[This Chapter Is Sponsored by Erik Reynoso! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
Konoha, Ninja School.
"Yo, Iruka, congratulations on being admitted to the Ninja School."
At first sight, a white-haired Mizuki teased Iruka, who then showed a displeased smile.
"Mizuki, didn't you also get a job?"
The ninjas who came from the battlefield of the Land of Whirlpools, thanks to the batch of recommendation letters from Uchiha Yoru, many of them got promoted. There were more than ten special Jōnin and fifty Chūnin.
Among those promoted to Chūnin were Iruka Umino and Mizuki. They returned to the village for a while to recuperate and, at the age of sixteen, they were promoted to Chūnin, becoming qualified to be assistant teachers at the school.
Of course, they are not yet fully qualified for their current positions.
"Ah, the houses in the center of the village are too expensive. I'm really envious of you, Iruka."
Mizuki couldn't help showing a look of envy and jealousy. Unfortunately, Iruka's parents had left him a house right on the outskirts of the center.
Because Mizuki met Uchiha Yoru on the frontlines, his life took a strange turn. Although he still longed for power, his loyalty shifted to serving Uchiha Yoru, the inheritor of all that is Orochimaru. As seen in the original story, Mizuki eventually becomes a power-seeking fanatic who worships Orochimaru.
"Haha, can't help it. You can't be envious of this."
Seeing Mizuki's blatant jealousy, Iruka revealed a teasing smile. Who would have thought that houses would become so scarce and expensive in the village center? Many ninjas drained their family's savings just to afford a house there.
(In the future, Sakura still has a mortgage to pay.)
"My talent is limited, but I'll definitely become the best teacher."
After successfully enrolling, Iruka was full of fighting spirit and couldn't help but take out the red-covered book 'My Struggle' from his ninja tools bag. His eyes were filled with fervor.
"Mizuki, I really recommend you read this book. It almost bluntly speaks of the true Will of Fire!"
Mentioning this book, Iruka's eyes shone with zeal, making Mizuki break out in a cold sweat. Mizuki said, not without annoyance, "Iruka, you really have a way with things."
Although he became a teacher, he never gave up on training. Power is fundamental. He isn't like Iruka, who, realizing his limited talent, decided to teach and nurture more talents.
"Mizuki, this book is so precious that even Uchiha Yoru can't put it down."
"What!" Mizuki, who initially didn't care much, was suddenly shocked. Seeing his friend's reaction, Iruka's lips slightly curved up, feeling a sense of satisfaction and pride in recommending a book he considered a classic.
"Haha, Mizuki, I bought two more copies of this book today. True Will of Fire really brings good fortune. I planned to give them away, so I'll give you one first."
Iruka, fulfilled and excited, handed the brand new book to Mizuki.
This time Mizuki didn't refuse. Instead, he looked serious. A book even Uchiha Yoru reads was worth studying thoroughly. Maybe it held the essence of power.
"By the way, Iruka, who were you planning to give the book to?"
At this moment, Mizuki showed curiosity, and Iruka scratched his head awkwardly after hearing this, "I gave the other book to the exam teacher of the Ninja School this time, after all, we have to work under him in the future."
Having been tempered by the battlefield, Iruka had grown up. Although he was straightforward, he understood the ways of the world.
Seeing Iruka's expression, Mizuki couldn't help but raise his eyebrows in resignation, holding his forehead and sighing, "Iruka, when you give gifts, investigate first. This exam teacher may be a civilian ninja, but his sister is married into the Sarutobi clan."
"This person is extremely greedy. You give a book? It's like not giving anything substantial."
Hearing Mizuki's words, Iruka was shocked and his face turned pale, "Damn it, Mizuki, why didn't you tell me earlier? When I gave the book, I specifically asked for future care for both of us."
Suddenly, Mizuki burst into laughter, holding his stomach and waving his hand, "Alright, I visited this teacher's house last night. I wanted to bring you, but you weren't home. But this matter couldn't be delayed, so I went alone."
