Bab 366: **Chapter 366: Danzo's Silence and High-Level Conspiracies**
After hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, Mitokado Hamura kept a neutral expression. Now that Sarutobi Hiruzen was informed of the situation, the next steps were up to him.
"I'm leaving," Hamura said. "Konoha's power has grown rapidly lately. Third Hokage, you should stay vigilant. Furthermore, some outstanding ninjas have begun engaging with the clans' shinobi. Once certain matters progress to a visible level, they become irreversible."
With that, Hamura departed. As a student of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, and a close ally of the Hokage, Hamura had worked tirelessly to strengthen the Mitokado clan. However, his influence did not match that of the Sarutobi clan. Therefore, he avoided unnecessary involvement whenever possible.
"Mitokado just mentioned Danzo…" Sarutobi Hiruzen mused. "Indeed, Danzo has been unusually quiet lately. Investigate what he's been up to."
Danzo was not the type to take losses lightly, especially not significant ones. The Root organization, once formidable, was almost dissolved, with only a fraction of loyal followers remaining.
"Danzo has stayed with his clan recently, rarely leaving. He has been training younger members and working with potions," an ANBU member reported. "He is one of those responsible for potion distribution within the village."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. Even without direct orders, ANBU monitored Danzo due to his unpredictable nature. After his recent defeat, they assumed he would seek revenge. Yet, this time, he remained surprisingly subdued.
"I understand. Let him stay with his clan," Hiruzen said. "Increase the Shimura clan's potion allocation by 10% this month. Dismissed."
He resumed processing documents. While there were ongoing challenges in the ninja world, Hiruzen saw these as opportunities for Konoha to strengthen itself. The village's training resources eliminated the weaker, leaving more for the resilient. With Konoha's current strength, Hiruzen was confident that, should war erupt, they would come out on top.
Danzo and others might have doubted Hiruzen's capabilities, but only he knew the burden he carried.
"Is there anything else?" Hiruzen asked, noticing the ANBU member still present.
"Hokage-sama, we should consider recruiting Reiki into ANBU. He was mentored by Sama Morishita and embodies the Will of Fire. If we approach him, he is unlikely to refuse. With his influence, even Tsunade-sama might align with us."
Hiruzen pondered. "Recruiting him into ANBU? I will consider it. You may go."
It was not a new thought. Keeping Reiki close to Tsunade might inspire her with his conviction. This would prevent friction with the other clans as well. With that in mind, Hiruzen reviewed the status of the major clans—the Uchiha, the Hyuga, the Aburame, and the Inuzuka. Their growing strength warranted attention, as Hamura had advised.
***
Reiki decided to stay the night as everyone was present. The five gathered in Nozuki's home, where Kato Shizune and Yuhi Kurenai were already using the body-enhancing potion to refine chakra.
"Reiki, Danzo's recent behavior is odd. After suffering such a significant setback, he's remained quietly with his family. Could something be off?" Uchiha Shisui, who was privy to ANBU matters, voiced his concern.
"Danzo?" Reiki responded with a knowing smile. "He's likely focusing on rebuilding and has ongoing dealings with Orochimaru. They're probably reaching a critical phase. Don't worry about him for now."
"Orochimaru? Isn't he the Third Hokage's disciple?" Shisui asked, puzzled. Details about Orochimaru and Danzo were often classified, even for ANBU, especially when it came to the Uchiha clan.
"That's why Danzo backs him as a Hokage candidate," Reiki explained. "Nozuki, Minato's recent missions have involved more sensitive village issues. You should accompany him more often and keep me informed if anything significant occurs. The ninja world is unstable right now, so stay alert."
Reiki then took a body-enhancing potion and began training. Despite understanding the state of the world, he knew strength was essential to influence change. He also planned to make a significant purchase in Yukigakure, which required careful preparation.
Nozuki and Shisui exchanged glances before joining the others in training. Konoha was serene at night, but an underlying tension suggested an approaching storm.
Outside the village, a pair of scarlet eyes observed Konoha intently.
"Begin," a deep voice whispered. "They've been complacent for too long, and it's time they remember how to fight. I need to choose the right opponent."
The scarlet eyes vanished into the darkness.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone