The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

Shikaku himself made the same suggestion.

However, it couldn't withstand the 'naivety' above and the 'requests' below. Such an immature performance was actually already evident in many places in the original work. In the end, it was only because there were two overpowered characters in the later stages of the story that Konoha followed its development trajectory. From the moment Minato Namikaze died in battle in October of Konoha 48, Konoha would have definitely been sliding all the way down into the abyss of destruction.

To consistently make wrong judgments and take wrong actions for two or three decades is even more divine than a stroke of genius!

As one of the few 'clear-headed' people in Konoha, Shikaku is arguably one of the most intelligent people in the entire ninja world. He sees the problems of the village very clearly. While Konoha may not be on the verge of collapse, the situation is certainly not good.

That is precisely why.

Even knowing that this decision was overly naive.

Shikaku also needs to try, because if he succeeds, all the problems he faced before will no longer be problems.

Considering Menma's previous behavior, her age, and the current situation, Shikaku decided to take a direct approach to negotiation.

This is the only right choice!

"Yes, it's all about direct negotiation. Leave the specifics to me. Tomorrow is the celebration. Before that, don't make any unnecessary moves. You can visit within their permitted area. If our previous guesses are true, there will definitely be some clues, but that's all. Kakashi, you'll handle the specifics."

Since they've been given freedom of movement within a certain area, they should make the most of it; who knows, there might be some unexpected gains?

"Yes, I understand, don't worry, Shikaku."

Kakashi nodded slightly in reply.

With the goal clear, the next step is easy. Anyway, this trip is entirely up to Shikaku, and Kakashi is very willing to trust Shikaku's wisdom.

"In that case, shouldn't we be on guard against those two? We can't control their actions."

Haiyi, sitting to the side, frowned and spoke with a worried expression.

They can discuss things among themselves, but this delegation has some completely disobedient individuals. If they act recklessly, the entire delegation might have to bear the consequences.

"That's the important point. Those two people can't be touched, but you must keep an eye on them. Inoichi, this task can only be entrusted to you. Kai, you are responsible for assisting Inoichi. If there is any accident, take immediate coercive measures. This is what the Hokage instructed. Don't be polite, and don't hesitate!"

Shikaku nodded solemnly, looking at Inoichi with a very serious expression, and said in a deep voice to Might Guy on the side.

There are two ticking time bombs within the mission.

This was something we knew from the very beginning.

The source of these two time bombs is the most notorious place in our own ninja village—Root!

A place even darker than the Dark Side.

A dark place that has completely eradicated humanity.

Ordinary ninjas and commoners are unaware of this, but the members of the major clans in the village deeply resent this particular ninja clan because, over the past thirty or forty years, Danzo's Root clan has forcibly taken away countless children with considerable talent from the various ninja clans in the village.

They were trained to be true killing machines.

Once the people of the Root take off their masks, you can see that their eyes are filled with endless indifference and a blank expression.

For them, life is nothing more than a mission.

But if all of this is truly a sacrifice made for the greater good of the entire ninja village, for the benefit and safety of all the people of Konoha.

It's barely acceptable.

But that's clearly not the case!

Others may not know, but surely Shikaku knows the darkness within Root? Does he not know how insane Danzo has done for his own selfish desires?!

Putting aside everything else, just for the assassination attempt on the Hokage, Danzo should be executed, as that is tantamount to betraying the village.

It can only be said that Hiruzen Sarutobi's indulgence of Danzo Shimura was truly boundless.

This is also the only thing that Nara Shikaku, as the most steadfast supporter of the Hokage, cannot accept. Danzo and his Root organization have become the biggest cancer in Konoha, at least in Shikaku's view. Konoha does not need an institution independent of the high-level government; all ninjas should only obey the Hokage's orders.

But from the current perspective...

Although our Fifth Hokage was a bit tougher than the Third Hokage, he still couldn't be truly ruthless when it came to Danzo, not to mention the support of Elders Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.

The fact that two members of the Root organization will be included in this mission is the best proof of this.

"Especially Feng, Haiyi, you must keep a close eye on him. And remember, Feng is not the same person he used to be. Now he is just a member of the Root!"

