[This Chapter Is Sponsored by [J]! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
Konoha Village Base.
"Too presumptuous, they even dare to blackmail us, Konoha Village!"
"So bold! It's simply outrageous!"
In Konoha Village's camp, one by one, Konoha's Jōnin showed expressions of disbelief and anger, as they were looking at a ransom letter.
Although Kakashi, holding the letter, looked gloomy, he was actually bewildered at the moment.
However, after his initial confusion, he quickly thought of a plan. He coldly said, "This letter concerns the safety of Lord Shinzo, so for now, I have only informed the Sarutobi clan and reported to the Third Hokage."
"This matter is top secret. I hope you all keep it confidential."
As soon as Kakashi finished speaking, the Jōnin in the tent showed understanding smiles.
There weren't many Jōnin in the tent, only about ten, mostly special Jōnin, but they all shared one surname: Sarutobi.
Konoha Village.
In the office of the Hokage, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was smoking his pipe, showing a complex expression of shock, anger, and frustration.
A ransom letter! He, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had never felt so humiliated in all his years leading Konoha Village. Who in the ninja world would dare to blackmail him?
[Sarutobi Shinzo is in my hands. If you want him to live, bring One Billion in gold and 300 kilograms of chakra metal. If there's any shortage, suffer the same consequences as Sarutobi Umeko. A hint: Sarutobi Umeko is very smooth.]
This was the real content of the letter, but the letter ended with a sinister smiley face, as if mocking his helplessness and threatening, suggesting that if they tried to deceive, they were prepared to kill the hostage.
"Clan head, Shinzo must not be harmed."
For the first time, the two elderly elders of the Sarutobi clan, upon hearing this news, came to the Hokage's office in such a solemn manner. To avoid suspicion, Sarutobi Hiruzen almost never discussed clan matters in the Hokage's office, but this time was different.
The two elders of the Sarutobi clan had completely forgotten Sarutobi Hiruzen's warning, and this time, Hiruzen fell silent.
Sarutobi Shinzo was not only his son but also the inheritor of the Will of Fire that he was most satisfied with. This was no longer just a matter for the Sarutobi clan.
"Do you realize the importance of One Billion in gold and 300 kilograms of chakra metal!"
Although it was about his own son, Sarutobi Hiruzen, as the current Third Hokage of Konoha, looked extremely distressed.
"Such a huge amount of funds, the village cannot afford to pay so much for a single Sarutobi Shinzo."
His eyes showed firmness, but the pain was still unmistakable. Behind the title of the Third Hokage, he was still a father.
Facing his son in deep trouble and even having to coldly cut off the last chance of survival was painful for anyone.
"What if it's in the name of the Sarutobi clan!"
Two elders of the Sarutobi clan spoke in a deep voice. They had guessed the outcome before they came, but still, when they heard it for real, they couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.
"Konoha! Our Sarutobi clan has contributed so much to the village, and yet you cannot even spare this little thing."
Their feelings towards Sarutobi Shinzo weren’t particularly strong; rather, they were well aware of one thing: Sarutobi Hiruzen was getting on in years, and now in Konoha, Sarutobi Shinzo was the most likely candidate.
If Sarutobi Shinzo could take the final step, he could extend the family's glory for decades, and then Konoha would still be under the Sarutobi clan’s influence.
That's why the two Sarutobi elders made a tough decision.
"Third Hokage, the Sarutobi clan is willing to pay the ransom."
This was a confrontation between the Sarutobi clan and the Hokage, with the two elders representing the Sarutobi clan, and Sarutobi Hiruzen representing the Third Hokage.
Seeing the family willing to pay so much to save his son, the Third Hokage felt a warm surge in his heart, but he was even clearer about what he was doing.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath from his pipe, then lowered his Hokage hat, hiding his expression in the shadow.
He exhaled a cloud of smoke and said hoarsely, "As one of the main fighting forces of the village, the loss of such funds would weaken not just the Sarutobi clan but also the village's combat capability. Therefore, I refuse."
"No way!" Just then, the office door was pushed open, and Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado entered with grave expressions. It was Koharu Utatane who directly contradicted Hiruzen.
