As both sides took a step back, the tense, charged atmosphere in the air eased slightly.
The Anbu scattered around the area let out collective sighs of relief.
Many of them had never seen Uchiha Hikari before today. They'd heard of her existence, but had no clear grasp of her strength.
That is, until now. Witnessing the heavily damaged and warped underground structures of Root's base, the aftermath of the battle, Danzo lying defeated on the ground, Uchiha Hikari's Mangekyō Sharingan glowing in her eyes, and the towering Susanoo by her side… it all left the Anbu utterly stunned.
If they had a choice, they'd rather not get tangled up fighting a monster of her caliber just to clean up Root's mess…
"Oh, right."
Uchiha Hikari seemed to recall something and spoke casually, almost as an afterthought. "When I was coming from that direction earlier, I passed a few laboratories. There were some infants and teenagers inside—still alive. Probably experimental materials for that Danzo-sama of yours. Not sure if they were snatched from your village or trafficked from somewhere else.
Also, during our fight just now, he showed off some Sharingan abilities. And his right arm—couldn't suppress the chakra surge and turned into a giant tree. Isn't *Mokuton* a Senju clan ability? So, does this mean Shimura Danzo-sama has the blood of the Shimura, Uchiha, *and* Senju clans flowing through him?"
"What?!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes shot open, and Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado mirrored his shock.
They all knew Danzo had collaborated with Orochimaru on secret human experiments in the past.
But after Orochimaru's defection, those experiments were supposed to have been completely shut down. Sarutobi himself had led the team to seal the labs. Even he hadn't imagined Danzo would defy him to this extent—not only continuing the experiments but also transplanting the First Hokage's cells into his own body!
It was nothing short of a desecration of their ancestors' legacy!
As for the Sharingan…
In the understanding of Sarutobi and the two advisors, Danzo's right eye had been blind ever since a wartime injury.
If he had secretly taken an Uchiha's eye…
Sarutobi's peripheral vision flicked toward two Anbu members from the Uchiha clan standing behind him. Then, he turned to another Anbu nearby and spoke rapidly. "Shinosuke, take a few men and check those laboratories. Catalog everything inside and make a detailed report! Rinkaku, you're in charge of getting Danzo and the other injured to Konoha Hospital… Is that alright, Hikari-san?"
"Go ahead."
Uchiha Hikari dismissed her Susanoo and gave a slight nod.
Sarutobi Shinosuke quickly led a few Anbu away.
Two other Anbu cautiously passed by Uchiha Hikari, hurrying toward Shimura Danzo. They carefully detached him from the tree, placed him on a stretcher, and carried him off.
The cleanup that followed was Konoha's own business.
Uchiha Hikari stretched lazily, ready to leave.
"Hikari-san."
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly called out to her.
She paused mid-step. "Something else?"
"No, it's nothing…"
Sarutobi forced a small smile, his tone tinged with concern. "I was just wondering if you'd be willing to share where you've been recently, or what your plans are now that you're back…"
"Plans? I'll probably stick around the village for a bit. After all, I haven't yet visited the son of that old friend of mine."
Uchiha Hikari sidestepped Sarutobi's first question entirely. As she started walking again, she added casually, "As for the borrowing matter, you figure it out. My patience is limited, so don't keep me waiting too long."
She would definitely leave Konoha again.
Her plans to visit the *Dragon Ball* and *Demon Slayer* worlds, as well as track down Orochimaru, would all require time.
But before setting out again, she had some preparations to make. Reading the *Book of Seals* was one item on her list.
As for what Sarutobi might think…
That was his problem.
"Third Hokage-sama…"
The Anbu in the corridor glanced at Sarutobi, then, at his subtle nod, parted to clear a path for Uchiha Hikari.
Without so much as a sideways glance, she strode forward, passed the Anbu, turned a corner, and retraced her steps.
After about five or six minutes of walking, she reached the entrance she'd come through—a massive hole in the ceiling. The afternoon sunlight poured through, bathing her in warmth.
Uchiha Hikari tilted her face upward, eyes half-closed, savoring the sun's gentle heat for a moment. Then, using *Bukūjutsu* (Sky Dance Technique), she launched herself into the air, soaring out of the gloomy underground base.
"Hikari…"
Uzuki Yūgao, who had rushed after her, called out but froze, staring in stunned silence at the figure ascending into the daylight. "Huh?"
…
Ten minutes later.
Uchiha Hikari paused on one of Konoha's bustling streets.
The commotion at Root's base had clearly drawn attention. Along the way, she'd seen several Konoha shinobi in green flak jackets hurrying toward the scene, while civilians lingered at their doorsteps, peering curiously in that direction.
But…
"None of my business."
Hikari glanced at a few shinobi from the Police Force nearby, then looked away. "I'm kinda hungry… Time to grab something to eat."
She headed to the familiar Ichiraku Ramen shop.
Ordering a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, Hikari casually slapped a gold bar onto the counter. "Hey, good to see you again, Teuchi-ojisan. This is for my meals for a while. Just estimate the cost and deduct from it each time."
Teuchi: "…"
Compared to her last visit, Hikari was practically swimming in wealth.
The chests of jewels she'd gotten from Gyūmaō (Ox-King) in the *Dragon Ball* world were just as valuable here in the *Naruto* world. But using something like that as payment… it was a bit intimidating.
Teuchi questioned her repeatedly to ensure she hadn't stolen the family fortune to splurge. Only then did he hesitantly accept the gold bar, solemnly noting her name and promising she could eat for free for the next two years—just by giving her name.
While waiting for her ramen to cook…
The curtain at the shop's entrance was pushed aside.
A gentle, warm voice spoke. "Sasuke, don't be upset. Your brother didn't mean it—he's just busy with a mission and can't spend time with you. How about Mommy brings you to eat some ramen?"
"Hmph! I hate Nii-san! He's the worst!"
"…Sasuke?"
*(End of Chapter)*