Adopted by Tsunade [145-146] (Patreon)

Chapter 145: Danzō: The Advantage Is Mine

Hyūga Clan.

In the courtyard, Hyūga Hinata and Hyūga Hiashi were sparring.

Because they both possessed the Byakugan, every move targeted vital points.

Of course, the gap in strength was enormous.

Hyūga Hinata couldn't possibly injure an elite jōnin.

Hyūga Hiashi also wouldn't strike hard; he controlled his strength.

It looked dangerous, but it was really a guided sparring session.

Thump!
Hyūga Hiashi slid half a step back and nodded to himself.

Good power.

He had already noticed that Hinata had been improving very quickly lately.

Not in Gentle Fist or the Byakugan, but in her physical attributes.

Hiashi even wondered if she'd secretly been taking some potent tonic.
But that was impossible.

The idea was too absurd.

After a dozen minutes, they stopped.

Hinata was ultimately too young; she didn't have enough chakra to keep fighting.

But Hiashi was quite satisfied.

"Hinata."

Hyūga Rinka, holding Hyūga Hanabi, took out a silk handkerchief and said, "Wipe off your sweat and rest a bit."

Seeing this, Hiashi smiled.

Just then, Hyūga Hizashi walked in.

"I'll leave you two to talk."

Rinka tactfully said, "Hanabi's probably hungry. I'll go give her something to drink."

She made sure to lead Hinata away, too.

"Hizashi, you're not at the Hokage Building—how do you have time to come back?"

Hiashi turned and asked in an even tone.

"Lord Clan Head, there's something that requires your decision."

Hizashi bowed, then conveyed Natsume's request.

Ever since Hiashi had used the Caged Bird, he no longer called him brother—he addressed him as Lord Clan Head.

That reflected the Hyūga clan's strict rules.

"Agree to it."

Hiashi didn't hesitate in the slightest.

"Why?"

Hizashi, puzzled, asked, "That would offend the two Hokage Advisors."

"Hizashi, you're being foolish."

Hiashi shook his head and asked, "Natsume is the Hokage's student. Would he ask you to help on his own?"

"You mean it's the Hokage's intention?"

Hiashi immediately understood the ins and outs and wore a look of realization.

"The Hokage just took office, and she's different from the Third—she has a temper. She probably wants to use this chance to pull the two Advisors down."

Hiashi nodded and cautioned, "Hizashi, do your best to cooperate. This is a good opportunity."

He couldn't exactly say it was because he feared Natsume, could he?

But this on-the-spot reasoning made sense to Hizashi.

Tsunade, as an ambitious and still-young Hokage, would definitely not allow others to share her power.

If the Hyūga clan helped now, they'd undoubtedly earn the Hokage's favor.

"Hizashi, remember this."

Hiashi's face turned stern. "The Hyūga have stood tall to this day because we understand and uphold the Hokage's orders—no matter who the Hokage is. Just as the branch family upholds the main family."

"Yes."

Hizashi looked a bit downcast.

It was a warning.

A reminder that even though he now held considerable authority, he still served the main family.

"You may go."

Hiashi waved his hand.

The clan head outranks the elder brother.

For the sake of the Hyūga's long-standing traditions and rules, he had to be ruthless.

…

Time passed quickly.

At Danzō's residence.

Ever since losing Root, Shimura Danzō had returned to live at the Shimura compound.

Though the original story rarely mentioned the Shimura clan, that didn't mean it was weak.

As a founding-era ninja clan—and with Shimura Danzō—its development was naturally not bad.

"Lord Danzō."

Tatsuma Aburame, clad in a black robe, appeared and knelt on one knee. "The two Hokage Advisors wish to see you."

"Let them in."

Danzō narrowed his eyes.

Although Root had been disbanded, its main members still served him, so he had a clear grasp of what was happening at the Hokage Building.

Just three days earlier, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado had nearly come to blows with Hyūga Hizashi over a disagreement.

Tsunade had stopped it, but a grudge had been formed.

The key was: encroach a little today, a little tomorrow—within two years their Advisor positions would be in name only.

Who could stomach that?
Before long, Koharu and Homura entered the hall together.

"When trouble comes, you finally deign to visit an old friend."

Danzō gripped his cane in both hands and spoke lightly.

The two were both startled. It meant that even in retirement he still had formidable intelligence capabilities.

In truth, Root's training was far more intense than the Will of Fire's ideals.

Those who entered Root—no matter who they had been—became Danzō's loyal hounds.

So-called "Root" operatives had no names, no emotions, no past, no future—only missions.

And for secrecy, everyone bore the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.

They could not utter anything about Shimura Danzō.

Hence why disbanding Root was like not disbanding it at all.

Those who sink into darkness are hard to pull back.

"Danzō."

Koharu stepped forward. "We're all old friends, so I'll be blunt. Do you still want to be Hokage?"

Danzō's face sank. "You still have a way?"

"Kill Tsunade, and you'll be Hokage."

Koharu took a deep breath. "Tsunade is far below Hiruzen in strength. Your chances are good."

"Hiruzen is elderly, and he's been hit hard by the deaths of his son and grandson."

Homura continued, "If Tsunade dies, he won't step in as acting Hokage like he did for Minato. He'll pick someone new."

A flicker of interest passed through Danzō's eyes.

By their account, it was indeed an excellent opportunity.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had no heart to govern Konoha.

Jiraiya had already left.

Orochimaru had failed to show last time, but this time he shouldn't be a problem.

With Koharu and Homura's support, the Hokage's seat would be within reach.

The only problem was Tsunade.

Her biggest trouble was her Strength of a Hundred Seal.

Not that they made her overwhelmingly powerful, but she was very hard to kill.

But Danzō had a counter.

Sealing techniques.

After the Uzumaki clan fell, Konoha established a sealing unit.

Many in the upper ranks learned sealing jutsu.

But the best were Namikaze Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Shimura Danzō.

As long as he sealed Tsunade, the rest would be easy.

The Strength of a Hundred Seal had limits; a few lethal injuries in succession would be unsustainable.

"I can't act inside Konoha."

Danzō couldn't hold back—becoming Hokage was his ultimate obsession.

He'd waited from the Third to now the Fifth.

If he waited longer, he'd be too old.

And without Root, he'd soon be forgotten.

Then there'd be no chance to be Hokage.

He couldn't wait for Tsunade to retire.

"We'll lure Tsunade out of the village."

Homura said at once, "Then you can strike."

"Are you confident?"

A trace of worry flashed in Koharu's eyes. "If she escapes, the three of us won't be able to remain in Konoha."

"No problem. Tsunade is no match for me."

Danzō waved, full of confidence.

He had Wood Release, sealing arts, and a three-tomoe Sharingan.

Plus two uses of Izanagi—enough to handle Tsunade.

And he wouldn't be alone.

He'd have Root members Tatsuma Aburame, Aburame Torune, Fū Yamanaka, and Tanuki Shigaraki, among others.

All jōnin-level shinobi.

In short, four words: the advantage is mine.

"Best to lure Tsunade out alone."

Danzō added, "She recently recruited a few guards. That's troublesome."

"Understood."

Homura looked confident. "We can borrow Hiruzen's name to summon her out."

"Good."

Danzō no longer felt anything for Hiruzen.

Their relationship had been very complicated.

But overall, they complemented each other.

Hiruzen was the sunlit leaf; Danzō, the root buried in darkness.

They'd cooperated many times and made great contributions to Konoha's peace.

But over time, Danzō realized he was repeatedly frustrated and gained little.

Now he'd even been removed from his post and Root disbanded.

"Hiruzen, you abandoned me first."

Danzō's heart was ice-cold. After dealing with Tsunade, Hiruzen would be next.

After so many years, the debt was due.

…

Konoha Police Department.

With Kosuke Maruboshi taking office, the organization was up and running again.

Following Natsume's suggestion, it was split into a Ninja Division and a Civilian Division to handle different matters.

Though Kosuke was nominally a genin, his prestige was immense.

When Tsunade announced it, even Hiruzen had no objections.

After all, they were senior-junior under the same master.

Sarutobi Asuma was a full generation younger.

And crucially, Kosuke was stronger.

Hiruzen could only lament that Asuma wasn't destined to be Hokage.

Afterward, he'd make him a jōnin captain and let him mix into Konoha's upper echelons.

He and Tsunade had a teacher-student bond, so it wasn't hard.

Beyond that, Hiruzen had the will but not the strength.

The deaths of his son and grandson had hit him too hard.

"Grandpa Kosuke."

Natsume knocked and entered the office.

Kosuke Maruboshi was long in years, his hair entirely white.

He'd originally wanted to refuse, but he couldn't resist Natsume's reasoned persuasion and emotional appeal.

Talk of Konoha's exhaustion, a time of mortal peril, and the need for a veteran like him to ride out once more.

Kosuke was a true executor of the Will of Fire; he agreed at once.

"Natsume, what is it?"

"There's something the Police Department needs to investigate."

Natsume produced a dossier. "Recently, nine shinobi have died in identical explosions. I suspect someone's behind it."

To be honest, he could hardly believe he'd found such an easy handle on Danzō.

You could only say the guy was brazen.

This experiment was mentioned in the original—called "Gozu Tennō."

Based on Hashirama cells, they created a bomb-type summoning beast called Nue.

