Chapter 41

Chapter 41

**Morning.**

In a single patient room of Konoha Hospital, Haneda slowly opened his eyes, the white tiled ceiling coming into view.

"You're awake, little Uchiha."

A lazy female voice reached his ears.

Haneda turned slightly, and two proud peaks came into view.

As his gaze moved upward, he saw bright brown eyes, a purple-blue diamond mark, and light yellow hair…

'Wasn't this the legendary Sannin, Tsunade-hime?'

The Third Hokage truly spared no expense to invite Tsunade.

From past observations, it was clear that Tsunade was currently at odds with the Third Hokage.

She had taken Shizune with her as soon as she graduated from the Ninja Academy and left Konoha to wander. Her attitude toward the Konoha F4 since she took office as Hokage further confirmed this.

Suddenly, the memories of the previous battle flooded back, and Haneda painfully rubbed his temples.

"Ah, it seems it's more than just chakra exhaustion."

Cool fingers touched Haneda's forehead, and a comfortable warmth spread from her fingertips.

The pain in his head eased significantly.

"Thank you," Haneda whispered in gratitude and then urgently asked, "Tsunade-sama, how is Kakashi doing?"

"He's resting; he'll be fine in a few days," Tsunade instinctively replied as a doctor.

Realizing what she had said, she then questioned, "Do you know me?"

Hearing that Kakashi was okay, Haneda felt a wave of relief wash over him.

He maintained a calm demeanor and replied, "You are the legendary Sannin, I've seen your photo, Tsunade-sama."

"I see." Tsunade retracted her hand and looked at Haneda's face.

She felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity emanating from this Uchiha kid.

This feeling was familiar, akin to her brother and her grandfather.

This was also why Tsunade had stayed by Haneda's bedside.

Thinking of recent events in the village, Tsunade reminded him, "Kid, you're in quite a predicament; many people want to see you, you know?"

"The head of the Uchiha clan, Hatake Sakumo, and the elite jōnin Might Dai, who was personally appointed by the old man, and of course, the old man himself."

"So many big names are eager to see you."

With one hand propped against the table, Tsunade rested her chin on her palm.

The more she spoke, the more curious she became about Haneda.

Tsunade had not paid much attention to village affairs, but she had learned quite a bit about Haneda recently.

There was no need to elaborate on the Uchiha clan leader; Haneda's last name said it all.

It was only natural for her to pay attention to such a talented junior.

But the relationship between Konoha White Fang and Might Dai and Haneda was puzzling.

The former was a recent village rumor that Haneda had spoken well of White Fang.

That admiration was something Tsunade could understand.

She had fallen for Kato Dan back in the day because he stood by her when no one else supported or understood her.

But Might Dai was another matter.

How had Haneda recognized the potential of a long-time genin who was equal to the Kage level?

What was the connection between them?

Was it merely that Haneda had pulled Might Dai into something?

Tsunade looked at Haneda's refined face, growing more curious by the moment.

A kid thriving amidst the political whirlpool in Konoha seemed quite extraordinary.

Noticing that Haneda was silent for a long time, Tsunade asked, "Kid, why are you so quiet?"

"My head feels a bit foggy, Tsunade-sama. Did you just say that Uncle Dai was appointed as an elite jōnin?"

Haneda didn't want to discuss politics with Tsunade and quickly changed the topic.

"Ha ha… As soon as Might Dai returned to the village, the old man couldn't wait to greet him at the village gate and appointed him in public. It made Might Dai quite emotional."

Tsunade chuckled lightly, her tone laced with a hint of mockery.

"Is that so?" Given the Third Hokage's usual methods of winning people over, Haneda wasn't surprised by his actions.

He had witnessed similar performances in the Hokage building before.

**Tap, tap, tap...**

Heavy footsteps approached slowly from a distance.

Hearing the noise, Tsunade glanced at the large tree outside the window; the Anbu who had left earlier were now back.

"Alright, little Uchiha, the old man is here to see you, so I won't chat any longer."

Tsunade walked somewhat displeased to the door, pushing it open just as the Third Hokage was arriving.

She glanced at him without saying a word and walked straight out.

"Lord Hokage." Noticing the Third Hokage walking in, Haneda greeted him immediately.

Tsunade could ignore the Hokage, but Haneda couldn't afford to.

"Haneda, looking at your face, you seem to be feeling better; it looks like Tsunade has been taking good care of you," the Third Hokage said as he set a basket of fruit on the bedside cabinet.

He always spoke with a gentle smile, appearing to be a caring elder.

However, his words subtly attributed Haneda's recovery entirely to Tsunade.

Before Haneda could respond, the Third Hokage continued, "I'm very sorry about last night's incident that led to both you and Kakashi getting injured."

"Don't worry; I have already ordered an investigation into the people behind this, and such an incident will not happen again."

The Third Hokage first apologized, then indicated he had swiftly handled the matter.

It seemed that he was sincere and efficient in dealing with the situation.

In reality, he did not mention how the investigation would unfold or who was behind the incident at all.

Haneda was well aware that this was the Root's scheme to assassinate the Third Hokage so that Danzo could take power.

He and Kakashi were merely collateral damage who fell into the trap.

Due to political and other factors, they had also been targeted by that old sly fox, Danzo.

As for the Hokage's claims about investigating, Haneda didn't believe a word.

According to the original plot, after Danzo's failed assassination of the Third Hokage, nothing happened; he continued to control the Root.

What was even more ridiculous was that Danzo seemed to be getting more powerful.

From this, it was clear that the Third Hokage was complicit in Danzo's schemes.

Haneda wasn't keen on indulging the Third Hokage's pretense; he was waiting for the Uchiha clan leader and Hatake Sakumo.

Once those two arrived, the Third Hokage's machinations against him would all fall apart, and he would have to suffer a great loss.

"I'm sorry, Lord Hokage, my head feels a bit hazy. What did you just say? I didn't quite catch that."

Haneda clutched his head, feigning pain.

Seeing this, the Third Hokage's smile instantly stiffened.

However, his expression quickly returned to normal as he spoke in a caring tone, "It's fine; you just woke up; it's normal to be a bit disoriented."

The Third Hokage remained seated at Haneda's bedside, waiting for him to recover.

At this moment, a hurried sound of footsteps came from outside the door as someone else arrived.

"Lord Hokage."

Sakumo, who was looking after Kakashi next door, opened the door and stepped in.

"Oh, it's Sakumo. Please have a seat." The Third Hokage thought to himself that this was not a good situation; he most wanted to avoid facing Sakumo right now.

"Are you also here to check on Haneda, Lord Hokage?" Sakumo asked in a low voice.

"Yes, in light of this incident, it's my responsibility as Hokage to come and see him," the Third Hokage replied, maintaining his pleasant demeanor.

However, after he spoke, the atmosphere in the room froze, and for a moment, no one said a word.

***

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