"Don't worry, I've delivered your part as well." Mizuki was smug, partly because of their partnership and partly out of self-interest.
Both of them were average Chunin and not outstanding. It was too hard for them to stand out in the future. Only by unity and networking could they make it. In future school matters, Iruka would also stand up for him.
It's hard to fight alone, so Mizuki didn't hesitate to spend his own money to owe Iruka a favor, ensuring support in the Ninja School when needed.
"Mizuki, you!"
Iruka, not knowing what else to say, simply laughed and said, "Let's go, I'll treat you tonight. Let's go to the barbecue restaurant."
With their laughter, the friendship between men can sometimes be so simple.
In the Ninja School office, the exam inspector was carefully reviewing the ninjas to be assessed.
One file was marked 'Excellent' and another 'Reserve', clearly indicating the ranking among the teacher assistants.
'Excellent' meant they could participate in exams to become a teacher of a ninja class after gaining enough experience. 'Reserve' meant they still needed observation.
"Hehe, lucky you."
Looking at a file from the 'Reserve', with a photo of Mizuki with his distinctive silver-white hair, the teacher shook his head and smiled, swapping it with one from the 'Excellent' pile.
Originally not qualified, but Iruka's assessment was flawless and was directly listed in 'Excellent'. Considering the favor, he decided to move this lucky fellow into the excellent category.
Of course, he was just an examiner. The files had to be handed over to the higher-ups, but generally, there wouldn't be any changes.
…
Hokage's Office.
"Danzo, the threat from the Uchiha is becoming increasingly severe. The Root suffered huge losses last time, and now we need to expand further to guard against the Uchiha."
At this moment, Danzo's exposed eye showed intense fervor. The last loss was devastating, and the threat of the Uchiha hung over him like a sword. He would not allow the Uchiha to continue this way.
"Danzo, the Root is asking for too much funding." Before the Third Hokage could speak, Koharu Utatane, responsible for financial affairs, showed her dissatisfaction at this scene.
The Root could expand because of the Uchiha's strength, but this seemed like preparation for rebellion, not expansion. Asking for so much funding was akin to declaring a revolt.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, sitting in the Hokage's seat, pondered over Danzo's report and then, unexpectedly, nodded in agreement.
"Danzo, the funding you requested will be provided."
"What! Hiruzen, you can't be reckless like this." Koharu Utatane was shocked, fearing that the Root's power might become uncontrolled.
Even Danzo was stunned, looking at his old comrade Hiruzen. Despite getting substantial funding, he couldn't feel happy.
"Cough, Hiruzen, I understand the village's difficulties." Knowing Hiruzen wouldn't be so generous without a reason, Danzo felt uneasy and seemed to suggest that even less funding would suffice.
However, Hiruzen then taught him a vivid lesson about what it means to be Hokage and how to use tactics.
"The Anbu also needs reinforcements, but there have been too many issues lately, and I suspect infiltration within the Anbu. Therefore, I have decided that the Root, under the guise of this reinforcement, will establish three squads of elite Anbu members."
Damn!
Hearing this, Danzo almost cursed out loud, his eye widening in disbelief. Clever Hiruzen! He was using Danzo to train Anbu personnel. Seventeen members per squad, fifty-one in total, all elites from Danzo's Root? This was Hiruzen's way of placing his people in the Root.
And so ruthlessly, these three squads would bear the Root's name, but actually follow Hiruzen's commands. They would execute missions for Hiruzen, but the Root would be blamed.
"Cough, Hiruzen's considerations are indeed thorough. After all, the Uchiha Yoru have inherited Orochimaru's power, and almost the entire village is under their surveillance, even the Anbu must be cautious."
Initially opposed, Koharu Utatane, hearing this, coughed lightly and sat down, now quite supportive of the plan.
