Chapter 616 Reaping Rewards

Name: Uchiha Shisui

Life Mission: Uchiha and Konoha

Main Goal: Eliminate the conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha, and integrate the Uchiha into Konoha.

Mission Progress: 46.8%

Danzo Shimura’s death directly made Shisui’s life mission progress the highest among all disciples, not only reaching a settlement node but also not far from the next settlement.

However, when Muzuki thought about all the things Danzo Shimura did in the original work, he felt it was very reasonable.

Danzo Shimura even warned him to be careful of the Uchiha before his death, reminding him that the Uchiha were inherently evil, which clearly showed his attitude towards the Uchiha.

Muzuki looked at the pop-up settlement reward.

Disciple Uchiha Shisui’s strength increased, promoting the reform of the Police Force, taking a small step on the path to eliminating the conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha, and receiving a progress reward—Chakra +1600, Optional Draw Scroll Fragment · S+ (Mastery), Yin Release Ninjutsu Mastery Scroll.

The rewards were almost the same as the 40% settlement for other disciples, except for the Ninjutsu Mastery Scroll’s attribute; other rewards were identical.

However, the awkward part was that last time, three disciples just happened to collect three fragments, but this time only Shisui settled, so the fragments were temporarily useless.

Muzuki closed the reward information and opened Obito’s life mission.

Name: Uchiha Obito

Life Mission: It’s not those who become Hokage who are recognized by everyone, but those who are recognized by everyone who can become Hokage.

Main Goal: Become the Hokage of Konoha Ninja Village.

Mission Progress: 44.5%

Obito’s life mission progress was not as exaggerated as Shisui’s, but it was still acceptable, as the life mission was difficult, and it was not easy to gain progress.

After receiving Nagato’s notification, Yahiko rushed at full speed and quickly arrived at Amegakure.

“Did something happen? Why was I suddenly called here?” Yahiko felt a bit confused.

As the matter was quite complex, Nagato did not explain the reason when contacting the Shinobi Sect, only telling Yahiko to come as soon as possible.

But looking at the peaceful Amegakure, Yahiko felt that it should not be a big deal.

Upon learning of Yahiko’s arrival, Nagato activated his Kenbunshoku Haki and quickly found Yahiko.

“Nagato, where is Sōsuke-sensei? Why did you suddenly ask me to come here?” Yahiko asked when he saw only Nagato.

“Sensei is handling the affairs of Amegakure,” Nagato replied.

Yahiko looked at Nagato with some confusion. Weren’t they invited to watch the Chunin Exams? Why was he helping to handle Amegakure’s affairs? Was Amegakure so busy that its own people couldn’t handle it?

Nagato didn’t waste words and took Yahiko to a secluded place to explain: “Hanzō is dead. Now Sōsuke-sensei is the true leader of Amegakure.”

Yahiko froze, looking at Nagato in a daze.

How did it get more and more outrageous? How long had Nagato and Sōsuke been gone, and they had already taken over the entire Amegakure?

Moreover, Amegakure didn’t look like it had undergone a coup; it looked quite peaceful.

“Actually, this invitation was a conspiracy, Danzo Shimura’s conspiracy…” Nagato began to explain the whole story to Yahiko in detail.

“So that’s how it is. No wonder Sōsuke-sensei only brought you,” Yahiko sighed.

In such a dangerous situation, if one’s strength was insufficient, they would not only be unable to help Sōsuke but would also become a burden to Sōsuke.

“Yahiko, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have persuaded you that night, making you miss the last chance to meet Hanzō,” Nagato said with a look of guilt.

They had estimated that this trip to Amegakure would be quite risky, but in reality, Muzuki easily dealt with the enemy.

If Yahiko had been brought along, Muzuki wouldn’t even have needed to act; Nagato himself could have protected Yahiko.

“It’s alright. After all, you were thinking about my safety. You don’t need to apologize,” Yahiko said with a smile, shaking his head.

“Moreover, I already have the answer in my heart now.”

Although it was a pity that he couldn’t communicate with Hanzō, after understanding the reasons for Hanzō’s death and Sōsuke becoming the leader of Amegakure, Yahiko’s previous doubts were resolved.

“At least, in his last moments, he was truly Hanzō, the Demigod of the Land of Rain,” Yahiko showed a relieved expression.

Hanzō was not someone who always prioritized the peace of the Land of Rain; he had wavered and had selfish motives.

However, Hanzō’s choices in life made Yahiko feel that he was worthy of the title of Demigod, and his previous reverence for Hanzō was not misplaced.

