Naruto: Troublesome Ninja Haruta

Chapter 24: Danzo, You Bastard!

Shimura Danzo—one of the people Ebizō hated the most.

After all, rivals were natural enemies…

The two had been engaged in a shadow war within the ninja world for years. And that bastard Danzo had dragged Sunagakure into crisis more times than Ebizō cared to count.

Now, the young man before him was one of Danzo's subordinates.

That meant Ebizō had to tread carefully.

After a moment of hesitation, he raised his hand and gestured.

Immediately, the hidden Sand Anbu withdrew into the darkness.

Some things were best discussed without an audience—even if those present were his most trusted subordinates.

"So that's who you are… one of Danzo's men."

Once the Anbu had fully retreated, Ebizō let out a cold chuckle.

"What, that coward doesn't even have the guts to come here himself anymore?"

After the disaster in the Land of Rain, Danzo barely had the nerve to show his face anywhere...

Haruta inwardly scoffed but maintained his calm demeanor.

"Lord Danzo didn't want to interrupt your fishing, so he sent a younger man like me to handle such trivial matters."

"Hmph."

Ebizō snorted.

He had developed a fondness for fishing in his later years… but for even Danzo to know about it?

What the hell was going on with Sunagakure?

Had Konoha infiltrated them so thoroughly that they were like a sieve?!

"Fine. Speak. What kind of 'cooperation' does that bastard want?"

"No need to be so impatient, Lord Ebizō. And don't belittle yourself—Sunagakure wouldn't last without you and Lady Chiyo."

Haruta spoke evenly, though what came next was crucial.

Balancing his system objectives while also fulfilling his mission for Konoha and Danzo was no small challenge.

But as the saying goes—as long as your mindset doesn't collapse, there's always a way forward.

And under Danzo's "Scapegoat Shadow Hokage" philosophy, Haruta had devised quite a few ideas.

"Your village is locked in direct conflict with Kirigakure and Iwagakure. At first, we feared you might take extreme measures. But after arriving in Sunagakure, we confirmed something."

"Oh?"

Ebizō's heart clenched slightly.

Forgetting his earlier comment about not wanting to waste time, he forced himself to remain calm.

"And what did you confirm?"

"That Sunagakure and Kirigakure are negotiating. Your bargaining chip is this woman," Haruta said, gesturing toward Pakura, whose face remained ice-cold.

Seeing the dramatic change in Ebizō's expression, Haruta immediately continued.

"No need to deny it. We've already obtained your reports. I suspect this intelligence has already made its way back to Konoha.

"And Kirigakure has likely begun its own investigation as well."

"What exactly do you want?"

Ebizō's expression darkened.

For a moment, he wanted to grab Haruta by the throat and strangle him.

Was this something you should be saying in front of Pakura?!

Are you even here to negotiate?!

But he quickly composed himself.

Because he realized—this information was meant for Pakura to hear.

That was what truly served Konoha's interests.

"And besides, Lord Ebizō… we recently had an encounter with a formidable enemy."

Haruta remained unfazed, his tone steady.

**"This individual possesses puppet mastery on par with Lady Chiyo.

"He also created a puppet that retains the full power of its former self—one crafted from the Third Kazekage.

**"Most importantly… that man is deeply connected to both you and Lady Chiyo.

"After all, it's Sasori… isn't it?"**

"...."

Ebizō clenched his fists.

He had already suspected that Haruta had been involved in that battle.

And now, the brat was outright admitting it!

Not only that—he clearly knew far more than he should.

"Oh, and one more thing—I almost forgot to mention it."

Haruta's tone was casual, as if recalling something unimportant.

"This intelligence will also be delivered to Konoha soon."

"...."

For a moment, Ebizō nearly lost it.

"Enough with the nonsense! What the hell does Danzo want?! What does Konoha want?!"

Ebizō had zero faith in Danzo's morals or integrity.

Or rather, in their line of work, morality and integrity didn't exist—only profit and self-interest.

He could already picture what would happen—

Konoha would leak that Sunagakure planned to sell out Pakura.

Pakura, who already knew the truth, would remain silent.

Sunagakure's shinobi would be outraged.

Then, another leak—

Sasori was behind the Third Kazekage's disappearance.

The village would descend into chaos.

And once the dust settled, Ebizō and Chiyo would be scapegoated.

Not just them—their entire faction would be purged.

At this point, Ebizō no longer considered killing Haruta.

It wasn't about whether he could kill him—killing him wouldn't solve anything.

If anything, it might provoke Danzo into retaliating.

And that was the last thing he needed right now.

"Konoha wants a stable Sunagakure.

"Not one prone to reckless decisions."

Haruta smiled.

He knew he had him.

"As for Lord Danzo… he wants to work with you.

"Lord Fourth Kazekage is too impulsive.

"The Third Great Ninja War was proof enough, wasn't it?"

"You—!"

Ebizō's face twisted.

Even Pakura's expression changed.

Was Konoha openly interfering in Sunagakure's internal affairs?!

Did they really think Sunagakure was weak enough to be controlled like this?!

"Of course, this is merely a suggestion—meant to lay the foundation for better cooperation."

Haruta cut in smoothly before they could explode.

"Konoha has no intention of meddling in another village's internal matters.

"But as allies, we should trust one another.

"Cooperation should be mutually beneficial—not built on constant suspicion, leading to unnecessary conflicts."

Then, his tone darkened slightly.

"And Lord Danzo hopes to see a better Sunagakure.

"After all, no one likes a leader who betrays their loyal subordinates…

"Or one who shifts all the blame for triggering the Third Great Ninja War onto Sasori and his family."

Haruta suddenly felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

A realization struck him.

Wait a minute…

This is literally what Danzo himself would do!

"Of course, cooperation must be mutually beneficial.

"Lord Danzo is prepared to offer compensation."

Haruta continued, watching their reactions closely.

Having been a corporate shark in his past life, he was very familiar with how to make deals feel appealing.

"We will share intelligence on Sasori.

"He has joined a rather powerful organization.

"Additionally, Lord Danzo is willing to deepen our alliance.

"He will offer a share of the River Country's mission contracts, as well as financial compensation.

"What do you think, Lord Ebizō?"

Ebizō remained silent, his face unreadable.

He had no idea how to respond.

If he agreed, he would be betraying his Kazekage.

If he refused, Konoha would leak everything—and he and Chiyo would be doomed.

Not to mention…

Konoha was forcing Sunagakure to remain "allies" by stripping them of northern resources.

"Danzo, you bastard! You deserve to die!"

Ebizō raged internally.

Now he understood why Pakura had to be here.

She wasn't just a prisoner—she was a witness.

If he attacked Haruta, she might switch sides and defect to Konoha.

"The compensation is too low. It's not enough."

Ebizō stalled for time.

"And I need to think carefully before making a decision."

"A shame we couldn't reach an agreement… but I'm sure Lord Danzo will understand."

Haruta gave a mocking nod, as if he had predicted this outcome.

But inwardly, he exhaled in relief.

He had secured his objectives.

Now all that remained was returning to Konoha… and covering his tracks.

"One last question."

Ebizō finally spoke again.

"Why is Danzo doing this?"

Haruta smiled.

"Lord Danzo has always had one goal."

"Becoming Hokage."

"Haven't you ever dreamed of becoming Kazekage?"

Ebizō nearly lost it.

You little shit—I'm over sixty!

You think I still fantasize about that crap?!

I'm practically at death's door!

….