Chapter 37: Ambush – Root's Shinobi

Konohagakure.

Hokage Residence

Hiruzen stood alone by the window, thoughtfully puffing on his pipe. His expression was complex. Earlier, Shinku had given him a detailed report of the latest mission logs. Based on Shikaku's intelligence from the front lines, Hiruzen had a good grasp of recent events.

What he hadn't expected was the level of talent in Uchiha Mirai. Only a year out of the Academy, and already able to stand up to Kage-level power. True, according to reports, Mirai had used the Eight Gates technique to temporarily boost his power, barely surviving Rasa's attacks, but it still showed remarkable potential. Even Kagami back in his day couldn't quite compare to Mirai.

This time, however, Hiruzen didn't feel the same cautious distrust he usually had toward the Uchiha. In the heat of crisis, Mirai had chosen to risk his life to protect his comrades, prioritizing their safety over his own. This kind of selflessness warmed Hiruzen's heart—Mirai was clearly embodying the "Will of Fire."

With a loyal heart like this, Hiruzen felt confident that he could keep him close.

Suddenly, the office door burst open. Hearing the hurried footsteps, Hiruzen didn't need to turn to know who had entered. Only his old friend would barge into the Hokage's office like this.

"Hiruzen, Uchiha Mirai has returned to the village. I'm requesting that the Root shinobi take him into custody," Danzo stated without preamble.

Hiruzen turned, tapping his pipe on the desk before he spoke slowly.

"Danzo, I've told you before. Mirai is a promising shinobi, and his character doesn't align with Root's methods."

"Hmph! You're losing your judgment," Danzo sneered. "With his talent, do you want another Madara in Konoha?"

"Danzo, stop with the fearmongering."

"I know exactly what's on your mind."

"Mirai's strength isn't concerning as long as he hasn't awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan."

"But what if he does?" Danzo retorted immediately.

Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, his expression calm.

"Even if he does, it's no problem. The Mangekyo Sharingan is a cursed power, every Uchiha who attains it ultimately loses their vision."

"This village is under our control, one Mangekyo Sharingan won't change that."

A powerful aura emanated from Hiruzen. As the "God of Shinobi," he had no doubt in his ability to handle any threat. Besides, Hiruzen was surrounded by strong allies: Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Minato, along with the elite shinobi of the clans and the ANBU. With his own power added, who in Konoha could stand against him?

Danzo frowned. "Hiruzen, there's an easier way to keep him in check. Why make things more difficult?"

"Danzo, just focus on your own responsibilities. Leave the rest to me."

"One day, you'll regret this," Danzo warned.

"You've told me that many times."

"Humph!" Danzo huffed as he stormed out, leaving Hiruzen to smirk into his tea.

His old friend was still so naïve. The Uchiha clan might obey, but if they ever chose to break away, Konoha would have to respond. As Konoha's founders, the Uchiha were a crucial part of the village. If it ever came to it, he would have to bear the burden of dealing with them. But if an Uchiha rose to challenge his clan from within... well, that would be a different story. Mirai, with his immense talent and dedication to the Will of Fire, was the ideal candidate for such a role.

After the war, it would be time for Mirai to join the ANBU…

...

Late at night.

Outside a barbecue restaurant.

Shinku waved at Mirai and the others, with Kurenai beside him.

"Take it easy for a while, but don't slack off on your training."

"We got it," they responded.

Shinku gave a slightly tipsy laugh, a bit reluctant as he and Kurenai disappeared into the night. Once they were out of sight, Asuma turned his gaze back and muttered,

"I'm heading out too." With a flicker of Body Flicker Technique, he vanished, not lingering a second longer than necessary.

Mirai watched him go and shook his head, not minding much. It was probably for the best. Given the tension between him and the Sarutobi clan, he might one day have to face Asuma in battle, maybe even take his life. Keeping their distance now wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Walking back toward the Uchiha compound, he noticed the streets growing emptier. As he passed through a shadowy alleyway, he stopped abruptly.

Two masked shinobi appeared, surrounding him from both sides.

"Uchiha Mirai," one said coldly, "Danzo-sama has requested that you come with us."

Mirai's expression didn't change. "Danzo? Never heard of him."

"Danzo-sama is the Hokage's advisor. His orders are to be obeyed by every Konoha shinobi," one of the Root shinobi replied sternly. "Or are you aiming to betray the village and become a rogue?"

Mirai chuckled dismissively. "You sure know how to make threats."

A moment later, his Sharingan flared to life in the darkness, the crimson eyes gleaming.

"He's going to fight!" the Root shinobi gasped in alarm.

Used to operating unchecked within the village, they had not expected him to resist. But it was too late. Caught in the Sharingan's genjutsu, their focus faltered for a split second. In that instant, Mirai's blade pierced their chests.

Their eyes widened in disbelief. This young Uchiha had attacked without a moment's hesitation, delivering a lethal strike.

"Uchiha Mirai… Danzo-sama won't let this go…"

"Don't worry—I never planned to let him off either."

Ding! Congratulations, Host, on acquiring Shadow Imitation Technique!

Ding! Congratulations, Host, on acquiring Partial Multi-Size Technique!

Hearing the system's voice in his mind, Mirai's lips curved. Using a search jutsu, he rifled through the Root shinobi's minds, gathering information on Root's activities. Deciding to keep Danzo preoccupied, he disposed of the bodies and stealthily made his way to a temporary Root base.

According to the memories, two Root teams were stationed there, led by two elite jonin. Ensuring he hadn't been detected, Mirai formed hand signs and cast a Transformation Technique, concealing himself. He created a shadow clone and advanced, moving silently toward the base.

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