Nagato showed an expression of agreement. This time, he had indeed changed his view of Hanzō a lot.

Then Nagato took Yahiko to see Hanzō’s portrait.

Yahiko felt that Hanzō didn’t look like he died in battle; instead, he looked like he died of old age.

Because Hanzō’s expression showed no unwillingness or hatred; instead, he looked somewhat relaxed and happy?

After learning that the Shinobi Sect and Amegakure were going to deepen their exchanges, Yahiko decisively signed up with Sōsuke.

Now that the Land of Rain had restored peace, the next focus was to strengthen their power. He wanted to work in Amegakure to let more Rain Ninja understand the true Shinobi Sect.

Land of Fire, Konoha.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was processing documents when he suddenly felt parched.

His eyes remained on the documents, and his right hand put down the pen, reaching for the teacup on the office desk.

Clatter!

For some reason, Hiruzen Sarutobi fumbled and couldn’t hold the teacup steady, causing it to fall to the ground and shatter, spilling tea everywhere.

Hiruzen Sarutobi put down the documents, took a deep breath, and touched his chest.

“I haven’t been overworking myself lately, so why did this suddenly happen?” Hiruzen Sarutobi looked puzzled. For a moment just now, he had felt a sudden palpitation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and told the Anbu at the door to come in and clean up the fragments and mop the floor.

Losing a teacup was a minor matter for Hiruzen Sarutobi; it wasn’t some precious antique.

The real reason Hiruzen Sarutobi was displeased was that he suddenly realized he was no longer young, and he was even having trouble holding a teacup steady.

Returning to the Hokage Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood in front of the large floor-to-ceiling window that offered a panoramic view of Konoha, letting out a slight sigh.

“Every single one of them causes so much trouble. Will I really be able to retire peacefully in the future?”

From taking over as Hokage in a time of crisis until now, Hiruzen Sarutobi was already somewhat weary.

If there was a suitable candidate, after the Ninja World settled down a bit, Hiruzen Sarutobi would not hesitate to pass on the Hokage position.

He had stood at the peak long enough and had no great attachment to this power.

Compared to toiling for Konoha all day, Hiruzen Sarutobi longed for a retired life of fishing occasionally and helping to educate his grandchildren.

Perhaps he could even experience a second spring in his teaching career, raising his grandchildren to be excellent Ninja like Muzuki.

The next night.

As Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to fall asleep, he suddenly heard someone calling his name, and the voice was somewhat familiar.

“Old man, wake up quickly! Muzuki-sensei is calling you!” Asuma pushed open Hiruzen Sarutobi’s door and said.

He had also heard the voice outside and instantly recognized it as Muzuki.

Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly got dressed and walked out of the bedroom. Muzuki coming to see him at this hour was certainly not a small matter.

Asuma wanted to follow, but Hiruzen Sarutobi unceremoniously sent him back.

“Go to sleep!” Hiruzen Sarutobi said sternly.

If he hadn’t felt that Muzuki had an urgent matter, just for Asuma’s disrespectful behavior just now, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have lectured Asuma for a while.

“If I don’t go, I don’t go,” Asuma retorted unhappily, turning back to his own bedroom.

It wasn’t that he was afraid of Hiruzen Sarutobi; it was because Muzuki hadn’t called him. If Muzuki had also called his name, he wouldn’t listen even if Hiruzen Sarutobi told him not to.

Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly walked out of the house and saw Muzuki in the courtyard with a sorrowful expression.

Seeing Muzuki’s expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s heart instantly sank, feeling that something was amiss.

Muzuki, in his impression, had always been an optimistic and strong person. For Muzuki to show such an expression, it was definitely not a small matter.

“Muzuki, are you alright?” Hiruzen Sarutobi first asked about Muzuki’s condition, then continued:

“Did something happen? It’s fine to take more leave for the Kenbunshoku Haki lessons; there’s no rush.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi valued the Kenbunshoku Haki training very much, but compared to Muzuki himself, a training program was clearly insignificant.

“Sandaime-sama, thank you for your concern. I’m fine,” Muzuki replied, shaking his head, then his eyes reddened. “It’s Danzo-sama, he, he… sacrificed himself…”

After speaking, Muzuki lowered his head slightly, his face full of pain.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Muzuki in disbelief, his oppressive eyes fixed on Muzuki, “You said Danzo sacrificed himself?”

Just a few days ago, they were still drinking and chatting, and then suddenly he was told that Danzo Shimura was dead. How could Hiruzen Sarutobi believe that?