Koharu Utatane entered, frowned slightly, glanced at the two Sarutobi elders, then at her old friend Hiruzen in silence, and shook his head.
"Hiruzen, you're being foolish."
"Do I need to remind you of the importance of Sarutobi Shinzo? Now, with internal and external troubles in Konoha, and a lack of continuity in the younger generation, losing Shinzo would be a blow not just to the Sarutobi clan or Konoha, but have you considered the consequences, Hiruzen?"
Koharu Utatane sighed, "Without Shinzo, the village will face a real gap. Do you have a replacement, Hiruzen? Shinzo’s presence is not just a matter of personal interest, but crucial for maintaining the village's balance."
"Once Shinzo is gone, it would take at least ten years to train someone new, and none of them will have Shinzo's biggest advantage!"
At this point, Homura Mitokado also sighed deeply, "Stability. Shinzo is the only one who can keep the village's power stable."
Seeing Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's persuasion, the two Sarutobi elders quickly agreed, "Exactly, all of Shinzo’s ransom will be borne by the Sarutobi clan, without impacting the village."
"Sarutobi!"
Faced with the persuasion of his old friends Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, slowly raised his head, revealing his cloudy eyes, and then looked at the expectant eyes of the two clan elders.
Finally, he slowly removed the pipe from his mouth and said in a hoarse voice, "The Sarutobi clan will bear the full responsibility for this matter."
Finally! The two elders of the Sarutobi clan, upon hearing this news, showed tears of excitement and nodded repeatedly. They were experienced and clearly understood how glorious it was to have a Hokage from their clan in power.
Even without saying anything, all departments would roll out the red carpet for them. The Sarutobi clan had risen from being the least influential to its current status, so they knew well what the current sacrifices meant. As long as Sarutobi Shinzo returned, it would bring decades of glory to their clan again.
"Third Hokage, and the two advisors, rest assured, the Sarutobi clan will take full responsibility for this."
The two elders of the Sarutobi clan, patting their chests, hurriedly assured, fearing that Sarutobi Hiruzen might change his mind. After a bout of excited thanks, they quickly left the Hokage's office.
In the tense office, after the tobacco in his pipe burned out, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally raised his head to look at his two old friends and said in a low voice, "It was them who informed you, wasn't it?"
Seeing Sarutobi say this, Koharu Utatane's expression turned ugly. "Hiruzen, Shinzo's case is no longer just a private matter of the Sarutobi clan, nor is it as simple as being your son. If we hadn't come, do you realize how serious the consequences would be?"
"That's right. The kidnapping of the frontline commander is no small matter, Sarutobi. You can't just see him as your son."
Homura Mitokado also showed a serious expression, "Hiruzen, this matter is not just a family affair for the Sarutobi clan, but also concerns the village. My suggestion is for the Anbu and Sarutobi clan to jointly prepare to rescue Shinzo."
"Seal all the news. Shinzo is currently the only successor who can stabilize the village's situation."
Looking at his two old friends, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, showed a complex expression, then hoarsely said, "Thank you."
"We are all doing this for Konoha."
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen knew this was a political interest, Shinzo was also his son, so he was grateful to them.
"The news of the frontline commander's disappearance has been completely sealed, claiming he is on a confidential mission. I have also ordered Hatake Kakashi to take over as the frontline commander."
The experienced Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly made these calm arrangements. Seeing this, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado showed satisfied smiles.
This is the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen they knew.
In the Root's dark chamber, Danzo Shimura, looking at the report in his hand, was furious and finally slammed his fist on the table in frustration.
"Damn Hiruzen, and you all! Deciding everything before informing me, this is outrageous."
He, Danzo Shimura, was furious that Sarutobi Hiruzen had made decisions behind his back, in conjunction with Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, and he, Danzo, was the last to know.
Clearly, he was the last to be informed after everything had been decided, which infuriated the shadow of the ninja world, Danzo Shimura.
"Sarutobi Shinzo, such a fool, being the commander of Konoha and getting captured alive. Why don't you just die!"
Danzo Shimura is full of resentment, utterly incompetent in achieving success but highly efficient in causing failures. I haven't made my move yet, and this is your level? You've embarrassed yourself.
"Lord."
