Chapter 160: Return to the Village, Danzo’s Interference

*Chapter 160: Return to the Village, Danzo's Interference**

At the same time, on the border between the Land of Taki and the Land of Earth.

Standing on a cliff, White Zetsu, controlled by Black Zetsu, observed the traces left by the Flower Tree World Descends technique, lost in thought.

"Uchiha Haneda... Could he possibly wield both Indra's and Asura's powers? But Wood Release isn't something one awakens easily..."

After a long silence, Black Zetsu finally asked, "Are you sure this was Uchiha Haneda's doing?"

White Zetsu exaggeratedly grinned. "Who else could it be? This is exactly where he fought with Sasori."

Not bothering with White Zetsu's antics, Black Zetsu performed a technique, directly infiltrating White Zetsu's mind to retrieve the recorded memories.

Time rewound to just before dawn. Haneda held a necklace in his hand, appearing to come to a decision before crushing it. Then, he clapped his hands, unleashing the Wood Release: Flower Tree World Descends.

That necklace was familiar. Black Zetsu recalled it as a chakra crystal left behind by Asura's reincarnation, Hashirama Senju.

"Did Haneda unlock this power by accident? Or was he prepared?" Black Zetsu wondered. "But to awaken such power, Hashirama's chakra should be required."

After long observation, White Zetsu had never once recorded Haneda using Wood Release. Black Zetsu hadn't yet realized that Haneda possessed the Sage's Body and continued to speculate on the reincarnation of Asura's chakra.

"Should we report this to Lord Madara?" White Zetsu asked mockingly, almost as if ridiculing.

"No need. He doesn't need to know," Black Zetsu replied coldly, instinctively wanting to conceal matters involving Asura.

---

Late in the 48th year of Konoha, after the victorious Battle of Kannabi Bridge, the Iwa-nin began calling Namikaze Minato the Yellow Flash and allowed their shinobi to abandon missions when facing him without penalty.

Simultaneously, Uchiha Haneda's name once again circulated through the councils of the major ninja villages. In the Kannabi Bridge battle, his swift movements and flashes of lightning earned him the title of Blue Flash.

With the year drawing to a close, both Konoha and Iwa agreed on a brief ceasefire. The Lands of Taki and Grass finally experienced rare moments of peace.

On the same day as the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, Konoha fought a fierce battle with Kumogakure. Konoha's forces, despite heavy losses, managed to hold off the Kumo assault. This delay allowed Sakumo Hatake's strike team to breach Kumogakure, forcing the Third Raikage to retreat and sign a peace agreement with Konoha.

---

Back in Konoha.

For the first time in half a year, Haneda returned to the village. As he reached the gates, he turned slightly, glancing at Kakashi and Rin, before silently stepping through the entrance.

Two cloaked, masked shinobi in black intercepted him. With emotionless voices, they stated, "Uchiha Haneda, the Hokage and the three elders have summoned you to the office."

Haneda coldly observed the shinobi, gripping his sword handle. "Root shinobi. Move."

Minato smiled wryly, unsure how Haneda could differentiate Root operatives from the regular Anbu, but these two had definitely picked the wrong time. Right now, Haneda's presence even made Minato feel a hint of unease.

The Root shinobi, trying to protest, felt an intense wave of killing intent as Haneda unsheathed his blade by only a centimeter.

A hand reached out to steady Haneda's arm. "No killing in the village, Haneda," Sakumo spoke gently from behind. "I know what happened to you."

"As your teacher, I'm sorry I couldn't help you more," Sakumo said, slowly pressing Haneda's blade back into its sheath. The Root shinobi, drenched in sweat, sighed in relief. They had no doubt Haneda had intended to kill them.

"Come on, Haneda. Just accompany me to meet them," Sakumo said, guiding him past the shinobi and into the village.

Kakashi, watching Haneda's departing figure disappear into the crowd, whispered, "Sensei, Haneda…?"

"Everyone has dark times," Minato replied, ruffling Kakashi's hair. "This is something every shinobi goes through. He'll overcome it."

Kakashi looked up, seeing the sun shrouded by clouds. Nodding, he took strength from Minato's words. He trusted that Haneda would still be the radiant sun he had always known.

---

At the Hokage's office.

The moment Danzo saw the Uchiha boy with his "inborn malice," he snapped, "Uchiha Haneda! Why did you abandon the mission that Orochimaru assigned you, resulting in the fall of the Frost Country hospital?"

Haneda raised his head, Sharingan activated. The mere sight made Danzo freeze, momentarily trapped by Haneda's genjutsu. A tap from the Third Hokage released him, and he angrily bellowed, "Uchiha Haneda! Do you think this is a place where you can act recklessly?!"

Ignoring Danzo's fury, Haneda sat down, his expression cold. Sakumo, slightly embarrassed, quickly explained, "I've already spoken to Orochimaru about the matter. He agreed to it, Lord Hokage."

Danzo slammed his hand on the table, shouting, "Nonsense! War is no game! Orochimaru simply allowed him to leave Frost Country for the Land of Earth? Sakumo, don't be so lenient with your students. A mistake is a mistake!"

Seeing Sakumo lower his head in silence, Haneda turned to Danzo, fury in his eyes. "So, what punishment do you think I deserve? I am a hero who fought for Konoha."

"I killed more enemies than you've spoken words here, Danzo. What right does someone who hides behind schemes and complaints have to lecture me?"

Danzo's eyes widened, and he turned to the Third Hokage. "This is insubordination! Hiruzen, do you see now? This is the person you have high hopes for?"

"This old man, who sacrifices himself behind the scenes for Konoha, being questioned by a brat!"

The Third Hokage, at a loss for words, understood Haneda's anger. How could they punish him after he'd just returned victorious from the front lines? It would set a terrible precedent for the village.

Besides, Haneda was now an indispensable bridge between Konoha and the Uchiha clan, a formidable shinobi with a reputation across the ninja world.

***

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