As sunlight bathed Konohagakure, the streets quickly filled with merchants and villagers. The recent expansion had attracted many outsiders seeking new opportunities.
Knock knock knock. The office door of the Hokage Tower echoed with the sound of knocking.
"Come in," Minato's calm voice invited.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped inside slowly, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings, a trace of nostalgia in his gaze.
Minato put down the scrolls he was working on and stood to greet the Third Hokage, gesturing for him to take a seat.
"Minato, what did you need me for?"
"It's about the Land of Grass again… With the ongoing expansion, many Root members have been reassigned, so we need assistance," Minato explained.
Officially, the Land of Grass was a neutral nation. After several diplomatic confrontations, Iwagakure had acknowledged its sovereignty and recalled its overt forces to the Land of Earth.
However, the tug-of-war between Konoha and Iwagakure over influence in the Land of Grass never truly ceased behind the scenes. For both villages, the Land of Grass was a crucial strategic location.
Minato hoped Hiruzen's ANBU team could take charge of the matter.
"Understood. Leave it to me—I won't let Konoha's interests be compromised," Hiruzen agreed without hesitation.
The two exchanged updates on Konoha's recent developments and challenges until Shikaku Nara knocked and entered with urgent documents for the Fourth Hokage. Hiruzen took this as his cue to leave.
Back at the Sarutobi estate, Hiruzen appeared troubled upon returning home.
"Old man, what task did the Fourth give you?" a voice called.
A 17-year-old Asuma Sarutobi, a cigarette dangling from his lips, sauntered into view with a rebellious, carefree air.
"It's likely related to the investigation you were working on—it's been exposed," Hiruzen said, lighting his pipe. His frown deepened.
"I can't believe they'd be so bold. It's treason against the Land of Fire," Asuma said with barely concealed anger. There was no respect in his tone, only frustration.
His attitude fit his role as a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja. They believed the Land of Fire's daimyo was the nation's true foundation, some even advocating for disbanding the ninja villages and pledging full loyalty to the daimyo.
Asuma's return to Konoha was part of the investigation into Shirakawa Town.
Though officially under the control of the Land of Fire, no noble who tried to extend influence into the town ever succeeded. As Shirakawa Town's wealth grew, it had finally caught the attention of the higher-ups in the Land of Fire.
"I didn't think they'd go this far either…" Hiruzen's eyes clouded with uncertainty.
From the data Asuma brought back and his own findings, it was clear Konoha's economy was becoming increasingly independent of the Land of Fire.
This was unprecedented in Hiruzen's years as Hokage—an independent Konoha outside the daimyo's control. He wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing, but it had certainly drawn the daimyo's ire.
"We need to report to the daimyo. Old man, do what you can to negotiate. If this keeps up, Konoha will lose the daimyo's trust," Asuma warned before leaving.
Hiruzen sat there for a long time, lost in thought, before giving a bitter smile.
How could he negotiate?
A year ago, he could have gathered some of the clans to oppose the Fourth Hokage. But now…
...
In the dim underground chamber, the same stone chair remained as always.
"They've left Konoha. Should we—?" Itachi's tone was calm, but there was a hidden edge of killing intent.
"No need. Conflict is inevitable—it's just a matter of timing," Danzo replied, glancing at the young Uchiha.
"As the young master of Shirakawa Town, what have you observed over the past year?"
"Stability, prosperity. Konoha has grown stronger as a result," Itachi answered without hesitation.
Under the guise of being a surviving noble orphan, Itachi had watched Shirakawa Town's transformation firsthand. He had seen its people evolve from numb and hopeless to respectful and proud.
The wealth Shirakawa Town generated had also benefited Konoha.
Under the Fourth Hokage's leadership, the prejudice against the Uchiha clan had gradually faded. The clan had begun to integrate into the village through various missions and responsibilities.
Everything was moving in a positive direction. Itachi felt satisfied—this was the dream he and Shisui had shared.
"But not everyone shares that view. Some still want to see 'commoners' reduced to living in broken huts… and 'shinobi' leashed like animals to be toyed with," Danzo said darkly, eyeing Itachi's small frame.
"Grow stronger quickly, Itachi. The clan, the village, the nation, the entire shinobi world—they won't be your chains. Your eyes will see beyond them all…"
His voice was filled with expectation, along with a hint of frustration toward the system itself.
Why wasn't the system acknowledging Itachi's loyalty and respect? He could feel the boy's recognition, yet the system refused to reflect it.
"I will always stand at your right hand, witnessing your path," Itachi vowed, kneeling on one knee.
"Little runt, the right side of Danzo-sama is reserved for me alone." A cold, beautiful voice rang out from behind Danzo.
The temperature in the chamber seemed to rise as the speaker's irritation became palpable.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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