The Fifth Leaf Village

When the serious matter was mentioned, Aburame Zhiwei's expression became serious.

He just sighed and said helplessly: "Is it because of Ryoma? He was taken to the Root by Danzo when he was very young, and our clan lost contact with him afterwards."

"I understand." Uchiha Douhuan nodded. "Back then, Danzo Shimura used coercion to forcibly recruit talented ninjas from the village. We, the Uchiha clan, have also heard about this."

"I'm glad that Clan Leader Douhuan can understand." Aburame Zhiwei was slightly relieved after hearing what Uchiha Douhuan said.

"But..." Uchiha Douhuan changed the subject, making Aburame Shiwei's heart hang in the air again.

"Aburame Ryoma's position in the Root is quite high. Conservatively estimated, he's probably the second or third leader of the organization, second only to Danzo. Furthermore, according to the Security Department's investigation, he played a crucial role in the criminal activities planned and carried out by Shimura Danzo. Furthermore, he violently resisted arrest during the capture and attempted to destroy evidence of the Root's crimes. This is an even more serious offense."

"This..." Aburame Zhiwei's forehead was covered with cold sweat. After a long while, he continued, "We, the Aburame clan, are not aware of what Longma did. I hope that Clan Leader Dou Huan will understand."

"From the perspective of the ninja clan, I can completely understand Clan Leader Aburame." Uchiha Douhuan took the tea in front of him slowly, took a sip and said, "After all, who can guarantee that there won't be a few ungrateful people in their clan? What's more, Aburame Ryoma was taken away and brainwashed by an old man like Danzo who was born evil, which is why he ended up like this."

"But..." Uchiha Douhuan put down his teacup and looked directly at Aburame Shiwei, "It's useless for me to understand. The Aburame clan must make the village understand."

"What does Chief Dou Huan mean?" You Nu Zhiwei was a little confused.

"I think Chief Aburame should know what kind of personalities most of the villagers are like." Uchiha Douhuan took out a document and placed it in front of Aburame Zhiwei.

As soon as Yume Zhiwei picked up the document and took a look, the pupils of her eyes shrank under her sunglasses.

This document lists all the evidence of Ryoma Aburame's crimes in the Root, including but not limited to assisting Danzo in assassinating ninjas from his fellow village and kidnapping the children of the bloodline family.

Once this evidence is made public, the villagers of Konoha will not care about the inside story and will only blame the Aburame clan. As the head of a not-too-small ninja clan, he knows very well what kind of people the villagers are like. Even White Fang, who was once the most feared ninja in the world, was forced to commit suicide by public opinion in the village. Can their small Aburame clan withstand it?

"Chief Dou Huan, what should the Arusha clan do? Please give us your instructions," Arusha Zhiwei said.

"Chief Aburame, haven't I already said it? I personally believe in the innocence of the Aburame clan." Uchiha Douhuan chuckled, "But if you want the village to believe this, the Aburame clan must show their attitude."

Chapter 42: Oranges or Green Garlic (Part )

"Please give me some advice, Chief Dou Huan," said Younu Zhiwei.

"I can't really say I'm giving you any advice. After all, when it comes to clan management, compared to veteran clan leaders like you, Chief Zhiwei, I'm just a newcomer who's just taken over the Uchiha clan." Uchiha Douhuan said with a smile, "However, if you put yourself in your shoes, I do have a suggestion."

"Please speak, Chief Dou Huan," said Arusha Zhiwei.

"What the village and the villagers want to see is nothing more than an attitude," Uchiha Douhuan said, "Otherwise, even if the Aburame clan can produce evidence that they have no connection with Danzo's criminal group, I think they won't believe it."

"As for this attitude..." Uchiha Douhuan chuckled and looked at Aburame Shiwei, "What could be more convincing than the Aburame clan personally taking action and participating in the process of crushing the conspiracy of Shimura Danzo and his criminal gang?"

When Uchiha Douhuan finished speaking, Aburame Shiwei also fell into silence.

After a while, Aburame Shiwei sighed and said, "I understand."

Then, Aburame Shiwei turned to a jonin of the Aburame clan beside him and said, "Go and bring Tone here."

