Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 47: Fooled
"No… you cannot go," said Hiruzen hurriedly, his tone almost betraying his calm face, a trace of panic could be seen by those who knows him.
"Hokage sama, Konoha is not our enemy," replied Raiken coldly. "But if we cannot keep this corpse and investigate it ourselves, then we will leave this place."
His words make everyone become silent, both Koharu and Homura shifted uncomfortably, exchanging glances filled with disbelief. Neither of them had expected the Uzumaki to push them into such a corner. Their authority as Konoha elders suddenly felt fragile, useless. After a long silence, they both exhaled softly, then looked at Hiruzen and nodded. They knew there was no point pressing further. Whatever answer Hiruzen chose, they would have to support it.
"Very well," said Hiruzen at last. "You may keep this corpse and investigate it by yourselves and don't forget to share the result to us."
There was no way he could risk losing the Uzumaki Clan. If they left, the loss would be catastrophic, not only in terms of sealing knowledge and medical expertise, but also the blow to Konoha reputation and also his reputation as a Hokage. Other clans would whisper that the great village could not even keep its allies. And besides, there is Lady Mito, eventhough his authority higher than her but still, she is the first Hokage wife. So her presence alone making it impossible to accuse Uzumaki Clan of rebellion.
Even his closest friends had nothing more to add. Inwardly, Hiruzen felt a sharp pang of frustration and strangely, he began to miss Danzo presence. At least Danzo was decisive, ruthless enough to do what others would not. But even then, could Danzo have denied Raiken under Lady Mito watchful gaze? Perhaps not. Perhaps even Danzo would have been forced to yield. And if Danzo pushed too hard, he risked igniting a war between Konoha and the Uzumaki clan, a war Hiruzen could not afford.
The thought lingered in Hiruzen mind, if the Uzumaki really wanted to leave, no number of guards could stop them. They could reverse summon themselves away in an instant. One moment here, the next gone, like smoke slipping through fingers.
Raiken smiled after hearing Hiruzen approval.
[DING! 100 stars donated]
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[Message: You did the right thing, host! Put the old schemer in his place. Just because he was the Second Hokage student, he thinks he deserves everything.]
More and more people began flooding his live stream with donations, their words filled him with amusement. Raiken was secretly delighted, not only because he had stood firm against Hiruzen but also because his pocket grew heavier with every stars and membership purchases.
---Outside Uzumaki Residence---
Meanwhile, Danzo was still at the gates, and there was no way the Uzumaki guards would ever give him a free pass. The guard already take out their Kunai and even activated their golden chains from their backs.
Golden Chains is a unique kekkei genkai originated from Uzumaki Clan, it function to seal or erect barrier. Not just that, even the Uchiha Clan had activated their sharingan all looked at Danzo and his root. Both clans had already been united and even against Danzo, they are willing to confront him.
Danzo who saw this can't contain his anger, he wanted to attack them but when he looked at his surrounding civilians had gathered to watch. Some pointed, others chuckled quietly, eventhough they didn't know Danzo or recognize but hearing the commotion make civillian crowding them
Just as the tension almost break to full fight, the gates opened. Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura, followed closely by Lady Mito, Raiken, and the others started to come out from the residence. Seeing this even Danzo anger faltered at the moment.
"Danzo," said Hiruzen. He was shocked to see how large the crowd had grown. They were filed with onlookers, shinobi and civilians.
"What happened here?" asked the Hokage.
Instead of answering him directly, Arata glanced at Raiken before giving his report. "Raiken-sama, we have an intruder," he said firmly, pointing at Danzo.
Hearing this, not only Danzo but also the Hokage, Koharu, and Homura frowned.
Raiken shifted his gaze from Danzo to Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama, we will handle the investigation."
"I understand," replied the Hokage. Then he turned his attention back to Arata. "But why do you call Danzo an intruder?"
"Hokage-sama, we were guarding the gate when someone attempted to enter the clan residence without permission. That is why we labeled him an intruder," Arata replied calmly.
Danzo patience snapped. His voice rose with frustration. "Hiruzen, I am only following your order! Yet they deny my entry and humiliate me in front of civilians!"
"Arata," Hiruzen said carefully, "I was the one who called him here."
"Oh…" Arata replied with deliberate slowness, then added with a blank expression, "We asked him for verification, for a letter or proof of his summons. But he had none. Therefore, we were forced to block him. Rules are rules." He said this with a poker face, but Danzo who hurt this feel like his heart being stabbed.
"You…" Danzo pointed a trembling hand at Arata, his anger had risen to peak. But before he could continue, it was Raiken who cut him off.
"Im sorry my guard blocked you, we only invite Hokage sama so they are not in fault," said Raiken. "All of this are just misunderstanding."
"You said this is misunderstanding?" asked Danzo, today he was being humilited by ordinary guards.
"Yes, then what? Uzumaki guard are only protecting the residence from intruder," replied Raiken.
Danzo wanted to say more, but he was cut off again and this time it was by Hiruzen.
"Danzo, meet me at office. Everyone please return to your home," said Hiruzen.
The civillian who had crowded here started leaving one by one.
"Hokage sama, about what we have discussed, I will tell you the result of the investigation," smiled Raiken.
"Okay, I hope your clan won't disappointed me," replied Hiruzen. "Danzo, there is something I need to discuss with you."
Hearing this Danzo turn around and vanished, he was using instant move and went to the direction of Hokage office.
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P/S: This time I did double checking before posting on webnovel, I found many sentence need to fixed manually. Thanks for those who always remind me of my grammar. In the future, I plan to update 5 days per week.
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Author Notes: To read advanced chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 75: Police Reform
Chapter 76: Civillian
Chapter 77: Membership POV
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