Shuji did not directly depart but instead returned to the old estate once.
As a shinobi with missions at any time, his travel gear required daily inspection. Departing now merely required one more confirmation.
"Shuji? A mission?" Anko was originally accompanying Grandmother Momoka in idle chat beneath the veranda. Noticing his equipment organizing movements, she instinctively stood, also preparing for departure.
"Emergency mission. I can depart alone," Shuji said without raising his head while checking his ninja tool pouch.
"Eh... I see." Anko stopped her steps upon hearing this.
"During this period, continue staying here. Having someone accompany Grandmother Momoka, she won't feel lonely alone."
From judging Orochimaru's appearance related to Danzo, Shuji felt village internal safety held guarantees. However, some matters proved difficult to say. Having Anko remain at the old estate also proved secure.
Anko lightly scratched her cheek, seemingly wanting to say more. "Well..."
Shuji fastened the last package, looking toward her. "Consider it the captain's order."
Hearing this, Anko immediately straightened her back, showing a bright smile on her face. "Since Shuji says so, as a subordinate, I can only comply!"
Shuji nodded. "Mm, I'm counting on you."
Without further farewells, his figure the next moment merged into courtyard exterior light and shadow, soundlessly departing.
Simultaneously, near Konoha's gates, another farewell was proceeding.
Hidden Cloud Village and Sunagakure's shinobi finally embarked on their return journey. Because Sunagakure's Elder Chiyo held relatively high status, as courtesy, Advisors Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado personally attended to see them off.
Just as these foreign village shinobi teams gradually distanced themselves, vanishing among forest trees, within the Hokage's office, a silent confrontation also temporarily concluded.
Shimura Danzo's expression proved somber. Accompanied by several ANBU members, he departed the Hokage Tower.
Nominally, he proceeded to execute the urgent classified mission the Hokage issued. In essence, he and most of Root's mobile forces had at this moment been temporarily isolated from the village's decision-making core and operational circle.
Tsunade stood by the window, gaze following that group's backs vanishing at distant building corners. Her slightly tense shoulders finally relaxed somewhat.
She naturally would not naively believe this could completely trap Danzo. Root had operated for many years. Even not counting those long-term undercover intelligence personnel outside, Danzo definitely retained secretive mobile squads outside on standby.
However, current actions could at least maximally restrict Danzo's direct intervention capability during the upcoming critical period, substantially delaying his efficiency and scope for exerting influence on external situations.
Even if subsequent disturbances arose, Tsunade could react faster, controlling the situation.
"You should have other words you intend to tell me, Tsunade." Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice came.
The Third sat back in his chair, lighting his pipe. He could guess Tsunade demanding so forcefully to restrict Danzo would absolutely not merely be for defense. Subsequent advancement plans necessarily existed.
Tsunade turned around, expression recovering customary decisiveness. "Yes. I must accelerate pushing the Uchiha Police Force reform process. Cannot delay further."
She began clearly explaining core portions of plans Shuji previously proposed—from broadening Uchiha clan members' employment channels to subsequent personnel adjustment and integration steps.
Sarutobi Hiruzen listened quietly. Smoke blurred some wrinkles on his face, also making fully discerning all thoughts in his eyes difficult.
Not until Tsunade finished speaking did he slowly speak. "Mobilizing new Uchiha clan members entering ANBU holds relatively high sensitivity, involving extensive implications. For prudence's sake, wait until various nations' distinguished guests completely depart and the village recovers normal conditions before summoning upper echelon for detailed discussion and execution."
"However, regarding the shinobi academy recruiting clerical and teaching positions, preparation can immediately begin. This is merely normal village internal personnel changes. Impact scope proves smaller. Resistance will also prove much less. I will notify the administrative department, having them immediately begin preparing related matters."
"The village formally allowing the Uchiha clan to participate in this shinobi academy position selection, let you announce the news, Tsunade."
Tsunade nodded in acknowledgment. This was precisely the result she urgently needed at this moment. She immediately rose, departing without delay toward Uchiha clan grounds.
Uchiha Fugaku appeared slightly surprised by Tsunade's sudden visit, but hearing her bring news about the shinobi academy opening to the Uchiha clan, his customarily stern expression finally eased considerably.
Just as the Police Force historically never opened to outsiders, Konoha's other departments likewise never opened to Uchiha clan members.
Though in his view, several academy teaching or clerical positions seemed insignificant, this undoubtedly proved a positive signal, indicating the village was releasing goodwill.
When beginning to allow outside clans entering the Police Force, clan internal opposition voices might consequently weaken somewhat.
Regarding Tsunade simultaneously proposing subsequent possible formation of a second ANBU squad primarily comprising Uchiha members, Fugaku also cautiously expressed willingness to cooperate and support.
Both combined represented the Uchiha and village connection advancing further.
As for Tsunade opportunistically proposing Itachi needed to proceed to the Hokage's office to handle chūnin promotion follow-up procedures, Fugaku naturally had no reason to object, quickly summoning Itachi and instructing him to cooperate with Tsunade's arrangements.
Chūnin promotion actually lacked any special procedures. Merely a notification plus taking one photo.
After completing these formalities, Tsunade finally addressed this youth who remained taciturn throughout the journey. "Shuji departed to execute an urgent mission. Before departing, he believed you are trustworthy and should know portions of current circumstances."
She concisely informed Uchiha Itachi of Shuji's speculation that the Uchiha ANBU squad outside might be attacked, plus the role Danzo perhaps played within, plus Orochimaru's matters.
Itachi quietly listened to this complex intelligence that drastically changed overnight. His black eyes resembled deep pools, waves unmoving.
After brief silence, he spoke with calm yet resolute tone. "Lady Tsunade, I request joining ANBU."
Tsunade slightly froze, looking at Itachi. This request somewhat exceeded her expectations.
Itachi continued, "If the previous squad possibly encounters misfortune, then having me join ANBU can most quickly stabilize clan internal emotions."
He quite enjoyed Squad Five's atmosphere. He also enjoyed eating and drinking everywhere while executing missions with the captain and Anko.
Uchiha Itachi held no excessive pursuit regarding food. Aside from fondness for dango, no other obsessions existed. Merely purely because being within it brought happiness.
However, as a shinobi, he must make choices, must do necessary deeds.
Tsunade looked at this child, her heart momentarily somewhat complex. No wonder he received such high evaluation. Uchiha Itachi's talent and broad perspective truly far exceeded peers, even capable of quickly proposing response strategies differing in angle from Shuji's plan yet equally hitting vital points.
However, she still shook her head. "Your application, I will consider. However, you are Shuji's subordinate. Regarding whether you join ANBU and in what manner, I hope to wait until Shuji returns from executing missions before you personally discuss with him and decide."
Hearing this, Itachi did not insist, merely obediently nodding. "I understand. I will wait for senpai to return and await his decision."
"Then, regarding another matter," Tsunade switched topics. "Regarding the next batch possibly transferred into ANBU or other departments, plus within your observations, relatively neutral attitudes and gentler temperament Uchiha members roster."
"These, I need you to organize as quickly as possible and provide detailed materials to me."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Itachi responded respectfully.
Just as Tsunade and Itachi conducted this conversation, news about the shinobi academy opening to the Uchiha had already quietly spread throughout Uchiha clan grounds.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild