In the Hokage's office within the Hokage Building,
Sora stood before Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo.
He took out the scroll that Orochimaru had given him and handed it to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Lord Hokage, this is what Orochimaru-sensei asked me to deliver. It contains a summary of the current situation in the Land of Hot Water."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took the scroll and began reading.
At that moment, Danzo turned to Sora and said, "I heard you commanded four Uchiha shinobi during your mission in the Land of Hot Water."
As soon as I heard Danzo's voice, I had a bad feeling—like he was about to cause trouble.
Sora nodded. "Yes, Danzo-sama. Under Orochimaru-sensei's orders, I led four Uchiha shinobi as their captain."
Danzo narrowed his eyes. "Was it only because of Orochimaru's orders?"
Sora remained composed. "Yes, it was solely because of Orochimaru-sensei's command."
Danzo was silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "What do you think of the Uchiha?"
Sora looked at him, puzzled.
Danzo's question was clearly meant to test his stance.
But as a Jōnin, it would be inappropriate for him to express any personal opinions about the Uchiha—whether positive or negative—here.
Danzo's expression remained unreadable. "I recall that you had a deep conflict with the Uchiha clan. Now that you've led a team of Uchiha, have those conflicts been resolved?"
Sora answered calmly, "There's no talk of conflict or reconciliation. We are all comrades of the same village. Personal matters are insignificant compared to the needs of Konoha."
As a seasoned manipulator, Danzo immediately picked up on the underlying meaning.
Sora had not reconciled with the Uchiha—he was carrying out his duty.
A faint smirk appeared at the corner of Danzo's lips. "Sora. You're quite capable. Have you considered joining Root?"
Sora was taken aback. Recruiting him into Root right in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen?
That wasn't a good move.
And he had no interest in joining Root.
Just as Sora was contemplating how to refuse tactfully, Sarutobi Hiruzen set down the scroll and smiled. "Danzo, Chiba is now a key asset to Konoha. She wishes to remain active on the battlefield, so I can't allow her to join Root."
Then, shifting the conversation, Hiruzen continued, "The current situation in the Land of Hot Water is stable, and our other battlefields are also progressing well. We can now consolidate our strength and deploy more Genin to gain battlefield experience and improve their skills."
Danzo scoffed. "Don't be too optimistic. According to my informants, that old relic in Iwagakure has already sent shinobi to negotiate with Kirigakure.
You sent numerous emissaries to Kirigakure, and they turned them all away—yet they welcomed Iwagakure's shinobi. That alone suggests that Iwagakure is on the verge of forming an alliance with Kirigakure.
If Kirigakure openly aligns with Iwagakure, the alliance between Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri will undoubtedly turn their full force against Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed helplessly. "Of course, I'm aware of the situation. I've been suppressing this issue for so long, and now that I've finally received some good news, I allowed myself to feel a little relieved. As for the cooperation between Iwagakure and Kirigakure, there's no need to be so pessimistic."
Danzo looked at him in surprise. "What news did you receive?"
The smile faded from Sarutobi Hiruzen's face as he spoke seriously. "You're aware of the Blood Mist policy implemented by the Third Mizukage, correct?"
Danzo nodded. "I am. It was established as a means to weed out the weak and cultivate stronger shinobi, wasn't it?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a slow puff from his pipe. "Yes. According to intelligence gathered by our shinobi who infiltrated Kirigakure, the policy has indeed produced many powerful individuals. However, the death toll among their ranks has been excessively high.
If this continues, Kirigakure will inevitably face a crisis due to a lack of external military strength."
Danzo frowned. "Are you suggesting that Kirigakure won't cooperate with Iwagakure?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. "No. As long as mutual benefits exist, an alliance between Kirigakure and Iwagakure is inevitable. However, if Kirigakure lacks sufficient forces, it presents an opportunity for us. Tell me, Danzo—do you truly believe that Ōnoki and A are the type to allow themselves to be at a disadvantage?"
Danzo immediately understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's implications. "You mean those two—Ōnoki and A—will eventually cast Kirigakure aside, and when that happens, we can manipulate Kirigakure to our advantage?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a stream of smoke. "No one can predict the future with certainty, but Kirigakure is likely to become a key factor in this conflict. And as you well know, Ōnoki is anything but passive. This is why I believe Konoha's situation is not as dire as it seems.
We still have plenty of opportunities."
Turning to Sora, Sarutobi Hiruzen offered an apologetic smile. "Forgive us, Sora. Danzo and I got carried away in our discussion."
Reaching into his desk drawer, he retrieved a scroll and handed it to her. "This is your transfer order to the battlefield in the Land of Grass."
Sora accepted the scroll and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen then added, "One more thing—Orochimaru mentioned that you don't intend to take three Genin with you this time but instead plan to accept a single disciple. Is that true?"
Sora responded with her prepared answer. "Yes, Lord Hokage. My combat style is more suited to solo operations, and I don't believe I am the right fit to lead a full three-man squad. Instead, I wish to take on a single disciple and train them directly on the battlefield."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded approvingly. "That's reasonable. In two days, the Academy will hold its graduation exams. At that time, you can choose a newly graduated Genin as your student."
Sora inclined her head slightly. "Understood, Lord Hokage, Lord Danzo. I won't take up any more of your time—I'll take my leave."
"Go on," Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
After leaving the office, Sora let out a long breath.
She hadn't expected to run into Danzo during her visit, and his sudden attempt to recruit her had caught her completely off guard.
Although it was their first meeting, Danzo's notorious reputation was deeply etched in her mind.
Sora frowned slightly. Now, she had undoubtedly entered Danzo's radar.
That man would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
From now on, she would have to be extremely cautious around him.
With that thought in mind, Sora stepped out of the Hokage Building, a faint smile appearing on her lips as she made her way toward Uzumaki Mito's mansion.
Meanwhile, back in the office…
Danzo turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Do you think she's suitable?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Suitable for what?"
Danzo's expression darkened. "The Uchiha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's demeanour instantly became more serious. "Danzo, Konoha needs the Uchiha's strength right now. This is not the time to deal with them."
Danzo remained firm. "And after the war? Right now, they are actively participating in battle—not out of loyalty to Konoha but because they want to reclaim influence in the village's leadership. You know the risks that the Uchiha pose, Hiruzen.
You must start considering how to handle them sooner rather than later."
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion