Konoha.
Just when Bai Ye was embracing life and enjoying the good times, the New Year's Eve festivities officially began.
The atmosphere in Konoha was at its peak, and as Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi was busier than ever.
It was difficult to find a moment when the Uchiha Guard wasn't present, but today was such a day.
Sarutobi seized the opportunity, attempting to reassert his presence in the village. He was already well aware that if Bai Ye was displeased, a single word from him could topple his Hokage status.
He had to use this time wisely to restore his prestige among the people.
Taking advantage of the sympathy generated by the death of his son, he sought to accomplish more.
The Uchiha Guard had become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people?
Then he had to prove he could do even better than them.
Unfortunately, the results were less than satisfactory.
Despite the tireless efforts of the Anbu, the villagers barely acknowledged their presence, let alone expressed gratitude.
Sarutobi sighed. He was exhausted.
"You've lost weight."
Konoha Prison.
A place reserved for the most dangerous criminals.
The environment was damp and grim, with barely enough food and clothing to sustain the prisoners.
In the deepest cell, Danzo Shimura sat, his gaze cold as he observed the emotion on Sarutobi's face.
This old man actually came to visit him!
"Danzo, I need your help."
Hiruzen finally admitted to himself that without Danzo, achieving his ambitions was near impossible.
There were certain things Anbu alone could not handle.
For instance, staging certain crises within Konoha to bolster his own reputation.
Or positioning himself as the savior of the village.
Such things required careful coordination.
Now, with both of his sons dead and Mitokado Homura severing ties with Asuma and Shinnosuke due to their deaths, Sarutobi needed an ally more than ever.
Only Koharu Utatane remained—and even she had begun to waver.
As if remembering something, Sarutobi smiled slightly.
"Aren't you thin too?"
Danzo snorted, taking the meal Sarutobi had brought and eating without hesitation.
Prison visits were allowed, but Danzo wasn't exactly popular. This was perhaps his tenth decent meal since imprisonment.
"Believe it or not, I never forced your wife."
Danzo spoke between bites, his voice slightly muffled.
His means had been confiscated; there was no longer any need for lies.
"I no longer blame you."
To Danzo's surprise, Sarutobi shook his head in what appeared to be genuine relief.
"Whether you believe it or not, I have let it go."
His eyes flickered strangely as he spoke.
Danzo noted Sarutobi's weight loss—an indication that his words held some truth.
Over the past few days, those who had sought revenge against Sarutobi had already made their move.
Danzo included.
"Danzo, here's your chance."
"Uchiha Bai Ye took the entire Guard for a team-building retreat, leaving the village unprotected."
With grievances set aside and his revenge complete, Sarutobi spoke seriously.
"If we execute this well, you might walk free."
"I doubt you enjoy your time in this cell?"
A collaboration?
Danzo snorted but did not refuse.
Only in prison did one truly understand the value of freedom.
At this point, there was no other choice for him.
He looked at Sarutobi and, for the first time in a long time, felt a strange warmth—even found the old man's wrinkled face less repulsive than before.
Yes.
Even after all this, Sarutobi still turned to him in a time of crisis.
At least, he still mattered to someone.
Danzo found himself recalling their youth, how they had once chased after the same goals.
It was only through true solitude that one discovered where their soul belonged.
So even if Sarutobi had ulterior motives, Danzo did not refuse.
Instead, he welcomed the opportunity to fight back.
Yes.
They had always worked well together.
One in the light, one in the shadows.
Danzo had always been willing to be the root hidden in Konoha's darkness, allowing Sarutobi to shine.
And now, their relationship remained unchanged.
Looking at Sarutobi's aged face, Danzo felt an odd ache in his chest.
They were both old now.
After a lifetime of struggle, the closest person to him turned out to be his enemy.
At that moment, Danzo raised his cup to Sarutobi.
Old comrades.
They met, smiled, and drank together.
But whether their so-called friendship had already soured—
Only Danzo knew.
Sarutobi, oblivious, drank and laughed along with him.
In his drunkenness, he even summoned Enma to showcase his staff transformation ability.
However, when the alcohol settled in his system—
Sarutobi collapsed into unconsciousness inside the cell.
His vision blurred.
He vaguely saw Danzo lifting Enma, making gestures toward him.
That night—
In Konoha, an old man long obsessed with revenge found his satisfaction.
Meanwhile, the Monkey King Summoning Beast who had complained about working conditions discovered they could indeed get worse.
New Year's Eve.
As families gathered to celebrate, everyone seemed to find their own form of happiness.
Tang Country's Border Town.
As everyone else sought their joy, Bai Ye walked alone, admiring the night scenery.
After a full day at the beach, he had returned to soak in a hot spring before getting a good night's sleep.
Tomorrow, they would leave this town.
Their journey was just beginning, and Yunjie Mountain was their next destination.
Raikage and his subordinates were likely waiting anxiously.
Other villages might view Bai Ye's movements with caution, but Raikage felt nothing but relief.
He understood Bai Ye's strength.
If he said he was traveling, then he was simply traveling.
For Cloud Shinobi Village, this was an opportunity.
Resistance? A joke.
Cloud Shinobi followed the path of pragmatism, always seeking strength.
Just like the contract Raikage had signed before leaving Konoha:
"If Captain Bai Ye ever seeks the Hokage title, Cloud Shinobi Village will support him."
Raikage didn't know if that day would come.
But if it did, who could stop him?
Uchiha Madara?
Raikage had never met him, only heard of his legendary battles against the First Hokage.
But he was certain—
Nothing could compare to the overwhelming presence of that golden Susanoo.
Cloud Shinobi Village had no interest in resistance.
Instead, they sought to secure their position early.
Yet, Bai Ye was in no rush.
He was here to enjoy himself.
And now, as he wandered the town streets, he "coincidentally" ran into Konan, who was purchasing new Akatsuki uniforms.
"What a coincidence."
At the entrance of a clothing store, Konan took the initiative to greet him.
She didn't know why she had volunteered to observe Uchiha Bai Ye personally.
But here she was.
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