A Web of Schemes

Caught off guard by someone suddenly appearing beside her, Tsunade instinctively threw a punch.

"It's me."

Kawafune hurriedly spoke up and took a step back onto another branch.

"Ah, sorry. I didn't react in time."

Tsunade withdrew her fist, lowered her head, and seemed at a loss.

"It didn't hit him anyway. Don't worry about it."

Sakumo spoke up, clearly not taking it seriously at all.

"So? Did you find anything?"

Nayuki ignored the little commotion and asked.

"Something interesting. The Uchiha are working with Danzo."

Kawafune revealed a fact none of them could believe.

"How is that possible? With Danzo's attitude toward the Uchiha, how could they cooperate?"

Tsunade was the first to speak. She understood Danzo's disgust for the Uchiha well enough.

"I just saw Uchiha people attack that three-man squad from earlier."

"Other than Danzo, who else would that performance be for?"

Kawafune had already identified whose familiar Chakra it was. It belonged to the Uchiha ninja he had kicked into internal injury in the alley last time.

"The Uchiha really dare to plot with a tiger."

Tsunade still found it unbelievable.

"You underestimate the Uchiha's hatred for the Senju Clan."

Kawafune stated a fact Tsunade had yet to recognize. She thought that once the Senju Clan disbanded, their grudges could be written off.

But how could a generations-old feud be so easily erased?

Sakumo and Nayuki listened quietly, frowning from time to time. Even Ghost Mastiff lay silently on the tree without making a sound.

"If the Uchiha and Danzo are working together, can the hospital still be built?"

"After all, this place is too close to the Police Force."

Tsunade felt things were becoming increasingly troublesome. Had she known, she would rather have chosen a smaller plot than this place.

"Let's wait and see. I think something interesting will happen."

"Danzo and those old foxes of the Uchiha will never work together seamlessly."

Kawafune had watched enough of the show to know the Uchiha definitely had other plans.

"Then should we keep watching?"

Tsunade asked tentatively.

"Or, if you want to take a walk with me, that works too."

"I think my brother and sister-in-law can keep watch here."

Kawafune looked at Tsunade, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

Sakumo turned his head away and stopped looking at him. It was affecting his mood.

Nayuki, on the other hand, watched Tsunade's reaction with great interest.

"There'll be chances later."

After saying that, Tsunade blushed and ignored Kawafune, pretending to watch the construction site.

Kawafune was not discouraged. He returned to Tsunade's side and crouched down again.

"Then can I hold you later?"

Tsunade subtly shifted away. This guy is so annoying.

"We'll talk about later when later comes."

Her fair face had already turned as red as if she had been drinking.

"Then you can't throw me over your shoulder later."

"That was instinctive. You didn't warn me either."

In her haste, Tsunade defended herself.

"So you mean it's fine if I give you a warning?"

As he spoke, he moved a little closer, shamelessly determined to stick close and hug her.

"I didn't say that."

Tsunade had never seen anyone so shameless. Jiraiya at most acted lewd and got beaten up, but this guy's skin was thicker than a city wall.

Nayuki chuckled. Her brother-in-law was so skilled at this, yet she had never seen him pursue anyone before. She really did not know where he had learned it.

Only Sakumo was seriously carrying out the surveillance mission. As expected of one of the ninjas with the highest mission completion rates; Kawafune could not compare to his dedication.

The Black-robed Person entered the Uchiha compound, passed the guard posts, and arrived at the Clan Head's home.

Inside the Quiet Room.

The Clan Head was already seated, drinking tea.

"Uncle, it's been taken care of."

"But will Danzo take the bait?"

After removing his black robe, the man revealed himself to be Uchiha Fugaku.

"This alone may not make him take the bait. But what if his people get hurt too?"

The Clan Head already had a complete plan in mind. Danzo would have to be the one to take the lead, whether he wanted to or not.

"When those three return, notify Root immediately."

"And remember to treat your injuries properly. Don't leave behind any lasting problems."

After speaking, the Clan Head resumed drinking tea. The feeling of having everything under his control made him feel as if he were floating.

"They're all clansmen. Your nephew did not strike heavily."

Fugaku had not yet become desperate enough to send all his clansmen to their deaths. He had obviously held back against his own people.

Otherwise, Kawafune would not have taken such an interest in him.

"Go keep watch. Let me know if anything happens."

Fugaku took his leave and went to a hidden spot in the clan compound to wait for the return of the three unlucky men.

A full hour passed before the three appeared within the clan grounds, staggering along while supporting one another.

Fugaku rushed over first, his acting flawless.

"What happened to you? Who dared lay hands on Uchiha people?"

The leading ninja replied, "We were ordered to question the construction workers. On our way back, we were ambushed by people from the Senju Clan."

He really knew how to make himself look good. No wonder he could be the leader.

Fugaku's face darkened. Ambush the likes of you? Are you even worth it?

Suppressing his displeasure, he took the men away to treat their injuries.

At the same time, he gathered the clan's ninjas and sent someone to Root with a message.

"A conflict has already broken out. Urgent support is needed."

For a time, most Uchiha who did not know the full story became extremely alarmed. Root observed all of it as well.

The Uchiha Clan Head was deeply calculating; Danzo's every step had fallen within his expectations.

By the time the Uchiha ninja came to report, Danzo had already learned that the Uchiha and the Senju Clan had clashed.

As their ally, he could not simply stand by and do nothing.

Listening to the message relayed by the Uchiha ninja before him, who was kneeling on one knee, Danzo impatiently waved a hand to cut him off.

"Send two squads to assist the Uchiha."

"As long as the Construction Team cannot continue working, there's no need to risk your lives."

Danzo issued the order. After selecting their personnel, the Root ninjas headed for the Uchiha compound.

After his subordinates left, Danzo vaguely felt that something about this was strange. But he never imagined that the Uchiha Clan Head would be willing to strike his own clansmen.

Rubbing the scar on his chin, he gradually sank into thought.

When the Root ninjas arrived at the Uchiha compound, they did not enter. Someone came out to receive them.

A ninja bearing the Uchiha clan crest on his shoulder came over to negotiate with the Root group.

"The Clan Head has ordered that you need not act for now. Just observe."

"Come with me. If we prove unable to handle them, I hope you will lend us your aid."

The Root ninjas were delighted to hear there was such an easy arrangement. It also suited Lord Danzo's instruction to wait for an opportunity to act.

Without hesitation, they agreed. The group of six followed the Uchiha ninja to a spot near the construction site to observe.

Meanwhile, Fugaku and the Clan Head were still drinking tea in the Quiet Room.

"They've already set out. Fugaku, are you confident?"

The Clan Head was still somewhat worried. After all, Fugaku had been no match for Hatake Kawafune in a single exchange, and he no longer had much confidence in Fugaku's strength.

"Uncle, if you don't trust me, then trust our eyes."

Three Tomoe suddenly appeared in Fugaku's eyes.

"True enough. There aren't many Hatake Kawafunes."

"Don't hold back. As long as there are survivors who can report the news, that will be enough."

The Clan Head's gaze turned vicious. He had no favorable feelings toward Danzo either. His teacup struck the table.

Bang.