Chapter 243: Danzō: My Chance Has Come!
"Sensei, I'm home," Hoshikawa called out as he opened the door, "And I brought a guest."
Tsunade, who was lounging on the sofa, immediately stood up and grabbed a jacket, slipping it on. While she could be casual around Hoshikawa, she tried to maintain some image when outsiders were present.
"Who is this?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow upon seeing Yamato. "He looks like a ninja from Root."
"You can tell that?" Hoshikawa asked, surprised.
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"Whether it's the look in his eyes or his general demeanor, he's too lifeless," Tsunade explained. "In all of Konoha, only Root ninja look like that."
"As expected of Sensei, sharp as always," Hoshikawa gave her a thumbs-up in praise.
"Stop flattering me," Tsunade glared at him, then asked, "What's the story with this Root ninja?"
"His name is Kinoe, and he is a survivor of the Wood Release experiments," Hoshikawa replied.
"What?" Tsunade's gaze sharpened instantly as she scrutinized Yamato.
"Show her your Wood Release," Hoshikawa prompted.
Yamato paused, then formed hand signs.
Wood Release: Great Forest Technique!
Chakra surged, and his arm transformed into multiple wooden vines.
"The name Kinoe is too unpleasant. From now on, your name is Yamato," Tsunade decided after a moment of thought.
"Yamato?" Yamato instinctively looked at Hoshikawa.
Compared to Tsunade, whom he had never met, he placed more trust in Hoshikawa, who also possessed Wood Release.
"This is Tsunade. Have you heard that name?" Hoshikawa asked with a smile.
"I have," Yamato replied expressionlessly. "She is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju."
"Does she have the authority to give you a name?" Hoshikawa pressed.
"Yes," Yamato replied woodenly.
"To turn a Wood Release ninja into this dead shell, that Danzō Shimura truly deserves to die!" Tsunade exclaimed, growing angry at the sight.
Although Yamato's Wood Release was artificial, it was still Wood Release. Putting aside the power of the technique, its special significance to Konoha alone should have guaranteed Yamato serious nurturing and a healthy upbringing.
But instead, he fell into the hands of Danzō Shimura. He was force-fed dark ideologies and turned into a mere puppet.
"Sensei, I have an idea," Hoshikawa cleared his throat. "Yamato is still young. He'd be a perfect fit for Minato-senpai's squad."
"Minato?" Tsunade mused. "He is indeed a suitable candidate."
Minato Namikaze, known as the 'Little Sun,' was the right person to dispel the darkness in Yamato's heart. Furthermore, his ninja squad just happened to be short a member.
Given the immense significance of a Wood Release ninja, Tsunade wouldn't feel comfortable placing him in an ordinary squad. Minato was powerful and Jiraiya's student, so he was completely trustworthy.
"I'll take him over now," Hoshikawa said immediately.
"Why do I feel like you've already arranged all of this perfectly?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him.
"Because I'm very capable," Hoshikawa said without a blush. "Do you think this qualifies me to be your secretary?"
"You still need to try harder for that," Tsunade scoffed. "Now go and come back quickly."
"Yes, Sensei."
Hoshikawa glanced at Yamato. "Follow me."
They first went to Minato Namikaze's house, but finding him absent, they headed straight for Kushina Uzumaki's home.
"Hoshikawa!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Hoshikawa was used to it by now. Kushina's senses were astounding; she always perceived his arrival in advance.
"Sister Kushina," Hoshikawa greeted her first. "Minato-senpai."
"Who is this?" Kushina looked at Yamato.
His demeanor was exceedingly peculiar; he showed no reaction upon seeing either her or Minato, standing still like a block of wood.
"A Root ninja?" Minato had dealt with Root operatives before, and their disposition was similar to Yamato's.
Hoshikawa silently grumbled, Do Root ninja smell or something? How can you all spot them instantly?
"Why did you bring a Root ninja here?" Kushina asked, perplexed.
"His name is Yamato, and he is a survivor of the Wood Release experiments," Hoshikawa explained.
"A survivor? You mean the Wood Release experiments were successful?" Minato was instantly shocked.
He had attended the meeting yesterday and knew that Danzō Shimura and Orochimaru had revived the Wood Release experiments, but he hadn't known there was a survivor. This meant Konoha would have a second ninja with Wood Release.
"Yamato," Hoshikawa waved his hand. "Show them."
