In the Hokage's office.
The Hokage and his assistant chatted all night long, only stopping their conversation as dawn broke.
Hiruzen Sarutobi could tell that Danzo was still hiding something and hadn't fully revealed his secrets.
But even just knowing about it was enough to shock him.
Human experimentation... and it's not just one project, involving more than one country.
There were Kekkei experiments in the Land of Wind, Wood Release experiments in the Land of Fire, and mermaid experiments in the Land of the Sea.
This is utterly lawless.
This makes the origin of that Ice Release ninja very clear.
The Human Puppet technology involves someone transforming Ice Release ninjas into puppets, and now Konoha has come to cause trouble.
As for the person behind it all, it's most likely Hoshino, who's currently riding high on his popularity.
The chances of Kazekage Rasa being involved are very small; he doesn't have the guts.
" Danzo, I can overlook other things, but you must hand over that Wood Release ninja."
"Alright, I'll have Jia report to the Anbu later!"
Shimura Danzō did not object and readily agreed.
He knew that once the fact that a Wood Release ninja was alive was revealed, he would absolutely be unable to protect him.
After all, Root is essentially Anbu training institution, Hiruzen Sarutobi can switch Root's economic resources at any time.
When the Hokage gets serious, you'll have no choice in the matter.
Seeing that Danzo was so sensible, Hiruzen Sarutobi, deciding to let bygones be bygones regarding those absurd experiments.
Let's continue with the previous topic.
"So, that Hoshino is currently inside Konoha?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in a deep voice.
According to Danzo's understanding of Human Puppet Technique, the puppets seem unable to stray too far from their controllers, and are connected by Chakra Threads.
However, none of these things were mentioned in Kakashi's account, and his behavior was no different from that of a normal ninja.
Shimura Danzō wasn't entirely sure either, shaking his head and saying, " Hoshino was adopted by Chiyo and is very knowledgeable about puppetry. Perhaps he improved the Human Puppet Technique."
"If that's the case, then we're in trouble!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew all too well how threatening a puppet that didn't require Chakra Threads to connect it was.
The opponent could easily hide their main body in a safe place and then remotely control the puppet to achieve their goals.
Just like now.
The main body is nowhere to be found, and even if the puppet is gone, another one can be released, which is extremely annoying.
After all, the other party had come all the way to Konoha, and no one would believe it if they said they only brought this one puppet.
Danzo added, "What's more troublesome is that the puppet's anthropomorphism is extremely high, so..."
"... Then, we can't even tell who's the real person and who's the puppet." Hiruzen Sarutobi a deep drag on his pipe and continued the conversation.
A brief silence fell between them.
Much later.
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a smoke ring and said decisively, "Even if he improved the Human Puppet Technique, it definitely can't travel very far."
" Danzo, I'm leaving this to you. Find him!"
"I've already had Root members secretly investigating," Danzo said calmly. "However, my focus is entirely on the Uchiha Clan, and I can't spare too many people."
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes and said sideways, "You haven't given up on that plan yet? I told you, now is not the time. You'd better shut up."
Danzo was silent for a moment, a cold glint flashing in his single eye, but he quickly returned to calm.
He chuckled softly and said, " Hiruzen, you're always like this... indecisive."
"This isn't indecisiveness," Hiruzen Sarutobi retorted. " The Uchiha problem needs time, not your extreme methods."
Danzo scoffed, "Time? Ha! By the time they actually start a rebellion, it will be too late."
"Enough!" Hiruzen Sarutobi his fist on the table. "The most important task now is to find Hoshino, not to fight amongst ourselves!"
The air in the office suddenly froze.
Danzo stared at the Third for a few seconds, then slowly turned and walked towards the door.
"Suit yourself! But my plan has already begun, and you can't stop me!"
The door was slammed shut.
Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to have let out a sigh of relief, slumped into his chair, and kept smoking.
The Kakkō in the pipe flickered in the morning light, and the white smoke swirled and dissipated in the air, much like the Konoha of the tree today—calm on the surface but turbulent beneath.
"Someone come here."
A Anbu Ninja suddenly appeared in the center of the office and knelt on one knee.
" Lord Hokage."
"Notify Kakashi to go and receive the Root ninja armor," Hiruzen Sarutobi said. "Also, have the Intelligence Division re-verify the information on all personnel who entered the country in the last two weeks."
"Yes!"
The Anbu Ninja was about to leave when he was called back.
"Wait... This must be done in secret; don't alert the Root."
After the Anbu left, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked to the window and looked at the increasingly bustling streets of Konoha.
These are turbulent times!
at the same time.
The Bingkui, captured by Konoha, is strolling through the bustling streets of Konoha.
The sweet aroma of dango wafted from the street-side shop, several children chased and played, and ninjas occasionally leaped across rooftops and utility poles.
When the Bingkui stopped, her current appearance was reflected in the shop window.
An ordinary face, completely different from before.
She modified this herself last night, and even added pre-prepared camouflage material to the surface to conceal the fluctuations of Chakra within her body.
At this moment, she was no different from any other ordinary Konoha.
As long as you don't fight with anyone and no one checks your identity, you won't attract other people's attention.
"Would you like something, sir?" the dumpling shop owner greeted him warmly.
"Give me two skewers of three-colored meatballs, and oh yes, and a little of each of these too."
Bingkui accepted the paper bag from the shopkeeper, nodded politely in thanks, and placed a few banknotes on the counter.
"Take care, sir. Welcome back next time."
The streets were bustling with activity.
Bingkui Earth Flow leisurely like an ordinary villager, occasionally taking a bite of a dumpling, his demeanor natural and proper, completely integrated into the daily life of Konoha.
Suddenly, two little girls chased after her.
" Ino Pig! Give it back to me!" the pink-haired girl shouted angrily.
"Come and chase me, you broad forehead!" The blonde girl turned around and made a face, waving a pink headband in her hand.
It's Sakura and Ino.
The Bingkui recognized the two girls at a glance.
After all, they occupy a significant portion of the original story and are highly recognizable.
But it's still too small.
The Bingkui stepped aside to let them pass, but its gaze inadvertently fell on the street corner.
A little girl with Byakugan stood there timidly, watching the two playfully fighting with envy.
Hinata Hyuga.
The eldest daughter of the Hyuga Main Family, the future wife of the chosen one, possesses the purest Byakugan.
Should we follow the example of the Kumogakure and take the Crown Princess with us before leaving Konoha?