บท 147: CH - 144 Hey, Don't Jinx it.

Today, The autumn weather was exceptionally pleasant, offering a refreshing and comfortable climate. After spending so long in captivity, Danzo, the infamous Darkness of Konoha, had the opportunity to bask in the rejuvenating embrace of the autumn sun. He gazed at the clear blue sky and the soft, fluffy clouds above, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Despite his imprisonment, Danzo hadn't lost his composure. He stood there with his hands folded behind his back, observing the Konoha ANBU ninjas sent to rescue him. There was a subtle air of regret and relief about the situation. It seemed that someone from ROOT, his secretive organization, had managed to convey the message before meeting their demise.

As the Konoha ANBU ninjas approached, their senses alert and focused on the Grass Shinobi, they addressed Danzo with respect. "Danzo-sama, Hokage-sama is awaiting your return. We are here to escort you back to the village."

In response, Danzo nodded and maintained his expressionless demeanor as he acknowledged the Konoha ANBU ninjas. "I understand."

"It's getting late. Please follow us back to the village, Danzo-sama," one of the Konoha ANBU politely urged, his mask concealing any frustration they might be feeling due to the unexpected situation. Originally, they had intended to execute a covert operation to bring Danzo back safely, but now it had taken an entirely different turn thanks to the Grass Shinobi's public display.

"Hokage-sama has been awaiting your return," another ANBU added, emphasizing the urgency.

At the mention of the Hokage, Danzo's eyes subtly narrowed, and he cast a final glance at the banner hanging above. His lips twitched in response. Turning to the Grass Ninja Leader, Danzo couldn't help but sneer, "I never thought you would value me so highly."

"Terrifying, To think..." Before Akihiko could continue with his flattery, Danzo interrupted, "Save your words. Do you truly think I'm a fool?" With a snort, Danzo turned away, folding his hands behind his back. "I've always had only one enemy. Now that you've released me, I will show you the power of Konoha's Darkness. Wait for me."

Hanzo and Kakuzu exchanged narrowed glances, their expressions indicating their intent.

The ANBU ninja noted the peculiar atmosphere and the change in the situation. He quickly intervened and said, "Leader Akihiko!"

Taking a bag from another ninja behind him, he continued, "I apologize but we should kept going. We've already kept Hokage-sama waiting. It's time to escort Danzo-sama back."

Even though the operation had taken an unexpected turn, the ANBU knew they needed to bring Danzo back to Konoha as soon as possible.

Akihiko nodded and said solemnly, "Please convey my best regards to the Third Hokage. The Grass Shinobi Village and Konoha share a close, brotherly bond, akin to a cherished family!"

The ANBU, still somewhat bewildered by the situation, exchanged glances but agreed, "Very well, we will do so."

With that, the ANBU began their journey back to Konoha, with Danzo in tow. Danzo cast a final, deep look at Akihiko before turning to leave.

Akihiko relieved that Danzo was no longer their concern, let out a sigh mixed with relief and regret. He decided not to dwell on the matter any longer and turned his attention to the three people beside him who were sharing a laugh. "Let's go, it's time to go home!"

Pakura, however, had her own thoughts. She looked in the direction where Danzo Shimura had left and then back at Akihiko. She couldn't help but wonder, "Are you trying to recruit him? Like me? Is this Danzo also going to be betrayed?"

Akihiko quickly dismissed her words, shaking his head vigorously. "Hey, Don't talk nonsense! Don't jinx it. He will definitely stay in Konoha and behave properly!"

Pakura was a bit puzzled by Akihiko's reaction, but she chose not to press further on the matter. She had recently joined the Grass Ninja Village as a hero from the Sand Village and had her own concerns to focus on.

Pakura flipped her hair, her thoughts still lingering on her time in the Sand Village. Her face displayed a brief flash of anger, but then she wore a self-deprecating smile as she directed her attention to Akihiko. "So, why did the Grass Village recruit me?"

Akihiko, while stroking his chin, cast a scrutinizing look at Pakura, making her feel uneasy. She returned his gaze, her tone slightly cautious, as she repeated, "What do you want from me?"

Akihiko, instead of providing a straightforward answer, posed a question in return. "As a high-ranking Shinobi, Pakura, you should have considerable experience in education, right?"

Pakura found the question somewhat perplexing. Why was Akihiko so interested in her educational background?

…

Upon Akihiko's return to the Grass Village, some notable changes occurred. Pakura assumed the position of Deputy Dean in the village's academy, while the role of Dean remained unchanged, still held by Elder Yoshinori. With Pakura as Deputy Dean, it allowed Yoshinori to focus more on his research, relieving some of his administrative responsibilities.

Pakura found herself somewhat puzzled by this sudden change. Her reputation in the Grass Village was still that of the 'Deceased' hero from the Sand Village, and she had only recently joined the Grass Village. She didn't anticipate that the village leader, known for his love of money and trickery, would place such trust in her. Despite her lack of experience in academy management, Akihiko appeared to have confidence in her.

