In Konoha, conflict with Shimura Danzō is a defining trait, one that must be tasted. Shuji wasn't unprepared—especially since awakening with Hashirama's cells, contingency plans were set; direct clash with that man was inevitable.
He just hadn't expected the first conflict's root to be not his secret, but a mission reward.
Striking Root wouldn't be punished here by the Third Hokage; Shuji knew this well. His actions practically safeguarded the village's interests, thus the Hokage's.
And Sarutobi Hiruzen's "non-handling" of Root was routine. Even if assassinated himself, to stabilize post-Nine-Tails chaos, he could endure silently. Let alone a failed ledger grab where Root took the hits.
But that line—"I'll reprimand him and order him to rein in his subordinates"—carried weight: a promise. Promise no further targeted actions from Danzō's side; if any, Sarutobi would intervene.
As for the intervention's extent...
Shuji held no unrealistic hopes. All Sarutobi's support hinged on personal capacity; as Hokage, he could only ensure regular village forces wouldn't obstruct. Under that, achievement depended on self.
Uchiha Shisui was the starkest example. The Third granted full action authorization.
Result? Shisui met Danzō's invitation, unaware of the hidden Izanagi card; Mangekyō Sharingan stolen. Deeming himself unable to halt clan coup with Kotoamatsukami, Shisui chose suicide—to delay the Uchiha revolt with his life, passing it to Itachi.
The Third? Did nothing.
If Shisui won the gambit, resolving Uchiha rebellion his way, the Third would endorse, quashing Root and all opposition.
Failed? Gambit lost? Eyes gone? Then become Danzō's cost for guarding Konoha.
Even Uchiha Shisui with Mangekyō Sharingan fared so; Shuji wouldn't deem himself exempt. He didn't know the young hero's boldness, but clearly saw the aged Sarutobi fixated on stability—wait, until jinchūriki mature; endure, until new generation rises to bear the banner.
—
After all-night rush back, Shuji slept half the day in the old estate, waking afternoon. Granny Momoka was out—rare for her.
Elder left food; Shuji ate simply, dispelling fatigue and hunger, left a note: evening meal out, no need for his share. Then changed to casuals and departed.
He'd promised to treat squad upon return; also arrange gear repairs.
Mission rewards unsettled, advance fell to him as captain—yes, a "duty."
Not short on funds, but with Danzō matter, forgot to mention gear loss reimbursement.
A-rank upgraded to S meant rewards starting at millions, plus B-rank share. Not lacking, but reimbursement was reimbursement.
The sometime merchant calculated; later, bring up with admin.
Squad dinner at Anko's studio apartment. Senju old estate remote, Uchiha district not neighborly; ninja apartments compromise.
Around three afternoon, Shuji arrived—Itachi already inside.
Uchiha young clan head as ever courteous, brought gifts on visit. Shuji didn't look, but sniffed air's sweetness and knew.
Unlike last time, Shuji arrived empty-handed. So door-opening Anko circled captain, hand mimicking carry.
"Captain, where's stuff? Gifts?"
"None."
"So rude, Shuji—visiting without? Last time remembered; post-join so casual. Can I rejoin Team Five...?"
Post-Degarashi, Anko clearly loosened—no prior suppressed bitterness.
"Evening I'll cover—let me in, Anko-sama." Shuji said expressionless.
"Mm... fine then."
Shuji glanced table: as expected, dango, portioned three. Two patiently awaited his arrival to eat—with dango lovers, utmost respect to captain.
Anko shut door, sat with Shuji.
"Itachi, captain brought nothing—evening meal compensates."
This—wasn't it already set? Itachi eyed Anko puzzled. Purple-haired kunoichi feigned helplessness; kids truly couldn't grasp fourteen-year-old adult jokes.
"Hokage-sama, what of Root matter?"
Anko dropped jest, tone serious. Shuji explained en route, but Root tied to village advisor; faint worry lingered.
"No issue; Third said he'll reprimand Root." Shuji omitted complexities, just stated Sarutobi's stance.
Kunoichi eased.
So proactive decisive strike more effectively solved, controlled. Uchiha youth felt learned anew.
What of senpai's view on Uchiha clan?
He actually troubled: back clan grounds, father Uchiha Fugaku detailed-queried mission.
Injury aside, that golden-haired lady—Itachi omitted, Fugaku guessed: such chakra, medical arts, senpai ties—none but Senju princess Tsunade-hime.
But promised senpai secrecy; Itachi would keep.
Key: father's charge.
Fugaku hoped Itachi probe Shuji's Uchiha stance. Accepting Itachi to Team Five signaled Uchiha goodwill.
Probe mentioned pre-Degarashi departure, urged post-return. Expected Itachi bridge communication—if no breakthrough with Shuji, seek alternatives.
Mind storming, ears listening, eyes watching, body acting.
Team Five first to Aoki Gear Shop; senpai got bill from owner.
Anko-senpai swapped damaged purple coat for soft beige new. His gear mostly unchanged; Shuji suggested owner adjust key armor thicknesses per habits.
Then dinner, disband.
"Itachi, you have question."
Even Anko saw, so excuse-made, waved farewell, figure soon street-corner gone.
Streetlamps kindled, elongating shadows. Evening breeze cooled.
"Senpai, on Uchiha clan, you... how view?"
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild