My older sister is Kushina

While actively cultivating the bonds and strength of the first squad of the Dark Side, Uzumaki Hanamichi was also secretly doing another very important thing: collecting evidence that could bring down Shimura Danzo and the Root organization.

Prior to this, Uzumaki Hanamichi and Namikaze Minato discussed and finalized a plan. The first goal in resolving the internal conflicts of Konoha was to deal with Shimura Danzo and the Root organization, with the prerequisite that internal turmoil be avoided as much as possible.

The general steps discussed by the two:

The first step is to secretly collect evidence of the evil deeds of Shimura Danzo and the Root organization, continue the secret investigation into the previous disappearance case, and collect as much indicative evidence as possible.

The second step is to unite with the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the Uchiha clan, using the combined power of the higher-ups to deal with Danzo Shimura and the Root organization.

After finalizing their initial plan, Uzumaki Hanamichi and Namikaze Minato also laid out their specific action plan. On the surface, things seem calm, but they have already begun to take active steps behind the scenes.

After more than two months of secret investigation, Uzumaki Hanamichi conducted a comprehensive investigation and understanding of Shimura Danzo and the Root organization. Although no conclusive evidence was obtained from the Orochimaru secret base incident, it clarified his direction. The disappearance incident was related to Orochimaru and the Root organization. It can be said that the current goal is very clear, and what needs to be done is to conduct a targeted investigation.

Uzumaki Hanamichi gathered a lot of information about Shimura Danzo and the Root organization. The Root organization had more than a dozen secret bases, but he did not disturb those secret bases so as not to alert them.

Right now, his main task is to collect as much evidence as possible. Single pieces of evidence are not enough to bring down Danzo Shimura and the Root organization. After all, Danzo Shimura has considerable influence in Konoha and the Land of Fire. What is needed is crucial evidence that can bring him down in one fell swoop.

To date, neither Hanamichi Uzumaki nor Minato Namikaze has obtained enough crucial evidence to defeat Danzo Shimura and the Root organization.

However, the two of them were not in a hurry about this matter.

Minato Namikaze has been actively participating in various activities and affairs in Konoha recently, frequently appearing before the villagers. His purpose is simple: he needs to increase his influence in Konoha. While he may find it difficult to win over the upper echelons of Konoha, he can try his best to win over the lower and middle-level members and villagers, who are the symbols of Konoha. At least he wants them to realize that the young Hokage is a diligent and capable person. Although the lower and middle-level members of Konoha do not have decision-making power, they are the cornerstone and foundation of Konoha.

Although some things were influenced by Uzumaki Hanamichi in a subtle way, Namikaze Minato, who came from a commoner background, still had a deep understanding of the situation of the lower and middle classes in Konoha. His greatest reliance now was on these cornerstones of Konoha.

In fact, Hanamichi Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze influenced each other, and their different ways of thinking and ideas were constantly working together to reconcile their differences.

Recently, the two have been exchanging views not primarily on Danzo Shimura and the Root organization, but rather on reforms in Konoha. They have had discussions on various levels, covering topics such as education, healthcare, administration, and intelligence.

Minato Namikaze grew to admire Hanamichi Uzumaki more and more. The other man's many novel ideas and viewpoints broadened his horizons. For example, the concept of separation of powers mentioned by Uzumaki Hanamichi felt like opening a door to a new world.

Of course, at present, the reform of Konoha by Uzumaki Hanamichi and Namikaze Minato is only in the planning stage. The two are also aware that the prerequisite for promoting the reform of Konoha is to have enough power and influence to support it. Under the current circumstances, it is not suitable.

Uzumaki Hanamichi is quite busy every day. In addition to fulfilling his duties as the captain of the first squad of the Anbu, he also has another identity—a Konoha gourmet.

Except for occasional breaks, the Midnight Diner opens promptly at 8 p.m. and closes around 2 a.m.

As the head chef and owner of Midnight Diner, Whirlpool Flower Path is very busy every night.

The late-night diner is very popular, with a constant stream of customers every night.

In addition, the whirlpool flower arrangement school is also teaching Tamako various skills.

It has to be said that Tamako has a great talent. Although she has only been following Uzumaki Hanamichi for a few months, she has made great strides in cooking. Now Uzumaki Hanamichi has even handed over some of the dishes from Midnight Diner to Tamako to make, although they are just some simple dishes.

In Uzumaki Hanamichi's eyes, although Tamako has made rapid progress, she is still only in the foundational stage and is far from reaching the level of managing the Midnight Diner.

However, she is still young, and Uzumaki Hanamichi has high hopes for her.

That morning, after having breakfast, Uzumaki Hanamichi and Tamako went out together to the morning market to buy groceries and then delivered them to the Midnight Diner.

The master and apprentice prepared the ingredients together.

Immediately afterwards, the Whirlpool Flower Path got busy.

He first made rice balls, then takoyaki, taking the process very seriously.

Xiaoyuzi was very puzzled and asked curiously, "Master, why are you making rice balls and fish balls at this time?"

Uzumaki Hanamichi glanced at Tamako and said calmly, "Today I'm going to see someone. She loves Master's rice balls and takoyaki the most."

Xiaoyu nodded, but didn't ask any further questions.

After finishing the rice balls and takoyaki, Hakuzo Hanamichi carefully placed them in the food box, gave Tamako a few instructions, and then left the Midnight Diner with the food box in his stomach.

Whirlpool Flower Path carried the food box and walked slowly towards the edge of the village.

Half an hour later, the Whirlpool Flower Path arrived at its destination.

It was a cemetery, where many ninjas who sacrificed their lives for Konoha were buried.

A memorial stone stands in the cemetery, engraved with countless names, each name representing a memory and remembrance.

The swirling flower path entered the cemetery and then stopped in a corner.

There was a tombstone in front of him.

Uzumaki Hanamichi squatted down, opened the food box, and took out the rice balls and takoyaki. At the same time, the image of a red-haired girl appeared in his mind, and fragments of memories of the rice noodles followed.

"Brother Hanamichi, I love your rice balls and takoyaki the most. I'm leaving the village tomorrow to go on a mission. I don't know when I'll be able to eat your rice balls and takoyaki again."

"It's a C-level mission, I should be back soon. When you come back, I'll make you lots and lots of rice balls and takoyaki, so you can eat your fill."

"Yes, Hanamichi-nii, you have to keep your word."

"certainly."

"I love Hanamichi-nii the most!"

……