Danzo: Another Blame They'll Pin on Me?

"Third Hokage, Kirigakure's losses this time aren't too great. They only lost two key figures, and their sword was summoned back..."

"Yes! There's nothing we can do about it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

After a series of probing attacks, Kirigakure launched a large-scale offensive, but upon discovering that it was he and Danzo who were guarding the area, they immediately abandoned the idea of attacking.

So cunning!

Kirigakure had no intention of engaging in a direct confrontation; they were merely putting on a show, hoping that Konoha would fight against Sunagakure and Iwagakure.

The female ninja hesitated for a moment.

What are you trying to say?

"I... I want to leave Root. I don't want to live like this anymore."

She said in a low voice.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped, turned to look at her, and finally sighed, "Your talent is excellent; you're perfectly suited for this line of work."

"I'm sorry, Lord Third Generation."

The female ninja lowered her head and remained silent.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was silent for a moment, then said, "What do you plan to do after you leave?"

"I..."

The female ninja looked up, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned for a few seconds, then a look of sigh and lament appeared on his face.

Has his reputation really fallen to this level?

He glanced at it, deciding not to ask any more questions, "Let's go back first, then we can talk about your matter. Besides, I'm not the current leader of the Anbu; that kid is not easy to deal with."

Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples.

He had already learned some news about Konoha through other channels.

Kyohiko took control of the Anbu.

This went against his expectations, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

He strode forward.

The next instant, the female ninja's expression suddenly turned serious, and she stood protectively in front of him.

The Root ninjas immediately formed a circle around and protected Hiruzen Sarutobi.

In the forest, figures appeared one after another.

Mist Village?

Hiruzen Sarutobi an eyebrow, his expression calm. "Do you want to start a war?"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, you led the division of the Land of Fire and disrespected the Feudal Lord. You deserve to die!"

"By order of the Feudal Lord, kill!"

A series of voices rang out.

Hiruzen Sarutobi returned, but once he reached Konoha territory, he ordered his entourage to return to the eastern border to hold their positions.

After all, the war has only temporarily stopped; Konoha and Kirigakure have not signed a ceasefire agreement, and war could break out again at any time.

However.

He never expected that after entering Konoha territory, he would be ambushed and attacked.

Danzo's people?

No, Danzo wasn't that stupid.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was grim.

They're most likely from Kirigakure!

The next instant, all those people charged at them.

Dozens of ninjas simultaneously unleashed Explosive Tag, Kunai, and countless other Ninjutsu attacks, including Water Style, Fire Style, and Lightning Style techniques, the origins of which were indistinguishable.

"Step back!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi hand Hand Seals and pressed them to the ground.

In an instant, the earth rumbled, and their entire region rose, transforming from a thoroughfare into a high platform.

Earth Style · Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!

With the immense Chakra, the earth rose high, separating the two places.

Water, fire, and lightning all crashed into the earthen walls underground, causing a series of violent explosions that made the entire raised Dodai teeter on the verge of collapse.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression changed slightly.

These people are very strong!

They will never give up so easily.

As he was thinking this, screams of agony came from below.

"Huh? What happened?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was extremely surprised and looked down.

The next instant, he saw a swirling mass of black threads below, like hands rushing into the forest.

If he hadn't realized it was hair, he would have almost thought it was the lost secret technique of Takigakure, Earth Grudge Fear. But after understanding—

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew who had arrived.

Kyohiko!

However, this kind of hair...

He didn't quite understand what Kyohiko wanted to do.

but.

It would be best to capture them alive!

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then said, "I'm going down to provide support. You all stay here and protect yourselves."

"My lord! Your safety is of utmost importance!"

The female ninja called out to him.

"Don't worry, Kyohiko has brought reinforcements."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.

He then immediately jumped down from above.

As he descended, he saw Kyohiko's hair piercing into the bodies of the enemies, some of it binding them together, and then—

The surrounding Anbu Ninja rushed forward and tied up the person whose hair was tied up.

???

Hiruzen Sarutobi was dumbfounded.

Am I hallucinating?

Why aren't these people fighting back?

No!

It's not that we don't want to fight back, it's that we have no way to fight back.

Pressure Point Strike?

As the "Professor of Ninjutsu," Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately realized what was happening, and he was quite surprised.

This is a power of the Hyuga Clan, and Kyohiko achieved it all through his own research?

Unbelievable!

but.

Only a few were captured; the rest, seeing this, immediately realized the situation was hopeless and fled.

However.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the forest, his blade flashing like lightning.

Bang!

The sound of blades clashing echoed continuously through the woods.

Kakashi's figure darted back and forth, accompanied by Senbon and another figure, hunting down numerous enemies in the forest.

His swordsmanship has changed.

It became very simple and direct, without the slightest unnecessary movement; the blade was swung only for...

Kill!

"Kill him."

A short sound followed, then the three turned around. Two of them unleashed Water Style Ninjutsu, while the third manipulated Lightning Style, and the combined lightning and water surged forth.

However.

In an instant, the enemy was upon them.

How is that possible?!

They found it hard to believe, but what surprised them even more was that in the blink of an eye, another figure appeared out of thin air.

The two men, one on the left and one on the right, flashed their blades.

Three streaks of blood sprayed out, and the corpse slowly fell to the ground.

A second or two later, Kyohiko vanished from his spot and reappeared on the other side of the battlefield.

In just a few seconds, Kyohiko and his Wood Clone darted back and forth across the battlefield, like death gods reaping lives.

Hiruzen Sarutobi originally intended to help.

But.

After observing for a while, he realized that he didn't need to take any action at all.

His previous techniques, such as Pressure Point Strike Wild Lion's Mane Technique, and now his Flying Thunder God and Wood Clone, are comparable to Minato's top-tier Body Flicker Technique.

He felt like he was dreaming.

Not only Kyohiko, but also Kakashi and Genma Shiranui's progress greatly surprised him.

Kakashi's swordsmanship once reminded him of Hatake Sakumo.

Same style and tactics.

It looks so familiar!

Hiruzen Sarutobi emerged from the ground, wielding a sword.

Earth Style: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique

However.

Laugh!

A black blade slashed through, severing his hand.

"Lord Sandai, are you alright?"

"Fine."

Hiruzen Sarutobi from a dream.

This is still a battlefield; how can you let your mind wander?

but.

Is what just happened Namiashi Raidō?

He's joined the Anbu too?

That kid Kyohiko, he's really messing things up!

Hiruzen Sarutobi surveyed the entire area and said, "Go and hunt down the rest. I can protect myself."

"This..."

"Go."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, he bit his finger and summoned the Enma.

Namiashi Raidō, then vanished in Body Flicker Technique.

Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned the Enma, so he didn't need its protection; the Monkey King was probably much stronger than Hiruzen Sarutobi.

In just a few dozen breaths, the enemy was wiped out from the forest.

Not one escaped.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!

One figure after another landed in front of Kyohiko.

"Not bad. Although it's only been a little over a month of training, your combat abilities and skill level have improved significantly compared to a month ago, but..."

"Not enough!"

Kyohiko surveyed the entire field. "Your teamwork is still a mess. If I hadn't intervened, we definitely wouldn't have been able to keep everyone here. Double the training tomorrow!"

"Yes!"

The twelve people shouted.

They are the remaining members of this training program.

The Anbu only recruits elites.

This was also the core of Danzo's previous training --

They kill each other, eroding emotions, and training the strongest ninja tools.

Kyohiko disagreed.

His choice was...

Within the current excellent education system, the most elite members are selected and placed in Anbu training and missions as a transitional measure.

In the future, these people will become the village's Jonin and elites.

The twelve people remained silent, offering no rebuttal.

"Take the person back and interrogate them thoroughly to find out who exactly wanted to murder Lord Sandai."

"Yes!"

Call out!

Several sounds rang out, and some of the people returned alive.

At this moment, Kyohiko's clone had already collected the corpses, and then turned into a piece of withered wood that fell to the ground.

His mission was over.

"Kyohiko, well done."

"Sandaime-sama!"

Even though he didn't welcome Hiruzen Sarutobi in his heart and had some reservations about his actions, Kyohiko still maintained a respectful demeanor.

Hiruzen Sarutobi with a smile and said, "Kyohiko, thank you for your hard work."

"I was just doing my job."

Kyohiko was wearing a mask.

His gaze swept behind the third generation.

Those people, some members of the Root?

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced back, then smiled and said, "Let's talk about this back in the village. Let's go."

"Yes!"

Back at the Anbu base.

Hiruzen Sarutobi recounted his journey, his encounter with the enemy, and the entire process of being attacked.

Kyohiko's expression was serious.

"This matter..."

"It couldn't have been Danzo who did it."

"That's what Hiruzen Sarutobi said."

Kyohiko couldn't help but laugh. Hiruzen Sarutobi a glass of water and waited for him to drink a few sips before saying, "Third Hokage, you shouldn't speak so soon. Maybe he guessed you would think this way and is deliberately doing the opposite?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled softly.

"What you said isn't impossible, but based on my observation and analysis, the probability is rather low."

He took another sip.

"Let's wait for news. Luckily, you captured some prisoners; we should be able to extract some information from them."

"Um."

