Sarutobi Hiruzen then carefully inquired about many details, including the matter of Natsuki possessing a Summoning Animal like the Mountain Giant Eagle.
However, he didn't pay too much attention to Natsuki. The main focus now was on Orochimaru. Until it was clear what Orochimaru was planning, Konoha was truly passive.
After understanding most of the situation, Sarutobi Hiruzen had Yamashiro Aoba return first.
Then, he sent Ambu to notify Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane for a meeting.
As for Danzo, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't notify him because he suspected Danzo was still colluding with Orochimaru, and whatever action Orochimaru was planning might be related to Danzo.
Oh, right, the Otogakure Ninja was handed over to the interrogation department, hoping to get more information out of him.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane arrived quickly. However, before the meeting even started, Danzo pushed the door open and walked in, clearly uninvited.
"Hiruzen, disbanding Root is one thing, but you're holding a meeting and didn't call me. Are you no longer considering me the Hokage Assistant? Or are you planning to completely abandon me, the 'Darkness of Konoha'?"
Danzo questioned him very impolitely, clearly angry.
Sarutobi Hiruzen silently smoked, exhaling a sentence: "You and Orochimaru are still secretly involved, aren't you?"
One sentence made Danzo almost crush his cane: "Hiruzen, you suspect me?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen just looked at Danzo without speaking, but his expression showed that it wasn't just suspicion; he was clearly certain, without evidence, that this old comrade still had private dealings with that renegade disciple.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane also understood. It seemed the meeting was related to Orochimaru, no wonder Danzo wasn't called.
Danzo gritted his teeth: "I haven't contacted Orochimaru in a long time. I can guarantee that."
"Furthermore, I am still the Hokage Assistant, and I have the right to participate in the meeting!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "Then I will temporarily restrict your authority now!"
"This matter is related to Orochimaru, and I think it's better to be careful!"
"You! Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"
Bang! Danzo slammed the door and left.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smoked for a long time before slowly opening his mouth: "Homura, Koharu, Orochimaru is probably planning something..."
On the other side, Natsuki returned directly to the Ninja Tools shop and happened to run into Tenten. He hadn't expected Tenten to have already returned from her mission and she looked anxious at the moment.
"Natsuki, I heard Badora's voice just now, did something happen?"
Tenten asked, while sizing up Natsuki, only breathing a sigh of relief after confirming her boyfriend was alright.
Natsuki immediately pulled her into the shop: "Don't worry, it was just a small matter, I'll tell you about it later. Oh right, I went to the Fire Country Capital this time and brought you a little gift."
Saying this, he immediately pulled out a pile of small items, including a small mirror, a small comb, small jewelry, and so on.
Although Tenten didn't usually dress up much, everyone has a love for beauty, and it was fine to wear some jewelry and dress up when there were no missions on regular days.
"I like it very much, thank you Natsuki."
Tenten smiled sweetly and even took the initiative to kiss Natsuki.
Natsuki instantly felt delighted, but quickly sensed his Father-in-law's resentful gaze and could only explain: "Ahem! Father-in-law, doesn't our family have business in the Capital City? I just figured Father-in-law must be very familiar with the Capital City, and certainly wouldn't care for the shoddy things I bought, right?"
"Hmph! You're right! Who cares about the broken things you bought!"
His tone sounded very unhappy, could it be that he wanted a gift?
Tenten leaned into Natsuki's ear and whispered with a smile: "Hehe, Natsuki, can't you tell? Dad is angry. Whether the gift is good or not is one thing, whether you remembered to bring him one is another. It's a matter of thoughtfulness. Dad is just a tsundere; it'd be strange if he was happy when you, his son-in-law, didn't remember him."
So that was it!
Natsuki patted his forehead, it seemed he was still not insightful enough in matters of human relationships!
Fortunately, Tenten was thoughtful and set aside two of her gifts suitable for men, quietly slipping them back to Natsuki, and even winked.
Natsuki understood instantly, took the gifts, and went over to the counter: "Ahem! Father-in-law, I was just teasing you. Your gifts are here, they're just some small items, perfect for decorating your room. Don't dislike them."
The Ninjutsu Shop Owner glanced at them, snorted, and took the things: "Although your taste in gifts isn't great, I'll reluctantly accept them. Pick out better ones next time!"
How is this Father-in-law even harder to please than his girlfriend!
Natsuki wanted to cry but had no tears, and Tenten also playfully stuck out her tongue behind him.
...Please give flowers...
After dinner in the evening, Tenten took advantage of her father, the Ninjutsu Shop Owner, not paying attention, and slipped into Natsuki's room, saying it was for Natsuki to give her an electric shock, but primarily wanting to hear about Natsuki's first mission outside the Village.
The mission was naturally boring and was glossed over.
Natsuki focused on the matter of Yamashiro Rinne and Kato Megumi dating, as well as the Sound Ninja who were following them.
"Otogakure is a Ninja Village established in the Land of Rice Fields not long ago. There's no specific intelligence yet, but Aoba-sensei accidentally let slip the name 'Orochimaru'. I think Otogakure must have been established by Orochimaru, one of the Sannin. Orochimaru is an S-Rank Rogue Ninja from Konoha, extremely dangerous, and the key is that he is very familiar with Konoha and even the Fire Country. If he plans to do something to Konoha, it will definitely be very dangerous!"
...
After hearing this, Tenten frowned deeply.
She had always admired Tsunade, one of the Sannin, and wanted to become a legendary female Ninja like Tsunade.
Later, she heard that Jiraiya, also one of the Sannin, was actually an old pervert, and even Tsunade was a gambler, which was somewhat disillusioning, but this was the first time she had heard about Orochimaru.
He was one of the Sannin, yet he was a Rogue Ninja, and now he even had intentions of dealing with Konoha.
What was going on!
"Natsuki, will the Village be alright?" Tenten was very worried.
"It's hard to say, but I will protect you and Father-in-law!"
Natsuki held Tenten in his arms and instructed, "Tenten, if you encounter Orochimaru, don't hesitate to immediately use your trump card. If you have a chance, directly summon the giant eagle and fly away. Orochimaru is very powerful, you can't deal with him yet, understand?"
Tenten nodded with a solemn expression, she didn't want Natsuki to worry.
However, Natsuki was still uneasy.
After all, Orochimaru was too dangerous. Who knew what he would do in secret? Just because he knew the original plot didn't mean he could rest easy. Many things weren't depicted in the original plot, and the plot had already changed, so it wouldn't do not to be more cautious.
"Kabuto Yakushi passed by when I was buying groceries before. I don't think it was a coincidence. I must also be on the other party's investigation list. Or rather, the Twelve Genin are all within the scope of their investigation."
Thinking of this, Natsuki's mind moved, and he took out three senzu beans and put them into Tenten's hand.