Chapter 23

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"Elder Kenji, did you summon me for something?"

Fugaku ignored the tea brought by Rie, his expression slightly solemn.

Despite having retired from the ANBU, he as a elder still held considerable influence within the clan. If it weren't for the incompetence of the Head Elder, who handed over the clan's authority to Uchiha Fugaku, this young clan leader, would likely have been a mere puppet.

Setting down his teacup, Kenji asked with a faint smile, "Fugaku, you just came from the Hokage Tower. Are you planning to find Yoichi?"

Upon hearing this, Fugaku fell silent for a moment before speaking, "Yes. Does the Elder also know about this?"

"After Yoichi attacked the Root ninja, he came to my house and explained the situation. All of this commotion was caused by the Root."

Kenji didn't hide or deceive Fugaku. After all, he was the clan leader, and petty deception would serve no purpose.

"So, I sent the Guard Force to apprehend the thirteen people who spread the rumors the most. Three of them acted out of previous grudges against us, five of them accepted money, and five others showed traces of genjutsu."

"Out of concern for the younger generation, I had a righteous person use the Sharingan genjutsu on Yoichi's former teammate, and the conclusion was based on envy."

"He resents that he couldn't become a shinobi himself, while Yoichi completed the mission unharmed and could potentially become a hero of Konoha. That's why he slandered Yoichi."

Kenji calmly recounted what he had discovered and placed a scroll on the table.

"Fugaku, Yoichi is having a stroke of bad luck. However, he knows to come to me when trouble arises, like a child causing trouble outside would seek their parents' help. This is the Lightning Release Chakra Mode Technique scroll he gave me. You may take it, clan leader."

Fugaku had not spoken since earlier and showed no reaction even when he saw the scroll on the table.

If he took the scroll containing the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, he, as the clan leader, would have to live up to the expectations of his people.

Taking the jutsu scroll meant endorsing Yoichi, dispelling the rumors spread in the village, and questioning Danzo.

Fugaku clenched his fists tightly. He was cornered by the Elder, and now he only had two choices. However, choosing to take the jutsu scroll would come at a great cost.

All his previous efforts would be in vain!

"Elder, let's end this matter here."

"Fugaku-"

"There are still matters to attend to at home, Elder. I'll take care of Yoichi's situation. As for those from the Root... leave them to me."

With a slightly bowed head, Fugaku spoke decisively, then rose and walked out.

He didn't drink the tea on the table, nor did he take the jutsu scroll with him.

After a while, when everyone had left, Kenji shook his head with a sigh, "Indecisive. I shouldn't have listened to this guy in the first place. If Yoichi had been born a few years earlier, I wouldn't have had to choose him."

Fugaku's actions only strengthened Kenji's determination to nurture Yoichi.

His son, Masato, lacked the talent to be the clan leader. Being a squad leader and obediently following orders was sufficient for him.

The bottom line for a clan leader was not to unconditionally cater to others, but Fugaku was completely unaware of this issue.

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"Tsunade-sama, it's unnecessary for you to personally attend to such minor injuries."

"Stop blabbering. Consider it my way of unintentionally compensating you. Come over here quickly!"

With a command and a posture of crossed arms, Tsunade hummed, giving off an air of "if you don't come, I'll come to you and beat you."

"Last time, you accused me of snitching, but when it comes to foreign villages techniques, I have to report it. But I didn't expect Root to go this far."

A woman in her thirties being tsundere? It was somewhat embarrassing, but this kind of behavior made the mature woman somewhat adorable, especially considering her youthful appearance.

Yoichi shifted his gaze away from Tsunade's face, then walked to the chair in front of her and sat down, replying, "Since that's the case, then help me heal once, and we'll call it even. Thank you, Tsunade-sama."

"This minor injury is no trouble at all. If I treat you, you'll be fully recovered in one go."

As Tsunade spoke, she formed hand seals and used her Medical Ninjutsu, then placed her hands on Yoichi's body.

Medical Ninjutsu stimulated cell division using Yang Release chakra to accelerate wound healing. With Tsunade's mastery over chakra, the efficiency of healing injuries was ten times that of other medical ninjas.

Even if using slugs to treat others, the effect was stronger than that of ordinary medical ninjas.

Tsunade had now earned the title of the world's number one medical ninja. Countless people would want to have her treat them, but Tsunade was usually too lazy to bother, only becoming busy when she was short on money.

Before long, Yoichi's injuries had healed almost completely. After expressing his gratitude, he left the Konoha Hospital.

"Feeling better?"

Outside the Konoha Hospital, Kakashi suddenly appeared in front of Yoichi, greeting him expressionlessly.

"Don't appear out of nowhere next time. Also, do you have something to discuss?"

Yoichi replied, thinking that Kakashi wouldn't come looking for him after completing his mission, especially since he had clashed with Root ninjas.

"I actually went to your clan compound first before coming to the hospital."

Kakashi glanced at Yoichi, then continued, "Since you seem to have no urgent matters for the village missions, when do you plan to pick up the next mission?"

After returning home that day, Kakashi did inquire with Sakumo, but Sakumo only provided him with some information. The rest was up to Kakashi to judge and decide.

After much contemplation, Kakashi decided to continue teaming up with Yoichi.

He trusted his instincts; Yoichi wasn't the person rumors made him out to be. That's why he visited the Uchiha compound today before coming to the hospital.

"If you're not in a hurry, how about in five days? I've acquired some new techniques recently and need to familiarize myself with them. This way, the chances of mission success will be higher."

"Alright then. Will you be training these few days?"

"If you have any plans, meet at the usual place!"

"Understood."

After saying this, Kakashi turned and left. His father wouldn't be in the village for long, as he would soon be sent on a mission. Training alone was too slow for him, and only Yoichi in the entire Konoha was suitable as a training target.

Despite graduating a year ago, Kakashi knew few people. Apart from his father, he usually trained alone.

Now having someone stronger than him to spar and train with was a rare opportunity for Kakashi.

(End of chapter)