Tsunade stared blankly at the boy before her after hearing his words.
Right—this was just a six-year-old kid. His mature reasoning had almost made her forget his age and status.
Interesting.
A smirk tugged at her lips as she stood. "Fine. Let's go."
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!" Shūichi exhaled inwardly in relief.
Earlier, when weighing his options, his first thought had been to seek Kakashi's help, leveraging the influence of Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha.
But he'd quickly dismissed it.
While Sakumo's reputation and strength rivaled—even surpassed—the Legendary Sannin, his political clout paled compared to Tsunade's.
His backup plans—Ten'un from Ten'shō shop, or his academy teacher Kimura Kuwashi—were even weaker.
Tsunade was the optimal choice.
Even if Hiruzen's IQ had been "drained by Danzō," the Hokage wouldn't ignore his prized student's intervention.
When strength falls short, connections must suffice.
Shooting Shizune a reassuring glance, the trio set off.
"Kid," Tsunade paused mid-stride, "even if you complaint, it won't hurt Danzō. It'll just make you his enemy."
Shūichi nodded. "I understand."
Danzō was Konoha's second-most powerful figure, Hiruzen's longtime ally and shadowy right hand. No one could replace him in handling the Hokage's dirty work.
This was about interests.
And Danzō's actions, however vile, weren't enough to topple him yet. At best, this would annoy the old schemer.
Shūichi had already considered all this. Undeterred, he pressed on: "At the academy, he can't touch me. But on missions? He'd have countless ways to eliminate me—all 'accidental.'"
Tsunade fell silent, then nodded. "You're sharp."
As they neared the Hokage Tower, Shūichi added, "Lady Tsunade, could you ask the Hokage to recall Yakushi Nonō? Sending a medic-nin on intel missions is an insult to her skills."
Tsunade side-eyed him. "You're not wrong."
Noticing potential Root surveillance, Shūichi whispered, "Speed is crucial."
"Tch." Tsunade's grip tightened.
Wind whipped Shūichi's face as Tsunade hauled him by the collar, Shizune tucked under her other arm, leaping toward the tower.
Petty woman! Shūichi mentally grumbled—but gratitude outweighed irritation.
At the Hokage Tower, Shūichi smoothed his wind-tossed hair and rubbed his numb cheeks.
His pre-meeting preparations—bathing, eating, dressing well—were deliberate. If Danzō targeted him for his genius, he'd flaunt that genius to Hiruzen.
First impressions matter.
"Clever brat," Tsunade muttered, then ordered Shizune to wait outside.
As they entered, Danzō received the alert at Root HQ. His face darkened.
That cunning little demon!
He stormed out. While unfazed by the "complaint," he couldn't let the boy spin lies unchecked.
Hokage's Office.
Tsunade barged in without knocking—typical for her. Hiruzen, already briefed by Anbu, puffed his pipe calmly.
"Old man, this kid's got something to say." Tsunade leaned back, leaving Shūichi to explain.
Bowing deeply, Shūichi began: "Lord Hokage, Danzō attempted to recruit me for Root tonight."
Hiruzen exhaled smoke. "As Hokage Advisor, he has that authority—pending my approval."
"I told him exactly that," Shūichi affirmed, then feigned outrage. "But he threatened me! Violating the Will of Fire by targeting the orphanage and Yakushi Nonō!"
Tsunade's eyebrow twitched.
This brat didn't mention the 'Will of Fire' spiel earlier!
Hiruzen took a long drag as Shūichi escalated, voice trembling:
"You taught us that Konoha's ninjas must protect comrades and village! Are orphans not part of Konoha? Is Nonō not one of us?"
"Danzō, as your advisor, used comrades as leverage—betraying the Will of Fire! Worse, he tried to make me betray you!"
"This is a shameless betrayal of your trust!"
Tsunade's jaw dropped.
I underestimated this gremlin.
Hiruzen's emotions churned—anger at Danzō, pride in Shūichi's conviction. Even the hidden Anbu shuddered.
Is Danzō… actually plotting treason?
The office door slammed open.
"You born-of-evil serpent!" Danzō roared.
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