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And Shinji had no intention of hiding Deidara; the fact that he still let him use the name Deidara showed this.
"Bringing a ninja from another country into Konoha clearly violates the practices of a Konoha villager," Shisui remarked, glancing towards the direction Deidara had gone upstairs, a thoughtful flicker in his eyes.
"Naturally. But Shisui, you must keep this a secret for me," Shinji smiled, seemingly completely unworried about Deidara's situation.
"..." Shisui looked helplessly at Shinji. This? Asking him to keep a secret?
"Boss Shinji, is something big... about to happen in Konoha soon?" Itachi, who had been silent nearby, suddenly asked.
"Itachi, what big event are you referring to?" Shinji asked calmly.
"Lately... I seem to have heard many rumors," Itachi glanced at Shisui, saw no reaction, and continued.
"Rumors about what? About the Uchiha clan? About the Nine-Tailed Fox? About Kumogakure? Or perhaps about... Lord Orochimaru?" Shinji chuckled lightly. These four topics were undoubtedly the most frequently discussed during this period. Especially... with the New Year approaching, less than a week away, Shinji remembered. Orochimaru's affairs seemed to have been exposed shortly after the New Year.
"As expected of Boss Shinji, your sources of information are truly extraordinary," Shisui said with some admiration. He only learned certain things through the ANBU. But whenever he was here with Shinji, he always felt Shinji's news was faster.
"So... regarding Lord Orochimaru... is it true?" Itachi asked curiously. After all, the news he heard from Shisui was that Orochimaru might be involved in some forbidden research. Moreover, this rumor seemed to spread quickly, even reaching the common folk in the market. And during this time, Orochimaru was basically nowhere to be seen.
"True becomes false, false becomes true. But, some things, knowing them won't help you anyway, right?" Shinji picked up the teacup and filled everyone's cup.
"But Boss Shinji, how do you think Lord Hokage will handle this matter? Lord Orochimaru should be fine, right? After all, he is Lord Hokage's..." Itachi asked curiously.
"Itachi!" Shisui interjected urgently, as if Itachi's question was highly inappropriate.
"Itachi, Shisui, some things we can just discuss privately. But... for Lord Hokage, this is no longer just a matter between master and disciple. What he needs to consider... is the entire Konoha. Although, often the methods... aren't exactly righteous." Shinji looked at the full moon outside the window; the temperature seemed to have dropped a bit.
Shinji's words made Itachi lower his head and begin to think.
"It's alright, Shisui. Itachi is still young. Besides... Konoha isn't as simple as it appears on the surface," Shinji smiled slightly. He knew Itachi had many thoughts. But some things truly weren't things he could figure out at his age.
"Then, Boss Shinji, what measures do you think Lord Hokage will take next?" Shisui was also somewhat puzzled. He didn't actually know much about Orochimaru, only that he was Hiruzen Sarutobi's student, one of the Sannin, the Cold Lord Orochimaru. Although he knew Orochimaru's strength and mission record were undoubtedly impressive, he still couldn't help but wonder how Hiruzen Sarutobi would handle this.
"If I were to guess... Hiruzen Sarutobi? Sacrificing family for righteousness," Shinji chuckled lightly. Orochimaru's fate was basically already decided. Human experimentation was a taboo topic in Konoha. Although the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had been dedicated to this before. But after the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took office, he directly sealed away these things.
If Orochimaru had always conducted his experiments secretly without being discovered, then Hiruzen Sarutobi might have let it slide. But that wasn't the case now. News of Orochimaru conducting human experiments had begun to spread, and there were even rumors that Orochimaru had preserved the bodies from the Third Shinobi World War. Including, of course, the remains of Konoha ninja.
This made things very difficult for Hiruzen Sarutobi. According to the intelligence Shinji received, some clans were already getting restless, constantly asking Hiruzen Sarutobi questions, both openly and subtly. Of course, Danzō was definitely behind all this, pushing things along.
"Sacrificing family for righteousness?" Shisui said with surprise.
