Chapter 73: Danzo: No One Understands Intelligence Better Than Me!

Shizune carefully opened the door and saw Tsunade sitting by the window, looking down at the cheering crowd below. Her face was calm, but her eyes burned with quiet anger. "Tsunade-sama, are you... really alright now?" "Yes." Tsunade waved her over. Shizune approached, and Tsunade gently patted her head before smiling softly. "I’m truly fine now. No need to worry." She looked back outside. Then, almost to herself, Tsunade murmured, "This isn’t the time to rest." "What did you say?" "Nothing. Saving him today means I’ve recovered. I won’t have any more free time from now on." Tsunade chuckled. Shizune pouted. "You still owe Jiraiya-sensei a huge debt. You should be working hard to pay it back." "Shizune." "Oh, and there are still those unpaid gambling debts outside—" "Shizune!" Tsunade’s voice sharpened before she suppressed her irritation and said darkly, "Today is a happy day. Can we not talk about unpleasant things?" "Seeing you like this, I know you’re really fine now. Alright, I’ll go back to training." Shizune had been genuinely worried earlier. She knew about Tsunade’s condition and had sensed something ominous about this situation. But to her surprise and relief, Tsunade had managed to recover in time. Thank goodness she pulled through! After Shizune left, Tsunade sighed. To sell the act, even Shizune had to be kept in the dark. The results proved her right—Shizune’s genuine concern made Tsunade’s "recovery" far more convincing, turning her surgical success into a legendary moment. But. She felt guilty for deceiving everyone—and even more— Furious. Had Kodachi’s team’s accident also been orchestrated by Danzo? Would he really harm his own villagers just for the Hokage’s seat? Her fists clenched. Before, she hadn’t fully agreed with Kyohiko’s plan. Now? She saw no issue with it. When the enemy strikes, you don’t just block—you strike back harder. Tsunade’s gaze turned icy. A moment later, a toad hopped in through the window. Its mouth stretched open, and Jiraiya climbed out. "How did it go?" "Just as Kyohiko predicted. That bastard didn’t just target me—he probably had a hand in Kodachi’s teammate’s injuries too. That dog! First Kyohiko, now this!" Tsunade’s voice dripped with venom. Whether Danzo was truly behind it or not, she was pinning this on him regardless. "Proceed with the plan?" "Yes." --- Days Later News of Tsunade’s actions continued to spread. Now, the village understood— Why she had left Konoha in the first place. Losing her loved ones, watching them die before her eyes, powerless to save them... Who could endure that? Many had resented her departure, calling it irresponsible. Others had whispered criticisms during her absence. But now? Regret. People flocked to the hospital to apologize, only to be turned away. Tsunade didn’t need their pity. As for the real culprits— Danzo. Perhaps even the Third Hokage. No point dwelling on them. Her goal was simple: Become Hokage. Strengthen Konoha. End the cycle of war. Amidst this, another narrative took root— Complaints about border security failures, delayed intelligence, repeated ambushes on Konoha squads by Iwa-nin... All pointing to one glaring issue: Why was Konoha’s intelligence network so full of holes? "If war breaks out now, we’re doomed with this level of intel!" "Who’s to blame?" "Wasn’t the ANBU handling intelligence?" "Shh! You want to disappear?" Whispers multiplied. Fear bred more rumors. Within days, public trust in the ANBU’s competence had collapsed. --- ANBU Base Danzo’s face was dark with anger. "What?" "Danzo-sama, something feels off. This seems coordinated." Aburame Tatsuma knelt, head bowed. Danzo suppressed his fury. "How did you let this spiral? Is this how you manage intelligence?" "..." Tatsuma had no defense. By the time they’d noticed the counter-narrative, it was too late to contain. Danzo stood, his cane thumping against the floor as he stormed out toward the Hokage’s office. --- Hokage’s Office Knock knock knock. "Enter." Hiruzen’s voice was weary. The door creaked open. Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu all turned as Danzo strode in. "Good, you’re all here. Hiruzen, your student’s latest stunt—" Danzo began, only for Homura and Koharu to cut him off. "Danzo, you went too far this time!" "Harming our own villagers? What if Tsunade hadn’t overcome her hemophobia? You’d have crippled a jōnin!" Koharu’s disapproval was palpable. She’d reviewed the surgery. Even she couldn’t have pulled it off—let alone with Tsunade’s flawless results. Homura added, "Training a jōnin takes years of resources. And that incident with Namikaze—stealing that girl was unacceptable!" "Did you have a hand in the Hyuga team’s ambush too?" Koharu pressed. Danzo’s expression darkened. He’d come to discuss strategy. Instead, he was getting ambushed himself. And worst of all— Some of this wasn’t even his doing! He scanned the room before settling on Hiruzen. "Do you trust me or not?" "Danzo." Hiruzen exhaled smoke, his voice heavy. "Whether you’re behind this or not, the intelligence failures are real. The department’s performance has been lacking." He looked to Homura and Koharu. "Time for a change. Agreed?" "Agreed." No hesitation. Danzo’s cane struck the floor. "So I’m to take the fall?" "The public outcry leaves no choice. This protects your operative—let him train more, regain his edge," Hiruzen said placatingly. Danzo gritted his teeth before forcing himself to sit. Even Koharu and Homura had turned against him. No recourse. He stayed silent until the meeting ended, then stormed out, face like thunder. Once alone, Hiruzen pulled out a hidden scroll. His hands trembled as he read: Danzo