Fleeing from Konoha

Chapter 812: Chapter 20: Paving the Way (Part 4)

But it only possesses this potential.

"But someday he will grow, geniuses have their own ways of nurturing. The White Fang Squad’s model can’t be replicated nowadays."

At that time, in order to unleash Konoha White Fang Squad’s power to its utmost, they arranged for the most outstanding geniuses from the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, and even included one of the village’s few Medical Ninja, meeting all of Sakumo’s needs to create the White Fang Squad’s renowned reputation.

But such success is impossible to replicate.

Rather than that, Danzo believes that making Itachi similar to the Yellow Flash as a solitary ninja is more appropriate.

So, a resolution was proposed for Itachi to participate in the Chunin Exams alone.

Itachi, who had awakened the Sharingan, had such capabilities.

"I’ll consider it further."

Hiruzen knows Danzo is speaking the truth, but Uchiha Itachi’s attitude is unknown. He doesn’t want such an acclaimed Uchiha genius, highly praised by Shisui, to become a blade in Danzo’s hand.

"Do it quickly. Additionally, there’s one more thing."

Danzo knows this matter cannot be rushed, Hiruzen needs time to buffer.

"What is it?"

"Concerning Orochimaru."

"Orochimaru?"

Mentioning this name, Hiruzen’s expression becomes visibly complicated, and his aura dims, causing Danzo to sneer coldly.

Indeed, he has grown old.

Just hearing this name makes him somewhat disoriented.

Precisely because of this, he has an opportunity to exploit it.

Sadly, now is not the best time to act.

"He has joined a dangerous organization composed of renegade ninja."

"Renegade ninja organization?"

Hiruzen knows his disciple Orochimaru is proud, even if he defected from Konoha, he would never abandon his pride.

Unless this renegade ninja organization is very special, it would not attract his most outstanding genius disciple.

Otherwise, Orochimaru wouldn’t even glance at it.

"Yes. The specific name of that organization isn’t known yet, nor its objectives, but it’s undoubtedly very dangerous. You should have the Anbu ready."

The organization bears a very deep connection with ’Madara’, but the exact relationship, Danzo cannot grasp.

However, he knows ’Madara’s’ interactions with himself have always been with ulterior motives. Since this is the case, he cannot sit idly and rely solely on the Uchiha Itachi line.

He must make arrangements on his side as well, hence he unhesitatingly revealed some key information to Hiruzen, hoping to leverage Hiruzen’s power to cause the organization some trouble.

"Understood, I’ll have the Anbu and Jiraiya engage."

"Very well, my Root unit will coordinate action too."

With this, on the other side, they won’t have enough manpower deployed.

However, since the defection incident a lap of eight or nine years has passed, neither Hiruzen nor Danzo have any hope of capturing those individuals anymore.

Unlike the less established Orochimaru, what Hakushi’s team took away were Uchiha and Hyuga clan ninjas, which was long beyond the scope of Anbu’s handling.

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"Hah..."

He let out a long, satisfied breath; Itachi hadn’t smiled so happily in a long time.

"Indeed, only when I’m with Shisui can I truly become stronger."

Unable to participate in the Chunin Exams, Itachi could only continue honing his talents, making himself stronger.

Each battle with Shisui left him feeling immensely fulfilled.

After this bout, Itachi was breathing heavily and had consumed much of his chakra, but his proficiency in Fire Style and Sharingan had improved significantly.

"Actually, the Clan Leader is a stronger ninja than I am."

Shisui smiled gently as he spoke. ƒrēewebnovel.com

"Father is busy with affairs, he can’t constantly guide me."

Itachi shook his head helplessly.

He knew this was Shisui’s modesty, as Itachi believed that Shisui’s strength likely surpassed even his father’s.

He had a strong sense of this.

Every time he faced Shisui’s Sharingan, he felt an inexplicable fear.

As if Shisui’s Sharingan concealed some more terrifying power.

"That’s true, I am still a Jonin and can participate in core meetings over at Nankai Shrine..."

Thinking of this, Shisui couldn’t help but sigh.

Every discussion revolved around the Fifth Hokage or venting dissatisfaction with the village, lacking the restraint expected of a prestigious clan, rather resembling a group of unruly thugs.

Ever since the Fourth Hokage passed away, this wasn’t the first occurrence, and it’s increasingly intense.

Shisui genuinely worries that continued escalation will lead to an irreparable disaster.

"Shisui, the pressure must be immense on you."

He doesn’t know what tasks Shisui is dealing with, but the exhaustion on his face and in his eyes is undeniable, prompting Itachi’s inquiry.

"It’s manageable."

Shisui smiled slightly, masking his weariness.

Joining the Anbu, monitoring the village and the clan, was done according to his own will.

He couldn’t completely detach from the clan and join under the Hokage, likewise, if viewed solely from the clan’s perspective, it would be too narrow.

He seeks a balance between the village and the clan, wants Konoha and the Uchiha Clan to let go of prejudices and coexist peacefully. Currently, there’s no visible reconciliation hope, the clan’s radicals and Danzo at Root wish only for one side to compromise.

"Let’s not talk about me, by the way, have strangers come looking for you recently, Itachi?"

Recalling Third Hokage Hiruzen’s commission, Shisui hopes Itachi avoids connections with Danzo, or it could become troublesome.

In the Uchiha Clan, Itachi is whom Shisui finds outstanding and talented, inevitably he will join the Hokage-direct Anbu, with a clear path before him.

Although Root is also a branch of Anbu, the matters they handle differ vastly.

Growing too involved with Root would only ruin Itachi’s future.

Hearing Shisui’s sudden question, Itachi quickly recalled something.

It was a few days ago, when a grim-faced man came looking for him.

The man’s name was Shimura Danzo.