Return to Konoha

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At the Konoha Gate, after completing the mission of annihilating the Grass Ninja infiltrators, Shunren embarked on his return journey.

The Konoha Ninja guarding the gate spotted Shunren from a distance.

His tall and slender figure, which was considered tall for his age at about 1.55 meters, still presented a huge visual difference compared to the Heavy Black Iron Ruler he carried on his back.

The childishness on his face had not completely faded, and under the cold wind and snow of December, he was only wearing a thin shirt, which was torn in many places and stained with dried blood.

Shunren left footprints in the snow with every step he took, which was not a good habit for a ninja, as the most basic skill of a ninja was to conceal their presence. A good ninja would always be careful not to leave any trace. But Shunren had no choice, after all, he was carrying this huge thing. However, compared to a year ago when every step felt like the earth shaking, it was much better. If he continued to train like this, sooner or later Shunren would be able to ignore the weight of the Heavy Black Iron Ruler.

His spiritual practice is far from sufficient!

"Pass." Upon arriving at the gates of Konoha, the guards stepped forward to check it as per protocol.

Konoha enforces a strict entry and exit system. Anyone entering or leaving Konoha must wear a specific pass. This is a daily rule, and especially during times of war, this system must be even more rigorous.

"Thank you for your hard work, Shunren." Interactions between people create bonds. Ordinary Konoha Ninja, though influenced by the opinions of Konoha High Command and harboring no goodwill towards the Uchiha, always find what they see with their own eyes to be more real than what they hear.

Shunren completed his tasks day after day, and the Konoha Ninja guarding the gates saw it all. After all, the reason they could stand guard here peacefully was because someone was keeping the enemy out of Konoha.

Shunren nodded in response. Shunren wasn't particularly moved by the guards' respect, because in his view, everything he had done so far had been for his own benefit—constantly improving his strength through combat. As for protecting Konoha, that was merely a consequence of the situation.

Perhaps for this reason, in the past year, the higher-ups of Konoha did not cause him any trouble and made good use of Shunren's combat power.

The two sides have established a good working relationship.

However, starting today, this friendly relationship is likely to come to an end.

After a year of practical experience, Shunren had reached a certain bottleneck and it was time for him to calm down and cultivate new skills.

"Well then, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." In the Hokage Building, after reporting the mission results, Shunren refused the Third's request for further missions.

"Is that so? You really should take a break. Go on." The Third took a drag on his pipe, adopting a nonchalant attitude.

In the course of that year, Shunren had already completed an excessive number of tasks, so the Third could no longer force him to work.

Shunren then left the Hokage Building and returned to the Uchiha settlement.

Danzo was Danzo the entire time, from the moment Shunren stepped into the Hokage Building until he left. Not only this time, but almost every time Shunren returned to report on a mission before, Danzo would coincidentally appear at the Hokage Building.

Danzo never spoke to Shunren knew what kind of person Danzo was, so he never paid any attention to Danzo.

"So, Danzo, what brings you here by chance?" After Shunren left, the Third asked Danzo leisurely while fiddling with his Danzo.

"You should know that I'm interested in that child." Unlike his previous attempts to cover up his intentions, Danzo this time openly admitted his purpose.

The Third's brow twitched, then he glanced at Danzo with a hint of surprise. "You're still the same as ever, truly obsessed with the Uchiha."

"The Uchiha must be kept a close eye on; this is a lesson left behind by the Second Hokage!" Danzo coldly.

"..." The Third paused for a moment, but did not deny Danzo's words, only saying, "He's still just a child..."

"You can't let the kid kill Jonin!" Danzo suddenly interrupted the Third with a rather forceful attitude, launching into a barrage of words, "Hiruzen, don't play dumb! In just one year, Kokonoe of Waterfall Ninja, Taisa of Rain Ninja, Zenponi of Frost Ninja, the Ryuun Swordsman of the Land of Iron, and recently, Karetsu of Grass Ninja —many of these are ninjas with some reputation in the Shinobi World, all genuine Jonin. Now they've all fallen to that guy's hands. Don't you think this kid's growth rate is a bit too fast?!"

The Third narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a meaningful tone, "Root's intelligence capabilities are truly outstanding."

"Don't change the subject!" Danzo's expression changed; in fact, he was changing the subject to avoid giving the other party a chance to press further, continuing, "If we continue to let him grow, the Uchiha will likely become even more powerful!"

"You're overthinking it, Danzo." The Third shook his head.

Danzo exclaimed urgently, "What are you talking about Hiruzen! I'm not joking!"

"I will give him an important position," the Third said calmly.

"You're insane!" Danzo shouted angrily.

"He works very hard and is very passionate about training to become stronger." The Third sighed, then said slowly, "From now on, the battlefield will be his stage for growth."

"You..." Danzo's eyes suddenly widened. The cunning old man seemed to have realized something, then his lips twitched, and he murmured, "So that's what you were planning."

"What idea?" The Third looked puzzled.

"You just want him to go and die, don't you?" Danzo with a knowing look.

The Third frowned and said in a deep voice, "What nonsense are you spouting? A true man of honor earns glory and merit on the battlefield; how can you call that sending yourself to your death?!"

Danzo's face twitched, and he said in a sinister tone, "Then, should we erect a monument for him?"

"Of course!" the Third answered without hesitation.

Danzo revealed a wicked expression, "Memorial Stone... right?"

The Third righteously denied it, "You said it yourself."