It continually absorbed chakra, and once saturated, it produced a massive explosion.

Danzō wanted to use it to protect Konoha and attack other villages.

Similar to Kirigakure's tactic of making the Three-Tails self-destruct back then.

But at the moment it was very unstable—still experimental.

Natsume sought out Kosuke because he valued his character—and to give the reborn Police Department a big gift.

This was a blockbuster case that would make their name.

Chapter 146: Arrest the Rogue Ninja Danzō

After reading the dossier, Kosuke Maruboshi was livid.

His temperament brooked not a grain of sand.

With strong assistance from the Hyūga, related evidence was quickly gathered.

It was Danzō's Gozu Tennō experiment.

"Grandpa Kosuke, thank you for your hard work."

Natsume took the files. "I'll report to the Hokage. We may trouble you to make the arrest."

"It's no trouble."

Kosuke spoke righteously. "This involves Shimura Danzō. If the Hokage finds it inconvenient to act, leave it to me. I'm not afraid to offend."

He'd lived long; his wisdom was not lacking.

Danzō might be a mere jōnin now, but as a long-time Hokage aide and head of Root, his roots in Konoha ran deep.

Even as Hokage, Tsunade would have to think twice to deal with him.

But Kosuke was different.

He was old, with few years left. To remove a menace for Konoha with his last strength would be a bargain.

He did suspect this was Tsunade's deliberate power play.

But even if it was, it was still a good thing.

Because Danzō's experiments were egregiously callous.

Kosuke didn't mind being "used."

"Thank you."

Natsume showed genuine respect.

This was the true Will of Fire.

Not Hiruzen's embellished version, which had lost its purity.

After leaving the Police Department, Natsume didn't immediately hand the files to Tsunade.

He waited for Koharu and Homura to move.

He didn't wait long. That afternoon, through Katsuyu's shared vision, he saw one of them enter the Hokage's office.

…

"Tsunade."

Koharu felt a flicker of disgust but wore a kindly smile. "Hiruzen has matters to discuss with you. If you're free, come with me."

"Why are you delivering the message?"

Tsunade asked evenly.

"Hiruzen called not just you, but us two Advisors and Danzō as well."

Koharu explained unhurriedly. "The Sarutobi messenger went to Danzō. Your office is closer to me, so I came to convey it."

The story had no obvious holes.

Tsunade pondered a moment, then asked, "Where? The old man's house?"

"At the Valley of the End."

Koharu secretly breathed out—first hurdle passed.

"So far?"

Tsunade was surprised.

"I don't know."

Koharu wasn't surprised by the question. If it was hard to answer, she wouldn't answer.

"Maybe Hiruzen's been out clearing his head. At such a special place, he was reminded of the past and called us there."

Blame it on Hiruzen.

He indeed hadn't been in a good mood lately.

Tsunade frowned. Instinct said something was off, but it was her teacher—there was still sentiment.

Most importantly, she couldn't imagine Danzō and the others being so bold.

She picked up the Hokage cloak to leave when a knock sounded.

"Come in."

Tsunade sat back down.

Koharu didn't rush her, so as not to betray anything.

"Sensei, there's something you need to see."

Natsume walked in with a file, ignoring Koharu.

Her face darkened. As expected of teacher and student—same temper.

"If it's not urgent, leave it there."

Tsunade waved. "I'll see the old man and handle it after."

"It'll only take a few minutes."

Natsume blinked.

Tsunade paused.

She knew Natsume very well.

Even the smallest cues conveyed what he meant.

"Advisor Koharu, please go on ahead. I'll be along shortly."

Tsunade turned and smiled. "I don't think the old man will mind waiting a few minutes, right?"

Koharu's face stiffened. She didn't know what had happened, but at this point pushing would seem forced.

If their plan was exposed, it would be disastrous.

"Of course."

Koharu left the office.

"How'd it go?"

Waiting outside, Homura stepped up. "Did she agree? Why isn't she out?"

"She had something to handle, but she agreed."

Koharu stared at the closed door and spoke low. "Notify Danzō to be ready. I'll wait here for her."

"Got it. If anything changes, signal me."

Homura nodded and hurried off.

…

"Sis, you really do understand me."

Natsume stepped forward with a smile, set the file on the desk, and spread his arms for a hug.

"Business first."

Tsunade slipped off her heeled sandals, lifted a bare foot, and pressed it to his abdomen to stop him.

Then she picked up the file. It didn't take long before fury clouded her face.

"Danzō!"

She had known Konoha had done Hashirama cell experiments.

But those were overseen by Hiruzen, aiming to reproduce Wood Release, and participants had volunteered.

Later, because the mortality rate was too high, they were halted.

Three or four years ago, somehow, Hashirama cell implantation resurfaced.