"Yes. Hiruzen Sarutobi is someone who cherishes his reputation greatly. Anything that affects his reputation, or rather, affects his authority, he will deal with without hesitation." Shinji stated with certainty. After all, that's how Kishimoto drew it, wasn't it?
"But Lord Orochimaru is Lord Hokage's disciple, after all," Itachi said incredulously.
"Heh, Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake, was once someone worthy of wearing the Hokage's sleeve insignia. Didn't he also commit suicide under the pressure of rumors?" Shinji sneered at the dark side of the dealings between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō. Under the influence of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō, Konoha's White Fang, the Sannin, the Senju clan, and the later Uchiha clan massacre. Which of these didn't have the shadows of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō behind them? After the Second War ended, Konoha, possessing numerous Kage-level powerhouses, was arguably the strongest village with no rivals. But look now, there wasn't anyone truly formidable left. Orochimaru was about to defect, and Konoha was arguably at its weakest point.
Hearing Shinji's words, both Shisui and Itachi fell into contemplation. In their previous inherent impressions, Hiruzen Sarutobi always represented the image of light, a profoundly positive figure. But after interacting more with Shinji, they began to think about Hiruzen Sarutobi's character, about the true meaning of the Will of Fire he always spoke of.
"So, Lord Orochimaru will definitely be captured?" Itachi asked, somewhat stunned.
"Not necessarily. Who says... Orochimaru will definitely surrender without a fight?" Shinji smiled slightly, then picked up a small wooden stick from a nearby shelf and started teasing the thrush.
"You mean?" Shisui suddenly looked up, disbelief filling his eyes.
"I don't mean anything. However, I hope what you truly consider is how, in this environment, to truly achieve the integration of the clan and the village." Shinji's eyes held a strange light as he looked at the bewildered Itachi Uchiha before him. It was truly hard to imagine this would be the person who would later wipe out the Uchiha clan. Truly, filial piety breeds strength (sarcastic).
Shinji's words sent both Itachi and Shisui deep into thought.
"Alright, it's getting late today. You should both head back and rest early. The All-Purpose Shop is preparing to close too." Shinji checked the time; it was about closing time.
"Then we won't disturb you further, Boss Shinji. We will definitely visit again another day." Shisui stood up immediately, and Itachi quickly rose from his chair as well.
"No problem. But the rules, you understand." Shinji nodded towards the cash box.
"Understood." Shisui and Itachi both took something out of their pockets and placed it in the cash box.
"Take care." Shinji waited until Shisui and Itachi left before waving his hand to close the main door of the All-Purpose Shop.
...
"Then Shisui, I'll head back first." Outside Fugaku Uchiha's house, Itachi turned and said to Shisui.
"Go ahead. I'm heading home too." After speaking, Shisui quickly vanished using the Body Flicker Technique (Shunshin no Jutsu).
...
"Lord Hokage, why have you come?" In a small grove, Shisui suddenly knelt down, speaking towards a spot in the shadows.
"Shisui, no need to be so formal. I was just taking a walk nearby tonight, didn't expect to run into you." From the shadows, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly emerged. Different from before, this time Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't carrying his pipe, but his attire was very formal, wearing the Hokage robe.
"Does Lord Hokage have a mission?" Shisui didn't raise his head. He knew Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't be taking a walk nearby for no reason. This was within the Uchiha clan's residential area; the Hokage's presence was already sensitive. Hiruzen Sarutobi appearing here at this time was definitely not a coincidence.
"You really resemble your father, Kagami Uchiha. But, a mission? Well then, coincidentally, I have a mission to assign you. However, this isn't the right place. Let's go back to the Hokage's office," Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Shisui, a calculating glint flashing in his eyes. Shisui Uchiha's personality, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew well. He truly understood his Will of Fire and practiced it. Just like his father, Kagami Uchiha. He was simply the most suitable pawn!
Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi mention his father, Kagami Uchiha, Shisui's head involuntarily lifted slightly. He still remembered how upset Shinji was about Kagami Uchiha being assassinated. He wondered... did his father's death have anything to do with Hiruzen Sarutobi? Unconsciously, Shisui's deference towards the Hokage seemed to be... weakening?