Hiruzen, seeing Danzo's wide-eyed expression, seemed somewhat embarrassed and sighed out of humanitarian concern.
"Danzo, don't worry. This time I will assign three experienced Anbu elites to oversee this. You just need to pick some people from your Root."
"You, Hiruzen!" Danzo turned green with anger at Hiruzen's shameless maneuver. 'Three experienced Anbu assistants' clearly meant three squad leaders.
Moreover, he even selects from the Root, it's not just saying. After he selected a batch of elites to join the Root, damn it, Sarutobi Hiruzen picks again from the elites he selected.
This is not how you fleece a sheep! Facing Shimura Danzo's anger, Sarutobi Hiruzen is also quite embarrassed, seeming a bit shameless in his actions, but everything is for the village.
"Danzo, this time I allow you to choose from various major clans for the Root! Yamanaka, Nara, Akimichi, Inuzuka, even my own Sarutobi clan, just don't go too far! Remember to keep a measure."
Knowing he has gone a bit too far this time, Sarutobi Hiruzen lowers his head, having to offer a significant concession to the other party. Upon hearing this, Shimura Danzo's angry expression slightly eases.
In the end, Shimura Danzo, with a sinister look in his one eye, says in a deep voice, "Hiruzen, this might be an opportunity to test the Uchiha."
"Danzo, you mean?"
Watching Sarutobi Hiruzen pretend to be confused, Shimura Danzo coldly snorts, "Hiruzen, the Root is an important department to protect Konoha. All clans of Konoha have the right to cooperate, even the Sarutobi clan, as Hokage, is duty-bound. As long as the Uchiha are part of Konoha, they have this obligation."
After the righteous words fall, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, seems like he hasn't heard anything, looking down at the report in his hands. Then, with a big wave of his hand, he signs his name and slams down his Hokage seal.
"Koharu, please arrange this fund from the finances as quickly as possible for the Root."
Turning to Koharu, she nods, showing an understanding look, "Don't worry Sarutobi, the village's finances are sufficient, the funds will definitely be in place within half a month."
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Koharu, in their coordination, cause Shimura Danzo's forehead to throb in irritation. Finally, with a cold snort, he turns and slams the door as he leaves.
In the office, the two look knowingly at each other, clearly aware of these matters, all done by Danzo's Root.
Shimura Danzo also understands that the Root is meant to take the blame and handle unsightly matters. If something goes wrong, the Hokage will step in to resolve it.
Talking nicely is to mediate, talking harshly is the Third Hokage's stern command to the Root. At worst, it's just another demotion.
He, Shimura Danzo, is still the head of the Root, both up and down. Everyone knows that with the Third Hokage's favoritism towards Danzo, it won't be long before he is restored to his former position.
Not to mention the controversial assassination in the original work, just by knowing Danzo's obsession and desire for the Hokage position, Sarutobi Hiruzen's trust in him shows the depth of their relationship.
...
After Danzo leaves, Koharu shows a worried look, "Hiruzen, Danzo's ambition can easily lead to extreme behavior, what if he provokes these clans!"
As Sarutobi Hiruzen, growing older and more stubborn, raises his head with a determined look.
"The village needs stability, this time is also an opportunity to test. As for the other clans!"
Saying this, Sarutobi Hiruzen shows the formidable presence of a past ninja, speaking indifferently, "The only clans that can pose a threat to the village are the Uchiha and Hyuga, and the now divided Hyuga no longer have this capability."
The strength of a clan posing a threat to the village shows the power of the Uchiha, otherwise, there wouldn't be the thought of an armed coup in the original work.
The Hyuga clan has already split and no longer poses a threat. In contrast, the Uchiha clan is becoming increasingly powerful, especially after aligning the Aburame and Hyuga branch family, increasing their threat.
The village's ninjas staying behind have become stronger, even the security around the Hokage building has been strengthened several times, showing the threat brought by the changes in the Uchiha.