While Pakura was moved by the trust placed in her, she also felt some hesitation. Looking at Akihiko, she was unsure how to respond. Akihiko, however, lightened the mood by saying, "Work diligently. You still owe a ton of debt. If you don't work hard, you probably won't be able to pay them off!"

Pakura, whose moment of sentimentality had been interrupted, couldn't help but feel irritated by Akihiko. She quipped, "Has anyone ever told you that you're incredibly annoying?"

Akihiko, seemingly unfazed by her irritation, replied with casual humor, "Oh, plenty of people."

Pakura rolled her eyes, sighed, and made her way towards the exit. "I'll do as you've requested, and thanks for saving me, you annoying swindler."

Akihiko, who didn't appreciate the term "swindler," responded, "What swindler? It's just a clever scheme!"

He then refocused on the documents in his hands, muttering, "Now, it's time to prepare for the reopening of the academy."

…

As Danzo returned to Konoha, the sight of the familiar village filled him with mixed emotions. He noted that, despite his absence, Konoha remained largely unchanged. The village still bore the same features that he remembered.

During his journey, Danzo had come across reports about significant events in the ninja world. He learned about the leader of the Grass Village and how he had successfully eliminated the Third Mizukage. He also heard of the Grass and Rain Villages' collaboration, successfully repelling the forces of the four major ninja villages. It was evident that the Grass Village leader was a formidable figure.

Danzo also became aware of the various challenges and threats that had emerged in the ninja world during his absence, including the sudden appearance of Mangekyo Sharingan and the Three-Tails Jinchuriki.

Danzo's left eye slightly narrowed, and he absentmindedly touched the bandages that concealed his right eye, murmuring to himself, "Power... strength."

In his thoughts, he wished he possessed the formidable power of the First Hokage or even the might of Madara Uchiha. With such strength at his disposal, the outcome might have been vastly different. He couldn't help but feel a pang of shame for being captured so easily. His capture was not only a disgrace but also a colossal waste of time.

Danzo pondered what could have transpired if he had been present in Konoha during his absence. Perhaps the village would have achieved victory sooner, especially during the Three-Tails incident. Reflecting on that particular event, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had arrived too late. With a heavy sigh, he commented, "Hiruzen is still too soft."

As he spoke, a familiar voice rang out, calling his name, "Danzo!"

Startled by the voice, Danzo snapped out of his reverie and turned to see Hiruzen approaching, his ever-present smoking pipe in hand. Danzo blinked in surprise, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Him. "Hiruzen!"

Danzo had braced himself for the impending taunts and was ready to acknowledge his mistake, intending to say, "Indeed, it was me who..."

But his sentence was left unfinished as Hiruzen placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and stated, "You did well."

Danzo was taken aback by Hiruzen's unexpected response. He hadn't anticipated such a reaction from him.

"I didn't expect you to be the first to notice that something was amiss between the Grass and Rain Village battle, and then to send back the intelligence secretly," Hiruzen continued, taking a deep puff on his pipe. "If not for your intelligence, the attention of the four major villages wouldn't have been diverted by the Grass Village. Konoha wouldn't have had room to breathe. Moreover, We'd have been probably kept in the dark until the war ended. Your report made all the difference."

Danzo looked puzzled, and then Hiruzen asked, "By the way, what were you about to say earlier?"

Danzo, still bewildered by the unexpected praise, replied with a wry smile, "I was... I was just doing my duty as a Konoha ninja..."

"Indeed, I knew I didn't misjudge you, Danzo!" Hiruzen smiled and nodded appreciatively. Then, he became more serious and continued, "Your actions played a vital role in protecting the village. Speaking of which, regarding your capture by the Grass Village..."

Danzo's expression shifted, clearly thinking that Hiruzen was going to chastise him. Seeing the expression on Danzo's face, Hiruzen realized that Danzo had misunderstood his intention. He quickly waved his hand and clarified, "I don't mean to humiliate you. I'm interested in gathering information about the Grass Village."

With a more solemn tone, Hiruzen went on, "I've heard that even the leader of the Grass Village is somewhat wary of you. How do you perceive the Grass Village leader?"

Danzo managed to subdue his rising anger and took a deep breath. His eyes quivered slightly as if he were recalling something. After a moment, he spoke with a severe expression, "He's more formidable than a demi-god of the ninja world. Moreover, He possesses wisdom and charisma that can rival even someone like me."

Hiruzen was taken aback. Wisdom and charisma, just like Danzo? But when did those two qualities become associated with Danzo? Had he heard something wrong?

However, Before he could fully grasp the situation, Danzo continued, "He's an extraordinary opponent, even by my standards. That's why I've given him a title... the 'Kusagakure's Wiseman.' It signifies that he's a village leader with remarkable wisdom."

Sarutobi Hiruzen was left somewhat speechless, both by Danzo's peculiar title and his unexpected self-praise.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------