Uncle Ichiraku

"What clan?"

Takizawa Dan couldn't help but prick up his ears.

At that moment, a high-ranking official of Konoha spoke up on Takizawa Dan's behalf, asking Tsunade, "May I ask, Your Excellency, who exactly is this Hasu Clan?"

Looking at the bewildered expressions of everyone present, it was clear that none of them had ever heard the name.

"Haa..." Tsunade took a deep breath before speaking slowly. "It's normal that you haven't heard of the Hasu Clan. In fact, I only learned of them by chance over a decade ago."

"The Hasu Clan is a mercenary assassin organization that spans the entire ninja world. They are composed of all sorts of people—members from different countries, different ninja villages, and some... who aren't even ninjas at all! But they all share one common trait: a ripple-shaped scar on their left cheek."

"This organization has no fixed whereabouts or known base of operations. They are the type to do anything for money. As long as the price is right, they will commit the most heinous acts imaginable!"

"Because they keep an extremely low profile and their previous targets for assassination or kidnapping were mostly low-status civilians and wealthy merchants, they have never been subjected to a large-scale purge."

Takizawa Dan suddenly realized. No wonder those two assassins didn't wear headbands; they were essentially a low-budget version of the "Akatsuki"!

However, the ninja world was truly ironic. Just because the victims were ordinary people, such a terrifying organization was allowed to operate with impunity!

It was as if they didn't consider civilians to be human at all!

"In other words... they are mercenary ninjas, and there's no way to find out who is pulling the strings behind them, is there?" A high-ranking official looked grim.

"If the perpetrators were still alive, perhaps interrogation might have offered a glimmer of hope, but now..." Tsunade shook her head.

"Very well, Takizawa Dan, Hyuga Hanabi, you two may return now. Thank you for providing such valuable intelligence to the village," Tsunade continued. "For the sake of safety, do not leave the village for the time being."

"Especially you, Hyuga Hanabi. You and your sister, Hyuga Hinata, are both members of the Hyuga main house. The target of this operation was you. If they are after the Byakugan, although they failed once, there is no guarantee there won't be a next time. I will notify the Hyuga clan head to have the entire clan protect you sisters around the clock. You must also steel yourself and shoulder the responsibilities of the main house!"

"Yes... Your Excellency."

Hyuga Hanabi looked a bit wilted. As a child who naturally loved to play, being confined to the clan grounds indefinitely was undoubtedly a painful torture.

However, she dared not defy the will of the Hokage.

Takizawa Dan led Hyuga Hanabi out the door.

Watching Takizawa Dan leave, Tsunade looked at the gathered high-ranking officials and ordered, "From now on, double the manpower of the Konoha Military Police Force! Temporarily suspend trade with the outside world and strictly vet all incoming personnel! At the same time, keep a constant watch on the situation within the village. If any anomalies occur, report to me immediately!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!!!"

Looking out the window, Tsunade felt a sense of foreboding...

Takizawa Dan escorted Hyuga Hanabi all the way to the Hyuga residence.

Hyuga Hiashi, the head of the Hyuga clan, had already received the secret report sent by Tsunade's Anbu. He immediately ordered all members of the Hyuga clan to return to the compound and exert all efforts to protect Hyuga Hanabi, as well as Hyuga Hinata, who might also be a target.

When Takizawa Dan returned his daughter, Hyuga Hiashi's attitude was indifferent, merely having a servant hand him a cup of tea.

A piece of trash without chakra who couldn't cultivate wasn't worth his warm hospitality.

Realizing he wasn't welcome, Takizawa Dan didn't linger and soon rose to take his leave.

"Brother Dan... when I'm allowed to come out, will you take me to play again?"

Before they parted, Hyuga Hanabi pleaded with Takizawa Dan, looking pitiful.

"Of course I will." Takizawa Dan smiled and patted her head. "You must be a good girl and grow up to be a great beauty, okay?"

In the sequel to Naruto, Boruto, Hyuga Hanabi would indeed grow into a stunning beauty, with looks and temperament that arguably surpassed Hinata's.

Thinking of this, Takizawa Dan felt a flicker of anticipation in his heart!

"Pfft! Shameless... even if I grow up to be a beauty, I won't marry you..." Hyuga Hanabi's face turned red. Although she was still young, girls were always more precocious than boys.

Perhaps even Hyuga Hanabi didn't realize that from this day on, a boy had firmly taken up residence in her heart...

Leaving the Hyuga residence, Takizawa Dan wandered around Konoha Village.

Everything in the village remained prosperous; the news of the Hasu Clan hadn't spread at all, and every citizen's face was filled with a happy and warm smile.

Takizawa Dan could understand this. After all, these defenseless civilians had no power to resist even if they knew the danger, and it would only incite unnecessary panic. It was better to maintain the status quo and at least have some stability.

"Yo! Isn't that Dan! It's been a long time since you came to eat the ramen I make. Want a bowl?"

At that moment, a hearty voice rang out. Takizawa Dan turned back to see Uncle Ichiraku greeting him warmly.

"Uncle Ichiraku!"

Takizawa Dan smiled and sat down at the stall. "Give me a bowl."

"Uncle Ichiraku's" real name was Teuchi, but Takizawa Dan preferred his nickname. It sounded more intimate and was easier to recognize.

"Coming right up! It'll be ready in a flash!"

Uncle Ichiraku laughed heartily and began to busy himself.

During the thirteen years Takizawa Dan was labeled as trash, Uncle Ichiraku had never mocked or ridiculed him. On the contrary, he always encouraged him to relax, saying that everyone had their own path, and if he couldn't be a ninja, learning to make ramen with him wasn't a bad alternative.

That was why Takizawa Dan always came by to eat a bowl of ramen and chat with him whenever he had the chance. Most importantly, Ichiraku Ramen was truly delicious! It was a perfect indulgence for both body and soul.

Just as he was eating his ramen, a discordant voice suddenly sounded from the side:

"Oh my, isn't this the famous trash of Konoha, Takizawa Dan? Why aren't you at home sighing away, instead of wandering around outside?"

Takizawa Dan frowned and turned around, only to see a gaunt male ninja with a pale complexion and a mean-spirited gaze.

The look this ninja gave Takizawa Dan was filled with contempt, as if he were staring at a filthy insect!

Takizawa Dan recalled who he was; this fellow was Miki Ichiro, the squad instructor of that Hyuga Niuda whom he had beaten to a pulp!

Could it be that he had come to stand up for Hyuga Niuda?

Before Takizawa Dan could even speak, Uncle Ichiraku said with visible displeasure:

"This guest, Ichiraku Ramen does not welcome customers who use such foul language. Please come back another day."

This actually stirred a wave of emotion in Takizawa Dan's heart; he hadn't expected Uncle Ichiraku to step up for him like that!

"Hmph, a lowly commoner who isn't even a ninja dares to refuse me?! Truly, a piece of trash has found a nest of trash!" Miki Ichiro glared at Uncle Ichiraku, his eyes flashing with intense irritation. "As for this garbage food called ramen, it tastes like crap. Rest assured, I wouldn't even deign to eat it!"