Konoha's Tag-System Ninja

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."

Danzō wasn't surprised. "What do you need this time?"

Shūichi smiled innocently, "Hashirama cells."

Danzō's pupils contracted slightly, his heart pounding twice, but he remained composed as he asked, "Hashirama cells?"

"That's a forbidden experiment in the village. What do you need them for?"

Shūichi replied, "Lady Tsunade and I are developing a medical forbidden jutsu. The data from the last experiment wasn't sufficient, so I'd like to observe the Hashirama cells and conduct some small experiments."

"If this is too difficult, I can ask Lady Tsunade to request permission from the Third Hokage."

At the mention of Tsunade's name, Danzō immediately responded, "No need, I'll get you the Hashirama cells."

Shūichi immediately flashed a "sincere" smile, "Thank you so much, Danzō-sama!"

"Remember your promise!"

With that, Danzō turned and left with his men.

Shūichi watched him go, smirking internally.

"Danzō, you were once the guardian of Konoha's darkness, but in the future, you will be the one to rot its roots."

Not only did Shūichi intend to kill Danzō, but he also planned to turn him into Konoha's greatest villain.

...

Shūichi didn't stay long at Konoha Hospital. The reason he came was simply to reassure Nonō Yakushi and Shizune that he was safe.

After leaving the hospital, he sent a shadow clone home while heading to Tsunade's residence himself.

Tsunade, still engrossed in her work developing a medical forbidden jutsu, was surprised when Shūichi appeared. "When did you get back?" she asked.

Shūichi sat down across from her. "Just now. So, shouldn't you be really touched right now, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade smirked. "You probably went to the old man first, then Konoha Hospital, right?"

Shūichi wasn't the least bit embarrassed at being caught. "I went to the Hokage first to report my mission, so naturally, you are second in my heart, Lady Tsunade."

"Flattery will get you nowhere!" Tsunade didn't buy into his sweet talk. "Get back to work and continue the research!"

Shūichi immediately got serious. "Lady Tsunade, I think it's necessary for us to study the First Hokage's cells."

Tsunade frowned.

Shūichi continued, "I'm not trying to research Wood Release. Without the powerful life force of Yang Release, Wood Release isn't stronger than other Kekkei Genkai."

"What we need to extract from the First Hokage's cells is the secret behind their extreme cellular activation!"

"That's exactly where our research has stalled."

"If we can crack that secret, the jutsu we're working on will advance by leaps and bounds, without any further obstacles."

Tsunade was clearly tempted. "The old man...?"

Shūichi joked, "All you have to do is barge into the Hokage's office and smash his desk!"

Tsunade's face immediately darkened, and her fists clenched. "You brat..."

Sensing danger, Shūichi quickly switched to a more serious tone. "If you and I apply together, the Third Hokage will approve."

"Also, I just asked Danzō for the First Hokage's cells, and he agreed!"

Tsunade's anger subsided instantly. "Danzō?"

"That guy... why would you ask him for my grandfather's cells?"

Shūichi smiled. "I'm a double agent now. He wants me to support his plan to attack Sunagakure at the Jōnin council."

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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