secretly formed the Root squad. Despite halting official "Hashirama Cell" research, he continued supporting it in secret. Evidence: A four-year-old boy codenamed "Kinoe" within Root possesses Wood Release. The attack on Namikaze was orchestrated by Root operatives. Evidence: All bear the Tongue Eradication Seal—matching Jiraiya’s intel. Signed: Orochimaru. Hiruzen sighed, his face etched with loneliness. "Danzo... you’ve disappointed me." --- Border of Fire and River Country "Antidote pills. Tsunade-sama’s formula. Counters most poisons—at least mitigates the effects." Minato distributed the pills. "Our target is dangerous. Stay alert. Especially you, Gai. Your taijutsu is strong, but close combat increases poisoning risks." "Yes, sir!" Gai stood rigid. Minato then turned to Kyohiko and Kakashi, his expression softening slightly. "Kakashi’s mission experience reassures me." "But Kyohiko..." Minato’s real concern was Kyohiko. Talented, yes. But talent meant little if cut short. The battlefield didn’t care about potential. "I understand, Captain." Kyohiko nodded. Of the four, he was the most survival-focused. Even before his system, his priority had been escape and evasion techniques. Now? His defensive skills were top-tier. Charging in recklessly like Naruto? Never. Once prepped, they crossed into River Country. A vast land bisected by a winding river—its namesake—stretching from Rain Country to the southern seas. Forests and mountains flanked its banks. Moving silently, they reached the ambush site. "Here?" "Traces were cleared. Recently, too." The scarred landscape—shattered trees, gouged earth—hinted at the battle’s ferocity. But the cleanup was fresh. They exchanged glances. "Why’s that bad?" Gai asked, lagging in tactical insight. "Means someone else is hunting them too," Kyohiko explained. "Captain, you mentioned the Ino-Shika-Cho team’s involvement. Their work?" "Unlikely. No Konoha signals. This feels like Suna’s style." Minato frowned. "Track them?" Kakashi suggested. Suna’s involvement made sense—their rogue ninja, Sasori, was the target. Minato weighed the risks. "Our teams have searched for the missing ninja for a month. Even if Suna’s here, we at least recover our dead." "Then find the Suna team? I might have a way." Kakashi bit his thumb, weaving hand seals before slamming his palm to the ground. Summoning Jutsu! Poof! A massive white ninken materialized. Its gaze swept the group before locking onto Kakashi. "Sakumo’s boy?" A pause. "Finally signing the contract?" "Yes." Kakashi bowed slightly. "My apologies for the delay, Ando-sama." "No matter. I’m glad you’ve moved forward." The ninken—Ando—sniffed the air before zeroing in on the disturbed earth. "Tracking the cleaners?" "Please. They can’t be far." "Hn. This way." Andō lunged forward, the team scrambling to follow. The white blur wove through the trees, scars marring its fur—testaments to battles alongside the White Fang. Kyohiko understood now. Kakashi’s "existing contract" was renewing his father’s bond with Ando. An inheritance. This step meant Kakashi had truly healed from his father’s suicide—emerged from that darkness. Especially telling? Their friendship had helped pave the way. Watching Kakashi stride forward, Kyohiko felt a surge of pride—before noticing— Gai was discreetly wiping tears. "You crying?" Kakashi glanced back. "Just... happy for you!" Gai beamed. "Tch. Keep up." Kakashi turned away, but his pace slowed just enough for Gai to fall in step. Minato observed silently. Then— Ando halted. Whoosh! Kunai and senbon rained from the shadows as two figures lunged. Kyohiko blurred forward, hands flashing through two seals. Water Release: Water Wall! A spinning vortex deflected the projectiles midair. Two seals?! Minato’s eyes widened. The Nidaime’s technique?! "Captain!" "On it!" As the water screen dropped, Minato vanished— Yellow Flash! Bam! His Rasengan cratered a puppet to splinters. Ando snarled, leaping as poisoned spikes erupted beneath him. A trap! "Kakashi, down!" Kyohiko’s fist smashed the ground, destabilizing another spike volley. The trio—all taijutsu specialists—dodged with practiced ease. "There!" Ando bounded toward the trees, adopting a defensive crouch. The team repositioned— Just as Kyohiko split into three different forms via Transformation Jutsu. Shink! Shink! Shink! More poisoned needles. Puppets scuttled through the foliage, their movements eerily silent. Sound alone wasn’t enough. "This way!" Ando growled— "AMBUSH!" A blade flashed. A puppet collapsed, severed strings curling like dying serpents. From the chaos, two figures emerged— Minato, having flanked the puppeteer— And an elderly woman. Chiyo. Kyohiko understood instantly. Her target? Anything tied to the White Fang. "Damn you, Sakumo!" Chiyo spat, hurling sealed scrolls. Her hands flew through seals— "Wind Release!" Kakashi warned. "Poison! Scatter! Regroup!" Kyohiko’s commands were clipped, but the team moved as one. Wind Release: Great Breakthrough! A hurricane of wind scattered toxic powder, withering entire trees in seconds. Chiyo’s hatred was lethal. But Minato was already upon her— Slash! Clang! His kunai wrenched from his grip by an unseen force. Chiyo likewise staggered off-balance. Then— A voice, cold as steel: "Enough." Minato flickered back to the team, tense. "Magnet Release. The Kazekage is here. Prepare to retreat." "Yes, sir!" No room for error. Their foe? The Third Kazekage. Kyohiko knew his fate—slain by Sasori, his corpse defiled—but in life? A Kage-level threat. Against him, only Minato stood a chance. From the trees emerged a young man. He glanced at Chiyo before addressing the Konoha team, tone icy: "Konoha-nin. You’re here for Sasori of the Red Sand too?"