章 191: **Chapter 191: The Third Hokage’s Suspicion and the Roots' Secrets**
Danzo remained silent in the face of Orochimaru's insistence on continuing the experiments. Research and experimentation were Orochimaru's realm; Danzo's task was simply to supply the necessary conditions and materials. Beyond that, he trusted Orochimaru to handle the details.
"Fine. Just make sure to keep yourself occupied and visible in the village, Orochimaru," Danzo instructed. "Outside events have stirred up a bit lately. I don't want to see you sidelined."
Orochimaru nodded and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Danzo alone to ponder the swirling web of alliances, schemes, and secrets that defined Konoha's politics.
---
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi examined a mission report that piqued his suspicion. The S-rank medical mission had been assigned to Reiki by Mito Homura, a senior council member known for his involvement in Konoha's administrative tasks rather than any combat-related missions.
"Why would Mito Homura send such a high-level medical request to Reiki, specifically?" Sarutobi muttered to himself, puzzled. It wasn't Homura's habit to get directly involved in village conflicts, let alone commissioning medical treatments for serious injuries.
He called for one of his trusted ANBU, Haru. "Haru, ask Mito Homura to come see me immediately."
As he waited, Sarutobi considered the recent events that had stirred up his doubts. Uchiha Tani's death, which had effectively removed one of the contenders for Hokage, had gone according to plan. But Orochimaru's recent behavior—his proximity to Danzo and his secretive movements—was beginning to unsettle Sarutobi.
An hour later, Mito Homura arrived, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Hiruzen, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Homura. I saw you commissioned an S-rank medical mission for Reiki. Can you tell me why?"
Mito Homura blinked in surprise, glancing down at the mission details in Hiruzen's hand. "Danzo requested the mission," he explained, somewhat sheepishly. "He said he had an injured person who needed special medical attention, and I merely followed his instructions."
Sarutobi studied Homura's face, trying to gauge if he knew more than he let on. "That's all?"
"That's all, Hiruzen," Homura replied with a small sigh. "I want nothing to do with these internal matters, you know that. I stay focused on my work to support the village financially, as always."
Sarutobi dismissed him with a slight nod but issued a veiled warning. "We've worked hard to keep this village stable, Homura. Make sure no decision leads you down a path of regret."
Homura gave an uneasy nod before leaving. Once alone, Sarutobi sifted through several files, his thoughts lingering on recent changes in the village. His gaze fell on files detailing Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Minato—three pillars of Konoha's future. They would have a role to play if things spiraled out of control.
---
At the hospital, Reiki was also deep in thought. Despite the temporary gains he'd made, his Wood Release still lay dormant, awaiting the Hashirama cells needed to fully activate it.
Shizune entered his office just then, looking cheerful. "Brother Reiki, since we finished early, do you think we could go back home? The teacher's going out on a mission tomorrow and wants us all to have a nice dinner tonight."
"Of course," Reiki replied with a smile, grabbing his things.
As they left the hospital, Reiki felt the presence of someone trailing them. He sensed the unusual chakra and realized the person was slightly injured. "Shizune, go on ahead and start prepping at home. I'll catch up with you after picking up some groceries."
Shizune nodded and hurried off, unaware of the situation.
Reiki took a detour down a narrow alleyway, feeling the silent pursuer draw closer. "You can stop hiding now," he said coolly, addressing the seemingly empty space.
But there was no reply. A minute passed in tense silence.
"So you're just here to watch, then? Observing me without so much as an introduction," Reiki continued, smirking. "How very rude. And with an injury? You're either a dutiful follower or something much more pressing."
In a split second, he moved, sealing off the alley with a noise-dampening jutsu. A loud crash echoed as Reiki delivered a decisive blow to the shadowy figure's location, scattering dust and debris. When the smoke cleared, a masked ninja from the Root organization lay exposed, their body tense and alert.
"Root, I see. Let me guess," Reiki said, amused, "you'd like me to remove the cursed seal on your tongue?"
The ninja didn't respond, though a flicker of shock crossed his eyes. Reiki's recognition of the curse mark betrayed a depth of knowledge few outside the Root possessed.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 300 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット