Each Has Their Own Way

Konohagakure, Root Base

Danzo had returned, bringing back many untouched pieces of equipment.

The Third Hokage was increasingly wary of the Uchiha's growing independence and booming restaurant business, which seemed like a money-printing machine.

The benefits the Uchiha were reaping now were likely the highest among all ninja villages. A recent baby boom promised to make the Uchiha even stronger. With their population and wealth growing, with Natsuki and Fugaku possessing Mangekyō Sharingan, they posed a significant threat.

Itachi and Shisui, who were out of the village, also remained significant concerns.

Currently, various clans supported the Third Hokage because of the benefits he provided. If the Uchiha could offer more, they could easily take over the position of Hokage.

Although Danzo no longer held the official title of Root, it didn't matter. His followers were loyal to him personally, and over time, he had gathered many of his old subordinates.

The Third Hokage believed that with=], they would only be able to have a little trouble with funding. However, he was unaware that Danzo had found other sources of income.

The Third Hokage had promised Danzo that if he could deliver more than half of the Uchiha restaurant recipes, he would restore Root's funding.

Danzo agreed, at least outwardly.

Elsewhere, at the Hyuga Estate

Hyuga Kaito, the prominent family's fourth elder, was Danzo's contemporary. In his youth, Kaito was a genius, a battlefield hero who led the Hyuga clan to many victories. He was upright and ambitious.

But fate was cruel. During a mission, he sustained a severe injury to his left leg, resulting in complete nerve and muscle damage. Despite the clan's efforts, his leg never fully recovered, and he was left wheelchair-bound.

The higher you stand, the harder you fall. Once a revered genius, Kaito became the subject of whispers and gossip. In time, he overcame his anger, sadness, and despair, using his past achievements to secure a position as the fourth elder.

Unlike elders who cared little for the branch family's well-being, Kaito supported young talent regardless of their branch status. He frequently strategised to strengthen the Hyuga clan.

One day, as Kaito struggled through his daily exercises, he heard a voice behind him.

"Kaito..."

He turned to see Danzo.

Kaito had just seen Danzo over a decade ago. Although they were contemporaries, they had no personal relationship. Why was Danzo here?

Kaito leaned against the wall and slowly sat down.

"What brings you here, Danzo?"

Kaito noticed Danzo's right arm was no longer bandaged.

"Your arm?"

Danzo had wrapped his arm in bandages for years, reportedly due to an injury. As a Hyuga elder, Kaito had heard rumours that Danzo's arm was sealed for other reasons.

"It's healed," Danzo replied, swinging his arm to demonstrate its strength.

Kaito's expression darkened.

Danzo smirked. "Our Root researchers developed a method to enhance the body, even restoring damaged nerves."

Kaito moved painfully toward his wheelchair, refusing Danzo's help. He sat heavily, catching his breath.

"What do you want?"

Danzo flexed his arm casually. "The police force."

Kaito waved dismissively. "Root's reputation is already tarnished. Forget about rejoining the police force."

"That's not my goal," Danzo said. "I want the police force to assist me with something."

He made an enticing offer. "If you help me, I can ensure your left leg is fully restored, more functional than ever."

"What do you need?" Kaito asked cautiously.

"A small favor," Danzo replied lightly. "I need your Hyuga police force to use their Byakugan during patrols to observe the Uchiha's cooking methods."

Kaito's face darkened further.

"The Uchiha treat their restaurant secrets as gold. You want me to spy on them?"

The unique recipes and methods of Uchiha restaurants were critical to their success. People were curious to try the unfamiliar dishes and kept returning because of the unique flavours.

"We, the Hyuga, are friends with the Uchiha. We won't betray them for small gains."

Kaito refused. He prioritised the clan's strength over his recovery.

Danzo narrowed his eyes. "Small gains? Do you know how much their restaurants earn annually? At least this much."

Danzo held up two fingers.

"Two million?" Kaito guessed. "With their success, it makes sense."

"Wrong," Danzo corrected. "Twenty million."

"What!?" Kaito was stunned. An S-rank mission might earn a million, and such tasks were dangerous. The Uchiha made twenty million simply by running restaurants.

"Is it really that profitable?" Kaito was sceptical.

Danzo handed Kaito an investigative report.