Chapter 286: Danzo's 'Defection'
The Fat Cat was no longer the mindless, stupid cat it used to be. Back then, Masahiko could keep it as a pet inside the space.
Now that it possessed an intelligence on par with a human, keeping it locked in the space all the time was no longer appropriate.
However, carrying it around constantly was also inconvenient at times. By forming a summoning contract, Masahiko breathed a sigh of relief.
He could summon it when needed, and when not, he could still sense its location and status. It was very convenient...
Having resolved this matter, Masahiko continued towards the Senju clan compound.
During wartime, there weren't many ninjas left in Konoha. Over the past two days, Masahiko had barely seen any, and not a single acquaintance.
However, the Senju compound was different. Whether they knew him well or not, these Senju clansmen definitely recognized Masahiko. Upon seeing him, they all wore "shocked faces," which then changed into "excited faces."
"Elder Masahiko, you really are still alive!"
Masahiko responded with a smile, but by the time he reached Nawaki and Mikoto's house, his face had stiffened.
"Not home?"
Masahiko felt helpless. Where could they have gone so early in the morning?
Someone pushed open the door of the neighboring house and came out. Seeing Masahiko, they froze for a moment.
"Elder Masahiko..."
"Yes, I really am still alive!"
"You're alive..."
"Yes, it's wonderful that I'm alive! Can we talk about something else?" Masahiko asked with a smile.
The person opposite him was stunned for a long while. "You... are looking for Mikoto Uchiha, right?"
Masahiko breathed a sigh of relief, finally not dwelling on whether he was dead or alive.
"Where did Mikoto go?"
"She went back to the Uchiha... I heard her Second Grandfather passed away yesterday. Oh, I mean the former Great Elder of the Uchiha."
Masahiko nodded. "I see."
He still had an impression of the Uchiha's Great Elder. Back when Itachi was born, that guy had even come over to nag him.
Saying things like the Senju didn't treat Itachi well and he wanted to take him away. Then saying he had followed Masahiko's instructions and married his granddaughter Meiling to Fugaku. And if Mikoto had a second child who awakened the Sharingan before graduating from the Ninja Academy, they would have to take the surname Uchiha...
"I remember his health wasn't very good ten years ago. I didn't expect him to hold on until now... Was he hoping to wait for the child with the same name as me to awaken the Sharingan?"
"But this short-lived guy didn't make it. That child is only five years old now, it's not even certain if he has started refining chakra yet."
Pondering for a long time, Masahiko looked up at the Senju clansman opposite him. "Since Mikoto isn't here, and such a thing has happened, I'll take my leave first."
"Take care, Elder Masahiko!"
...
Masahiko didn't go to the Uchiha. He figured they were busy with the funeral, and seeing that child a little later wouldn't hurt.
Calculating the time, it was about right, so Masahiko went to the Hokage Building again.
As expected, Hiruzen was a hardworking Hokage.
"Elder Masahiko, you've returned. What about Danzo..." Hiruzen's face was filled with worry. He had long received news of the massive battle over in the Land of Rivers.
Masahiko waved his hand, intending to scare him. He tossed out Danzo's clothes. "Collect Danzo's belongings!"
Hiruzen hurriedly caught them, his face turning ugly. "You... killed Danzo?"
"Hmm?" Before he could say more, Hiruzen froze for a moment and pulled a letter out of the pocket of Danzo's clothes.
Masahiko was also stunned. Because he was somewhat disgusted by Danzo's clothes, he truly hadn't noticed this letter.
As he read the letter, Hiruzen's expression grew increasingly sorrowful, and he gradually slumped back into his chair.
Masahiko frowned and took the letter. It was a message left by Danzo.
"Elder Masahiko, when you read this letter, I should already have died by your hands."
Masahiko's expression turned peculiar, and he continued reading.
"When I used Edo Tensei, I intentionally wanted to anger you, and conveniently let you vent your frustration on Madara Uchiha."
Masahiko didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Madara, you're quite pitiful.
"The reason I did this is that there is a matter you would eventually find out. I was the one who had people spread the news of your death."
Masahiko was startled. "I almost forgot about that."
Hiruzen: "..."
Danzo, your death is truly unjustified. You forgot that Elder Masahiko has a bad memory.
"When the news of your survival arrived, I knew I couldn't escape this calamity unless I chose to defect..."
"Although my original intention for this action was for Konoha, I miscalculated three times. Not only did it cause severe losses for Konoha, but it also ruptured the relationship between the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha. I am willing to atone with my death."
Seeing this, Masahiko's expression grew even more peculiar. He felt the tone was a bit off; he didn't expect Danzo to actually say such things.
"Did Konoha suffer severe losses, Hiruzen?"
Hiruzen's face darkened. "Ninja casualties... nearly half."
"Is that so." Masahiko sighed. "The war should be ending soon. The Cloud Village probably won't dare to make another move."
Hiruzen nodded, his expression turning solemn. "We cannot easily let the Rock Village off this time!"
"That's your business." Masahiko glanced at him and continued reading the letter.
"When I left the Konoha camp this time, I didn't inform anyone. I hope, Elder Masahiko, that considering I willingly went to my death, you can publicly declare that I died from an assassination by the Cloud Village and have my name engraved on the Memorial Stone."
"Lastly, may my death ensure that the friendship between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools lasts forever."
Masahiko shook his head wordlessly. That Danzo would do this indeed exceeded his expectations.
"This guy is truly willing to protect Konoha with his life. Knowing that the current Konoha cannot afford to offend the Land of Whirlpools, it has made me change my opinion of him a bit... It's just that sometimes his methods are truly a bit excessive."
"But here comes the problem. Out of curiosity for his suicidal behavior, I didn't kill him. What now?"
Masahiko shook his head as Hiruzen spoke sorrowfully, "Elder Masahiko, Danzo's last words..."
"Alright, let's leave this matter at that. I won't pursue it anymore." Masahiko nodded. "You might be involved in this too, but since Danzo took all the blame, consider yourself lucky!"
Hiruzen breathed a sigh of relief. "Then about the Memorial Stone..."
Masahiko shook his head. "That won't do. You will publicly declare that Danzo intentionally sabotaged the alliance between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools, spread the rumor of my death, and announce his defection!"
"Elder Masah..." Hiruzen was about to plead for leniency when he suddenly realized something was wrong. "Defection?"
"Right, Danzo isn't dead. Perhaps his suicidal skills weren't enough, I didn't kill him at the time."
Hiruzen let out a long breath. "Defection..."
"Just consider it a punishment for his actions this time," Masahiko nodded and said.
Moreover, he felt that things were becoming interesting.
At that time, Danzo had been beaten severely by him and should have lost his mobility. And from Madara's words, it could be seen that until the end of the battle, Danzo, the caster, had not died. Yet Masahiko didn't see him when he returned, so he could only have been rescued by someone.
If it were someone from Konoha who saved him, Hiruzen should have received the news. But since he hadn't, the identity of the person who saved him was worth questioning...
"Was it Orochimaru?"
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