Aburame Zhiwei felt helpless. Their clan's secret technique of controlling insects was too useful for both reconnaissance and assassination. Since the Warring States Period, the ambitious ninjas in the ninja world had never stopped harassing their clan. If it weren't for their group's secret technique that meant that only their bloodline could establish a connection with insects, their Aburame clan would probably have been wiped out during the Warring States Period. This was why, after Hashirama Senju proposed building a village, the Aburame clan was the first ninja clan to respond to his call.

However, the village had only been prosperous for a few years after its establishment. With the passing of the first and second generations, conspirators like Danzo poked their heads out again and set their sights on the Aburame clan.

Now that Danzo is dead, Uchiha Dohuan, who came to visit him, probably had the same idea.

Over the years, the Aburame clan naturally has its own way of survival. Whenever they encounter such an irresistible request, they will send a talented child from the clan in exchange for a period of peace and protection.

Soon, a little boy who looked no more than eight or nine years old, wearing sunglasses and a mask, and whose expression could not be seen at all, was brought into the reception room.

"What does Clan Leader Aburame mean?" Uchiha Douhuan frowned.

"Chief Dou Huan, this child Qu Gen has a strong affinity for nano-sized poisonous insects due to his blood mutation. How about letting him represent our Aburame clan and join the security department?" Aburame Zhiwei said.

Seeing this, Uchiha Douhuan smiled helplessly and said, "I think Clan Leader Zhiwei may have misunderstood. I just want to invite ninjas from the Aburame clan to serve in the Security Department. Why are you calling a child who hasn't even finished ninja school here? The Security Department does not recruit child laborers."

Aburame Zhiwei was also stunned when she heard this. What do you mean? Don't you ambitious people train your assassins from a young age?

"Chief Aburame, do you think I'm an ambitious person like Danzo?" Uchiha Dohuan showed displeasure, and the entire reception room became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

"I am sorry for being rude, please forgive me, Chief Dou Huan!" Younu Zhiwei decisively bowed her head and apologized, then turned around and asked Younu Qugen to leave.

"Chief Aburame, you know, our position in the Security Department requires us to deal directly with the villagers face to face many times, and misunderstandings are inevitable in the process of law enforcement. Therefore, there are inevitably some not-so-good rumors in the village. However, our Security Department's code of conduct has always been to serve the village wholeheartedly under the guidance of the Will of Fire. Therefore, we don't pay much attention to these rumors. I didn't expect that Chief Aburame would misunderstand us." Uchiha Douhuan said.

"Clan leader Douhuan has the will of fire in his heart and is a role model for us Konoha ninjas. I have been mean-spirited." Although she still didn't understand what Uchiha Douhuan was trying to do, at this moment Aburame Zhiwei could only bow her head and apologize.

"Forget it, I don't blame Chief Zhiwei." Uchiha Douhuan waved his hand. "If you want to blame someone, blame that ambitious Shimura Danzo. If he hadn't forced the Aburame clan to hand over their genius, I'm sure Chief Zhiwei wouldn't have such a misunderstanding of me."

Uchiha Douhuan casually threw the big pot to Danzo.

"Yes, yes, it's all that damn Shimura Danzo's fault!" Aburame Shiwei quickly agreed.

"Then, Clan Leader Zhiwei, please consider my suggestion. The Security Department has always provided generous treatment to talented ninjas," Uchiha Douhuan said. "Furthermore, given the current situation, I think there is nothing more suitable than a captain of the Security Department from the Aburame Clan to lead the team to crush the crimes of Shimura Danzo's criminal group in order to dispel the villagers' doubts."

"I understand." Aburame Shiwei said, "I will send a jonin from the clan and some special jonin and chunin to serve in the security department."

The conditions offered by Uchiha Douhuan were indeed good. He had also heard about the treatment of the current captain position in the Uchiha clan. In his opinion, Uchiha Douhuan was indeed sincere. More importantly, they had no choice now.

However, at this moment, Uchiha Douhuan spoke again: "However, although that is what I said, if the position of captain of the security department is directly assigned without any merit, the people below will also be dissatisfied. After all, the security department is not my one-man show."

"The Aburame clan will do its utmost to help the clan members who join the security department to gain merits that will convince the public as soon as possible." Aburame Zhiwei said.

"That's not necessary." Uchiha Douhuan smiled upon hearing this. "Out of consideration for the stability of the village, as fellow ninjas, we Uchiha don't want to see the Aburame clan get into trouble. Therefore, I have already prepared merits for you that will convince everyone. That's why I'm visiting you in a private capacity."

Uchiha Dohuan said as he took out the evidence he got from Yamamoto Taro and placed it in front of Aburame Shiwei.

After taking it, Aburame Zhiwei looked at it for a few seconds and then raised his head. Although Aburame Zhiwei wore sunglasses and a mask according to the custom of their tribe, his slightly trembling hands at this moment still revealed his inner unrest.

The charges on this evidence were even more serious than the one concerning Aburame Ryoma that Uchiha Touhan had just shown him. Furthermore, there were traces of the involvement of the Utatane and Mito clans, which made Aburame Shiwei break out in a cold sweat. If this evidence only implicated the Shimura clan, Aburame Shiwei would have agreed to this without a second thought. After all, after Danzo's death, under the Uchiha's revenge, the Shimura clan was now no different from stray dogs on the side of the road. But with the other two clans involved...

Aburame Zhiwei understood that if they wanted to get out of the Aburame Ryoma incident unscathed, they had to hand in a sufficiently substantial token of allegiance, and this was probably Uchiha Dohuan's real purpose.

Chapter 43 Kakashi's Evolution

Aburame Zhiwei took a deep breath. Uchiha Douhuan's move was equivalent to putting two choices in front of them.

Either join the Uchiha camp or stand on the side of the Hokage. It is impossible to send one or two geniuses from the clan and stay out of the matter as before.

"Clan leader Douhuan, I want to confirm one more thing." After a while, Aburame Zhiwei took off her sunglasses and took the initiative to stare at Uchiha Douhuan. "The Security Department is sure that they will not recruit children who have not graduated from the ninja school, right?"

"Of course." Uchiha Douhuan heard Aburame Shiwei's concerns and said with a smile, "As someone who was sent to the battlefield at the age of nine, although I have gained my current reputation thanks to my achievements on the battlefield, I still think my experience is too fucking shitty."

Uchiha Douhuan was moved by his words. He had been so solemn and polite since he entered the door that he even cursed at this moment. His emotions were sincere and did not seem fake.

"Children should go to ninja school when they are old enough to study, Chief Aburame, am I right?" Then, Uchiha Douhuan smiled and looked at Aburame Zhiwei, and spoke.

"I understand." Aburame Shiwei nodded solemnly.

Although he belonged to the generation that grew up under the shadow of the Second Hokage, ambitious people like Danzo had not yet risen up during his growth. But when he just came of age, Aburame Ryoma was forcibly taken away by Danzo from the clan leader who was his cousin at the time. On the first day he became the clan leader, the former clan leader took him to the family shrine to view the family history, which recorded in detail the names of those who were taken away at a very young age and openly expelled from the family, and Aburame Ryoma was the last one at that time.

"Remember these names," the former clan leader said to him solemnly in front of the clan crest at the family shrine. "It was these predecessors, whose names were not even allowed to be mentioned in the family sacrifices, who voluntarily threw themselves into the darkness, that kept the family's flame alive to this day. If one day you are faced with a choice, even if it is your own child, you must not hesitate for a moment."

At that time, Aburame Shiwei was deeply shocked and remembered the words of the previous clan leader, so he called Aburame Qugen today. However, the environment he grew up in still made him doubt the past history. It was obvious that when the first and second generations were still alive, the village could survive well even if the family did not do this.

So, at this moment, after hearing Uchiha Touhan's promise, Aburame Shiwei was moved. During the Third Shinobi World War, Aburame Shiwei was at the battlefield in the direction of the Land of Water where the Uchiha clan had the largest number. Therefore, he knew Uchiha Touhan's strength better than others. After all, this was a ruthless man who could destroy 15 Kirigakure Jonin teams alone several years ago. In addition, the Mangekyō Sharingan he saw at the village entrance that day, in his heart, this was a promise made to him and their clan by a ninja with strength comparable to the first generation.

After making up her mind, Aburame Zhiwei picked up the evidence of the three clans' crimes on the table and said, "From today on, the Aburame clan will follow the lead of Uchiha Ma."