Just then, a trusted member of the Root appeared, respectfully holding an intelligence report in both hands.
Looking at the report in his hands, Danzo Shimura's exposed eye revealed a hint of sinister intent, and he showed a satisfied smile.
"It seems this might be my opportunity, especially since someone has muddied the waters."
The report in his hands recorded a matter of great importance to him at the front lines, something Danzo Shimura even reconfirmed.
"Is this intelligence reliable?"
"Lord, according to the front-line intelligence, the Uchiha dispatched their elite forces to the front lines, led by Uchiha Fugaku in secret. We obtained this information from Uchiha Itachi."
Hearing this response, Danzo Shimura narrowed his eyes, then said in a deep voice: "Keep a close watch. I need to know for certain if Uchiha Fugaku has really left. If he has, make preparations for his return journey."
"Yes!"
"Uchiha Fugaku is very likely to have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. Here is some information about the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Danzo Shimura was filled with desire for the Mangekyō Sharingan. He hoped Uchiha Fugaku wouldn't disappoint him, yet he also hoped that the latter had not activated it, given the Mangekyō Sharingan's daunting presence.
…
Land of Whirlpools.
In a valley, a steady stream of ninjas appeared.
Uchiha Yoru, his body wrapped in bandages, squinted at the figures that emerged, rasping, "Did you bring the stuff?"
Facing him was the leader from the Hidden Cloud Village, the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki, Killer B. Wearing sunglasses, he showed an unusually serious expression.
"Five hundred pounds of chakra metal, and here's gold worth a billion."
The Cloud ninjas behind him took out scrolls and unsealed them, revealing glistening gold and black chakra metal.
"Now, where's the person!" Killer B, looking serious, asked the man opposite, while Uchiha Yoru, his face covered and also wearing sunglasses, smiled upon seeing this.
He shifted slightly, revealing the pale, unconscious Sarutobi Shinzo behind him.
"Have your men bring the gold and chakra metal here. After checking everything, we'll make the trade."
Killer B nodded silently to his team, giving them a secret signal. A Cloud ninja stepped forward and gathered all the scrolls.
"Check everything thoroughly. Once confirmed, send the person over first."
"Yes."
Uchiha Yoru didn't care about any tricks the Hidden Cloud Village might play. He saw this as a way to dispose of a problem while also making a fortune, killing two birds with one stone.
Sarutobi Shinzo was a hot potato in his hands. Although he did this for Kakashi and Shisui, the ninja world's mysterious jutsu were too many. If he really tricked the people of Konoha and any flaw was exposed, it would be his loss.
"I'm here."
As a Cloud ninja approached, Uchiha Yoru nodded indifferently, "You check the person, I'll check the payment."
"Okay."
Both sides began their inspections.
However, the little tricks of the Cloud ninja didn't escape his eyes. The Sharingan hidden behind his sunglasses saw everything clearly, and Uchiha Yoru's mouth slowly curled into a smile.
Indeed, typical of the Hidden Cloud Village, skilled in such lowly tactics. But this time, he would let it pass.
Two smoke bombs suddenly exploded, emitting dense white smoke. The Cloud ninjas in the distance cried out in alarm.
"Not good!"
But as the smoke cleared, the figure had already vanished. However, when they saw Sarutobi Shinzo's figure, they immediately showed relief and joy.
[This Chapter Is Sponsored by [J]! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
Konoha Village Base.
"Too presumptuous, they even dare to blackmail us, Konoha Village!"
"So bold! It's simply outrageous!"
In Konoha Village's camp, one by one, Konoha's Jōnin showed expressions of disbelief and anger, as they were looking at a ransom letter.
Although Kakashi, holding the letter, looked gloomy, he was actually bewildered at the moment.
However, after his initial confusion, he quickly thought of a plan. He coldly said, "This letter concerns the safety of Lord Shinzo, so for now, I have only informed the Sarutobi clan and reported to the Third Hokage."
"This matter is top secret. I hope you all keep it confidential."
As soon as Kakashi finished speaking, the Jōnin in the tent showed understanding smiles.
There weren't many Jōnin in the tent, only about ten, mostly special Jōnin, but they all shared one surname: Sarutobi.
Konoha Village.
