Why Did It Have to Be an Uchiha?

"Wait, Sarutobi. No matter how you look at it, a reward of 5 Million Ryo and the Kusanagi Sword is excessive. Are we really handing such a huge expense over to a genin?"

A genin? Shiranui Genma's Senbon fell from his mouth without him even noticing, while Namiashi Raidō and Iwashi Tatami behind him wondered if they had misheard.

Since when could a genin carry out an S-rank Mission? And complete it, at that? The three of them had struggled bitterly and exhausted themselves just to complete an A-rank Mission providing battlefield support. What exactly was the background of this Uchiha Clan brat?

"What do you mean? This is my mission reward. Whether I use the money to renovate my garden or soak in hot springs is none of your business, you old crone!"

"You detestable Uchiha brat! How dare you publicly insult a Hokage Advisor? You—"

Tension filled the Mission Assignment Hall. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, slammed his hand on the desk and glared furiously.

"Enough, Koharu. What nonsense are you saying in front of the younger generation? Konoha's comrades are risking their lives on the front lines. How can we withhold mission rewards simply because the sum is large?"

"Uchiha Huayue, this is your reward. As for the Kusanagi Sword and the materials needed to forge it, let Orochimaru handle them."

"More importantly, are you interested in leading a chunin squad on further missions, or perhaps joining the Anbu?"

With a kindly, benevolent smile, the Third Hokage before them seemed like nothing more than an ordinary old man chatting casually with a few youngsters.

"I refuse. Teacher Orochimaru will be training me for a while, so I don't have time for missions. I'm leaving."

Huayue snatched up the Konoha Check that began with a five and had several zeros after it, then rapidly departed. He gave the Third Hokage and the two Hokage Advisors no time to react before vanishing from the spot in an instant.

"Cough, cough. All right, you may leave as well. Continue to work diligently toward becoming towering trees. One day, you will become the pillars of Konoha."

At that moment, Shiranui Genma raised his hand. Unable to suppress his curiosity, he asked, "Who is that Uchiha Clan child?"

"Hmph, he's just a brat who got lucky and learned the Flying Thunder God Technique. He has no respect for his elders, and he's arrogant because of his talent—just like Orochimaru!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned deeply, dissatisfaction swelling in his heart. Even if he could no longer see through Orochimaru's intentions, Orochimaru was still his most prized disciple.

"All right, all right. He's a Ninja Academy graduate from this year, and a rare genius. Mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique at that age is not something that can be dismissed as mere luck."

"The battle at Kikyō Pass has ended, and the village is safe again, but the Third Great Ninja War is not over yet. This is not the time to lower our guard."

The three exchanged glances. Recalling the ninjutsu Uchiha Huayue had used to disappear in an instant, they all saw the gravity in one another's eyes.

After the three left, Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent. His gaze shifted to his old friend, who pushed open the door and walked in, his voice low.

"Was it your suggestion to have Orochimaru take Uchiha Huayue as his disciple, Danzo?"

"What is wrong with that? Among your many disciples, isn't Orochimaru the most talented? Having Uchiha Huayue receive his guidance should bring him closer to your side, closer to the Will of Fire, Hiruzen."

"A battle report came back from the front lines. Orochimaru made preparations beforehand as well. Would you like to see how Chiyo, the Kazekage Advisor known as the surviving Puppet Master, was defeated by a genin?"

Danzo waved a hand, and two Anbu wheeled in a television. After a burst of static, the battle played out in full on the screen, though its sound was faint.

After a brief silence, even Utatane Koharu, who had initially held a strong grudge against Uchiha Huayue, said nothing.

"The greatest creation of Monzaemon, the Puppet Master Ancestor... the puppet hag's trump card was countered by a Summoning Beast in an instant. Can that Shinigami Summoning Beast steal Chakra?"

"Excellent Taijutsu and ninjutsu, timely use of the Body Flicker, and a grasp of the situation. He truly is a genius—but why did it have to be an Uchiha?"

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura gave their assessments, while Danzo revealed a rare smile.

"Precisely because he is a genius of the Uchiha Clan, if he ever betrays Konoha, Orochimaru will eliminate him without hesitation. With that outcome, what else are you dissatisfied with?"

Danzo's smile caused Sarutobi Hiruzen to fall silent for a moment. The tobacco in his pipe ignited, wisps of smoke curling around him before eventually dispersing into nothingness.

"However, when Konoha faces danger, Uchiha Huayue, as a ninja of the village, must render aid to the best of his ability. That is an unshakable bottom line."

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen relent, Danzo smiled broadly and turned to leave.

As his figure gradually receded, a faint look of worry appeared on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face.

Orochimaru, have you chosen to join forces with Danzo?

Late at night, at Root headquarters, the Anbu training division of Konoha.

Danzo walked with his cane, his expression blank. His steady footsteps echoed through the corridor, while the faintly smiling expression on his face concealed his delight.

"It seems the terms of negotiation have been settled. I'll be the one to teach Uchiha Huayue. Aside from his personality, the talent within that child may exceed all imagination."

"It does not matter, as long as he does not come into contact with that decaying Third Hokage. It is wartime now. Once this war ends, he should step down and yield his position. Are you ready to become the Fourth Hokage?"

Not far away, two Root members carried a body bag before Orochimaru. Drops of crimson blood fell from it, making Orochimaru frown in displeasure.

"Since when does Root make such a low-level mistake? You did not even clean up the blood properly. Or could it be..."

"This person's Kekkei Genkai is somewhat special. If all the blood is drained, the Kekkei Genkai's ability will disappear as well. What remains is no longer Root's concern."

A Giant Python slithered forward and swallowed the body into itself. Orochimaru turned to leave, but just as he was about to disappear, Danzo suddenly called out to stop him.

"Wait, Orochimaru. Do not forget your task. Confirm whether Uchiha Huayue has awakened the Sharingan."

"Whether he has awakened the Sharingan? I can give you the answer now. Without a doubt, he has. That child's Genjutsu can trap even me if I am careless."

"Could it be that you believe his eyes possess a treasure capable of replacing the one in your right eye?"

His expression darkened, making his already gloomy old face even more sinister. Danzo snorted coldly.

"Do not forget that the research authorization for the First Hokage's cells remains in my hands."

"The First Hokage's Wood Release Ninjutsu—the power capable of controlling Tailed Beasts—is indeed something I desire. Unfortunately, that is not my current goal."

"My current goal is that adorable disciple who always brings me surprises. Hehehehe..."