Questioning Danzo

"This guy was able to defeat Yamamoto! That means his strength has already reached the Kage level! And he's just a child!?"

"Truly terrifying! The power of that lightning was absolutely fearsome!"

The battle between Otsutsuki Qingyun and Yamamoto shocked many onlookers. It was only natural; Qingyun's Goro Goro no Mi was simply too powerful. Even against a Kage-level expert, he could easily crush them into the dirt.

"Huff, huff, huff!" Yamamoto gasped for air. He had originally intended to put up a fight, and even against a Kage-level powerhouse, he could usually hold his own for a while. He never expected to encounter this genius from Konoha and find himself completely outmatched.

"Truly formidable! No wonder Danzo wants you dead. You can no longer be described by the word 'genius.' Even the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara did not possess your level of talent," Yamamoto remarked.

"Since that is the case, Yamamoto, do you submit? Do the others submit?" Qingyun naturally did not intend to kill them; he wanted to bring the Underground Bounty Station under his control. If he had need of it in the future, the station would become his own asset.

Qingyun did not want to be a mediocre person; he wanted to change the entire ninja world, for in the future, the world would face new challenges.

"The Third Shinobi World War, the Akatsuki, Uchiha Madara—there are all sorts of crises ahead for Otsutsuki Qingyun. Therefore, his strength must improve rapidly, and the forces under his command must be further developed."

"We submit. We submit."

Since Yamamoto, the strongest of the Underground Bounty Station, had submitted, there was no need to mention the others who were weaker than him.

With the Underground Bounty Station under his control, everything he did in the future would be much more convenient.

"I am a disciple of the Third Hokage, and you have all witnessed my strength. I will surely become the Hokage in the future. When that time comes, you will no longer need to live such difficult lives."

"I will certainly accept you."

Qingyun knew that accepting these rogue ninjas meant becoming an enemy to other ninja villages. These rogue ninjas were hot potatoes; if handled poorly, they would not only fail to help him but would also bring a heap of trouble upon him.

However, fear could not solve any problems. Qingyun believed he had the ability to handle those troubles, because the most important thing right now was to increase his strength and develop his influence.

"You are so young, with infinite potential, and as a disciple of the Third Hokage with such foresight, I believe you will surely become the Hokage of Konoha. I hope you will not break your word." As the person in charge of the Underground Bounty Station, Yamamoto naturally hoped his subordinates could live better lives.

Of course, he also hoped everyone could make money.

"Take this money; consider it a tip for you all." Qingyun casually produced several million ryo and gave it to these people. He had plenty of money and didn't care about it at all.

For Qingyun, a few million was insignificant, but for these people, it was a considerable fortune.

"This is the benefit of submitting to me. From now on, if you follow me, I will ensure you live better! Of course, if anyone dares to betray me, I think I don't need to say what I will do, right?"

Lightning suddenly erupted from Qingyun's entire body, and everyone took a step back. They all knew of Qingyun's strength now, and they were both in awe and afraid of him.

Seeing that the desired effect had been achieved, Qingyun naturally stopped intimidating them.

Withdrawing his lightning, Qingyun left the Underground Bounty Station.

"I must return to Konoha immediately!"

"Danzo! You just wait for me, you bastard. You dared to hire people to kill me—isn't it just because you're jealous? I will make you know the consequences of provoking me!"

Qingyun knew what kind of person Danzo was. He had originally intended to ignore him, but who would have thought he would actually make a move? Those who dared to strike at Qingyun would naturally have to pay the price. Even if he was a consultant of Konoha, even if he was the leader of Root, Qingyun would settle the score with him properly.

After leaving the Underground Bounty Station, Qingyun followed the secret signals he had left behind and returned to Konoha by the same route.

Upon returning to Konoha, he naturally went straight to the Hokage's office.

Pushing open the door, Qingyun saw the Third Hokage sitting there with a solemn expression.

"Teacher, I have returned."

"Hmm? Qingyun! I heard from Minato and the others that you had matters to investigate. How did it go? What was the result?" The Third Hokage asked directly.

"Someone placed a bounty at the Underground Bounty Station for a Kage-level expert." Qingyun told the Third Hokage everything exactly as it happened.

The Third Hokage looked at Qingyun with great surprise and asked, "Then, do you know who the person who hired them to capture you is?"

"That person is—" Before Qingyun could say the name "Danzo," three people suddenly entered from outside the door.

Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura.

"Sarutobi, this brat is just like White Fang. He completed his mission but did not return to Konoha immediately. I fear he has ulterior motives." Danzo accused him first, not waiting for Qingyun to speak.

"Hmph! Danzo! You know very well what you have done. Don't try to confuse the issue here." Qingyun glared at Danzo and said.

"Kushina was kidnapped, and Minato went to rescue her, which was also done without authorization to leave the village. According to your logic, is Minato also a rogue ninja?"

"Qingyun accepted the mission to go and rescue them, so he naturally had to figure out the reason. Furthermore, the mission was a success. As for the person who issued the bounty behind the scenes, Qingyun already knows." The Third Hokage naturally chose to stand on the side of his disciple.

"Speak, child. Tell me who that culprit is!" The Third Hokage was very protective of his own, especially of the genius Qingyun; he naturally could not let Qingyun be bullied by other consultants.

"That person is Danzo!" After Qingyun's words were spoken, the atmosphere instantly froze.

"Danzo?!" Sarutobi did not doubt Qingyun's words but looked directly at Danzo.

Danzo remained silent and offered no explanation. Sarutobi, who understood Danzo, instantly knew that this matter was likely inseparable from him.

"Why did you do this?" Sarutobi asked directly.

"Do you still remember Uchiha Madara? This guy's talent and strength even surpass those of Uchiha Madara. Although he is not of the Uchiha Clan, I really do not want him to become like that and end up harming Konoha." Danzo argued.

"What does my talent and strength have to do with Uchiha Madara? You are just looking for an excuse to condemn me!" Qingyun shook his head and said, "Danzo, just say it straight—is it because you want me to join Root?"

Unexpectedly, Danzo nodded and said, "Yes. Only by joining Root will you truly become a part of our Konoha! Only through my training will you be truly loyal to Konoha."

Qingyun could not stand Danzo's twisted logic and immediately retorted, "Hiring someone to commit murder—that alone is enough for you to be kicked out of Konoha. I just happen to have a bit more talent and ability; what the hell does that have to do with you?"

"You brat! How dare you talk back to me!?" Danzo seemed somewhat enraged.