Konoha Notes.

Chapter 59 Attitude

Chapter 59 Attitude

Being in Konoha, the conflict with Shimura Danzo is a major highlight, something one must experience. Shuji wasn't unprepared, especially from the moment he awoke and discovered he possessed Hashirama's cells; he had already made contingency plans—a direct confrontation with that man was almost inevitable.

Unexpectedly, the root of this first conflict was not related to the secret within him, but rather to a mission reward.

Shuji knew perfectly well that attacking Root wouldn't be punished by the Third Hokage. His actions effectively protected the interests of the ninja village, which in turn represented the interests of the Hokage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's "hands-off" approach to Root was commonplace. Even after his own assassination attempt, he remained silent in order to stabilize the situation following the Nine-Tails' rampage. What's more, this was just a matter of stealing account books, and before he even succeeded, Root members were beaten up.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi's statement, "I will reprimand him and order him to discipline his subordinates," carries weight because it is a promise. It promises that Danzo will not take any further targeted actions; if so, Hiruzen Sarutobi will intervene.

As for the extent to which this interference can occur...

Shuji had no unrealistic expectations whatsoever; all of Hiruzen Sarutobi's support depended on the individual's capabilities.

As Hokage, he could only guarantee that the village's regular forces wouldn't become an obstacle. Under those conditions, to what extent could he achieve this?

It all depends on yourself.

Uchiha Shisui is the most striking example. What happened after the Third Hokage promised him complete authorization to act? Shisui went to meet Danzo, only to discover that Danzo possessed the trump card Izanagi, and his Mangekyou Sharingan was stolen. Feeling powerless to use Kotoamatsukami to stop the clan's coup, Shisui chose suicide, attempting to delay the Uchiha coup with his life, and then entrust everything to Itachi.

What about the third generation? He did nothing.

If Uchiha Shisui wins his battle with Danzo and truly resolves the Uchiha rebellion in his own way, the Third Hokage will endorse and support him, suppressing any dissenting voices from Root and others.

Can't do it? Lost the game? Lost your eyes? Then become the price Danzo pays for protecting Konoha.

Uchiha Shisui, with his Mangekyou Sharingan, was like that, and Shuji didn't consider himself any exception. He didn't know how ambitious the young ninja heroes were, but he could clearly see that the aged Hiruzen Sarutobi only wanted stability—waiting until the Jinchuriki grew up.

Be patient, be patient until a new generation of people who can carry the torch emerges.

Xiu Si, who hadn't slept all night and was rushing back to the village, slept for half the day after returning to the old house, only waking up in the afternoon. Grandma Tao Hua wasn't there.

She went out, which was rare for her.

Because the old man had left him some food, Xiuji ate a little to dispel the fatigue and hunger in his body. He then left a note saying that he would be eating out that evening and that he didn't need to cook for himself. After that, he changed into casual clothes and went out.

He promised to treat the team members to a meal when he returned, and also to arrange for the repair of their protective gear.

The mission reward has not yet been settled, so the advance payment naturally falls on his shoulders as the team leader—well, that's also part of the team leader's "duty." Anyway, it's not a big deal. However, because of the Shimura Danzo incident, he forgot to mention whether the damage to the protective gear could be reimbursed.

The upgrade from an A-level task to an S-level task means the reward for this task starts at a million, plus the portion for B-level tasks. It should mean they're not short of that, but it doesn't necessarily mean they'll be reimbursed or not.

One day, someone calculated that they would have to talk to the administration department about this matter later.

The team's get-together was set up at Anko's single-room apartment. The Senju family mansion was in a remote location, and the Uchiha clan's territory wasn't nearby either, so the ninja apartment became a compromise.

When Shuji arrived around 3 p.m., he was already inside the house.

As always, the young Uchiha clan leader was very courteous. He brought a gift with him when he came to visit, but Shuji didn't even look at it. He just smelled the sweet scent in the air and knew what it was.

Unlike last time, Shuuji arrived empty-handed this time. So Anko, who opened the door for him, circled around the captain, making a gesture as if she were carrying something.

"Captain, where are the things? Where are the gifts?"

"no."

"How rude of you, Shuuji. Bringing a gift when you visit is a basic courtesy, isn't it? You clearly remembered last time, but you've become so casual since joining. Can I please rejoin Class 5?"

After leaving Jiegang Port, Hongdou was clearly completely relaxed, without the suppressed bitterness and resentment she had before.

"I'll settle the bill tonight, please let me in, Lady Red Bean," Shuuji said expressionlessly.

"Hmm - if that's the case, then alright."

Shuji glanced at the table and, unsurprisingly, saw dumplings, already divided into three portions. The two waited patiently for Shuji to arrive before starting to eat—for two dumpling lovers, this was the greatest respect they could show to their captain.

Hongdou closed the door and sat down with Xiu Si.

"Itachi, the captain didn't bring anything, so he's treating us to dinner tonight as compensation."

"Wasn't this already arranged?" The purple-haired female ninja looked at Hongdou with a puzzled expression. Children really couldn't understand jokes that only fourteen-year-old adults could comprehend.

"Hokage-sama, what did you say about Root?"

Red Bean's playful expression vanished, replaced by a serious tone. Although Shuuji had explained it on the way, the background of the Root organization still involved the village's advisor, and a trace of worry remained in her heart.

"It's nothing. The Third Hokage said he would reprimand Root." Shuji didn't go into the complicated details, but simply stated Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude.

The female ninja calmed down.

"I see," the Uchiha boy thought, "taking the initiative with a proactive and decisive attitude is actually more effective at solving problems and controlling the situation." He felt he had learned something new.

What are your thoughts on the Uchiha clan, senior?

He was actually a little troubled. After returning to the clan's territory, his father, Uchiha Fugaku, inquired in detail about the mission.

Needless to say, the injured person was also not mentioned by the blond-haired man. He had guessed who it was. With that kind of chakra, that kind of medical skill, and that relationship with his senior, there could only be Tsunade, the princess of the Senju clan.

But having promised my seniors to keep it a secret, I will naturally keep it a secret.

Most importantly, it was his father's entrustment.

Fugaku hoped Itachi could probe Shuji's attitude towards the Uchiha clan. He believed that Shuji's willingness to accept them into Team 5 was itself a signal of goodwill towards the Uchiha.

This probing had been mentioned by Fugaku before he left Ichigoku Port, and he urged him even more upon his return. He hoped to take on the responsibility of bridging the gap—if he couldn't find a breakthrough with Shuji, he would have to find another way.

The mind is churning, the ears are listening, the eyes are seeing, and the body is moving.

Team 5 first went to Aoki Ninja Tool Shop, and this time the senior asked the owner for the bill.

Senior Red Bean changed out of her tattered purple trench coat and chose a new, soft, beige outfit. Her protective gear remained largely unchanged, except that Shuuji, based on his fighting style, suggested the boss adjust the thickness of some key armor areas.

Afterwards, they had a meal together and then parted ways.

"Itachi, you have something to ask me."

Even Hongdou noticed, so she made an excuse, waved goodbye, and quickly disappeared around the street corner.

As the streetlights came on, they cast long shadows of the two people. The evening breeze carried a slight chill.

"Senior, what is your view on the Uchiha clan?"