Chapter 34. Trends from all parties

Hokage's office.

"Sandaime-sama, Uchiha has returned the four detained Anbu."

"They weren't punished; they were just held overnight."

"Is that so?" The Third Hokage took a puff of his cigarette.

"Sarutobi, what's your plan?" Mitokado asked.

The Third Hokage sighed, "Remove all the Anbu monitoring the Uchiha clan. There won't be a need to continue in the future."

"Is that really okay, Sarutobi?"

Mitokado expressed concern. Monitoring the Uchiha clan had always been Tobirama's directive. They didn't dare to let their guard down, but they never found anything substantial.

However, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack was clearly linked to the Uchiha.

"If we don't withdraw, are you willing to sacrifice all the ANBU there?"

The Third Hokage let out a heavy snort.

"Now, we have two Kage-level Uchiha powerhouses, Fugaku and Natsuki, both Mangekyō Sharingan masters. Killer B is still recuperating in the hospital!"

Mitokado sat down with a sullen expression, remaining silent.

Koharu suggested, "How about calling Jiraiya and Tsunade back?"

Sarutobi took a long drag on his cigarette and said, "Tsunade's whereabouts are uncertain. Let Jiraiya come back."

Mitokado and Koharu exchanged glances, wondering how Tsunade could be so unreachable.

Wherever she goes, the title of "the Legendary Sucker" spreads.

The reason why Tsunade didn't return was her ongoing suspicion of Konoha's higher-ups. The traces of Nawaki's death and Dan's death were too obvious but Tsunade had no evidence, so she left Konoha.

Getting Tsunade back now won't be easy and Jiraiya's character is more manageable.

Turning to Koharu, the Third Hokage nodded, "I'll leave the arrangements to you."

After Koharu left, the Third Hokage asked, "How are Kumogakure and the others?"

Mitokado picked up the official letter in his hand, "Currently, Killer B is in good condition after emergency treatment. With his physique, he'll be discharged from the hospital soon."

"Yugito sent a letter back to Kumogakure. They are staying at the embassy and not launching elsewhere."

The Third Hokage nodded. This time, Kumogakure was genuinely intimidated.

He didn't expect Uchiha to openly support Konoha

Though Konoha Village could gain some benefits from this peace negotiation, the Hyuga clan...

The Third Hokage felt a headache. Why did the Uchiha family have a prodigy like Natsuki?

All these changes in the Uchiha clan occurred after Natsuki became the deputy clan leader. 

Now that the Hokage line has lost Hyuga as an ally, they have no choice but to recall Jiraiya.

It would be nice if Orochimaru were here.

The Third Hokage understood Orochimaru's character but recognized his exceptional scientific research ability and intelligence.

If Orochimaru were allowed to become Hokage...

The Third Hokage found himself lost in thought for a moment.

"Sarutobi? Sarutobi?"

Mitokado's voice brought the Third Hokage back from his pondering.

He shook his head, realizing he was getting old. Orochimaru's return was an unrealistic hope.

The Third Hokage cheered up: "Well, what has Danzo been doing recently?"

Mitokado hesitated and said, "Since the ROOT entered the police force, Hizashi only asked them to do security maintenance work."

"Because too many people complained, Danzo had no choice but to fix it himself."

"It's not clear what his recent actions have been. But he often sends people from the ROOT to hang out in places where Uchiha is responsible."

"Hmph, Uchiha is not that easy to bully now."

The Third Hokage had mixed feelings about Danzo, given their history as teammates. Later, as he rose to the leadership level, he was the Hokage, and Danzo operated in the dark. They used to work well together.

However, in recent years, Danzo's ambitions have been increasing, and the number of people in the ROOT has exceeded the original count. Even the Hokage didn't know how many agents were buried deep underground.

Danzo had previously coveted Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, and even after a severe beating from Natsuki, he hadn't given up.

"Um..."

Sarutobi pondered for a moment.

"Send this news to Natsuki. Let them handle it on their own."

Mitokado nodded in agreement. He had also witnessed Danzo's growing ambitions. Despite their past as teammates, Danzo now carried himself with a superior attitude. With Uchiha's current strength, Danzo was likely to face challenges.

...

The land of sound.

After many days of a long journey, Itachi, Shisui, and their party finally arrived in the land of sound.

The land of sound is a small land, not even one-tenth the size of the land of fire. Its resources are not as large, and its national power is relatively low.

However, after traveling through the wilderness for many days, everyone is eager to rest and gather information.

In a small town, the Uchiha booked the entire hotel.

The hotel owner, who was on the verge of bankruptcy, received this unexpected windfall with great joy. He was exceptionally attentive to Itachi and his group, accommodating their every request.

After a day of rest, the group regained their strength.

Early the next morning, Takuya began inquiring about information regarding the land of sound.

"Has your land recently established a new ninja village?"

"Hey, guests, you're well-informed," the hotel owner exclaimed.

"They established a new Sound Ninja Village here a few years ago. Though small, it's quite formidable."

"Many foreign ninjas are attracted to the Otogakure, and its mission efficiency is impressive."

"Our daimyo fully supports the Otogakure. I've heard he allocated a significant amount of money to them."

Before their departure, Elder Takuya had gathered information about the location and some details of the Otogakure.

After the Uchiha had rested, they promptly made their way towards the Otogakure.

Due to the small size of the Land of Sound, they reached the border of the Otogakure in just two days.

To avoid unnecessary casualties, Itachi arranged for the other Uchiha to stay in the town, while he and Shisui planned to go alone.

The overall scale of the Otogakure was quite modest, covering an area smaller than the Uchiha clan's land, with only a few hundred people coming and going.

However, as Itachi and Shisui entered the Otogakure, they sensed powerful chakra hidden within the village—clear signs of Jounin-level ninjas.

Remaining cautious, Itachi and Shisui headed to the mission center to discuss their mission.

The mission center had only one reception window, attended by a friendly-looking, ordinary woman.

Approaching to discuss their mission, Shisui politely stated, "We need to find someone; he should be in your village."

Curious, the aunt asked, "Oh? I wonder who the guest is talking about?"

"They are here to find me." A man with glasses walked in with a smile – it was Kabuto Yakushi.

"Both of you, come with me." He greeted the aunt, then led Itachi and Shisui to the back of the village.

Beyond the village was a branch of a mountain range. As they progressed, fewer people were around, until only the footsteps of the three individuals remained.

After a while, Kabuto stopped at the mouth of a mountain pass.

"I don't know why the famous Shunshin no Shisui and the oldest son of the Uchiha's clan leader came to our village."

As he spoke, several figures landed nearby. Wearing various forehead protectors, they were followers Orochimaru had recruited from other ninja villages, all Jounin-level ninjas.

Everyone looked at Itachi and Shisui with great hostility.

Ignoring the hostile gazes, Itachi took a step forward and calmly addressed Kabuto, "You are Kabuto Yakushi, right? Where is Orochimaru?"

Itachi's tone remained composed, lacking any emotional fluctuation. However, several Jounin seemed agitated.

"How dare you call the Lord by his first name!"

With that, they fiercely attacked Itachi and Shisui.