"Chief Aburame is a wise man." Uchiha Douhuan smiled and snapped his fingers. After a flash of lightning, flames rose from the evidence of Aburame Ryoma's guilt on the table, and in a moment it turned into ashes. "Send someone to report to the Security Department tomorrow. As for when to officially take action, just wait for my order."

"I understand." Aburame Zhiwei nodded, then stood up to see him off personally.

……

While Uchiha Touhan was visiting the Aburame clan, a large barbecue restaurant owned by the Akimichi clan, BBQ Q, was holding a large-scale party.

The official announcement of Kakashi's retirement from Anbu has been issued today. From today on, Kakashi will no longer work in Anbu.

The first thing Kakashi did after retiring was to invite most of the ninjas in the Anbu who had done missions with him to a dinner together, ostensibly to thank everyone for their help over the years.

Kakashi booked the entire BBQ Q. This time he invited a total of 60 people, the lowest of whom was at the special Jonin level, but most of them were of civilian origin or ninjas from small ninja clans like Gekko Gale.

As the largest barbecue restaurant in the village, although the consumption level of Barbecue Q is not as exaggerated as the luxurious restaurant that Uchiha Douhuan took everyone to during the mission, it is definitely not cheap. With the salary level of the Anbu, it is acceptable to come here occasionally for a bite to eat, but if there are too many people, even the salary level of the Anbu would be a bit unbearable, so everyone who was invited came without thinking too much.

During the meal, Kakashi imitated Uchiha Dohuan, raised his wine glass and cleared his throat. Seeing this, the others also put down their chopsticks.

"Everyone, I've been in the Anbu for a long time, and I've been grateful for your help. Although I've retired now, I'll always remember the time we spent working together."

"Lord Kakashi, what are you talking about?" a civilian ninja said. "We should thank you for your care during work. If you hadn't saved me during the previous missions, I'm afraid I would have died."

"That's not true. As the captain, it's my duty to save my team members during the mission," Kakashi said. "I'm very clear about my character. During the mission, I might ignore everyone's feelings. Some people might think I'm not very human. Before I officially retire, I still want to say thank you for tolerating my temper and ensuring the smooth progress of the mission for the sake of the Will of Fire. I raise a toast to you all!"

Kakashi took off his mask and solemnly drank the wine in the glass.

Seeing this, the others responded and drank the drinks in their glasses.

At this time, Nagai Seiichi, who had long been loyal to Uchiha Touhan and had guessed that Kakashi and Uchiha Touhan had a close relationship, stood up and said, "Captain Kakashi's words make us feel ashamed. It is clearly because of our lack of ability that Captain Kakashi has to do more things, but Captain Kakashi is still looking for his own reasons. What is the Will of Fire? This is the Will of Fire! Everyone, I propose that we all raise a toast to Captain Kakashi! Although Captain Kakashi has retired, we will always remember your kindness in our hearts!"

After another round of drinking, Kuroki Ryuta, who had also participated in the mission to hunt down Orochimaru, stood up and said, "Lord Kakashi is retiring. Although we are sad to see him go, we also wish him good health and continued success in his future ninja career!"

As they toasted each other, Kakashi's face was reflected in the sake in the cups that were emptied and then filled again. This was the first time that Kakashi took the initiative to take off the mask he had worn for most of his life in front of so many people.

By the end of the party, everyone who attended had a look of drunkenness on their faces. After the party ended, Kakashi watched everyone leave one by one, and soon he was the only one left in the huge BBQ Q.

Kakashi sat alone for a while before getting up and leaving. After walking out of the store, Kakashi instinctively took out the mask and wanted to put it on, but after thinking about it, he put it away, picked up the food he had packed for Naruto, and walked towards the Hatake family.

Today's update is a bit late, sorry

Chapter 44: Visiting the Dragon Cave

Uchiha Douhuan returned home, washed up briefly, and went back to his bedroom. He bit his finger and made a summoning seal.

The smoke dissipated and a small white snake appeared in front of Uchiha Douhuan.

"Please inform Longchi Cave that Uchiha Douhuan is here to visit." Uchiha Douhuan said after stretching out his hand to tease the little white snake.

The little white snake disappeared in an instant. Not long after, Uchiha Douhuan sensed the fluctuations of the reverse summoning space-time ninjutsu coming from his side. Uchiha Douhuan relaxed his mind, and in a blink of an eye, he arrived at a strange place.