Yamato once again used the Wood Release: Great Forest Technique, transforming his arm into multiple vines.
"Truly... incredible!" Minato exclaimed in admiration.
"Sensei's idea is for him to become your student, Minato-senpai," Hoshikawa continued.
"Me?" Minato was taken aback.
"You know why," Hoshikawa said meaningfully. "He used to be a Root ninja."
Minato contemplated for a moment and understood the subtext. Hoshikawa was asking him to serve as a mental health counselor.
"I accept," Minato agreed.
A Wood Release ninja was certainly qualified to be his student and wouldn't drag down Kakashi Hatake or Might Guy.
"Stay!" Kushina clapped Hoshikawa's shoulder. "Eat lunch here!"
"You could also give us some advice," Minato suddenly remembered something and said.
"What advice?" Hoshikawa asked, confused.
"Ahem, well," Kushina suddenly became shy. "Minato and I plan to get married. Could you help us pick a date?"
"Congratulations!" Hoshikawa said immediately.
He wasn't surprised. Naruto Uzumaki would be born next October 10th. Their marriage now would fit the timeline perfectly. Furthermore, the Third Great Ninja War had just ended, ushering in a period of relative peace, which was suitable for a wedding.
"Konoha needs time to recover from the losses of the war. I think next month would be a good time," Hoshikawa suggested.
"That's what we were thinking too," Minato agreed, then asked, "Which specific day should we choose?"
"October 10th," Hoshikawa offered flippantly. "Two tens, a perfect match."
"Why are you talking about this now? Aren't you staying for lunch?" Kushina asked.
"If I stay, Sensei won't have anything to eat," Hoshikawa replied with a smile.
"That's true," Kushina nodded.
"Then I leave him in your care, Minato-senpai," Hoshikawa glanced at Yamato. From start to finish, the young man remained detached, devoid of excessive emotion.
After leaving Kushina's house, Hoshikawa headed to the Hyūga Clan compound.
"Our Dragon of Konoha has arrived!" Hizashi Hyūga, just as enthusiastic as Fugaku Uchiha, stepped forward to greet him.
"What Dragon of Konoha?" Hoshikawa raised an eyebrow.
"You haven't heard?" Hizashi explained with a smile. "It's your new title."
"Who came up with it?" Hoshikawa asked curiously.
"I don't know who started it, but it's already spread throughout Konoha," Hizashi shook his head.
Hoshikawa was thoughtful. This title clearly originated from the legend of the Konoha Dragon God, especially after his battle with the Eight-Tails, where he transformed into a dragon.
How should I put it? It was acceptable; at least it was much better than his previous nickname, 'Water Release Monster.'
"Is Lord Hiashi home?" Hoshikawa asked, getting down to business.
"He went out and hasn't returned yet," Hizashi paused. "I'll send someone to call him immediately."
"No need, talking to you is the same," Hoshikawa decided. "No matter what happens tomorrow, none of the Hyūga ninja should act rashly."
"…?" Hizashi's first reaction was that Hoshikawa was planning a rebellion. But on second thought, that seemed impossible. Tsunade becoming Hokage was only a matter of time; there was no need to take risks.
"You will know the specifics tomorrow," Hoshikawa added. "Don't worry, it's nothing complicated, and it won't affect the Hyūga Clan."
"I understand!" Hizashi nodded, stating firmly, "The Hyūga Clan will comply."
"Thank you," Hoshikawa secretly sighed in relief.
He couldn't tell Hizashi directly what the plan was. Manipulating Danzō Shimura to defect was simply too scandalous.
The next afternoon.
Tsunade and Hoshikawa arrived at the Konoha Village gate after receiving notification from an ANBU ninja. They were joined by many Jonin, including high-ranking officials like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Koharu Utatane.
Led by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the group stood waiting at the main gate. The Fire Daimyō was about to arrive.
Hizashi Hyūga subconsciously glanced at Hoshikawa. He remembered the request from the day before.
Is Hoshikawa planning to attack the Fire Daimyō? What should he do?
Hiruzen Sarutobi was also deep in thought. He wondered why the Fire Daimyō would suddenly visit Konoha. Was it because Konoha achieved unprecedented results in the recent war?
That made sense, but for some reason, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a lingering sense of unease.
Ten minutes later, a convoy of carriages appeared in the distance, slowly approaching them.
