Support me on patreon:
Patreon.com/IndifferentVillain
Early Access and + 60 chapter ahead of webnovel monthly, ur support keeps me motivated...thanks and enjoy reading
Chapter 80 is out on patreon!!!
_______________
The identity of Naruto Uzumaki was extremely important.
When Kanda Rokuro made contact with Naruto, it was a matter that absolutely had to be reported to Hiruzen Sarutobi. However, Hiruzen spent the entire morning in negotiations with the Cloud Village envoys. The Anbu operatives couldn't casually interrupt, so they had to wait until the talks concluded.
As soon as the negotiations ended, an Anbu ninja appeared and whispered the details of the interaction between Naruto and Rokuro into Hiruzen's ear.
Hearing this, Hiruzen's brow furrowed slightly.
He was thinking.
Was this arranged by Danzo?
After pondering for a moment, he looked at the Anbu ninja and asked, "Do you feel there is anything suspicious or problematic about Kanda Rokuro approaching Naruto Uzumaki?"
The Anbu ninja shook his head. "Lord Hokage, I didn't see any issues. It wasn't Kanda Rokuro who actively sought out Naruto. They bumped into each other while waiting for the Cloud envoys at the village gate. Furthermore, it was Naruto who approached Rokuro on his own initiative."
Bumped into each other!
Hiruzen was always skeptical of that phrase.
He thought for a second and said, "Tell me exactly how it happened, step by step. Do not omit a single detail!"
The Anbu ninja nodded and recounted the entire event flawlessly.
After listening to the full story, Hiruzen couldn't find any glaring issues, which made him sigh in relief.
It seemed Rokuro meeting Naruto wasn't a deliberate scheme orchestrated by Danzo after all.
With his suspicions eased, Hiruzen looked at the Anbu ninja. "Are you saying that little Kanda brat wants to challenge a Cloud ninja, and is currently staking out the inn where they're staying?"
The Anbu ninja chuckled. "Yes, he claims he wants to defeat a Cloud Chūnin to prove his strength to Elder Danzo. However, that's practically impossible. I already have people keeping an eye on Rokuro and the others; there's no way they'll even get close to the Cloud ninjas."
Hiruzen shook his head. "I'm not worried about that. I'm asking: do you think he actually has the strength to defeat a Cloud Chūnin?"
The Anbu ninja fell silent for a moment. "Based on the intelligence we have, I'd say it would be very difficult. However, that intelligence is over a month old and might already be inaccurate. Seeing how confidently he wants to challenge a Chūnin... I suspect his strength has taken another massive leap forward."
A sharp glint flashed in Hiruzen's eyes. "Is that so? It seems Danzo really has found an extraordinary genius. Once the Cloud Village delegation leaves, go see Danzo again and discuss enrolling Kanda Rokuro in the Ninja Academy!"
"Understood," the Anbu ninja replied.
Hiruzen stood up and walked to the window, gazing out over the village. "Peace has finally arrived, but the crises facing Konoha are ever-present. Cultivating a new generation of capable ninjas during this time of peace is imperative. Only then can Konoha remain at the pinnacle of the Five Great Villages!"
The Anbu ninja stared at Hiruzen's back, remaining silent.
The two stood quietly until Hiruzen snapped out of his reverie and dismissed the operative. Only then did the Anbu ninja disappear.
...
If Hiruzen Sarutobi was paying attention to Naruto Uzumaki, Danzo Shimura naturally was as well.
Kanda Rokuro had suddenly mixed in with Naruto, and even became the boy's "boss." This whole situation struck Danzo as bizarre.
He had always wanted to assign Root operatives to directly monitor and control Naruto, but Hiruzen had constantly refused.
He never expected Rokuro to accidentally stumble into Naruto's orbit!
To Danzo, this was an unexpected windfall. However, he was also worried that the old monkey Hiruzen would suspect this was a deliberate ploy. Therefore, Danzo didn't immediately recall Rokuro. Instead, he dispatched a subordinate to speak with Hiruzen to clarify the situation.
At a critical juncture like this, Danzo didn't want a complete fallout with Hiruzen. He needed to gauge the Hokage's stance first.
If Hiruzen didn't say anything, Danzo would just let the matter slide and pretend he knew nothing.
If Hiruzen objected, Danzo would simply warn Rokuro to stay away from the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
The operative Danzo sent returned an hour later.
As soon as he saw the man, Danzo asked, "Well? What is the Hokage's stance on this matter?"
The Root ninja answered hesitantly, "Lord Hokage didn't say much about it. He just asked if Lord Danzo would allow Kanda Rokuro to enroll in the Ninja Academy when the new student intake begins in June."
Danzo understood immediately!
Hiruzen's response meant he believed Danzo had nothing to do with it. The Hokage knew their interaction wasn't a deliberate setup by Root.
Realizing this, Danzo narrowed his eye. After a long moment of thought, he ordered, "Go tell the Hokage that I agree to this arrangement. However, in exchange, I want a sample of Senju Clan cells for research purposes!"
"Yes, my Lord!"
After acknowledging the order, the Root ninja asked, "Then what should we do regarding Kanda Rokuro?"
Danzo gave the ninja a cold look. "Act as if nothing happened. Do not mention the Academy to him either. When June arrives, just make the arrangements and send him there."
The Root ninja hesitated. "Lord Danzo, from what I can see, he has zero interest in attending school. He already wants to challenge Chūnin in combat. There probably isn't anything left for him to learn at the Academy."
Danzo glared at the operative. "I am the leader of Root. He will obey my commands."
The Root ninja fell silent, bowed respectfully, and left the office.