Chapter 152: "Danzo: I Heard You Created an S-Rank Jutsu?"

"Lord Danzo, Yagami Takuya is incredibly powerful. That technique he used—its power was immense. Even the small white fox that's always with him is no joke," the ANBU operative reported.

"With just a flick of its tail, it deflected Hanzō's sickle, keeping him at bay and making Hanzō hesitate to approach Yagami Takuya."

Danzo was still bedridden, his body wrapped in bandages and an eyepatch covering one eye. But as a high-ranking figure in Konoha, he enjoyed certain privileges.

Unlike other wounded soldiers, Danzo had the luxury of recuperating in the command center's private quarters—a treatment few could hope to receive.

Lying there, Danzo remained silent for a while, pondering to himself. "A jutsu formed with lightning-nature chakra, huh?"

"A white fox that resembles a tailed beast," he muttered, his mind whirring. The ANBU ninja knelt silently, awaiting further instructions without interrupting his leader's thoughts.

"Bring him to me. Tell him I have something to discuss," Danzo finally ordered.

"Yes, Lord Danzo." The ANBU agent quickly left to fetch Takuya.

Back at the camp, Takuya found himself, as usual, with nothing to do. He wanted to leave, but unfortunately, he had new orders. He was to stay for a few more days and escort a group of wounded shinobi back to Konoha, guarding them against any potential attacks from Sunagakure ninja.

Speaking of Sunagakure, Takuya had no idea why they were still hanging around in the Land of Rain. The war between Konoha and Amegakure had already ended. There was nothing left for Sunagakure to gain by sticking around. Yet Chiyo still hadn't led her forces out of the country, leaving Takuya wondering if she was plotting something.

Maybe another sneak attack.

"You seriously said something that made Tsunade hit you?" Takuya asked, stifling a laugh as he stared at Nara Shikaku, who was sporting a nasty black eye.

He had managed to hold back his laughter on the journey back to the camp, but now that they were alone, he couldn't resist bringing it up.

"I swear I don't know what happened, okay? You believe me, right?" Shikaku groaned, clearly exasperated.

What the hell was I thinking, running my mouth like that? he berated himself. If I had just acted like I didn't see anything, I wouldn't be walking around with a panda eye right now. It's none of my business what Tsunade-sama and Takuya do!

"You don't know?" Takuya looked at him with raised eyebrows, his skeptical gaze making Shikaku even more uncomfortable. With a wry smile, Shikaku added, "I really don't. I just said I didn't see anything."

"..."

No wonder people say the Nara clan has high IQ but low EQ, Takuya thought to himself. You practically dug your own grave with that one. Tsunade not hitting you would've been a miracle.

Takuya rolled his eyes. "Next time, just stay out of her way. That woman has no sense of timing when it comes to whooping people, unless you're stronger than her. Otherwise, you're just asking for it."

Shikaku shook his head so fast it was almost comical. No way! There's not gonna be a next time. You two can hug, kiss, whatever—you'll never hear a peep out of me.

As if to punctuate his resolve, Shikaku pressed a warm towel against his throbbing eye and hissed in pain.

Peeking over at Takuya, who was casually lounging on his makeshift cot, Shikaku's curiosity got the better of him. "Takuya, that jutsu you used earlier today…"

"Ah, that? It's called Lightning Style: Thunderburst," Takuya said, making up a name on the spot.

Whether or not anyone believed it didn't really matter. Hell, even he didn't believe it.

"It's simple, really," Takuya continued, not missing a beat. "You just focus your lightning-nature chakra and throw it. Super easy."

"..."

Yeah, right! You're full of crap! Shikaku thought, giving up on the conversation. He was interested in the jutsu, sure, but he was also curious about the whole situation with Tsunade. But the dull ache in his eye was a clear reminder not to dig too deep. One panda eye was bad enough; two would be unbearable.

Takuya might not throw punches, but Tsunade sure as hell would.

"Yagami Takuya, Lord Danzo requests your presence," a voice called from the entrance to the tent.

The ANBU operative had arrived with a message, breaking up the conversation.

Danzo? He wants to see me? Takuya thought as he sat up, surprised. That was fast. They had just returned to camp, and Danzo already knew everything that had happened? And he's calling for me specifically?

It seemed Danzo's grip over the ANBU and his Root division was tighter than Takuya had imagined.

"Hold the fort here while I'm gone, and grab some fresh supplies from the logistics team," Takuya said, patting Shikaku's shoulder as he stood. He followed the ANBU out of the tent and headed toward the command center.

As the advisor to the Hokage and one of Konoha's top officials, Danzo's accommodations were far more luxurious than what other wounded soldiers could hope for. While most were crammed into the medical tents, Danzo reclined in a comfortable bed, tucked away in the command center's private rest area.

Surrounded by a cadre of ANBU and Root operatives, Danzo looked more like a feudal lord than a patient.

Must be nice to be in charge, Takuya thought as he approached.

"Lord Danzo, Yagami Takuya is here," the ANBU operative announced before fading into the shadows.

Lying in bed, Danzo opened his one good eye, staring at Takuya from across the room. His other eye was bandaged, and most of his body was wrapped in gauze.

Chiyo really did a number on him, Takuya noted. She had nearly taken Danzo out of the game for good. If it weren't for his quick thinking and use of a summoning technique, the old man probably wouldn't be alive right now.

Danzo's gaze was sharp, but Takuya didn't bother with any formalities. Bowing and scraping weren't exactly his style, and he had no intention of starting now. He stood still, returning Danzo's gaze without flinching.

Danzo frowned, clearly displeased by the lack of decorum.

"I've heard about what happened in Amegakure. You handled things well. Hanzō, the so-called half-god, still had the audacity to think he could dictate terms to us after losing. The nerve of that man," Danzo sneered.

Is this guy for real? Takuya thought, his expression turning skeptical. It was one thing for someone like the Third Hokage, Ōnoki, or the Raikage to criticize Hanzō. They had the strength to back it up. But Danzo? Where did he get off looking down on Hanzō?

Was it because of his position in Konoha? His title as the Hokage's advisor?

Sure, Hanzō's "half-god" status might have been exaggerated, but even so, there were few people in the ninja world capable of taking him down. Danzo certainly wasn't one of them.

Takuya kept silent, waiting to see where this conversation was headed.

"I also heard," Danzo continued, his voice shifting, "that you created a jutsu—Lightning Style: Thunderburst. An S-rank technique?"

Knew it, Takuya thought. Of course, he's after the jutsu.

Maintaining a calm expression, Takuya simply nodded. "Yes, that's correct."

***********important********

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