With Hiruzen Sarutobi's approval secured, Kusunoki Naraku's plan was immediately put into action at full speed.
As a superior, Naraku wasn't actually that busy. As long as he set the overall direction, the specific implementation naturally fell to his subordinates.
"Clan Head!"
"Oh?Byakka, you're here."
Naraku looked at his clansman—a middle-aged shinobi who was no longer young.
"Well?Byakka—any hope left?"
"Clan Head! I've failed you! My abilities simply aren't enough for me to become a KonohaJōnin and share your burdens!"
Seeing the shame on Kusunoki Byakka's face, Naraku could only scratch his head helplessly. The Kusunoki clan wasn't short on resources anymore—ifByakka still couldn't break through, then it was likely a matter of limited talent.
"If you're not cut out to be a combat shinobi," Naraku said calmly, "then go be a director instead."
"…Huh?"
Baihuo was completely confused, unsure what his clan head meant.
"You've heard about the restructuring of the Medical Emergency Unit, right? The recuperation center being established for daimyō, nobles, and wealthy merchants—you'll manage that."
Homura Mitokado and Koharu would definitely try to interfere, but Naraku had no intention of handing such a lucrative position over to their people.
Anyone with eyes could see how much money flowed through that role.
"Yes! I understand!"
Baihuo immediately nodded. This was an excellent assignment—he would never refuse it, especially for the sake of the clan.
"How are the others doing?" Naraku asked. "I haven't paid much attention to the Emergency Unit lately. Has anyone caused trouble because of my change in position?"
Baihuo shook his head at once, pride evident in his expression.
"The clansmen are doing well. Even after you left, no one dared say a word to us."
After Naraku took control of the Medical Emergency Unit, he arranged for several Kusunoki clan members to enter it. Even if they couldn't master medical ninjutsu, serving as nurses or administrative staff was more than manageable.
GoodANBU. Far lower risk.
In the past, the Kusunoki clan could never have dreamed of such opportunities.
Unfortunately, even with this level of support, the clan still hadn't produced many truly powerful shinobi.
There was no helping it—the clan's population was simply too small.
"Remember this," Naraku said, pattingByakka on the shoulder. "People will covet your position. No matter who it is—you are not to give it up."
"Yes! Understood!"
"Good. Go get to work."
Naraku finished handling clan-related matters shortly afterward. It didn't take long—after all, it was a small clan.
Even if the Kusunoki clan couldn't offer him much immediate support, Naraku still cultivated them carefully.
Because they would die for him if needed.
The Kusunoki understood very clearly who had changed their lives.
…
At the gates of Konohagakure, traffic flowed almost constantly.
Civilians, shinobi, nobles, merchants—after registration, all passed freely through.
Of course, the village had far more than one route to the outside world.
"Hah…"
Returning through a hidden side entrance, Yamanaka Tsuki let out a breath. The mission over the past few days had been exhausting, but she was finally back in the village and could rest.
First, though, she needed to report at the ANBU headquarters—only then could she change clothes and remove her mask.
Leading her squad, Tsuki and her three teammates headed toward the ANBU base.
"…Hm?"
Even after returning, they hadn't relaxed their guard. When something felt off, all four immediately focused on the nearby forest.
Rustle—
A figure stepped out.
The man looked at Tsuki, who still hadn't removed her mask.
"Yamanaka Fū?!"
Tsuki didn't lower her guard. She frowned at her sudden appearance.
Her older brother—wasn't he supposed to be Shimura Danzō's personal guard? Why was he blocking her path?
"Danzō-sama wishes to see you."
Tall, orange-haired, and clad in combat gear, Yamanaka Fū's expression was completely emotionless.
It was as if, should Tsuki refuse, he would attack without hesitation.
"I am an ANBU operative," Tsuki replied coldly.
"I answer to Kusunoki Naraku."
"Without orders from Naraku or the Hokage, I will not go with you."
Fū raised his brow slightly, lifting his gloved hands and spreading them apart.
One word wrong—and he'd strike?
Clang!
Tsuki and the ANBU behind her drew their blades simultaneously, all pointed at Fū.
Killing intent filled the air. A life-and-death battle seemed imminent.
"Easy, Fū."
A cane tapped against the ground as Shimura Danzō slowly emerged from the forest's shadows.
Behind him stood another guard—Aburame Torune.
…This is bad.
At that moment, one ANBU behind Tsuki silently retreated, preparing to break away—
Only to realize that another shinobi had appeared behind him without a sound.
Even calling for help was impossible.
Without turning around, Tsuki knew escape was no longer an option.
Her mind raced through possible strategies—only to discard each one.
Tap—tap—
Danzō approached step by step, his oppressive presence growing heavier with each movement.
Sweat began to bead on Tsuki's forehead.
Thud!
The cane struck the ground hard.
"Tsuki," Danzō said coldly. "You belong to Root."
Tsuki remained silent.
Danzō had never tolerated defiance. Yet his expression remained calm—like someone who believed everything was already under his control.
"It seems you've all forgotten Root's discipline."
Silence followed.
He waited—certain they would soon kneel before him once more.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three—
Oppressive stillness.
A crow cawed overhead as it passed through the sky.
…Why no reaction?
A flash of shock crossed Danzō's eyes.
He understood immediately.
The Tongue Curse Seal had been removed.
Every hidden seal embedded within it—gone.
"Who removed it?"
"I DID."
Everyone jolted.
Light flooded their vision—as if a blazing sun had risen before them.
Shadows receded. The chill vanished.
An overwhelming heat washed over them.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Steady, powerful footsteps approached.
Eyes narrowed against the sunlight—
And the figure was revealed.
Kusunoki Naraku.
One hand in his pocket, a relaxed smile on his face, Naraku stepped forward and stopped directly in front of Danzō.
Brushing away the flickering flames resting on his shoulder, Naraku looked at him with apparent curiosity.
"Senior Danzō, what are you doing here?"
"Looking for my subordinates?"
"If that's the case, you can ask me directly. I know far more than they do."
Danzō's expression didn't change—
But the veins bulged on the hand gripping his cane.
"You should address me as Lord."
"I see…" Naraku nodded earnestly.
"In public, we use official titles. I understand."
"Then—may I ask, Senior Danzō…"
"What exactly is your official position?"
Who… do you think you are?!
Danzō's face darkened instantly. But as a veteran known throughout the shinobi world, he didn't lose composure so easily.
"Senior," Naraku suddenly raised his voice, stepping forward. His gaze locked onto Danzō.
"What were you doing just now?"
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Yamanaka Fū and Aburame Torune leapt in front of Danzō simultaneously, assuming combat stances. Another shinobi guarded his flank.
Whoosh—
At the same instant, Tsuki and her three ANBU teammates moved to shield Naraku!
Only Danzō and Naraku remained unmoving.
Their gazes never wavered.
It was as if the surrounding tension didn't exist at all.
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