To compete over the interests of the southern district, Hattori and Hiruzen Sarutobi engaged in a fierce verbal battle in the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen, as the Third Hokage, kept his composure for the sake of appearances, but Hattori had no such concerns.
Hattori's shouting and slamming of tables and chairs filled the office with tension, as though he and Hiruzen might engage in a real-life showdown at any moment.
Outside, the Anbu guards were on edge. Should they go in to protect the Hokage? But Hiruzen hadn't called for help. Yet if they stayed outside, it might be seen as negligence.
Just as they were hesitating, the office door suddenly opened, and Hiruzen and Hattori walked out smiling.
"Hattori, I look forward to working with you in the future!"
"Ah, Lord Hokage, you're too kind. It's my honor to cooperate with you—please guide me in the future!"
"Haha… Sir Hattori, such a talented young man!"
"Hokage-sama, you flatter me. I truly admire your wisdom and experience."
"Oh really? Hahaha…"
Seeing them so friendly, the Anbu outside were bewildered, as if the earlier intense argument was merely an illusion.
However, what the Anbu thought didn't concern Hiruzen or Hattori, because both had achieved their objectives.
Hattori had secured 60% ownership of the Konoha South Street district for the next sixty years. In return, Hiruzen received 1.5 billion ryo in development funds, plus a 10% sales tax from Hattori's future puppet sales in Konoha.
Both were satisfied with the outcome.
Originally, they'd planned to celebrate with a meal at the BBQ restaurant, but a disagreement over who would pay led them instead to Ichiraku Ramen, where the owner, Teuchi, offered the meal for free.
This solidified their mutual understanding and laid a strong foundation for future cooperation.
After finishing the ramen, Hiruzen returned to handle Konoha's many affairs, while Hattori decided to take a stroll around the village.
During his walk, he "happened" to encounter Danzo and an old acquaintance, Orochimaru, who looked pale.
"Oh my, if it isn't my old friend from base of Kikyo Mountain—Uncle Snake! And… mighty Lord of Pots. Have you both eaten?"
"Hehehe…"
Orochimaru's raspy laugh filled the air, and he looked toward Danzo.
"Lord Danzo, it seems you two know each other as well. But what does 'Lord of Pots' mean?"
"(╬￣皿￣) I don't know!" Danzo gritted his teeth, then turned to Hattori.
"I heard from Orochimaru that you can see people's fates. Just as you said, Minato Namikaze became Hokage and died protecting Konoha. So, tell me, what is my fate?"
"You will become Hokage!"
Hattori's words made Danzo beam with joy, his gaze softening.
"Really? I've thought the same. Now tell me, will I die like Minato, protecting Konoha?"
"Certainly not!"
Hattori waved his hand.
"Your death will be even more glorious. You'll die after using Reverse Four Symbols Sealing to seal half a bridge, a record in the ninja world!"
Danzo: "╭(°A°`)╮"
Why on earth would I end up fighting a bridge? Danzo's expression froze, while Orochimaru laughed again.
"Hehehe… no need to mind him, Lord Danzo. This young man likes to speak nonsense. Isn't it more worth noting what he discussed with Lord Hiruzen?"
"Indeed," Danzo nodded, then looked at Hattori.
"Although I could ask the Third, it would be better to hear it from you directly, wouldn't you agree, Sir Hattori, the 'Flame Salamander'?"
Hearing Danzo mention his title, Hattori laughed, waving his hand.
"Oh, that's just a nickname, Lord Danzo. No need to mind it.
Right now, I'm just a puppet merchant doing business in Konoha, so I'll be counting on you and Lord Orochimaru's support, won't I?"
"Hehehe… we'll see about that."
Orochimaru chuckled, then respectfully nodded to Danzo.
"I'll take my leave, Lord Danzo."
With a lingering smile at Hattori, Orochimaru turned and left.
After he was gone, Danzo spoke to Hattori again.
"I need ten of your Reincarnation Puppets. The payment will come from your deal with Hiruzen. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course!"
Pleased to make another sale, Hattori handed Danzo a sealing scroll.
"There are twenty Reincarnation Puppets in here. The extras are a gift for you, Lord Danzo. I only ask that my business in the southern district runs smoothly. I really hate trouble."
"Don't worry about that," Danzo replied as he took the scroll, his lips curling into a smile.
"The security of Konoha is handled by the Uchiha clan; there won't be any problems or trouble, I assure you!"
With that, Danzo slipped the scroll into his robe and left, satisfied.
For Danzo, the real goal was simply to gauge Hattori's attitude, and now that he'd done that, he was content.
Hattori, meanwhile, had made a big sale and gained some trust from Danzo, which was a win.
Suddenly, he felt something. Looking up at the sky, he narrowed his eyes.
He extended his right hand and raised his middle finger toward the sky, his expression one of disdain.
"Eat shit… hmph… ptoo!"
…
Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been watching with his crystal ball, saw Hattori flipping him off and spitting, causing his lips to twitch.
"That little punk—his sensory skills are even better than Kushina's. He must be an Uzumaki descendant for sure!"
Thinking this, he released the telescope technique and furrowed his brows.
"I wonder if he knows about Naruto. Better be cautious just in case."
He then summoned an Anbu guard from outside and gave his orders.
"Inform the sealing team to move the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to the village's eastern border. This must be done secretly. Without my orders, no one is allowed to approach the Jinchuriki!"
"Yes, sir!"
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