The scene that appeared in front of Uchiha Douhuan was very similar to the ancient town tourist attraction he had seen in his previous life. There were rows of ancient buildings, and a huge, antique building sign with the three words "Longdidong" hanging on it.

Orochimaru was standing under the building sign, and next to him was a woman wearing a shrine maiden's costume and a magatama necklace around her neck.

"Lord Dohuan." Orochimaru saluted Uchiha Dohuan respectfully, while the woman beside him looked at Uchiha Dohuan with interest.

After a moment, the woman spoke, "Uchiha Douhuan, welcome to Ryuchi Cave."

"Hello, what's your name?" Uchiha Douhuan asked with a smile.

"Tanxin Shenji." The woman beside Orochimaru chuckled, "The White Snake Immortal already knows your purpose. However, if you want to meet the White Snake Immortal, you still need to pass the test of the Ryuchi Cave."

"I understand." Uchiha Douhuan nodded and followed Tian Xin Shen Ji's footsteps.

The two walked towards the interior of the ancient city, but Orochimaru made a seal to cancel the summoning at this time.

"Won't he come with us?" Uchiha Douhuan asked curiously.

"Everyone has only one chance to take this road in their lifetime. Although Orochimaru is a partner of Ryuchi Cave, he failed once when he challenged this road and he is no longer qualified to enter." Tian Xinshen Ji explained as they walked.

"By the way, are you so sure of my purpose for coming here?" Uchiha Douhuan was also a little curious at this time. "I've heard that there is a toad sage in Myoboku Mountain who can predict the future. Could it be that the White Snake Sage has similar abilities?"

"Don't compare us with those stinky toads in Myoboku Mountain." Tian Xinshen Ji looked unhappy.

"I'm sorry for being rude." Uchiha Douhuan apologized with a smile.

"The White Snake Immortal doesn't have the abilities of the old toad from Myoboku Mountain." Tian Xin Shen Ji glanced at Uchiha Dou Huan before speaking, "But your purpose for coming to Longchi Cave is easy to guess."

"For thousands of years, people who came to Ryuchi Cave had two main purposes: one was to find a summoning beast companion, and the other was to cultivate Sage Mode," Tian Xin Shen Ji said. "You are different from people like Orochimaru who arrived at Ryuchi Cave before their strength was fully formed. Your fighting habits are already established. If you don't learn specific ninjutsu, most of the contracted snakes in Ryuchi Cave won't be able to join a battle of your level."

"So, your goal can only be the latter."

Uchiha Douhuan nodded without comment and continued to follow Tian Xin Shen Ji's footsteps.

"By the way, what is the test that Ryuchi Cave gives to those who want to practice Sage Mode? Is it something like character? If that's the case, then I don't think I can pass the test." Uchiha Douhuan said.

"Mr. Do Hwan, you're joking. Longdi Cave treats everyone who wants to cultivate Sage Mode equally." Tian Xin Shen Ji smiled, "All tests have only one purpose, which is to see if the participants can adapt to natural energy. As for character and willpower, which humans care about, Longdi Cave doesn't care."

"I understand. No wonder it is said that this place is a place where only lunatics who are obsessed with seeking power would come." Uchiha Douhuan said with a smile.

"I'll take it as a compliment from Mr. Doo-hwan," Tian Xinshenji said. "Besides, Mr. Doo-hwan would come here, so shouldn't we have already made preparations?"

"That's true." Uchiha Douhuan nodded, "So, when does the test begin?"

Tian Xin Shen Ji brought Uchiha Douhuan to a restaurant-like building in the city, clapped her hands, and soon several girls brought Uchiha Douhuan various delicious foods.

"Mr. Douhuan, before the test begins, please enjoy the hospitality of Longdi Cave." Tian Xinshen Ji said with a smile.

"Really?" Uchiha Douhuan sat down at the dining table and picked up the cutlery without thinking.

Seeing this, Tian Xinshen Ji also showed a special smile.

However, in the next second, Tian Xinshen Ji suddenly found that a long knife with a light blue metallic luster was placed on her neck, and Uchiha Douhuan on the dining table in front of her had disappeared at some point.

"What do you mean, Mr. Dou Huan?" Although a knife was held to her neck, Tian Xinshen Ji remained calm and asked.