Chapter 59: The Web of Konoha
Otherwise, if Akatsurugi had come alone, his request would likely have been denied. Who did he think he was, demanding to be taught by the wife of the First Hokage? Her status was incomparable to his.
The Third Hokage understood this, which is why he had personally accompanied him to plead his case.
Seeing Uzumaki Mito's agreement, the Third Hokage smiled, bid his farewells, and departed, leaving Akatsurugi behind.
Uzumaki Mito studied Akatsurugi for a moment, a hint of hesitation in her ageless eyes. "Akatsurugi, might I ask a favor of you?"
Hearing this, Akatsurugi responded promptly, "Please speak, Lady Mito. If it is within my power, I will not refuse."
Satisfied with his sincerity, Uzumaki Mito said, "I hope you will protect a certain little girl in the future. It is the last thing this grandmother can do for her."
Understanding her meaning, Akatsurugi nodded firmly. "You have my word, Lady Mito. I will protect Tsunade."
Uzumaki Mito nodded, a weight seeming to lift from her shoulders. In her estimation, Akatsurugi's strength was sufficient. With his guarantee, Tsunade's future would be more secure.
She then began instructing him on the Yin Seal, an S-rank auxiliary fuinjutsu that involved complex sealing theory. While training in the Shikkotsu Forest, Akatsurugi hadn't focused solely on Sage Art; he had also dedicated time to studying fuinjutsu, gaining a foundational understanding. However, compared to a formally trained master, his knowledge was still rudimentary.
Under Uzumaki Mito's guidance, he gained profound insights. Impressed by his rapid comprehension, Mito was further pleased; fuinjutsu required innate talent, which Akatsurugi clearly possessed. He gradually grasped the principles of the Yin Seal; the rest was a matter of practice.
"Thank you for your guidance, Lady Mito," Akatsurugi bowed solemnly. She had not only explained the Yin Seal but had also shared her personal experiences and the core tenets of the Uzumaki sealing arts. This was a significant gift, and he would remember the debt.
"It is nothing. Your talent is simply high," Uzumaki Mito demurred, waving a hand gently.
Noting her slight fatigue, Akatsurugi respectfully took his leave.
As he stepped out of Mito's gate, an ANBU agent was waiting. "Lord Akatsurugi, the Hokage requests your presence."
Nodding, Akatsurugi headed for the Hokage's office.
Upon arrival, he found Orochimaru and Tsunade already there.
"Ah, Akatsurugi, you're here. Review this scroll," the Third Hokage said, tossing a mission scroll his way.
After scanning it, Akatsurugi was speechless. The Third Hokage really treats me like a workhorse. He had just returned, spent the entire afternoon with Lady Mito, hadn't even been home, and was already being assigned another mission.
"This mission is... delicate. It may provoke a conflict with Kumogakure. I believe with you leading the team, we can ensure its completion," the Third Hokage stated gravely.
Akatsurugi nodded. "Understood."
Glancing at Tsunade and Orochimaru, he said, "Coordinate with the merchant caravan. We depart tomorrow morning."
The two acknowledged and left to make the arrangements. "Lord Hokage, if there's nothing else, I will go and prepare," Akatsurugi said.
The Hokage smiled. "How did it go? Did you learn it from Lady Mito?"
After Akatsurugi confirmed, Hiruzen added, his voice lowering, "Akatsurugi, if the situation becomes truly dangerous... ensure Tsunade's safety above all."
Akatsurugi paused, then nodded in understanding before taking his leave.
Exiting the office, he realized he still hadn't been home. As he walked through the streets, he noticed people pointing and whispering. Following their gazes, he saw Kato Ei walking backwards alongside Might Dai.
Akatsurugi facepalmed. It seemed over the past two years, Kato Ei had truly taken his advice to heart and sought out Might Dai for taijutsu training. Both were perennial genin, kindred spirits in struggle. Kato Ei's ninjutsu talent was abysmal; without his immortality, he'd be stuck as a genin forever. Now, he and Dai had become close, training together daily, their bizarre routine becoming a local spectacle.
Finally arriving home, he found everything as he'd left it two years prior. Kato Ei, who lived there, kept it spotless. Akatsurugi sorted through his ninja tool pouch—largely useless to him now, though still handy for dealing with lesser threats.
He then visited the house next door, but Kosuke Maruboshi was out on a mission. Leaving a note, Akatsurugi decided to wander through Konoha.
The village was vibrant at night, brightly lit with the lively calls of street vendors. It had to be admitted, the Third Hokage was a capable administrator; Konoha was thriving under his leadership.
"Lord Akatsurugi," a masked ANBU agent appeared before him. "Lord Danzō requests your presence."
Akatsurugi sighed internally. Can't I have a moment's peace? Had Danzō already started his descent into darkness? Why seek him out now?
He had no choice but to follow the agent to the Root headquarters.
A massive base was constructed beneath Konoha. Entering it, Akatsurugi was mildly astonished by the scale. The resources this must have cost... Where did Danzō get the funding? From the Hokage's discretionary budget? Their bond truly is something else.
"Akatsurugi. It has been a long time," Danzō began.
"Lord Danzō," Akatsurugi replied neutrally.
Danzō nodded. "I've summoned you because I wish to... borrow some personnel from you."
He was blunt. Although his Root organization controlled Konoha's Second ANBU Battalion, many specialized ninjas were in the First Battalion, and a significant number, particularly from certain clans, were in the Third. To expand Root's influence, he needed to recruit from the clans directly, which was difficult. The Hyūga and Uchiha, in particular, placed their members in the First and Third Battalions respectively, keeping them out of his reach.
Furthermore, his recent... research into the Sharingan had left him with a shortage of materials. The eyes collected from the battlefield were insufficient.
Hearing of Akatsurugi's return, he had set his sights on him. The Third ANBU Battalion Captain, a man with powerful connections and a transplanted Sharingan, was a potential source he could not ignore.