Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Uchiha are Also Konoha’s Uchiha

Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Uchiha are Also Konoha’s Uchiha  It was clear that having Takuya as Tsunade's disciple meant he was now aligned with the Hokage's faction. Even though he had Uchiha blood, this alignment would keep him from being fully integrated into the village's power center, but at least he wouldn't face the same prejudice as the rest of the Uchiha. But this carefully laid plan was now being disrupted. One Takuya was enough. Adding Uchiha Mikoto to Tsunade's tutelage might lead the Uchiha to develop certain... undesirable thoughts. This was something the Third Hokage could not accept. Even if he were willing to overlook it, Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado certainly wouldn't agree. "I just remembered something," Jiraiya said, clapping his hands. "Tsunade mentioned this kid's a great cook. She hasn't stopped talking about it." 11 The Third Hokage was speechless. Was the reason Tsunade favored him really just because he was a good cook? Seeing the Hokage deep in thought, Jiraiya decided to make his exit. "Old man, you think it over. I'm heading out. I'll be at the academy tomorrow." Jiraiya figured it was better to get out and look for new inspiration for his writing than to sit around talking to the Hokage. With Tsunade still in the village, he didn't dare go to the bathhouse for fear of getting caught by her. A single punch from her could leave him half-dead. "Hm," the Third Hokage nodded, waving his hand to dismiss Jiraiya. Jiraiya shook the papers in his hand before leaping out of the window. Not long after Jiraiya left, someone arrived, just as the Third Hokage expected. It was Danzo, the head of Konoha's Root. Was Danzo's influence growing too much? There was no hiding anything that happened in the Hokage's office from him. Within ten minutes, Danzo would surely show up. This made the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, uncomfortable. The Root was a power granted by him, but that didn't mean Danzo had the right to infiltrate those closest to him. "Sarutobi, I've always said the Uchiha cannot be trusted." "Now that the news is out, where will you and I hide our faces?" "We're all part of Konoha, and the Uchiha are Konoha's Uchiha." "Now, go back and keep a close eye on Amegakure. Don't give them a chance to start a war." "But Root is short on manpower..." Whether it was the Uchiha or the Land of Rain, they were just excuses. Danzo's ultimate goal was to strengthen Root and expand his power. Even though he had infiltrated ANBU, only Root was truly under his control. His power would continue to grow only by expanding Root. He had already asked to expand Root's ranks several times, but the Third Hokage hadn't agreed. The Third Hokage believed that in peacetime, with ANBU and Root working together, there was no need for Root to grow any larger. But now that the Land of Rain was starting to show its fangs, with many ANBU sent out on missions, there was a shortage of manpower. Danzo had brought this up at just the right moment, making it difficult for the Third Hokage to refuse outright. After some consideration, the Hokage said, "I'll discuss this with Koharu and Homura. You may go now." "I'll be waiting for your decision." Satisfied with the response, Danzo left. As for Takuya and Mikoto, they had already slipped from his mind. To him, they were just two Uchiha brats-not worth his attention. "Old man, you wanted to see me?" Tsunade arrived, still in her medical garb, fresh from the hospital. "This is about Takuya Yagami and Uchiha Mikoto's application," the Third Hokage said, handing her the completed paperwork. And you called me over just for this? P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 30 at patreon.com/Emiko1. P/S: Check out my other fanfiction translation "Ninja World: I Have a Life Simulator." It's a great and fun read.