Naruto: Two opponents versus Naruto, Konoha panics!

They arrived in a hurry and with great fanfare.

[And yet, they slunk away again, all because of a single piece of information... and an outcome that might not even happen.]

The situation was urgent; it was a last resort.

If Hiruzen Sarutobi were a few years younger, or if his most trusted successor to the Will of Fire had grown up in a few more years, he might have been a bit more assertive.

[A bear that endures hardship is still a bear that endures hardship.]

[So patient, yet so pathetic.]

Most importantly, the root tissue and the dark areas permeate each other.

[At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi received the following information.]

[He is very likely a loyal subordinate of the Hokage.]

[They could also be from the Root organization.]

[Of course, it's also possible that they are supporters of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, meaning they are neutral... It's also possible that some people are self-neutral.]

In short, given the current situation, no one wants to see the Anbu and Root organizations—that is, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura—fight each other like dogs, resulting in significant losses for both sides.

Furthermore, a rift developed between them, and after Tsunade returned, they were unable to cooperate, neither putting in any effort nor contributing.

[That would very likely allow Tsunade to turn the tide.]

If they lose... given Tsunade's status, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire might just jump in and say something.

In that case... there's a high probability that Tsunade will take away a significant amount of power from many people in the end.

[At that time, it will be the countdown to their 'death'.]

Tobirama Senju: "Hmph!"

Tobirama Senju: "A bunch of parasites!"

Uchiha Izuna: Who exactly is protecting this kind of person?

As soon as he finished speaking, Uchiha Izuna felt that this was too obvious and his persona wouldn't hold up.

Uchiha Izuna: So it turns out he's someone's disciple... and there's a whole group of people brainwashed by the Will of Fire left behind by someone and their older brother...

There's no need to explain it so clearly.

Um... and then.

Madara Uchiha: The Will of Fire also has the shadow of your older brother.

Uchiha Izuna: "..."

【Bang--】

[The shadow clone transmits memories and experiences.]

Naruto paused for a moment, then shook his head.

[They're a den of snakes and rats, conspiring together against each other.]

[This is standard procedure.]

[It doesn't matter anymore, the gifts have already been given. For now, let's ignore them and continue harvesting the "leeks" (victims).]

Meanwhile, inside the Root organization's underground base.

[After learning that his best friend had withdrawn his troops and dared not scapegoat him anymore, Shimura Danzo sneered.]

"Hiruzen, Hiruzen, I told you, you'd regret this."

"Do you regret it now?"

"It's too late!"

Having said that, Shimura Danzo glanced at the figure in the shadows.

"Go back and tell Orochimaru that the deal continues, and... I'll accept this cooperation."

"But it must agree to my conditions, otherwise... hmph!"

[The words fell.]

The figure slowly emerged from the shadows.

He raised his hand and adjusted his glasses.

The light reflected from the glasses flashed across Danzo's eyes.

"Okay, I will convey your message truthfully."

Having said that, the man turned and left.

Danzo glanced at his retreating figure.

The old man's face remained expressionless.

But my thoughts drifted away.

After a long silence, Danzo suddenly said, "Bring me the scroll from the Yakushi Nonou incident."

Since we've decided to do it, we must be fully prepared. Everything that can be utilized, regardless of its humanity, as long as it can be used, lead to victory, and ensure its ultimate success, then there's no problem.

[Konoha...Crush Plan!]

【...】

The Hokage Building is brightly lit once again.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face betrayed his exhaustion.

Why did you come back at this time?

"Are there any traces of those three?"

"Unlikely...but it can't be completely ruled out."

"Have people keep an eye on whether Tsunade will really return, and also, keep track of her location at all times."

"If we're exposed, we'll switch to someone else to continue following them."

[The words fell.]

[A voice of agreement came from a corner of the Hokage's office.]

The Hokage's office then fell silent again.

Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples and couldn't help but yawn.

I'm exhausted, so tired and sleepy... but I can't sleep right now.

Suddenly, my right eyelid twitched.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned. "Has he finally gotten old?"

"Am I overthinking it?"

"I have a bad feeling... Oh well."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, trying to clear his head.

"Let's speed things up."

[She murmured to herself, recalling the events of that year.]

[In the later stages of the Third Shinobi World War, Tsunade, disheartened and disillusioned with Konoha and her teacher... ultimately chose to leave Konoha.]

It's very quiet.

That was the case back then.

But now... that might not be the case.

"It's alright."

"If it was like that back then, how different would it be now?"

"Moreover... under my leadership, Konoha will soon produce its first perfect Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"So...it seems she doesn't really want this position."

"Then there's no problem."

"If I could stay in Konoha peacefully, contribute to the village, and gain a deeper understanding of the true meaning of the Will of Fire, that would be a good thing."

Tsunade's departure stagnated the medical advancements in Konoha, and indeed, the entire ninja world, for many years.

[A concept from many years ago is still in use today.]

[If one can continue to contribute in this area, and even grasp the true meaning of the Will of Fire, dedicating oneself wholeheartedly to the village, that would be an absolutely wonderful thing.]

With Tsunade's support, the position of Hokage will only become more secure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes and murmured, "It's good that you're back. You can make it in time for the Chunin Exams."

"At that time... I will announce the return of Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin and one of my disciples. Heh heh, those rats hiding in the gutter might hesitate to act rashly."

"Right now... let's deal with what happened during this period."

Having said that, Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to his seat as Hokage.

[I'm so worried.]

We still haven't figured out who's targeting it.

After searching high and low, there wasn't even a trace of it.

However... from a broader perspective, looking at this series of events again, it seems inextricably linked to Danzo Shimura and the Root organization.

Meanwhile, at the Uchiha clan's territory.

Under the moonlight.

A figure fell heavily to the ground.

"Damn it...why won't it work?!"

The boy was covered in wounds.

He lay on the ground, panting heavily.

Her hands were covered with tiny scars.

Clearly, the only one who would train here is Uchiha Sasuke.

"I've done everything I was supposed to do... why is there such a huge difference?!"

Sasuke's mindset has shifted once again.

【"no!"】

"Changes must be made... otherwise when will we ever get our revenge?!"

"Naruto...yes, Naruto will definitely find a way!"