A Little Pressure

The Nara had a long history. They had been allied with the Sarutobi since the Warring States era, and after Konoha was founded, they had remained neutral, loyal only to the Hokage.

More importantly, the Nara never stood alone. Together with the Yamanaka and Akimichi, the three clans were no smaller than the Uchiha.

Tsukimi had no intention of approaching the Third himself. For all his talent, he was still a newly graduated Genin with little standing. But if Nara Shikaku stepped forward, that would be different.

Danzo, if you dare attack the Nara's brightest talent—the future hope of the three clans—right in front of the Third today, will you wipe out all three clans tomorrow?

You think you can do whatever you want!

Before long, three ninja soldiers carried the bodies back to the Nara Compound with Tsukimi. He did not stop at home but headed straight for Shikaku's residence.

Nara Shikaku was reading through documents indoors. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw the ninja soldiers behind Tsukimi carrying three corpses.

Shikaku's pupils contracted and his brows drew together. He strode over, shut the door, then turned to Tsukimi.

"What happened?"

Tsukimi waved a hand. The three ninja soldiers set down the bodies and melted back into the shadows. Tsukimi resumed his languid air, dropped into a seat, and spoke at his leisure.

"After dinner with Asuma and the others, I ran into them on my way back, near the edge of the forest. Three Chunin from Root invited me to meet Danzo, the Hokage's advisor. If I refused, they were to kill me on the spot. I refused, and this was the result."

Shikaku crouched down, his eyes grave, and carefully examined the three corpses' clothing and the Cursed Seals branded on their tongues.

"No mistake. They were Root ninja."

"Speaking of which, what is Root? Anbu? And who is this Danzo? I don't remember offending him."

At Tsukimi's puzzled question, Shikaku sat beside him and considered his words before answering.

"Danzo was a teammate of the Third. He holds the post of Hokage's advisor and commands an organization called Root. It falls under Anbu, but answers only to him."

"So whose orders does it follow—Danzo's or the Hokage's?"

Amusement flickered through Tsukimi's eyes as he gave Shikaku a knowing look.

Nara Shikaku glanced at him and said gravely, "Danzo was allowed to establish Root because of certain special circumstances in the past. But this attack was undoubtedly his own doing. The Third probably knows nothing about it."

Leaving aside the relationship between the Sarutobi and Nara clans, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as Hokage, would never have approved of this. Nara Shikaku was certain of that.

Of course I know. I'm guessing the whole 'you'll regret this, and I'll be Hokage' scene played out long ago. Otherwise, Danzo wouldn't have acted so directly.

Tsukimi grumbled inwardly, then said with a straight face, "Whatever Danzo's position, it gives him no right to attack me!"

"What do you want to do?"

"I was going to ask the clan elders to step in."

"No!" Nara Shikaku looked helpless, his voice growing urgent. "Given how the elders feel about you, if they hear about this, they'll make sure the whole village does too."

"I know," Tsukimi said calmly. "That's why I came to discuss it with you first."

For Tsukimi personally, involving the elders would bring more benefits than drawbacks. Under public pressure, the Third would have to punish Danzo severely and compensate Tsukimi.

But for the clan, it was a poor move. They would be using public opinion to force the Hokage's hand without so much as consulting their Sarutobi allies first. There might be no trouble immediately, but in time, the Nara would inevitably be pushed away from the upper ranks and the center of power. Tsukimi did not want to take that step unless he had to.

Nara Shikaku paused, then caught on and laughed. "You little rascal. You want me to put some pressure on Lord Hokage?"

"Exactly. From what you've said, Danzo holds considerable power and has a close relationship with the Third. Even if his guilt is proven, the Third might not have the heart to punish him harshly."

When it comes to Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi acts bewitched. In the original story, Danzo even tried to assassinate him, and he still didn't punish the man.

Mystery solved. Danzo's a damn monkey charmer!

"I'm only eight. It wouldn't be right for me to talk about political calculations." Tsukimi blinked and put on an expression of pure sincerity.

Nara Shikaku did not know whether to laugh or cry, but he did not argue. He had already intended to use this incident to give Danzo a warning. Danzo had dared attack Tsukimi. Did he think the Nara would simply take it?

"Come on. Bring the bodies. We're going to see the Third."

Nara Shikaku took a Sealing Scroll from the bookshelf and sealed the three bodies inside. Partway through, he paused and looked at Tsukimi. "That was your first time drawing blood. Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine. I prepared myself for this long ago." Tsukimi paused, then answered casually.

This cruel Shinobi World gives me nothing to like about it. It's enough to make me want to create a new world myself.

Nara Shikaku studied Tsukimi for a while. Once he was sure the boy showed no sign of distress, he put away the scroll and patted him on the shoulder. Together, they set off for the Hokage Building.

The Hokage Office was brightly lit. Shikaku knocked lightly and entered once he received permission.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was bent over his work. He looked up and seemed surprised to see Nara Shikaku and Nara Tsukimi, but his tone remained gentle. "Shikaku, Tsukimi. What brings you here so late?"

Nara Shikaku stepped aside and guided Tsukimi forward. "Let Tsukimi explain the details."

Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his gaze to the boy. Tsukimi bowed slightly and gave a clear account of what had happened that night.

He told him how the three ninja had identified themselves as Root members and tried to take him away on Danzo's orders, how they had been ordered to kill him on the spot when he resisted, and how he had been forced to fight back.

"Those three said Danzo was the Hokage's advisor. But I only graduated today. I've never even met him, much less offended him. I don't know why he would attack me."

After hearing him out, Hiruzen Sarutobi rose and took the scroll. He released the seal and examined the bodies. The distinctive Anbu uniforms came into view, along with the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seals on their tongues. His expression turned cold.

Two years earlier, Danzo had asked him to hand over Nara Tsukimi. Hiruzen had refused on the spot and warned him. Yet Danzo had not given up. He had even grown bold enough to attack Tsukimi outright.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat down again and slowly exhaled a plume of smoke, rubbing his pipe with his right hand.

"Danzo has gone too far this time!"

His voice carried barely restrained anger. Attacking one of the village's young ninja crossed a line for him.

Nara Shikaku stepped forward and said solemnly, "This is a serious matter. Several clan elders were furious when they heard. I managed to calm them down before coming here."

Hiruzen Sarutobi understood the warning behind Shikaku's words. If he handled this poorly, his relationship with the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans could be shaken.

He looked back at Tsukimi, his expression softening. "I understand what happened. You needn't worry. Go home and rest. Tomorrow morning, I will give the Nara clan—and you—a fair accounting."

That's what I wanted to hear. Ready, Danzo? Enjoy what I've got in store for you.