Neither side was willing to back down. The confrontation now could affect future interactions between the two parties. However, neither Danzo nor the Aburame Clan seemed eager to escalate the situation into full-blown violence.
Only Gin appeared excited, itching for someone to make the first move.
He was more than ready to kill that old fool Danzo if given the chance.
Danzo eyed the increasing number of figures gathering behind Aburame Shifu, the clan head. His frown deepened as he turned to Shifu and muttered, "This is just a misunderstanding."
Danzo was already considering retreating. Any further escalation would not only involve the Aburame clan but also potentially others. After all, his name was on many blacklists due to the dirty deeds he'd done for Hiruzen over the years.
"I simply didn't want our guest at the Aburame compound to meet with any... unfortunate incidents," Shifu replied, giving Danzo an exit without pushing for a full-blown conflict. They couldn't afford to clash directly with Danzo, given his close relationship with the Hokage.
Danzo raised his hand and began to withdraw, his men following him into the shadows.
After waiting a moment to ensure they were gone, Gin spoke up. "Thanks for the help, Clan Head Shifu."
Shifu shook his head. "It's our problem for involving you."
He had realized that Danzo's quick appearance was no coincidence. Someone must have tipped him off, and that person had to be from within their own clan.
His gaze briefly lingered on Gin.
Gin's strength was probably far greater than what Shino had reported, otherwise, why would he be so unafraid to face Danzo?
"You're still a chunin, right?" Shifu asked, changing the subject.
Gin nodded. He was planning to take the jonin exams soon, but he hadn't had time to rest.
"You should apply for the jonin exam as soon as possible. Once you're a jonin, even Danzo can't do much. Jonin in Konoha enjoy significant freedom."
While genin, the lowest-ranking ninjas, had to follow the orders of chunin and above, chunin answered to jonin. Jonin, in turn, could choose which elite jonin to follow.
Shifu sighed, thinking of how Danzo had snatched many Aburame clan members, especially the younger genin. Only a few chunin had been recruited into the Root, and jonin, by virtue of their rank, were nearly untouchable by Danzo's whims.
"Got it," Gin replied, taking the advice to heart. Becoming a jonin would give him many advantages, and he had already laid out his plans for what to do once he attained the rank.
"But, Clan Head Shifu, don't you think it's time to clean house?" Gin added pointedly, his tone full of implication.
Having spies from their own clan working for Danzo wasn't just bad news—it was potentially catastrophic.
After all, it was similar circumstances that had led to the eventual downfall of the Uchiha clan.
"The Aburame clan doesn't have as strict of rules as the Hyuga clan. Our people are free to make their own decisions, and it's difficult to completely remove those who think differently," Shifu replied cryptically. The truth was that the clan had allowed some to align with Danzo for various reasons, but such internal matters weren't something he could freely discuss with Gin.
As the midday sun shone brightly over Konoha, the village's bustling commercial streets were livelier than ever. Compared to the somber atmosphere during the height of the war, now the village was brimming with energy.
Market stalls lined the streets, selling goods from both within and outside of the village, while citizens smiled and chatted as they went about their day.
"It sure is lively," Gin remarked to himself as he passed through the streets.
He waved at the Uchiha police force patrolling the area, acknowledging them with a friendly greeting. Maintaining a good relationship with the Uchiha clan was still important.
After picking up some items at the apothecary and materials from a shop selling animal parts, Gin made his way back home, his arms full of supplies.
As soon as he reached his doorstep, he heard a sigh from inside the house.
"Jonin, huh..."
Gin paused, stepping back and double-checking his house's exterior.
"Yeah, this is definitely my house," he muttered.
But apart from a cat and a snake, no one else should be in his house.
With a swift kick, he knocked open the door.
Inside the living room, he found Kushina and Minato sitting comfortably, deep in conversation.
"How did you two get in?" Gin asked, baffled.
He distinctly remembered locking the door before he left. And just a moment ago, he had noticed that the door wasn't locked at all.
"Oh, Shiro opened the door for us," Minato said, gesturing toward the white snake, which was currently balancing itself on its head.
Gin followed Minato's gaze to where Shiro was hanging upside down, seemingly still tied up. Next to him, Meow was swinging miserably, looking thoroughly defeated.
The snake was trying its best to look like it was still tied up, using its tail to fiddle with the ropes.
Gin's eye twitched.
"Alright, knock it off," Gin said with a sigh, his patience wearing thin.
At this point, Shiro wasn't just embarrassing itself—it was embarrassing all snake summons in existence.
The snake flopped down to the floor, pretending to be exhausted.
"Here, we brought you a gift," Minato said, handing Gin a block of metal.
"What's this?" Gin asked, examining the block. When he channeled his chakra into it, the metal conducted it effortlessly.
"Chakra metal?!"
Chakra metal was the best material for forging ninja tools. Unlike regular materials, which consumed ten times more chakra than they transferred, chakra metal reduced that consumption by more than 99%.
Gin's serious expression quickly transformed into a delighted smile.
"How thoughtful!"
Kushina rolled her eyes and extended her hand. "Well, if you don't want it, I'll take it back."
"Not a chance. Once it's been gifted, it's mine!" Gin clutched the precious material to his chest.
This would be perfect for upgrading his magic blade, Thousand Blades.
"When did you guys get back?" Gin asked as he prepared tea and snacks for his guests.
Minato and Kushina exchanged amused glances. Gin's sudden enthusiasm for hosting was very much in character.
"We just returned today. Most of the main forces from the frontlines are back now," Minato explained.
"On the way here, I even saw Lord Orochimaru, Lady Tsunade, and Lord Might Duy."
These three had become Konoha's most celebrated figures, renowned for their incredible strength.
"What about Jiraiya-sensei?" Gin asked. He had heard that Jiraiya and his team were sent to the Land of Rain.
"Jiraiya-sensei seems to have some important matters to deal with, so he hasn't returned yet," Kushina added.
Gin nodded thoughtfully. He remembered that around this time, Jiraiya began teaching Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko.
It seemed that history was still unfolding as it had before.
Even though Gin's presence was changing things, the wheels of fate continued to turn in the same direction.
But he knew it wouldn't be long before his influence grew strong enough to tip the scales.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]