"Lord Hokage, Uchiha Andrew is currently escorting Mist Shinobi's delegation through the village. They haven't approached any sensitive zones."
A masked Anbu reported crisply from within the Third Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, but his expression remained solemn. "Continue monitoring them. As long as they're outside the Uchiha compound, Mist Shinobi's people must be under strict surveillance. Even if the handover was initiated by the daimyōs of both countries, we cannot afford any complacency. The Mist should never be underestimated."
There was no such thing as lasting friendship between the five great villages. Today's ally could be tomorrow's enemy. The only permanent truth was self-interest.
"Especially with Uchiha and Mist Shinobi..." Hiruzen murmured, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "They were mortal enemies during the Third Great Ninja War. Now they're chatting like old comrades? That's far from normal."
—
Meanwhile, outside the bustling heart of Konoha, the Mist delegation moved through the village, their leader Terumi Mei at the front. Her piercing gaze scanned the streets and buildings of Konoha, but her expression revealed nothing but disappointment.
"They call this village prosperous?" she said disdainfully. "Other than better geography, there's nothing special about this place. It's no better than Kirigakure used to be."
Andrew, walking beside her, gave a casual shrug. "Prosperity lies in the Land of Fire, not in Konoha itself. A shinobi village is a military tool. At its best, it's efficient—never glamorous. Especially not now... when the Hokage himself has to visit the daimyō just to ask for funds."
Terumi Mei raised a brow. "Then why keep the charade? If you've shown us the basics, let's end the tour. Didn't Hokage assign Uchiha to receive us? Perhaps it's time to rest."
Andrew gave a small smile and gestured with an open palm. "Of course. Uchiha always treats its guests well. Come with me—I'll make sure your stay is... memorable."
Kisame, ever the silent observer, seemed unaffected. He simply nodded, content with the respectful treatment. Terumi Mei, however, stiffened slightly, her expression unreadable. Inside, her thoughts swirled.
Was this man... suggesting something?
To escort her personally to the Uchiha compound... was he trying to imply intimacy?
—
As they stepped into the Uchiha compound, curious glances followed them. Uchiha Kamasu and Uchiha Inabi, hiding within the crowd, exchanged knowing looks.
"He brought her here? Hah... that guy's bold," Kamasu muttered with a chuckle.
Andrew noticed them immediately with his trained Sharingan and smirked.
"You want to treat me like a performing monkey, Kamasu?" he thought. "Fine. You'll play host for our Mist friends, and you'll pay for your little games."
Aloud, he spoke with authority, "Kamasu, Inabi—this is Terumi Mei, Mist's envoy for the harbor terminal project. She's our guest. Treat her with courtesy."
The two young Uchiha looked displeased but nodded.
Terumi Mei tilted her head slightly. "Only the two of them? I'd prefer to—"
Andrew cut her off, his voice dropping in tone. "You can leave them. We have matters to discuss—personally."
Her eyes narrowed at the implication.
He stepped closer, voice soft yet firm. "Madam, you don't want Mist Shinobi's current situation becoming... public knowledge, do you?"
Her breath hitched. The implication struck deep.
The last time they'd crossed paths, the encounter had ended hastily, hidden beneath political maneuvering. This time, she had willingly come to Konoha—to discuss trade, to negotiate—but that also meant spending days within the village, under scrutiny. If certain matters surfaced...
No. She couldn't allow it.
She clenched her fist and forced a polite smile. "Then... please take care of me, Andrew."
He grinned, satisfied. "Of course. Uchiha hospitality is legendary. This way, please."
—
While Andrew entertained the Mist envoy behind closed doors, the Police Department's underground prison remained deathly quiet.
Within one of the high-security cells, Danzo Shimura sat slumped against the wall, sweat pouring from his face.
"Damn it..." he hissed. "The First Hokage's cells are becoming unstable... I can't hold them back much longer..."
The arm wrapped in bandages twitched grotesquely. Beneath the cloth, something squirmed—like serpents writhing beneath his skin.
"Orochimaru! I know you're awake. Stop playing dead and do something!" Danzo snarled in desperation.
From the shadows, a low chuckle echoed.
"Hehehe... Lord Danzo, you overestimate me. Mangekyō illusions aren't something I can shake off so easily."
Orochimaru's voice slithered through the silence like a snake in the grass. Though he looked weakened, his mind was already clear. The Kotoamatsukami from Shisui's eye—amplified through Andrew's tactics—had been potent, but not permanent. Even the Sannin had limits when resisting such jutsu, especially with his incomplete soul vulnerable to spiritual attacks.
Danzo grimaced. "Enough with your nonsense! If you can't free me, then at least help me recover! I'm not going to rot in this cage!"
He had no illusions about his future. Sarutobi Hiruzen had abandoned him. The Uchiha had him surrounded. Tsunade and Jiraiya hated him. Even the council elders, Koharu and Homura, were too weak to lift a finger now.
There was only one way out: escape.
Danzo's gaze darkened. "If I get out of here... I'll rebuild. I still have the root forces scattered, and my experiments. If I master Wood Style fully, no one will be able to oppose me—not even the Hokage."
Orochimaru gave him a sly smile. "Ahh... so bold. Danzo-sama still dreams of the Hokage seat? I like that."
A white snake slithered from a crack in the stone and into Orochimaru's sleeve. His body shuddered slightly as chakra flared, breaking the chakra-suppressing cuffs around his wrists.
Chains snapped. The scent of freedom filled the stale air.
"If I hadn't been trying to protect Uchiha's image," Orochimaru whispered, "I would've left long ago. But now? With you making the first move... I see no reason to stay."
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "Let's make a deal, then. We escape—together. I'll rebuild my forces. You can continue your experiments. Just get me out of this hellhole."
Orochimaru licked his lips, a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "Deal. Let's set this village on fire."
—
Back at the Uchiha estate, the sun dipped toward the horizon. Andrew sat in a private chamber with Terumi Mei, drinking tea and pretending to discuss logistics.
"So," he said casually, "the harbor terminal plan... does it really require six days of negotiations?"
Terumi Mei rolled her eyes. "Apparently it does... if you're in charge."
Andrew smirked, "Then we should make the most of it."
—
Elsewhere, in the shadows of Konoha, a storm was beginning to brew. Danzo and Orochimaru's escape wasn't just a betrayal of the village—it was the first spark in a coming inferno.
And the Uchiha would be in the center of it.
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