Shikaku looked directly at Inoichi and spoke with a solemn expression.

The establishment and expansion of the Root organization were based on the large-scale recruitment of highly talented geniuses from various clans in the ninja villages.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio is one of the larger clans in Konoha.

Similarly, some people were forcibly recruited by Danzo.

Shikaku was almost taken into Root by Danzo, but at that time, Akimichi Torifu was still alive, and Danzo had to give Torifu, an old teammate, some face. The most important reason was that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, did not allow it.

The same applies to Dingzuo and Haiyi.

They were the pillars of the three clans of pig, deer, and butterfly at the time, and could easily join the Root.

Hiruzen Sarutobi needs Danzo as a black glove.

However, he was also unwilling to see Danzo escape his control, which is why Hiruzen Sarutobi repeatedly indulged Danzo. In the end, it was because Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that Danzo and Root were indispensable, and he also felt that he could still control Danzo completely.

This cannot be said to be wrong.

It can only be said that Hiruzen Sarutobi made a huge mistake in his operation.

The Root member named 'Wind' mentioned in Shikaku's words was a genius who was forcibly taken away from the Yamanaka clan by Danzo more than ten years ago.

He was also one of Haiyi's best friends during his childhood.

Now we are about to face such a special 'match'.

Haiyi was naturally touched to some extent.

"Yes, I understand, don't worry, Shikaku."

Haiyi took a deep breath and nodded emphatically in reply.

"Haha, no problem, Shikaku, I'll definitely keep a close eye on them, even if it costs me my youth!"

On the other side, Matt Kai gave a resounding thumbs-up in response.

Matthias was well aware of his role in the mission.

Not to mention that Tsunade had given him specific instructions before they set off, so Might Guy would obey all of Shikaku's arrangements without question.

He inherited the 'Will of Fire' from his father.

It's worth Matt Kay risking his life for!

This time, I came to Guangyin Village to participate in the festival.

Matt Kay was prepared to risk his life if the time came, just as his father had done.

Matt Kai has always kept it in mind!

"Yes, that's enough!"

Shikaku nodded slowly.

Despite his seemingly relaxed expression, Shikaku's heart was actually becoming increasingly tense at that moment.

Compared to the setting sun that was gradually sinking.

Different colors intertwine at this moment, reflecting each other's brilliance.

The stage has already been set up.

The delegations from various ninja villages that arrived.

On the last night before the grand ceremony.

While the Hidden Leaf Village was discussing its own course of action, delegations from other ninja villages also had their own intentions.

Beneath the seemingly peaceful atmosphere.

It has already been a turbulent period.

They're just waiting for their respective "east winds" to arrive.

And so, with each of them waiting restlessly, time slowly passed, and the night gradually faded away.

The next day.

As the first rays of dawn shone upon the earth, the sounds of the first light gradually spread throughout the entire Hidden Light Village.

The ninja village gradually became noisy.

On the streets and alleys.

They were all teeming with countless people.

This was a day that all the people of Hidden Light Village had been looking forward to.

This day also marked the day when Hidden Light Village officially stepped onto the ninja world stage.

This day marked a new qualitative change for the entire ninja world.

The weather was perfect.

As the white of dawn spread across the sky, the clear blue expanse made the hearts of the people of Hidden Light Village even brighter.

Delegations from various ninja villages.

They all left their accommodations within the allotted time.

Following the passage that the Light Ninjas had arranged in advance, they headed towards the central area where the festival was being held.

Along the way, excited crowds could be seen everywhere.

The delegations from various ninja villages saw and felt the expressions on their faces, expressions brimming with anticipation for the future.

Each of them revealed a different degree of solemnity and complexity.

Among these, the yellow earth from the Iwagakure delegation and the earthen platform from the Kumogakure delegation are of paramount importance, as these are two ninja villages that currently harbor a high degree of fear and covetousness towards Hikari-gakure, just like the others.

Seeing the village of Hidden Light thriving like this is certainly not what they wanted!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 377 The First Heavenly Shadow

The strength of a ninja village must come from within.