Chapter 103

Chapter 103

Unlike the casual conversations with the students, Sakumo and Minato's discussion was more business-oriented.

Sakumo asked, "Minato, are you planning to have Kakashi and the others participate in this year's Chunin Exams?"

"Of course." Minato nodded with a smile. "Kakashi and the others already possess the qualities and strength of chunin-level shinobi. The Chunin Exams will be a great test for them."

"Are you planning to have Haneda and his team participate as well, Sakumo-senpai?" Minato inquired.

Upon hearing this, Sakumo glanced over at Haneda, smiling with pride. "Asuma and Kurenai still need a bit more time, but Haneda… I'm certain he'll make a name for himself during the Chunin Exams."

"I've heard from Kakashi that he's eager to have an all-out match against Haneda," Minato added.

"Is that so?" Minato was surprised to hear this, especially since Kakashi usually kept to himself. But recalling the bond between Haneda and Kakashi, he smiled. He had once heard from Haneda's former teacher, Kōsuke Wanta, that Kakashi and Haneda's friendship had stemmed from a sparring match five years ago. Back then, Kakashi had lost.

Once, Minato asked Kakashi why he trained so hard. Kakashi replied by referencing a promise he had made to Haneda, stating that the next time they fought, he wouldn't lose. Thinking of this, Minato smiled softly.

"Orochimaru-senpai's Third Squad will probably participate too, though their mentor might not attend," Sakumo said.

"You mean that kid, Guy? Maito Dai's son?" Minato asked.

"Yes," Minato nodded slightly. "I've heard Guy specializes in taijutsu, but as an opponent, he's quite formidable."

…

After finishing their meal at Ichiraku Ramen, Haneda walked with Obito for a bit before returning to the Uchiha clan compound. Instead of heading straight home, Haneda made his way to the clan leader's residence.

Comfortably familiar with the place, he pushed the door open and walked inside. The clan leader, Fugaku, and Mikoto were all there, with Mikoto sitting next to Fugaku. Seeing how close they were, Haneda could tell that Fugaku was likely just a step away from marriage.

"I'm back!" Haneda said playfully as he stepped inside, taking off his shoes. He teased, "Mikoto-nee is here too, huh? I've missed your cooking while I was out on missions. When are you going to treat me to a nice dinner at Fugaku-nii's place?"

Mikoto didn't catch the innuendo in Haneda's words at first. After a few seconds, though, she realized the hidden meaning and blushed. "Um… probably this year… maybe in a few months…"

Seeing this, Haneda smiled at Fugaku. He had just helped Fugaku figure out Mikoto's feelings. Now all Fugaku had to do was propose quickly. They were clearly in love—only a good date was needed to seal the deal!

Watching his son and future daughter-in-law blush, the clan leader stroked his chin and laughed. "Fugaku, we're running low on vegetables at home. How about you go out and buy some?"

"Sure." Fugaku, understanding that Haneda had something important to discuss that Mikoto shouldn't hear, agreed without hesitation. Plus, he wanted to talk to Mikoto alone, so he had no qualms about the errand.

"Mikoto, could you come with me? I'm not too good at picking vegetables," Fugaku asked.

"Yes," Mikoto nodded softly, and the two left hand-in-hand.

After they were gone, the clan leader turned to Haneda with concern. "How are your injuries from this mission? Nothing too serious, I hope?"

"Not too bad. I just floated down a river for a while," Haneda replied, downplaying the situation. He didn't mention anything about the Akatsuki. Quickly changing the topic, he added, "During the mission, I encountered masked shinobi who claimed to be under Danzo's command—presumably from Root. They attempted to ambush me while I was escaping, so I reported this to the Third Hokage."

"Root?" The clan leader's face turned serious at the mention of Danzo. "Do you think they were really from Root, or could they have been someone else in disguise, Haneda?"

"Does it matter?" Haneda casually poured himself a cup of tea, feeling thirsty after his meal at Ichiraku.

Hearing this, the clan leader patted Haneda on the shoulder and chuckled. "You're right—it doesn't really matter. So, what's your next move? What do you want from the Third Hokage, and how can the clan help you?"

"I don't need anything," Haneda smiled. "The Hokage has already agreed to my terms."

"Oh?" The clan leader's eyes flashed with surprise, though he quickly understood after considering Haneda's growing strength and status. From the Hokage's perspective, this was a mission he had personally assigned, involving his own son, the Uchiha representative, and Konoha's White Fang. With Haneda and Sakumo both involved in incidents, the Hokage couldn't just sweep things under the rug, especially with hints of Root's involvement.

Curious, the clan leader asked, "What terms did you propose, Haneda? Are you looking to investigate Danzo and Root?"

"No," Haneda shook his head. "Like last time, it's about the Scroll of Seals."

"But the Hokage added his own condition," Haneda continued. "He wants Yashiro, who joined the Anbu five years ago, to lead an investigation along with the Anbu commander into what happened to me in the Land of Rain."

Upon hearing this, the clan leader realized that Haneda would likely need his help. "So, what do you want Yashiro to do? A real investigation, or something else?"

Without hesitation, Haneda replied, "The Hokage won't disband Root, so rather than letting them hide in the shadows, I'd prefer to keep them on the edge of the dark. Yashiro should find some things, but he doesn't need to dig too deep. It would be best to embarrass Danzo a bit—drag things out, let progress happen as it may, and take cues from the Hokage's attitude."

After hearing Haneda's explanation, the clan leader took a moment to think. Haneda wasn't just seeking revenge for what had happened five years ago—he was playing the long game, carefully weighing his actions to benefit from the situation. His approach was calm and measured, with a hint of personal motive, which the clan leader deeply admired.

Looking at Haneda's young yet mature face, the clan leader nodded approvingly. "Understood. I'll inform Yashiro and make the necessary arrangements for you."

"Oh, by the way, we've managed to dig up some information about the two mysterious figures who attacked you and Sakumo."

"One of them is named Kakuzu, a rogue shinobi from Takigakure. He once attempted to assassinate the First Hokage but was spared by him. Kakuzu practices a forbidden technique called Earth Grudge Fear, making him extremely powerful, and it's said he has multiple hearts."

"The other person is likely the grandson of Sunagakure's elder, Chiyo. This individual was known for his talent in puppet techniques and was regarded as a genius in Sunagakure, but he has recently disappeared. He's the only one with the capability to have gotten close to the Third Kazekage and assassinate him without anyone knowing."

Hearing this, Haneda smiled. He already knew who had attacked him and Sakumo, but the clan leader's concern and willingness to help still warmed his heart.

…