After waiting for about ten minutes, Danzo finally arrived at Isamu's residence with two Root subordinates.
"Father, Danzo is here. What should we do?" Mikoto asked.
"What are you waiting for?" Isamu replied with a smile. "Invite him in."
"Oh… alright."
Although confused by Isamu's cheerful attitude, Mikoto didn't question it. She turned and went outside to receive Danzo.
Soon, she led Danzo and his two subordinates into the hall.
Seeing Danzo's aged appearance—with one arm wrapped in bandages and one eye covered—the corners of Isamu's mouth lifted slightly.
That old fox still treasures that thing.
Danzo was equally surprised.
He hadn't expected that after all these years, Isamu still looked as youthful as ever.
"Hahaha! If it isn't Elder Danzo!" Isamu laughed warmly. "I never thought you'd actually come. It's been so many years since we last met—I almost missed you."
"Hehehe, indeed." Danzo smiled as well. "After all these years, you haven't changed at all, Uchiha Tensei."
The two old foxes laughed heartily before embracing like old friends who hadn't seen each other in years.
Anyone watching would have thought they were lifelong companions.
Mikoto, Karura, and the two Root shinobi were all completely bewildered.
⸻
Danzo leaned in and spoke quietly.
"What do you have to say about killing my subordinates?"
"Shouldn't you give me an explanation?"
"What explanation?"
"If you actually cared about the lives of those two pieces of trash, you wouldn't be Danzo Shimura."
"Stop pretending."
Danzo snorted.
"Has the body been taken care of?"
"Do you even need to ask?" Isamu replied casually.
"I cleaned everything up before I came home."
The two whispered into each other's ears.
It was obvious Danzo hadn't come to seek revenge.
Offending Isamu over two disposable Root agents simply wasn't worth it.
Compared to someone he'd cooperated with for years, those two shinobi meant nothing.
Although the others couldn't hear them, Karura heard every word clearly.
The more she listened, the more confused she became.
These two… don't sound like enemies at all.
⸻
"Hahaha!"
"Come, Elder Danzo, have a seat."
"Mikoto, bring Elder Danzo some good tea."
"Yes."
After Danzo sat down, Mikoto poured him a fresh cup.
"Mmm."
"Excellent tea."
"Thank you for your trouble."
Although he praised it repeatedly, Danzo wasn't truly a tea connoisseur.
It was simply courtesy toward Isamu.
"It's nothing," Mikoto replied respectfully.
Standing beside them, she still felt enormous pressure.
Over the years, Danzo had constantly pressured the Uchiha Clan.
Even the clan head treated him cautiously.
Naturally, she couldn't help feeling nervous.
⸻
Danzo subtly winked at Isamu.
Isamu immediately understood.
"Mikoto."
"You may leave now."
"Elder Danzo and I have a few things to discuss."
"Alright."
"Father, Elder Danzo, please continue. If you need anything, just call me."
After Mikoto left, Danzo glanced toward Karura and gave Isamu another meaningful look.
Isamu sighed.
"Danzo."
"Are you finished?"
"She's one of my own."
"Where exactly do you expect me to send her?"
"If you've got time to worry about my people, why don't you send yours outside instead?"
Danzo raised an eyebrow.
"One of your own?"
He looked at Karura with mild surprise before calmly replying,
"My subordinates carry my sealing technique."
"They cannot reveal anything."
"You can rest assured."
"A sealing technique?"
"That really does sound like you."
Isamu activated his Sharingan and examined the two Root shinobi.
Sure enough…
Curse Seals had been placed on their throats, connected directly to their hearts.
With a single thought, Danzo could kill them instantly.
No wonder no one in Root ever betrayed him.
Between relentless brainwashing and seals that controlled their lives, defection was almost impossible.
⸻
Danzo narrowed his eyes and looked between Isamu and Karura.
"Heh."
"You've been away all these years…"
"And you came back with such a young, beautiful woman."
"You really haven't wasted your time."
Karura looked at Danzo strangely.
What is wrong with this old man?
He doesn't seem like a good person.
⸻
"Enough nonsense," Isamu interrupted.
"You didn't come all the way here just to ask about my private life."
"If you've got something to say, say it."
"I've been busy all day."
"I'm tired."
Danzo snorted.
"Busy?"
"What could you possibly be busy with after disappearing for so many years?"
"Don't forget our agreement."
"You've been gone for so long."
"You haven't contributed a thing."
"I haven't even settled that account with you yet."
"Contributed?"
"What contribution?"
"I already went to your place and ate for free once."
"Or has the food improved?"
"Were you planning to treat me to another feast?"
Danzo rolled his eyes.
"Stop changing the subject."
"The situation in Konoha has become extremely complicated."
"Every faction is making moves."
"I need your help."
⸻
Isamu shook his head.
"Danzo."
"Don't misunderstand our relationship."
"We're partners."
"I'm not your subordinate."
"If I help you, it's because I choose to."
"I see no reason to involve myself in matters unrelated to our agreement."
Danzo frowned.
"So…"
"You're planning to burn the bridge after crossing it?"
Isamu laughed.
"Don't make me sound like some villain."
"Our cooperation still stands."
"I'll help you reach that position."
"I'll keep my word."
"But as for everything else…"
"I'll pass."
"Don't let this youthful face fool you."
"I'm getting old."
"My grandsons are already running around and attending the Academy."
"I've struggled long enough."
"It's finally time for me to enjoy life with my family."
⸻
"That's no excuse," Danzo replied.
"I'm older than you."
"I'm still working every day."
"And you—who are younger—want to lie around doing nothing?"
"Aren't you ashamed?"
Isamu shrugged.
"What's there to be ashamed of?"
"You're still running around because you're obsessed with your ambitions."
"But me?"
"I have children."
"I have grandsons."
"My family lives peacefully."
"Of course my priorities are different."
"I'm not some lonely old bachelor with no descendants."
Karura couldn't help laughing.
"Hehehe…"
She hadn't expected Isamu to be so sharp-tongued.
Looking at Danzo…
It actually made sense.
With a personality like his, it wasn't surprising he had no descendants.
Danzo's expression darkened slightly.
Although the words stung, he had long since grown accustomed to Isamu's poisonous tongue.
Years ago, he would have argued back immediately.
Now, he simply ignored it.
Of course…
That tolerance existed only for Isamu.
If anyone else had dared speak to him that way, Danzo would have killed them without hesitation.