Inside Konoha Village, the turmoil never ceased.
Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned Mitokado Homura overnight.
Sarutobi Hiruzen disclosed everything to Mitokado Homura, hoping he could persuade their old friend Shimura Danzo to not rely on his power to create chaos, and to resolve the issue peacefully if possible.
"I will certainly try to persuade him."
Mitokado Homura realized the severity of the matter but remained calm and confident: "We have been friends with Danzo for many years, and although Danzo's actions may be extreme, everything he does is for the sake of Konoha…"
Mitokado Homura looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen and seriously proposed: "Before I return from meeting Danzo, how about you first strip Akihara Kagura of the Root Leader position, declare him no longer a Hokage candidate, and let him join the Dark Department first…"
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly shook his head.
Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that Mitokado Homura's political sensitivity was still somewhat lacking. Struggle and chess games were not to be applied at this moment, actions should be gentle but not too weak.
Why deprive Akihara Kagura of the Root Leader position at this time? Isn't this openly showing that we're giving in to Shimura Danzo? What would we have left to negotiate with Shimura Danzo then?
The most important thing is…
Is Mitokado Homura caring too much about his old friend Danzo, thinking that everyone would politically compromise, and forgetting that this child Akihara Kagura is the strongest force within Konoha Village?
Although Akihara Kagura does not have the Sharingan, his sheer talent in Wood Release still makes him a terrifying genius, perhaps Shimura Danzo's subordinates lack someone more talented than Kagura!
Sarutobi Hiruzen was already troubled on how to relieve Akihara Kagura of his position without the child harboring any resentment towards him, as regardless of how many people Shimura Danzo had, for now, Akihara Kagura is still the most suitable successor for Hokage in Konoha.
"Say no more."
Sarutobi Hiruzen could only sigh and advise: "For now, I need you to hurry there overnight to prevent Danzo from taking any extreme measures…"
"Alright."
Mitokado Homura agreed.
Root Base.
This deeply hidden underground base remained enveloped in darkness.
Akihara Kagura sat on a railing in a corridor of the base, quietly staring into the abyss of darkness within the Root Base, surrounded by twelve masked Uchiha clansmen.
These people were tonight's actors.
Akihara Kagura had these people continually be discovered by the Dark Department, eventually leading to uncovering Shimura Danzo's household, thereby throwing irremovable dirt on Shimura Danzo.
"Put on your masks first."
Akihara Kagura ordered without raising his head.
"Yes."
The twelve Uchiha heard Akihara Kagura's command and instantly used the Instant Body technique to retreat to the side to change their masks, each returning to their respective quarters at the Root, with no hesitation.
As this group of Uchiha changed masks, the body of White Zetsu Awe slowly emerged from the ground, softly reporting the news it had obtained.
"My main body found me and informed me about a few things…"
"First, Shimura Danzo has found out about the Akatsuki Organization…"
"However, Shimura Danzo wants to contact the leader of The Hidden Rain Village, Salamander Hanzo, to continue attacking the Akatsuki Organization, but Salamander Hanzo didn't agree; instead, he sent someone to inform Nagato, who wants to kill Danzo. Yet, to avoid alerting Konoha and stirring hatred, this matter has been stopped by Obito…"
"Boy, Uchiha Obito and Nagato hope you can resolve the matter of Shimura Danzo tracing the Akatsuki Organization so that Danzo doesn't truly discover any issues…"
"What a hassle…"
Akihara Kagura rubbed his forehead but still nodded in agreement: "I've helped them resolve such bothersome issues countless times…"
[System Prompt]: [New Work Task (Nagato), Resolve the issue of Shimura Danzo and the Pursuing Ninja Team tracing the Akatsuki Organization.]
[System Prompt]: [New Work Task (Uchiha Obito), Resolve the issue of Shimura Danzo and the Pursuing Ninja Team tracing the Akatsuki Organization.]
Honestly speaking.
Similar tasks have come around many times already.
Akihara Kagura has helped the Akatsuki Organization and Uchiha Obito solve the trailing problems from Kakashi Hatake, Jiraiya, and others, and now he has to help them with Shimura Danzo's pursuit.
Akihara Kagura was merely complaining verbally, but in his heart, he didn't bear much grudging, as the Akatsuki Organization's being targeted for investigations mainly stemmed from his doings.
The problems he caused, he found it quite apt to solve himself.
However…
The fact that Shimura Danzo managed to trace the Akatsuki Organization this time was indeed not because of Akihara Kagura's involvement.
"It was me who guided them to trace it…"
White Zetsu Awe chuckled as he looked at Akihara Kagura and softly said: "The Akatsuki Organization recruited several newcomers, but these new members don't seem to respect you enough; among them is a kid who quite hates you, so I thought of stirring some troubles for them…"
"Make sure they don't trace it…"
Akihara Kagura frowned.
"Don't worry."
White Zetsu Awe shook his head, utterly unconcerned, even adopting a look of seeking praise: "Didn't you mention that Orochimaru covets your body? I pinned all these matters on Orochimaru."
"..."
Akihara Kagura couldn't help but give White Zetsu Awe a thumbs up.
"And the second thing."
White Zetsu Awe looked at Akihara Kagura, providing crucial information: "Shimura Danzo wants to look for an opportunity to target Hozuki Mangetsu of The Hidden Mist Village!"