Itachi Uchiha successfully regained his status as a Konoha Jonin. At the same time, he took over Root and assumed full responsibility for gathering intelligence on Akatsuki.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane had previously suspected Naruto because of Danzo Shimura.
After this incident, however, they no longer wished to investigate Danzo Shimura's affairs.
Homura Mitokado thought bitterly, Damn you, Danzo. Just how many things did you hide from me? You didn't even discuss something this important with me. Thank goodness for Naruto, or Danzo alone might have started the Fourth Great War.
Koharu Utatane silently cursed Danzo as well. Decades of friendship had crumbled in an instant.
After seeing off Konoha's two most senior advisor elders, Kakashi made a request. "Hokage, I want to join Root."
"Why?"
"I want to investigate Akatsuki. I want to find Obito."
"If you want to investigate Akatsuki, I'll assign you missions, but you don't need to join Root."
Itachi's face turned cold. He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them. "I will lead Root in confirming Akatsuki's base as quickly as possible. Once we do, I will report to Lord Hokage for further action."
"Good. Go handle it."
Itachi left.
"Then I'll be going too." Naruto hurried after him, leaving behind Itachi.
After leaving the Hokage's office, Naruto went to Konoha Hospital.
He had come to visit Gaara.
He discovered that Gaara was being discharged. It seemed his body had mostly recovered.
"Gaara, you're already better?"
"Naruto! That presence around you?" Gaara was most familiar with the aura of One-Tail Shukaku. Others could not sense it, but Gaara caught it keenly.
"It's Shukaku. Shukaku is already inside me."
"What? Wasn't the Nine-Tails already sealed inside you?"
"I'm special. I can contain nine tailed beasts."
Gaara was too shocked to speak.
Naruto patted Gaara on