Because it involved Hiruzen, Orochimaru, and Danzō, Tsunade couldn't intervene.

She'd thought it ended there, having already produced a number of Wood Release users.

Though far from Hashirama, it was a breakthrough.

She hadn't expected Danzō to still be conducting Hashirama experiments and to develop a weapon fueled by human lives.

It was betraying teacher and village—treason to Konoha.

"Hmph. I will not spare him."

Tsunade stood, killing intent surging. "Since the old man called us, I'll ask him to his face—is this worthy of Konoha?"

"Sis, do you really think this is a coincidence?"

Natsume took her clenched fist. "The Police Department's investigation likely tipped them off. I just asked ANBU—they haven't seen Sarutobi messengers delivering anything."

"You mean it's a trap?"

Tsunade frowned deeply. "Would the three of them really dare?"

"Why not?"

Natsume stroked her hand, trying to calm her. "If they kill you, their problems are solved in one stroke."

"How do they get past the old man?"

Tsunade reversed her grip, feeling the warmth he passed to her, and calmed notably.

"Suppose they kill you. What would the Third do? Nothing. Because if he then kills the three of them, Konoha will have been crippled."

Natsume wasn't slandering Hiruzen—this was very possible.

If Tsunade died, and then Danzō, Homura, and Koharu died, leaving only an aged Hiruzen—wouldn't that broadcast to the other four villages:

We're weak—come hit us.

Hiruzen no longer had grand ambition; he wouldn't gamble.

Tsunade fell silent.

She knew her teacher well.

In the original story, Orochimaru deemed Hiruzen decayed—a wind that no longer blew—and launched the Konoha Crush Pan.

Jiraiya and Tsunade both ran off.

Aside from personal reasons, they likely also wished to avoid Konoha's political strife.

They didn't want to watch a former mighty shinobi fall so far.

"Then let's meet them."

As Hokage, Tsunade wasn't ordinary. After a brief silence, resolve lit her eyes.

"I'll go alone. You take the Hokage Guard and the Police Department and follow. If it's confirmed they intend to kill me, you come out."

Though there was plenty of evidence, the three were Konoha's top brass. She couldn't arrest them on that alone.

Her plan was the best option.

Natsume nodded.

How to put it?

With this setup, Tsunade would be the biggest beneficiary.

Fresh to the Hokage seat, she'd handle a major case beautifully.

Her prestige would soar.

Even Hiruzen would find it hard to force her to step down.

Natsume thought this "raising" feeling was quite nice.

Tsunade was already a max-level character, but Hinata and Ino still had a long road.

There'd be plenty of fun along the way.

With Natsume's strength, he could easily kill the two Advisors—but then it wouldn't be Tsunade's feat.

Raising a cripple wouldn't be fun.

After Tsunade left, Natsume notified the Police Department and then went to the Hokage Guard office.

Before he opened the door, he heard Might Guy's hot-blooded slogans.

He lacked talent in ninjutsu, but in taijutsu he was unparalleled.

The Eight Gates—A forbidden art from entry to the grave.

To learn it required both talent and temperament.

To this day, only Might Duy and Might Guy had mastered it.

Might Duy had fought the Seven Ninja Swordsmen alone—an astonishing feat.

Hiruzen had once tried to promote the Eight Gates on a small scale, but no one else learned it.

At most the first two gates.

It improved strength, but not to a transformative degree.

And the effort required wasn't worth it—too time-consuming.

Natsume knocked and entered.

Five pairs of eyes in the office turned to him.

Yamanaka Ino looked pleasantly surprised and happy.

The other four were calm.

"Natsume, what's up?"

Shizune asked casually.

"It's a direct order from the Hokage."

As soon as Natsume spoke, Might Guy leaned in, excited.

"What is it?"

"Arrest the rogue ninja Shimura Danzō."

Natsume smiled.

All five were stunned.

Kakashi closed his Icha Icha and asked, "Are you sure you said Shimura Danzō?"

Though Danzō's reputation wasn't great, his loyalty to Konoha was indisputable.

None of them thought he'd betray the village.

Not even Might Guy.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have applied to join Root back then.

"It's true."

Natsume produced Tsunade's written order. "Everyone but Ino—come with me."

"Yes!"

Kakashi and the others answered in unison.

Ino hesitated but said nothing.

She really couldn't be involved—she could only look worried.

"There won't be a problem."

Natsume smiled at her.

Ino was dazzled by his looks for a few seconds. After he left, she snapped back.

"I wonder if Natsume-kun noticed my new hairstyle."

She twined a finger around her golden bangs.

The long fringe that used to cover her eyes had been swept to one side.

Still a single ponytail, but with a fringe more like Konan's—prettier.