In the office of the Hokage, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was smoking his pipe, showing a complex expression of shock, anger, and frustration.
A ransom letter! He, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had never felt so humiliated in all his years leading Konoha Village. Who in the ninja world would dare to blackmail him?
[Sarutobi Shinzo is in my hands. If you want him to live, bring One Billion in gold and 300 kilograms of chakra metal. If there's any shortage, suffer the same consequences as Sarutobi Umeko. A hint: Sarutobi Umeko is very smooth.]
This was the real content of the letter, but the letter ended with a sinister smiley face, as if mocking his helplessness and threatening, suggesting that if they tried to deceive, they were prepared to kill the hostage.
"Clan head, Shinzo must not be harmed."
For the first time, the two elderly elders of the Sarutobi clan, upon hearing this news, came to the Hokage's office in such a solemn manner. To avoid suspicion, Sarutobi Hiruzen almost never discussed clan matters in the Hokage's office, but this time was different.
The two elders of the Sarutobi clan had completely forgotten Sarutobi Hiruzen's warning, and this time, Hiruzen fell silent.
Sarutobi Shinzo was not only his son but also the inheritor of the Will of Fire that he was most satisfied with. This was no longer just a matter for the Sarutobi clan.
"Do you realize the importance of One Billion in gold and 300 kilograms of chakra metal!"
Although it was about his own son, Sarutobi Hiruzen, as the current Third Hokage of Konoha, looked extremely distressed.
"Such a huge amount of funds, the village cannot afford to pay so much for a single Sarutobi Shinzo."
His eyes showed firmness, but the pain was still unmistakable. Behind the title of the Third Hokage, he was still a father.
Facing his son in deep trouble and even having to coldly cut off the last chance of survival was painful for anyone.
"What if it's in the name of the Sarutobi clan!"
Two elders of the Sarutobi clan spoke in a deep voice. They had guessed the outcome before they came, but still, when they heard it for real, they couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.
"Konoha! Our Sarutobi clan has contributed so much to the village, and yet you cannot even spare this little thing."
Their feelings towards Sarutobi Shinzo weren’t particularly strong; rather, they were well aware of one thing: Sarutobi Hiruzen was getting on in years, and now in Konoha, Sarutobi Shinzo was the most likely candidate.
If Sarutobi Shinzo could take the final step, he could extend the family's glory for decades, and then Konoha would still be under the Sarutobi clan’s influence.
That's why the two Sarutobi elders made a tough decision.
"Third Hokage, the Sarutobi clan is willing to pay the ransom."
This was a confrontation between the Sarutobi clan and the Hokage, with the two elders representing the Sarutobi clan, and Sarutobi Hiruzen representing the Third Hokage.
Seeing the family willing to pay so much to save his son, the Third Hokage felt a warm surge in his heart, but he was even clearer about what he was doing.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath from his pipe, then lowered his Hokage hat, hiding his expression in the shadow.
He exhaled a cloud of smoke and said hoarsely, "As one of the main fighting forces of the village, the loss of such funds would weaken not just the Sarutobi clan but also the village's combat capability. Therefore, I refuse."
"No way!" Just then, the office door was pushed open, and Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado entered with grave expressions. It was Koharu Utatane who directly contradicted Hiruzen.
Koharu Utatane entered, frowned slightly, glanced at the two Sarutobi elders, then at her old friend Hiruzen in silence, and shook his head.
"Hiruzen, you're being foolish."
"Do I need to remind you of the importance of Sarutobi Shinzo? Now, with internal and external troubles in Konoha, and a lack of continuity in the younger generation, losing Shinzo would be a blow not just to the Sarutobi clan or Konoha, but have you considered the consequences, Hiruzen?"
Koharu Utatane sighed, "Without Shinzo, the village will face a real gap. Do you have a replacement, Hiruzen? Shinzo’s presence is not just a matter of personal interest, but crucial for maintaining the village's balance."
"Once Shinzo is gone, it would take at least ten years to train someone new, and none of them will have Shinzo's biggest advantage!"
At this point, Homura Mitokado also sighed deeply, "Stability. Shinzo is the only one who can keep the village's power stable."
