Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a week had passed.
The Konoha leadership welcomed two new senior advisors as scheduled: Kagami Uchiha from the Uchiha clan and the head of the Hyuga clan.
As for the Hokage Counselor position, it was filled by Shikazuna Nara from the Nara clan.
After a brief meeting, the senior officials filed out of the Hokage's office one by one.
Danzo Shimura, with his lips pressed tightly together, walked back toward the Root organization's base, his long face even longer than usual. His mind was filled with complaints.
Damn you, Hiruzen! Always coming up with these ridiculous schemes. Two advisors were already enough, and now you've brought Kagami Uchiha into the fold.
To Danzo, Kagami's presence was a significant threat.
In Danzo's original plan, the Uchiha clan was meant to remain in opposition to both the Hokage's faction and the Hyuga clan.
Even if the Uchiha clan managed to gain a seat in the leadership, their lack of allies would naturally leave them at a disadvantage during voting sessions.
But now, Hiruzen had chosen Kagami Uchiha.
Kagami, with his ever-friendly demeanor and refusal to offend anyone, was a stark contrast to the typically isolated Uchiha clan.
Worse yet, Danzo had noticed that Kagami had recently been forming a close relationship with the Hyuga clan's advisor, creating a budding alliance between the two clans.
The thought of this made Danzo's eyes flash with a dangerous glint.
Kagami's growing influence was becoming impossible to ignore.
Previously, Danzo had tried to sabotage Kagami's grassroots initiatives by spreading rumors through the Root organization.
But now, Kagami had risen to a senior leadership position, making Danzo's efforts feel futile.
When Danzo finally returned to the underground Root base, a masked Root ninja approached him quickly, kneeling on one knee.
"Lord Danzo, the research results on the tissue sample left behind by the assassin have been completed."
As he spoke, the ninja pulled out a small scroll from his chest and presented it to Danzo with both hands.
Hearing this, Danzo's mind instantly conjured up the image of the masked assassin. Without a word, he took the scroll and opened it.
The scroll detailed a type of tissue known as Flesh Tendrils.
According to the research, this tissue wasn't ordinary flesh but rather a network of black threads composed of an unknown substance. These threads exhibited exceptional conductivity for chakra, remarkable elasticity, and incredible strength.
Most intriguingly, it seemed that these threads could be generated using chakra and controlled through ninjutsu.
Reading the contents of the scroll, Danzo's brow furrowed deeply.
"Have you identified the assassin's origin?"
At this question, the Root ninja lowered his head further and replied in a steady tone:
"Reporting to you, sir. Through our operatives planted in the bounty exchange office, we've uncovered information about the assassin.
His name is Kakuzu, a rogue ninja from Takigakure with the strength of a Jonin. He currently operates as a mercenary.
Our investigation into his mission history reveals that his temporary teammates frequently suffer high casualties, often leaving only one survivor—himself.
Additionally, he is known to be extremely greedy."
Hearing this, Danzo's eyes narrowed as he issued his next orders with a cold expression.
"Experiment with using these threads to connect tissues from different individuals. Test whether chakra can be transmitted through them."
As he spoke, a sudden thought seemed to strike him. His eyes gleamed with interest as he added:
"Continue investigating his whereabouts!"
"Yes, sir!" The masked ninja nodded firmly and quickly retreated.
Watching his subordinate's departing figure, Danzo's mind raced even faster.
Capturing this assassin named Kakuzu and using the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques could lead them to Takigakure, preventing future threats.
Of course, Danzo wouldn't do this himself. Instead, he planned to involve Hanzo the Salamander of Amegakure, who already bore a grudge against Takigakure.
Letting Hanzo handle this would be ideal.
At the same time, Danzo had his sights set on obtaining the secret of Kakuzu's Flesh Tendrils.
A sinister smile slowly spread across his face as he formed his plans.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, Rinjin Sokuhō sat in his courtyard, intently reviewing the latest reports from the front lines.
Over the past half-month, the conflict in the Land of Rain had descended into utter chaos.
The battlefield had become a gathering ground for countless small nations, mercenary groups, rogue ninja, and armed merchants.
Under the banner of "defeating Hanzo the Salamander," they attacked anyone and everyone.
The situation was absurd.
On the battlefield, aside from the beleaguered Amegakure forces, the rest were essentially provocateurs stirring the pot.
These troublemakers seemed eager to ignite the Second Great Ninja War.
Not only did they attack Amegakure's ninja, but they also ambushed allied forces whenever they found them isolated.
To make matters worse, rogue ninjas had begun instigating skirmishes between Iwagakure and Sunagakure.
Some opportunists even brazenly crossed the borders of the Land of Fire to raid villages.
In response, Konoha's resistance was swift and resolute.
Large numbers of ninja were deployed to deal heavy blows to any provocateurs who dared to trespass into the Land of Fire.
Amid this chaos, one nation stood apart: the Land of Lightning.
The Third Raikage issued a simple statement:
"Anyone who dares attack Kumogakure will face the full might of the Land of Lightning. We will crush every rogue ninja and mercenary."
The message was clear—if anyone messed with them, they'd retaliate against all the provocateurs.
Faced with the Raikage's unyielding stance and overwhelming strength, the troublemakers collectively decided to steer clear of Kumogakure.
Konoha adopted a similarly hardline approach, dispatching numerous ninja to protect its borders and eliminate any intruders.
As Rinjin studied the scroll in his hand, he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Despite the chaos, the current situation was actually ideal.
Both Konoha and Kumogakure had preserved their strength during the "Iron Crisis" and were wisely staying out of the conflict.
Sunagakure remained preoccupied with its irrigation projects.
Among the Five Great Nations, only Iwagakure was actively seeking to recover its losses by exploiting smaller nations.
As for Kirigakure in the Land of Water... well, did that village even exist anymore?
Just as Rinjin was deep in thought, an ANBU operative suddenly appeared in his courtyard.
The masked ninja landed with a flicker of the Body Flicker Technique, glanced at the scroll in Rinjin's hand, and spoke in a low voice:
"Rinjin Sokuhō, the Hokage has summoned you."
"I'll head there immediately."
Tucking the scroll into his robe, Rinjin stood up without hesitation.
A short while later, Rinjin arrived at the Hokage's office, climbing the familiar stairs to the third floor.
Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi was poring over a map spread across his desk.
Without ceremony, Rinjin walked over to the guest sofa and sat down.
After a long moment, Hiruzen finally looked up from the map, massaging his temples as he leaned back in his chair.
"I'm exhausted. I feel like I've been losing a lot of hair lately."
He pulled out his pipe, carefully packed it with tobacco, and lit it. Taking a deep puff, he exhaled contentedly before addressing Rinjin.
"Rinjin, you're already a Jonin. Have you ever thought about doing what a Jonin is supposed to do?"
Hearing this, Rinjin blinked in confusion and scratched his head.
"What exactly does a Jonin do?"
Does it involve finding a rival and smashing pots and pans together?
Or covering for other Jonin while they go on maternity leave?
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