any further action rested solely on Hiruzen's shoulders.

"Danzo is such a thorn in my side," Hiruzen sighed in frustration.

"Send word to Minato Namikaze. Tell him there are rogue ninjas operating within the Land of Fire—he should remain on high alert."

In Hiruzen's eyes, Danzo's motives, while extreme, were always tied to Konoha's protection. However, using mercenaries made the situation murkier and harder to counter directly.

All Hiruzen could do now was warn Minato, the Fourth Hokage, and hope to prevent any tragedy from unfolding.

"If Qin Yu survives this encounter, it will prove his strength. But if he falls… it could be disastrous," Hiruzen muttered grimly.

"You're right," Homura agreed. "And with the Land of Earth growing bolder, it seems this two-year stalemate is nearing its end. Once Minato returns, he must lead the final mission on the front lines."

Outside the Hokage's office...

As Danzo exited the building, Yamanaka Kaze and Shibi Aburame from Root approached him.

"Lord Danzo, did everything go as planned?" Kaze asked, unable to suppress his anger. "We must avenge my father's death!"

Yamanaka Ryu, Kaze's father, had been a loyal asset to Danzo. His death at the hands of Uchiha Qin Yu ignited Kaze's fury.

"Don't worry, Kaze," Danzo said with cold confidence. "The mercenaries I've hired belong to a disgraced clan, and there's even a notorious assassin among them. Even if Qin Yu is powerful, his arrogance and inexperience will be his downfall."

Kaze hesitated. "You mean… that assassin who's been causing havoc across battlefields lately?"

At Danzo's nod, Shibi Aburame visibly tensed. The involvement of such a figure spelled certain death for anyone targeted.

Meanwhile, back with Qin Yu…

With Minato Namikaze returning to Konoha ahead of schedule, Qin Yu declined his offer to use the Flying Thunder God Technique for transport, determined to complete the journey on foot.

Though similar to Sasuke Uchiha's Space-Time Ninjutsu, Minato's technique required pre-marked seals and consumed immense chakra, especially with multiple passengers.

"Qin Yu, there's a station up ahead. We should rest for a bit," Hayate Gekkō suggested, struggling to keep up.

Even Yugao Uzuki was visibly exhausted. Despite being seasoned shinobi, they weren't used to such an intense journey.

Qin Yu finally paused, glancing at the bustling station nearby with a playful smirk.

"Let's go. It looks lively—maybe we'll find an unexpected surprise," he said.

Inside, Hayate rushed ahead, eager for a break.

"Boss! Three meatball skewers and a pot of tea!" he called out, remembering to gesture toward his comrades.

Qin Yu shook his head with a smile. "You eat—I'm not hungry."

"Here's your order!" an elderly man emerged from the kitchen with a warm smile.

"You should try the meatballs, young man. Travelers from far and wide make detours just for these."

Yugao's eyes lit up. She eagerly took a bite, savoring the flavor.

But just as she reached for another, Qin Yu suddenly caught her wrist.

"Stop. We're being watched," he whispered.

Yugao's cheeks flushed at the sudden contact. "Q-Qin Yu, there are people around…"

Qin Yu rolled his eyes. Seriously? This isn't the time for embarrassment.

Little did they know, danger was already closing in—an encounter that would test the strength and resolve of everyone involved.