"Daimyō," Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward to greet him.
"Hiruzen," the Fire Daimyō said with a smile. "You handled the recent war excellently. It wouldn't be right for me not to come and see for myself."
"Your arrival brings great honor to Konoha," Hiruzen Sarutobi felt relieved and replied with a smile.
"No need for pleasantries; let's enter the village," the Fire Daimyō waved his hand.
"Please, follow me," Hiruzen Sarutobi gestured.
Hokage Office Conference Room.
Normally, Hiruzen Sarutobi would sit in the main seat, but today he ceded it to the Fire Daimyō.
"Daimyō," Hiruzen Sarutobi presented a scroll. "Please take a look."
The Fire Daimyō opened the scroll. It detailed all the military accomplishments Konoha had achieved over the four-year duration of the war.
"Better than I imagined," the Fire Daimyō smiled contentedly. "I will increase your aid next year by ten percent."
"Thank you very much, Daimyō!" Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately responded.
Ten percent might sound small, but given the massive total aid, an extra ten percent was enough to ensure Konoha lived comfortably.
"Furthermore, the funds and supplies required for the post-war reconstruction will also be covered by the Land of Fire," the Fire Daimyō continued.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised. This was not a small sum of money. Why the sudden generosity?
"I hear the greatest contributor in this war was your student, Tsunade?" the Fire Daimyō looked at Tsunade and asked.
"That is correct," Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Without her, the war likely wouldn't have concluded so quickly."
"It's not just my contribution," Tsunade stood up, speaking neither humbly nor arrogantly. "It also includes my student, Hoshikawa."
"I know of him," the Fire Daimyō chuckled. "He is indeed impressive."
"You flatter me, Daimyō," Hoshikawa replied modestly.
"Hiruzen, it seems you have capable successors," the Fire Daimyō changed the topic. "Have you chosen the next Hokage yet?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi froze.
The entire conference room fell silent.
Koharu Utatane, Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyūga, and Shibi Aburame exchanged stunned glances.
"Daimyō," Hiruzen Sarutobi recovered and said, "Since the Great Ninja War hadn't ended until recently, I haven't officially considered it."
"You can begin considering it now, as the war is over," the Fire Daimyō said in a calm tone. "Once you have a candidate, inform me promptly so I can prepare."
"Yes, Daimyō," Hiruzen Sarutobi was forced to agree.
"I will return to the capital of the Land of Fire after attending the celebration," the Fire Daimyō stood up. "Do not keep me waiting too long."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart tightened, and he instinctively glanced at Tsunade. He couldn't help but be suspicious. The Fire Daimyō had all but explicitly endorsed Tsunade, and their relationship was known to be good. He just hadn't expected Tsunade to resort to this.
The Jonin meeting concluded.
Hiruzen Sarutobi escorted the Fire Daimyō to the Daimyō Estate within Konoha, while the remaining Jonin dispersed to their homes.
Hoshikawa followed Tsunade out of the Hokage Building.
"The Old Man probably guessed I was the one who invited the Daimyō," Tsunade said distractedly.
"And what if he did?" Hoshikawa said carelessly.
"He is still my teacher, after all," Tsunade sighed.
"It's all for the sake of Konoha," Hoshikawa offered offhandedly.
"That sounds like something Danzō Shimura would say," Tsunade raised her hand and flicked his forehead. "Don't you dare follow his example, brat."
"I would never!" Hoshikawa promised. "Sensei, don't worry. If you tell me to go east, I'll never go west!"
Night deepened.
Konoha Maximum Security Prison.
Danzō Shimura suddenly heard the sound of the door opening.
"Lord Danzō!" A Root ninja rushed in. "I apologize for being late! Please forgive me!"
"You did well!" Danzō Shimura was instantly delighted, a look of surprise washing over his face.
The Root ninja, who was actually Hoshikawa in disguise, led Danzō Shimura out of the prison.
"I can't just run off," Danzō Shimura said in a deep voice. "If I leave Konoha, I'll become a rogue ninja. The only person who can save me now is the Daimyō."
He was acting under the suggestion planted by Shisui Uchiha, making the Fire Daimyō the first solution that came to his mind.
"The Daimyō arrived in Konoha this afternoon," Hoshikawa reminded him.
"What a coincidence!" Danzō Shimura exclaimed, suddenly excited. "The heavens are helping me! My chance has come!"