In the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi returned behind his desk and sat down directly. At the same time, his hands weren't idle; he took out his pipe from the side. He had specifically gone to find Shisui earlier to avoid being noticed by the Uchiha clan, so Hiruzen Sarutobi had forced himself not to smoke his pipe. Now back in his office, he started indulging without restraint. What? Can't smoke in front of children? Ahem, that doesn't apply!
"Lord Hokage, is there a mission?" Shisui knelt on one knee, head bowed, not looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Shisui, lift your head, let me see," Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, his gaze focused on Shisui.
Shisui heard him and raised his head to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Mm, you really resemble your father. Shisui, you should know the relationship between me and Kagami, right?" Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke, his hazy eyes seemingly reminiscing about something.
"I know. You and my father were both students of Lord Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. You were once comrades who fought side-by-side," Shisui recited as if rehearsed. Hiruzen Sarutobi would periodically repeat these lines to Shisui as if practicing.
"Yes, back then, my relationship with Kagami was the best. It's a pity Kagami died young," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, sounding regretful.
"If Father knew in the afterlife how much you miss him, he would surely be very happy," Shisui said calmly.
"Sigh, let's not talk about these things. They're just old matters. Shisui, the reason I came this time is actually to give you a mission," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, as if ending his reminiscence.
"Lord Hokage, please speak."
"The All-Purpose Shop. You seem to go there frequently recently?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, sounding casual.
All-Purpose Shop? Shisui's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Had Hiruzen Sarutobi finally set his sights on the All-Purpose Shop?
"Yes. I sometimes go over to chat with Boss Shinji," Shisui knew the All-Purpose Shop must have already been investigated by Hiruzen Sarutobi. Concealing things now wouldn't be appropriate.
"Yes, Boss Shinji does have some rather interesting insights. A very interesting shop owner," Hiruzen Sarutobi said cheerfully, seeming to admire Shinji greatly.
"Does Lord Hokage have a mission for me regarding Boss Shinji?" Shisui asked.
"Yes. I need you to get close to this person, Shinji, find out everything about him, and report back to me." Hiruzen Sarutobi finally revealed his true intentions. He was still somewhat worried about this uncertain factor, Shinji. Therefore, since Shisui had been visiting the All-Purpose Shop regularly, observing Shinji up close would surely be advantageous.
"This..."
"Also, Shisui," Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, seemingly ignoring Shisui's hesitation.
"Lord Hokage."
"The two people Shinji brought back from his trip out of the village, you should have come into contact with them already, right?" Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Shisui with a smile, the sharp glint in his eyes seemingly impossible to hide anymore.
"Yes." Shisui knew Hiruzen Sarutobi must already know about his interactions with Deidara and Karin today. He just didn't know if Hiruzen Sarutobi was deliberately monitoring him or something else. He was ANBU; could it be that Hiruzen Sarutobi still didn't trust him?
"Hehe, don't get any ideas, Shisui. I just happened to see you all today while maintaining Konoha's security," Hiruzen Sarutobi hinted, looking at the crystal ball on his desk.
"What are the origins of those two people?"
"The boy is named Deidara, the girl is named Karin. They are people who take care of Boss Shinji," Shisui didn't mention Karin's surname.
"Deidara... I remember, that old fellow Ōnoki's student is named Deidara, right? And... he seems to have gone missing recently," Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes. The intelligence report from Ōnoki a few days ago was already on his desk. It contained Deidara's information, and even included a photo of Deidara. Judging from the photo, it was undoubtedly Deidara.
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> Check my: [email protected]/ShixT9 for extra 60 Chapters
> Each 50 Spirit Stones I will release an extra chapter
> If a member joins my p@treon
> Tier 1 = 20 Advance Chapters +1 Extra Chapter + Shoutout
> Tier 2 = 40 Advance Chapters + 2 Extra Chapters + Shoutout
> Tier 3 = 60 Advance Chapters + 4 Extra Chapters + Shoutout
A review will also be greatly appreciated ^•^