Chapter 52: Danzo’s Small Thoughts

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“Hiruzen, you received the message, right?”

Danzo pushed open the door to the Hokage’s office, dismissed the ANBU on either side and then directly asked Hiruzen Sarutobi.

“What does it matter if I know? Danzo, do you still want to play some tricks?”

While responding to Danzo’s inquiry, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still looking at the confidential letter in his hand. Although the war between the great nations had ended, the secret struggles continued. In order to win over small countries and complete missions, the Five Great Shinobi Villages continued to send ANBU or task forces to fight in the territories of small countries.

The last time they failed to calculate properly, it instead intensified the other party’s vigilance. Originally, they would occasionally come to Konoha to check on business, but now it was as if they had given up on Konoha’s business and hadn’t come for a long time.

And this time, they came and stayed by Tsunade’s side the whole time, even staying in the Senju clan’s territory at night. This made Hiruzen Sarutobi regretful. Having been in a high position for so long, he had almost forgotten that intelligence was the most important thing for a ninja. Last time, he didn’t investigate thoroughly and was rashly swayed by Danzo and the other three.

This was a mistake he, as Hokage, had not considered carefully. Hiruzen Sarutobi would definitely not make this kind of mistake again this time.

“Hiruzen, ANBU also found some medicine in the Water Country. It has spread to the capital city of the Water Country, and it is said to be sent by Kirigakure.”

Danzo took out two pills brought back by Root ninjas and placed them on Hiruzen Sarutobi’s desk. Although they looked good, only one person in the ninja world, Cain, could produce such exquisite medicine. Since Danzo said so, it meant that Kirigakure was also buying a large number of medicines.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly. This was the result of the last incident. Although they failed in the end, the fact that Minato Namakaze leaked the information was completely unexpected.

“Hiruzen, what do you plan to do?”

Danzo asked again, but Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff of smoke, then shook his head. “Danzo, do you know how many ANBU I’ve sent out to investigate Cain? Three ANBU teams are outside Konoha, but there has been no harvest. The only time we sensed someone using Earth Release ninjutsu, the perception disappeared in an instant.”

“Earth Release ninjutsu?”

Danzo frowned and thought for a moment, then his face showed a hint of gloom, saying to Hiruzen Sarutobi, “Since that’s the case, why not just take him down directly?”

“Don’t talk like that without checking all the background information. If we can’t get any intelligence, it’s better to wait. Otherwise, with the other party’s financial resources, it will be troublesome for Konoha.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi refused without hesitation. Taking down one person was simple, but if they took down Cain and gained nothing, it would be a foolish act.

“By the way, Hiruzen, doesn’t Cain’s return to Konoha with Tsunade indicate that what Tsunade said about researching–“

After all the prelude, Danzo finally revealed his purpose. While fighting against Sunagakure, he was accidentally injured by a puppeteer of Sunagakure. Although he was treated, his right arm and eye were still disabled, so he had to wrap them in bandages.

Even medical ninjas couldn’t help his injuries, and when he learned this news, Danzo’s heart sank. Konoha didn’t need a disabled Hokage. His dream was basically destroyed.

However, after learning that there was an Extremis Virus in Cain’s hands that could repair any injuries, Danzo became hopeful again.

“I will ask Tsunade, but as you know, the so-called Extremis Virus is controlled by Cain and Tsunade…”

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. If it hadn’t been for the incident a while ago, Tsunade would definitely help Danzo, but now it was difficult.

“I know, I’m just asking. Everything still depends on the village…”

Danzo’s tone suddenly became heavy, as if he were a person who worked for the village but could not get the help he needed. This attitude softened Sarutobi Hiruzen’s mind; after all, his old teammate had become like this for the village’s sake. After taking a puff of smoke and pondering for a while, he said, “I will talk to Tsunade, Danzo, but I can’t guarantee the outcome.”

***

“Sister, is this true?”

In the territory of the Senju clan, Senju Tsunade’s little brother, Nawaki, asked excitedly. When he heard the announcement just now, he thought he had misheard, but after confirming it again, tears filled Nawaki’s eyes.

“It’s true, Nawaki, and it will also give you powerful strength. Make sure to use it well.”

Tsunade also patted Nawaki’s head happily. Seeing her little brother genuinely happy was probably her best reward in a while.

“Sister, when can I go?”

Tsunade patted Nawaki’s shoulder, indicating that he should calm down and said, “Wait for Orochimaru’s notification. Now there is only one successful case. I will take a sample of your cells and bring the finished product directly to you. Then you will fully recover, Nawaki!”

“So, Orochimaru-sensei is also helping me!”

After hearing this, Nawaki smiled happily, but his words made Tsunade a little uneasy. After a moment, she hit Nawaki on the head with a clanging sound, making Nawaki speak good words for a while before making Tsunade laugh again.

When Tsunade told Nawaki this news, Cain had already returned to the guest room.

He was going to meet Nanao tomorrow and recommended Nono Yakushi to Tsunade. With Nono’s talent, she could learn all of Tsunade’s skills in a few years and become Cain’s most capable assistant.

Tsunade also had to accompany Cain. He strongly demanded it. Otherwise, a few Anbu could cause trouble for him.

Knock, knock.

There were a few knocks on Cain’s door, and after he said, “Come in,” the door was opened, and then a small redhead poked in.

“Kushina, don’t go to men’s rooms late at night.”

Seeing that it was Kushina, Cain warned her. It was easy to misunderstand.

“Boss, it’s okay.”

Kushina muttered in a low voice, walked in, closed the door, and sat on the bed, hugging her slender legs.

Seeing Kushina’s strange appearance, Cain couldn’t help but ask, “Kushina, do you have something on your mind?”

After hearing this, Kushina paused momentarily but did not answer immediately. After a while of silence, Kushina spoke in a slightly aggrieved tone, “Boss, what if I become a monster?”