Kyohiko's intention in keeping him alive was to extract more information through interrogation.

and.

He had to get rid of Danzo, and that's why.

If Danzo isn't killed, there will always be hidden dangers within the Land of Fire, and he might be used by Madara Uchiha or others in the future.

He paused slightly. "Third Hokage, were Danzo's former Danzo recruited by you?"

"Yes, the person you and Tsunade wanted earlier is the one following behind me. Her original number was 'B,' but now her name is Yakushi Nonō."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not hide anything.

He smiled, then sighed, "I'm afraid it's not feasible to get her to work for you. She's already told me she wants to resign. She's too fond of conflict and longs for peace; she's a kind-hearted girl."

I want to meet with her and talk to her in person.

Kyohiko nodded.

He knew far more about Hiruzen Sarutobi than Yakushi Nonō.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "Alright, this is the Anbu, you're in charge."

Anyway...

Even if Kyohiko hadn't said anything, he didn't intend to try to keep Yakushi Nonō any longer.

Upon hearing this, Kyohiko went outside.

Yakushi Nonō sat outside, quiet as if asleep.

but.

Her eyes were bright and captivating.

"Nonō- senpai?"

"Hmm? Ah, sir!"

Yakushi Nonō immediately stood up.

She didn't recognize the person in front of her, but she recognized the mask.

The opponent is extremely powerful; one person could wipe out her and all her subordinates!

Such a person...

Thank goodness they weren't enemies!

Kyohiko smiled and said, "Nonō, don't be nervous. I mean no harm. I just want to have a casual chat with you."

"This is!"

Yakushi Nonō sat down, and judging from her emotions and actions, she was very uneasy.

Kyohiko thought for a moment and said, "I heard from Lord Sandai that you want to resign from your post?"

"Yes, I don't like being a spy."

Yakushi Nonō lowered her head.

As a ninja trained to become a spy, it would be willful and disobeying orders not to be a spy, but she really didn't want to suffer any longer.

"What do you plan to do after you leave?"

Kyohiko asked gently, while Nonō's sight, he made a hand Hand Seals and quietly used Genjutsu to influence her emotions, making her calm, composed, and less afraid and nervous.

Yakushi Nonō was somewhat affected.

"The Orphanage I sponsor has taken in a large number of orphans. The director is getting old, and I want to go back to take care of everyone in her place and keep the Orphanage running."

"I was an orphan once too, so I understand how you feel. You are truly great!"

Kyohiko paused slightly, then said, "I support your decision."

ah?

Yakushi Nonō was extremely surprised.

She thought...

As the current leader of the Anbu, the other side wouldn't let a top spy like her go, but it doesn't seem like that's the case.

"Sir, are you... are you telling the truth?"

"Yes, if the Third Hokage refuses to release you, I can approach him or the Hokage and have you forcibly transferred. After that, you can do whatever you want."

Kyohiko nodded.

Yakushi Nonō as if she were in a dream.

She blinked, utterly incredulous, and after several seconds asked, "What do I need to give in return?"

"Let me ask you something first: how many children are in your Orphanage? What's the income like?"

"There are... dozens of children, all orphans from the battlefield, but this time there's a group of survivors from the Battle of Kikyo Pass..."

Yakushi Nonō cautiously looked up, and seeing that Kyohiko remained noncommittal, continued, "As for income, we currently rely on the village's subsidies. Before, the headmistress would collect and sell herbs and help treat others, but she's not doing so well anymore."

"In other words, they're currently able to survive, but they're not living a very good life."

Kyohiko's summary.

Yakushi Nonō remained silent.

As Kyohiko said, the Orphanage only kept those children alive.

"Have you considered staying and working in the Anbu? You won't need to go out on missions; you just need to be Teacher. This kind of work is much better than treating people or selling medicine."

"Does the Anbu' have such work?"

Yakushi Nonō looked bewildered.

How could she not know?

"We didn't have them before, but we do now. I'm lacking intelligence experts. Although I've obtained some information and summarized some experiences, none of them have actually done it. I need your experience."

Kyohiko said earnestly, "Danzo and the Third Hokage both value your abilities highly, which shows that you are very strong in espionage. Sending you to infiltrate would be a real waste!"

"I... I understand what you mean."

Yakushi Nonō's expression wasn't as confused. She hesitated for a moment, then said, "But I don't know how to teach."

"It's very simple. The first thing you need to do is write down all the missions you've been on over the years and give them to me. Also, write down anything you think is helpful for infiltration or espionage."

Kyohiko said.

After listening, Yakushi Nonō pondered for a moment and said, "It's not difficult, it's just that I can't remember some of the details of the mission."

"It's okay, just do your best."

"Yes!"