Danzo merely chuckled when he received the news.
Compared to what he had gained from Tsunade, what were a few coins?
Even if he had to invest all of the Land of Craftsmen's industries, it would still be worth it.
Besides, Danzo understood a universal truth—sooner or later, debts must be repaid…
Returning to the Land of Rivers, he planned to settle down and head to Ryūchi Cave to explore the secrets of Senjutsu cultivation.
However, things did not go as planned. When he received a report from Uchiha Itachi, Danzo immediately used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to Konoha.
At the Root headquarters, Uchiha Itachi was soon summoned.
By now, he had grown from a small child into a composed young man.
His face remained calm, rarely showing any emotion.
Yet, his strength had become formidable even within Root.
With his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he could easily take down an average Jōnin in an instant.
"Tell me everything about the person who approached you."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
...
A week ago, while leading his squad on a mission, Itachi encountered a masked man with Sharingan.
The man possessed an eerie spatial ability and had slaughtered all of Itachi's teammates.
At the final standoff, the masked man unexpectedly chose to leave, sparing Itachi's life.
"His abilities were strange. Both of his eyes were Mangekyō Sharingan, and he was far stronger than me. He could even use Wood Release…
Also, I noticed something odd—he seemed to lack much common knowledge…"
Hearing Itachi's report, Danzo frowned slightly.
"Be more cautious from now on. Avoid leaving the village… That man is likely the mastermind behind the Nine-Tails incident. There must be a reason he sought you out…"
After giving his instructions, Danzo dismissed Itachi.
...
Inside the dimly lit chamber, candle flames flickered.
"So, he's surfaced again? I wasn't looking for you, yet you came straight to my doorstep…" A glint of cold light flashed in Danzo's eyes.
At the same time, he pondered over Itachi's situation.
Danzo was certain of Itachi's loyalty to him.
Yet, the system had given no notification at all…
Thinking back to the system's past rewards—
Orochimaru's pursuit of knowledge…
Tsunade's farewell before leaving the village…
Minato's last dinner before his departure…
This might be another opportunity…
Root operatives began secretly investigating Konoha and its surroundings for suspicious individuals.
Naruto's security was also reinforced significantly, with Danzo personally setting up spatial markers and barriers around him.
In the Uchiha district, as the clan head, Fugaku's residence was spacious, with a small lake in the backyard.
It was also a common meeting spot for Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi.
"These are turbulent times, but at least Lord Danzo has returned…" Shisui remarked after receiving his orders.
"Don't worry, Shisui. I'll be careful."
"That guy isn't easy to deal with…" Shisui's expression grew serious as he recalled the time he was instantly defeated while trying to control the Seven-Tails.
When he regained consciousness, he learned that the Fourth Hokage had perished, and Danzo had suffered severe injuries.
Shisui blamed himself deeply.
He had been powerless to stop any of it…
"It's alright, Shisui. Lord Danzo said it himself—this wasn't your fault…
I just wonder if his return can ease the tension between the village and our clan…"
It was a well-executed topic change.
Both believed that with Danzo's influence, he could surely mediate the growing conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha.
Just as they were immersed in conversation—
"Big Brother! Big Brother!"
A young Sasuke came running over, his little feet pattering against the ground.
"What's wrong, Sasuke? Weren't you going out to play with your friends?" Itachi knelt down, a rare smile appearing on his usually stoic face.
"His grandfather wouldn't let him go out, saying it was dangerous outside… Hmph!" Sasuke pouted unhappily, trying to look tough.
Itachi instantly saw through his little brother's thoughts and sighed with a faint smile.
"Sorry, Sasuke, but I can't go out to play with you today either."
Sasuke's cool demeanor instantly crumbled, his expression turning slightly aggrieved, eyes glistening.
"Forgive me, Sasuke." Itachi habitually tapped two fingers against his little brother's forehead.
As midnight descended upon the quiet village of Konoha, the streets emptied of people. Streetlamps continued casting their glow along the roads.
Within the Uchiha district, a shadow flickered, weaving through the area, ignoring all barriers.
Soon, the figure arrived at the residence of the Uchiha Elder.
"Who's there…?"
The elder, who had already retired for the night, suddenly sat up, his gaze wary as he stared at the doorway.
A hazy silhouette phased through the wall, revealing the masked man.
"It's you! You caused the Nine-Tails incident! Because of you, our Uchiha clan has been subjected to suspicion and blame…!"
The Uchiha had conducted their own investigations into the true culprit behind the attack.
His Sharingan spun rapidly, the Three-Tomoe pattern locking onto the masked man.
"Hōyo, have you forgotten me?" The masked man's voice carried an eerie tone. "You wouldn't have become the Uchiha Elder without my help…"
"It's you…!"
The elder's face paled instantly, his expression shifting to one of utter shock.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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