On the battlefield, it was normal for a friend you drank and ate with yesterday to die today, but he hadn’t sent Danzo Shimura to the battlefield.

In Konoha, who had the ability to silently kill a Konoha high-ranking official?

Muzuki nodded silently.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s body trembled slightly, and he took a step back.

Actually, when Muzuki first said Danzo Shimura was dead, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already believed it rationally.

Because the person who said it was Muzuki, and Muzuki was a representative of the young Ninja of Konoha, and had once been a member of Root. He had no reason to lie about such news.

But this news made it difficult for Hiruzen Sarutobi to remain rational, so he subconsciously resisted and questioned it.

However, he was ultimately the Third Hokage, and self-deception was not something he should do.

Muzuki quickly stepped forward to support Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, indicating he didn’t need it. He was just momentarily overwhelmed by the shock; he wasn’t truly old.

“Where did he die? Was his body brought back?” Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in a deep voice.

It was impossible for Danzo Shimura to have died in Konoha, or even in the Land of Fire.

“Land of Rain. The body is currently at the Root Base,” Muzuki replied truthfully.

“Besides Danzo-sama, most of the Root Ninja also sacrificed themselves. Currently, only one member of Root remains.”

Although Muzuki and Yamato could also be considered Root members, they were not on Root’s roster and were not openly Root members.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said nothing, only rubbing his tightly furrowed brow.

At this moment, he already had some theories about Danzo Shimura’s death.

Earlier, Danzo Shimura had given Hiruzen Sarutobi advice, saying that they should pay attention to the Shinobi Sect and the Ninja forces of the Land of Rain.

Now Danzo Shimura was dead in the Land of Rain.

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that it was very likely because he did not agree to Danzo Shimura’s proposal, and then Danzo Shimura acted on his own, got into trouble, and was killed.

“Do you know how Danzo died? Why did he go to the Land of Rain? Why did he die in the Land of Rain?” On the way, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked directly.

Given Hiruzen Sarutobi’s understanding of Danzo Shimura, the Root Ninja remaining at the Root Base most likely didn’t have much information.

Although Muzuki was not a Root member now, given the current situation, he might know quite a bit.

“I’m not sure why Danzo-sama went to the Land of Rain. He never told me the reason, only that there was a very important matter he needed my help with, and that I couldn’t tell the Sandaime,” Muzuki said, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi with an apologetic expression.

Danzo Shimura was very cautious. The scroll he gave Muzuki only contained instructions for Muzuki to go to the Land of Rain, without explaining what to do.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s expression didn’t change. This was very much like Danzo Shimura; it sounded exactly like something Danzo Shimura would do.

“The one who killed Danzo-sama was Sōsuke of the Land of Rain.” As he spoke, Muzuki’s eyes reddened again, and his tone became self-reproachful.

“If I had arrived earlier, or if I had told the Sandaime about this, perhaps Danzo-sama wouldn’t have died.”

“When I arrived, Danzo-sama had already been severely wounded. Although I immediately used Flying Thunder God to rescue Danzo-sama, it was already too late.

Danzo-sama’s injuries were too severe, and my Medical Ninjutsu couldn’t heal him. I could only watch helplessly as Danzo-sama died.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply, as if he could see Muzuki’s joy when he rescued Danzo Shimura, and his self-reproach and helplessness when he witnessed Danzo Shimura’s death.

After all, Muzuki had been raised by Danzo Shimura from a young age, so it was impossible for Muzuki to have no feelings for Danzo Shimura.

“Muzuki, this is not your fault,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said, placing a hand on Muzuki’s shoulder to comfort him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was deeply pained by the death of his old friend, but purely from the nature of the matter, Danzo Shimura was certainly at fault first, not Muzuki for being slow in rescue.

“But, even if it wasn’t about being faster, if my Medical Ninjutsu was stronger, perhaps Danzo-sama wouldn’t have…” Muzuki remained immersed in sorrowful self-reproach.

“No Ninja can advance all their abilities equally. If there is one, then he must be a mediocre Ninja. This is not your problem; you are already excellent enough,” Hiruzen Sarutobi comforted him.

To be honest, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that this was Danzo Shimura’s death trap.

Even if Muzuki himself had gone, he couldn’t have saved him. Even if Muzuki had notified him immediately, he would have been powerless to help at that point.

The solution to the problem was not with Muzuki; it was with Danzo Shimura himself.

All of Danzo Shimura’s own actions led to his death trap. Based on the currently known information, Hiruzen Sarutobi made this judgment.

As they talked, the two walked to the Root Base, and Hiruzen Sarutobi also saw his old friend lying on the ice platform.