Chapter 123: This Guy Has a Record!

Chapter 123: Chapter 123: This Guy Has a Record!

After leaving the Hokage building, Shūichi let out a long breath and headed towards Konoha Hospital.

However, halfway there, two Root shinobi stopped him, leading him to a meeting with Danzō.

"Did you kill the Third Kazekage?"

Danzō asked bluntly, causing the three Root members behind him to quietly react in shock.

Shūichi, however, feigned surprise and replied, "The Third Kazekage is dead?"

"Why does Danzō-sama believe it was me?"

"I was on a mission to the Daimyō's residence, regarding the tailed beast weapon plan."

Danzō frowned, his attention shifting. "Tailed beast weapon? The Daimyō?"

Shūichi continued, "That's what I wanted to report. The Third Hokage has already secured the Daimyō's support, along with additional funding."

Secured the Daimyō's support!

How did he manage that?

Danzō suddenly felt inspired.

But if he approached the Daimyō, it would be akin to betraying the Third Hokage—and possibly even Konoha itself.

Yet, if Hiruzen could do it, why couldn't he?

Danzō quietly contemplated, "I wouldn't be truly cooperating with the Daimyō, just securing a bit of funding..."

After quickly making his decision, Danzō said, "Given the current situation, this is the perfect time to prepare for war and reclaim the interests of the Land of Rivers. What do you think, Shūichi Hoshita?"

Shūichi pretended to consider it for a moment before replying, "You're right, Danzō-sama, but this doesn't align with the Third Hokage's strategy."

Hearing this, Danzō felt a bit more at ease, but then Shūichi quickly added, "However, what we think doesn't matter. What's important is the decision of the Third Hokage!"

"Danzō-sama, after all, you're not the Hokage!"

Danzō's expression instantly darkened, a surge of resentment boiling within him.

Once again, memories of narrowly losing the Hokage title resurfaced.

"If I had been just a step quicker back then... If I were Hokage now, Konoha would be far more powerful!"

"Damn it..."

At that moment, a sinister thought sprouted in Danzō's mind—he would have to remove Hiruzen from the position of Hokage.

But at the same time, he knew how difficult that would be.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had both the respect and the strength necessary to hold his position.

"If that's the case, then I'll wait in the shadows... Hiruzen's weakness will inevitably catch up to him, and when that time comes, I'll have my chance."

With this in mind, Danzō began pondering another issue.

If Hiruzen were to step down, who would be the best candidate for Hokage?

Or rather, who would benefit him the most?

Orochimaru!

Danzō quickly settled on a candidate.

...

Although the storm inside Danzō's mind lasted only a moment, he glanced at the seemingly respectful Shūichi and said, "If a Jōnin council is held, I expect your support."

Shūichi nodded and smiled, "Of course, Danzō-sama, as long as you can provide me with what I need."

Tsunade's face twisted in disgust upon hearing this.

Shūichi said, "I thought it might be a tough request for him, but he agreed without hesitation."

Tsunade wasn't surprised. "Danzō was a staunch supporter of those experiments back then. He didn't want to stop them, but the old man shut it down after too many lives were lost. It's no surprise he kept some of Grandfather's cells."

Shūichi nodded, dropping the subject without revealing Danzō and Orochimaru's ongoing research on Hashirama's cells.

Exposing it now wouldn't hurt Danzō. It would only antagonize Orochimaru.

Better to wait until they made progress, then steal it and infuriate Danzō.

"Yamato should be out there by now, right?" Shūichi speculated.

Tsunade, having made up her mind, stood up. "Come with me to the Hokage's office!"

Shūichi shook his head. "You can go by yourself. I already sent a shadow clone to report my deal with Danzō to the Third Hokage."

Tsunade snorted, "You sly fox!"

...

On the other side of town, Shūichi's shadow clone returned home, entered the study, and wrote down the details of his deal with Danzō. He then had a crow deliver the message to Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

Of course, just like with Tsunade, Shūichi didn't mention anything about Danzō conducting research on Hashirama's cells.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi read the note and couldn't help but wonder, "Did Shūichi sense something?"

At that moment, Sarutobi Shinnosuke emerged from the ground. "Lord Third, Lady Tsunade is here!"

Hiruzen sighed, already anticipating a headache. "Let her in."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke opened the door, and Tsunade stormed in.

Before she could say anything, Hiruzen preempted her. "Shūichi has already reported to me about researching the First Hokage's cells. The research can proceed, but it must be closely monitored."

"And absolutely no human experimentation."

Tsunade, no longer as aggressive as when she arrived, nodded seriously. "Understood."

Hiruzen added, "Also, Tsunade, keep a close eye on Shūichi. You mustn't let him try to merge with the First Hokage's cells."

He wasn't worried about Shūichi trying to obtain Wood Release.

Rather, he feared Shūichi might risk his life developing medical ninjutsu.

This guy has a record!

Tsunade looked confused.

Hiruzen explained how Shūichi had recklessly attempted to merge with the Four-Tails' chakra, leaving Tsunade stunned.

She hadn't known about that.

With a solemn expression, Tsunade assured him, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him!"

(End of Chapter)

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