The Dirty Political Deal

Konoha.

Bright sunlight spilled across the land, and Konoha appeared thriving and prosperous, as if last year's Nine-Tails Night had already faded with the wind.

Inside a standalone three-story wooden house, Uchiha Yoruro smiled at Sarutobi Hizuki, who now bore a middle-aged face tinged with a rigid, old-fashioned air.

"Uchiha Yoruro, I don't understand what you mean by this."

Before him lay the deed to a shop. On Sarutobi Hizuki's stern expression, a semblance of unwavering righteousness appeared.

Yoruro, who had come in person, put on a solemn look. "Unno Ki was arrested by the Konoha Military Police Force for causing a disturbance while drunk. However, it was precisely because of his drunkenness that he let something slip. After investigation by the Military Police, it was confirmed that he had betrayed the village's interests, which was also the reason Jōnin Sarutobi Hizuki's mission in the Land of Grass failed back then."

"Unno Ki has confessed his guilt, but he has a nephew at home. He is deeply regretful and guilty, but his nephew, Umino Iruka, is innocent. Therefore, he hopes that his former captain, Jōnin Sarutobi Hizuki, can forgive him."

Yoruro spoke with an air of righteousness, as if this were the absolute truth. Behind him, Shisui knelt with his head bowed, hiding his expression, afraid he might lose control and let the disgust on his face show.

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hizuki was momentarily stunned. But with his many years of experience, his face darkened as he hesitated for a while. Finally, as if making a decision, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"Then, does this represent the Uchiha, or Lord Orochimaru?"

After all, Uchiha Yoruro's identity was not simple—he was not only a member of the Uchiha but also a disciple of Orochimaru. Likewise, Sarutobi Hizuki was a Jōnin of the Sarutobi Clan.

He needed to know clearly which identity the other party was acting on behalf of.

Seeing Sarutobi Hizuki's inquiry, Yoruro put on a fake smile. "Whether Uchiha or Hyuga, aren't they all people of the village?"

His tone seemed to take for granted that Orochimaru would be the future Hokage, and that both the Uchiha and Hyuga were part of the village.

Hearing these vague words, Sarutobi Hizuki fell silent. He understood now—the other party was extending an olive branch. As for who they represented? The Uchiha needed to ease tensions with the village, and so did Orochimaru.

As for there being no difference between Uchiha and Hyuga, they had both already sided with Orochimaru.

More importantly, no one at this time would imagine that Orochimaru would one day defect. Even though, as a Jōnin of the Sarutobi Clan, he could already enter the circle of power and was aware of the clan's schemes, he also knew one thing clearly.

That was Orochimaru's pivotal status. While they did harbor the ambition of making Shin'nosuke Sarutobi the Fifth Hokage, compared to Orochimaru, the difference in prestige was far from negligible.

"Sigh, I never thought that mission was leaked by him back then."

At this point, Sarutobi Hizuki put on a sorrowful and compassionate expression. Finally, he shook his head and sighed. "Because of that intelligence leak back then, so many people lost their lives."

He seemed to be lost in the memories of that time, but Yoruro smiled—the other party had accepted the goodwill. Shisui, however, felt nothing but disgust for this political transaction.

Sarutobi Hizuki had a stain on his record: the failed secret mission in the Land of Grass, which had cost the lives of seventy-three ninja.

However, the exact reason for the mission's failure could no longer be investigated. But one thing both Sarutobi Hizuki and Shisui knew in their hearts: Unno Ki was nothing more than a scapegoat.

This was perhaps the nature of dirty political deals. The Uchiha used their power for personal gain, did Orochimaru's dirty work, and then extended a signal of goodwill to the Sarutobi.

As for whether you'd say the Uchiha came up with this on their own? Do you think anyone would believe that? And isn't the Uchiha acting this way essentially representing Orochimaru?

"Sigh, forgive my lapse." Sarutobi Hizuki emerged from his sorrowful memories with a bitter smile, as if it were all genuine. His hand had already reached for the deed to the three shops.

In Shisui's eyes, the other party was clearly engaging in some dirty transaction, yet not only did he keep a straight face, he even feigned a compassionate expression and sighed. "Consider this compensation for the seventy-three ninja who died in the Land of Grass mission."

Whether the compensation would actually reach the descendants of those fallen ninja was unknown, but for now, it was clear that the three shops had fallen into his hands.

At this moment, Sarutobi Hizuki also felt a pang of melancholy. The stain on his conscience seemed finally washed away.

Both men wore political fake smiles as they drank tea together. Finally, seeing the other's silent, knowing smile, Sarutobi Hizuki sighed inwardly. This man is truly not just a simple ninja. No wonder he became Orochimaru's right hand.

"Might I ask what Lord Orochimaru intends?"

The benefits were already in hand, but they couldn't come for free. At Sarutobi Hizuki's inquiry, Yoruro shook his head and sighed. "Teacher Orochimaru is devoted to ninjutsu research. As you know, that requires a great deal of money."

In other words, you've got the shops now, but this isn't a free gift. It's a partnership.

At this, Sarutobi Hizuki fell silent. Their clan wanted another Hokage from the Sarutobi family, but the Uchiha's sincerity was substantial. Moreover, even if the Sarutobi produced another Hokage, Orochimaru would undoubtedly still hold a position of great power and influence.

The other party had not only given wealth but, more importantly, reputation! It completely erased a stain on his life. This sincerity moved him.

After a long while, Sarutobi Hizuki cast a deep glance at the young man before him. He lowered his head and took a light sip of the hot tea in his hand. Finally, he said softly, "I understand."

The deal was done!

He was now forty years old, already past his prime. He had spent his whole life being cautious, struggling to reach this position. Now that the stain of the Land of Grass was about to be erased, how could he not be tempted?

The political transaction was concluded. The Uchiha would erase his stain, and he would divulge some reliable information.

"...Lately, there's been no small clamor within the clan for the young clan head to become Hokage, but there are also those who feel Orochimaru's prestige is too overwhelming."

A gentle breeze passed by. After they finished their last cup of tea, Yoruro smiled and nodded respectfully. "Please, Sarutobi Hizuki-sama, there's no need to see me out. Uchiha Yoruro takes his leave."

"Be careful on your way." It wasn't Sarutobi Hizuki's concern, nor a polite formality, but a subconscious warning not to be discovered.

Yoruro smiled and nodded. "Rest assured, the one accompanying me is a ninja known as Body Flicker Shisui."

The meaning was clear: rest easy, no one noticed them when they arrived, and no one would notice them when they left.

After Yoruro left with Shisui, Sarutobi Hizuki, alone in the room, wore a complex expression. He murmured to himself, "Unno Ki, go in peace. I'll take care of your nephew."

Please support.