Death Is Nigh?

A mission had suddenly appeared, catching Hyuga Makoto somewhat off guard.

But this also made him realize something!

Uchiha Shisui is probably really planning to use Kotoamatsukami...

However, he also knew that Uchiha Shisui simply had no chance to do so.

Hiruzen Sarutobi might trust Shisui, but Danzo would never let the matter go so easily.

After all, Kotoamatsukami was far too terrifying an ability. No one would feel at ease letting that man run wild!

Otherwise, after Shisui committed suicide, why would no one suspect Danzo...?

Of course, Makoto was too lazy to guess at the specifics.

After all, the Naruto world was not just its timeline that was a mess. Many things left people utterly baffled.

As for this mission, he neither refused nor accepted it. He planned to see what the situation was before deciding.

The following few days were very peaceful for him.

Perhaps because his first mission had been so unlucky, he did not receive any new missions for the time being.

So every day, he either trained with Neji and Hinata or "exchanged pointers" with some of the Branch Family members.

At the same time, he did not forget to report to the Anbu, where he trained as necessary with Kakashi and Tenzo.

"Makoto, you're really getting stronger and stronger."

Inside the Anbu training room, Kakashi could not help praising Hyuga Makoto after their spar.

"Your speed and strength have both improved compared to before."

"I should thank Uncle Hizashi for laying a solid foundation for me."

Hyuga Makoto replied with a smile. In any case, he could pin any problems on Hizashi!

"But Kakashi-senpai, when will the bounty be paid? And when will the Medical Ninjutsu materials I applied for be approved?"

"..."

Kakashi rubbed his brow speechlessly. Why was this kid always thinking about money?

"The bounty is being prepared. The Medical Ninjutsu materials have already been approved, but why do you want to learn it?"

"I already have the Byakugan, so I can observe what's happening inside the body more clearly."

Hyuga Makoto pointed at his eyes and casually explained.

"If I learn Medical Ninjutsu, I might be able to help my comrades more effectively on missions in the future."

"I see..."

Kakashi paused at that, then smiled and nodded.

"You really are thoughtful."

Kakashi's attitude was no longer as cold as before. Clearly, their previous operation had greatly improved his impression of Hyuga Makoto.

He might still act the same toward others, but with Hyuga Makoto, he could now chat and joke.

"Kakashi-senpai, Makoto, you're both here."

Just as the two of them were chatting, Tenzo walked over.

"Perfect. I have something to discuss with you."

"What is it, senpai?"

Hyuga Makoto looked up curiously, while Kakashi also seemed somewhat puzzled.

"Is there a new mission?"

"The Hokage-sama asked me to inform you two to go see him."

Tenzo shrugged, but this made Hyuga Makoto stroke his chin.

"Today's summons from the Hokage-sama... could it be because of the Uchiha?"

"..."

Those words immediately made Kakashi and Tenzo's eyelids twitch.

Before they could speak to stop him, Hyuga Makoto continued.

"I heard they're holding another memorial ceremony. Captain, senpai, would that count as an indirect Clan Meeting?"

"I don't know. We'd better hurry over!"

Kakashi did not dare answer Hyuga Makoto's question, and Tenzo hurriedly nodded beside him.

"That's right. The Hokage-sama is waiting!"

The Uchiha issue was far too complicated. They did not dare answer carelessly.

After the two urged him several times, Hyuga Makoto obediently changed into his equipment, then went with Kakashi to the Hokage Office Building.

"Hm?"

Just as they reached the entrance to the Hokage's office, they happened to see someone coming out.

"Uchiha Shisui?"

Shisui was also startled when he saw the two of them, but he quickly nodded and gave them a simple greeting before leaving with a troubled look.

The scene felt strangely familiar to Hyuga Makoto. Once they entered the Hokage's office, he immediately understood what was going on!

"Since you still have matters to attend to, I'll take my leave first."

Shimura Danzō was seated below. Upon seeing Kakashi and Hyuga Makoto arrive, he rose and spoke directly to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"However, I still don't approve of your plan."

"This is the best solution, Danzo."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo helplessly and spoke in a low voice.

"I've said that this is my wish. I don't want to repeat myself."

"Hmph."

Danzo snorted coldly, turned around, and walked away without paying any attention to Kakashi or Hyuga Makoto.

Hyuga Makoto could not help looking the One-Eyed Old Man over. This was his first time seeing the "Konoha Pot Kage" in person...

Moreover, he could now confirm that today was Uchiha Shisui's death date!

According to his memories, Uchiha Shisui had met Konoha's "Dual Kage" and revealed his Kotoamatsukami before this.

He had then immediately had his eye gouged out by Danzo, causing his ideals to collapse and leading him to choose to trust Uchiha Itachi, one of the "Madness Filial Twin Heroes"...

"Compared to Shisui, this Danzo is even more interesting."

Hyuga Makoto pursed his lips. As Danzo passed by him, he clearly sensed a special aura coming from Danzo's body.

He knew it was probably due to the Hashirama Cells, and that made him unable to stop himself from entertaining an idea...

"You've arrived."

Just as Hyuga Makoto was pondering, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke wearily.

While adjusting his emotions, he took out a scroll and handed it over.

"After discussing the matter, there's a mission for you. I hope you can complete it successfully."

"This is..."

Kakashi took the scroll curiously, while Hyuga Makoto also looked over in confusion.

However, when they opened the scroll, they were immediately stunned to discover that it was an official mission report on their killing of Ao Squad!

"I transferred the Byakugan to the Hyuga as soon as you brought it back. Otherwise, they wouldn't have prepared the bounty so readily."

Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe and looked at Hyuga Makoto with amusement.

"I received word today that they've prepared it. I'll have you go collect it. Don't worry about them refusing to pay; they absolutely wouldn't dare!"

He knew that Hyuga Makoto had been constantly muttering about the bounty, apparently worried that the Main Branch would renege on its debt. It truly left him not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

But no matter what, reassuring Hyuga Makoto first could do no harm. Besides, he had something more important to discuss!

After a brief pause, his expression grew serious.

"Besides that, I want you to report this news to the entire Hyuga clan.

"After all, this is an honor.

"But at the same time, it is also a burden.

"Makoto, can you accept it?"

"Of course I can!"

Hyuga Makoto did not hesitate in the slightest. He was more than willing to accept it!

Although announcing this would make the already displeased Main Branch even more unhappy with him,

he did not care in the slightest. It was not as if the Main Branch would dare rebel!

Moreover, this announcement did more than simply clarify that he had killed Ao. It also represented Konoha's stance!

He could fully imagine what would happen after the Branch Family members heard the announcement.

This was a genuine "wildest fantasy" capable of breaking the Main Branch's shackles...

After all, who in the Branch Family did not yearn for freedom?

Besides, Hyuga Hiashi is on my side...

Hyuga Makoto's heart pounded. Announcing this would be countless times more effective than saying it himself!

It was foreseeable that his main mission's progress would increase again.

Besides that, he also thought of something else!

The clan will probably be quite lively today. It seems this has created some opportunities for me too...

Hyuga Makoto's gaze flickered. He thought of the mission he had yet to accept, as well as the Yin Release and Yang Release within Shisui and Danzo.

He felt that he might really be able to give it a try...