Seeing Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's persuasion, the two Sarutobi elders quickly agreed, "Exactly, all of Shinzo’s ransom will be borne by the Sarutobi clan, without impacting the village."
"Sarutobi!"
Faced with the persuasion of his old friends Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, slowly raised his head, revealing his cloudy eyes, and then looked at the expectant eyes of the two clan elders.
Finally, he slowly removed the pipe from his mouth and said in a hoarse voice, "The Sarutobi clan will bear the full responsibility for this matter."
Finally! The two elders of the Sarutobi clan, upon hearing this news, showed tears of excitement and nodded repeatedly. They were experienced and clearly understood how glorious it was to have a Hokage from their clan in power.
Even without saying anything, all departments would roll out the red carpet for them. The Sarutobi clan had risen from being the least influential to its current status, so they knew well what the current sacrifices meant. As long as Sarutobi Shinzo returned, it would bring decades of glory to their clan again.
"Third Hokage, and the two advisors, rest assured, the Sarutobi clan will take full responsibility for this."
The two elders of the Sarutobi clan, patting their chests, hurriedly assured, fearing that Sarutobi Hiruzen might change his mind. After a bout of excited thanks, they quickly left the Hokage's office.
In the tense office, after the tobacco in his pipe burned out, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally raised his head to look at his two old friends and said in a low voice, "It was them who informed you, wasn't it?"
Seeing Sarutobi say this, Koharu Utatane's expression turned ugly. "Hiruzen, Shinzo's case is no longer just a private matter of the Sarutobi clan, nor is it as simple as being your son. If we hadn't come, do you realize how serious the consequences would be?"
"That's right. The kidnapping of the frontline commander is no small matter, Sarutobi. You can't just see him as your son."
Homura Mitokado also showed a serious expression, "Hiruzen, this matter is not just a family affair for the Sarutobi clan, but also concerns the village. My suggestion is for the Anbu and Sarutobi clan to jointly prepare to rescue Shinzo."
"Seal all the news. Shinzo is currently the only successor who can stabilize the village's situation."
Looking at his two old friends, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, showed a complex expression, then hoarsely said, "Thank you."
"We are all doing this for Konoha."
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen knew this was a political interest, Shinzo was also his son, so he was grateful to them.
"The news of the frontline commander's disappearance has been completely sealed, claiming he is on a confidential mission. I have also ordered Hatake Kakashi to take over as the frontline commander."
The experienced Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly made these calm arrangements. Seeing this, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado showed satisfied smiles.
This is the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen they knew.
In the Root's dark chamber, Danzo Shimura, looking at the report in his hand, was furious and finally slammed his fist on the table in frustration.
"Damn Hiruzen, and you all! Deciding everything before informing me, this is outrageous."
He, Danzo Shimura, was furious that Sarutobi Hiruzen had made decisions behind his back, in conjunction with Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, and he, Danzo, was the last to know.
Clearly, he was the last to be informed after everything had been decided, which infuriated the shadow of the ninja world, Danzo Shimura.
"Sarutobi Shinzo, such a fool, being the commander of Konoha and getting captured alive. Why don't you just die!"
Danzo Shimura is full of resentment, utterly incompetent in achieving success but highly efficient in causing failures. I haven't made my move yet, and this is your level? You've embarrassed yourself.
"Lord."
Just then, a trusted member of the Root appeared, respectfully holding an intelligence report in both hands.
Looking at the report in his hands, Danzo Shimura's exposed eye revealed a hint of sinister intent, and he showed a satisfied smile.
"It seems this might be my opportunity, especially since someone has muddied the waters."
The report in his hands recorded a matter of great importance to him at the front lines, something Danzo Shimura even reconfirmed.
"Is this intelligence reliable?"
"Lord, according to the front-line intelligence, the Uchiha dispatched their elite forces to the front lines, led by Uchiha Fugaku in secret. We obtained this information from Uchiha Itachi."
Hearing this response, Danzo Shimura narrowed his eyes, then said in a deep voice: "Keep a close watch. I need to know for certain if Uchiha Fugaku has really left. If he has, make preparations for his return journey."
"Yes!"
"Uchiha Fugaku is very likely to have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. Here is some information about the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Danzo Shimura was filled with desire for the Mangekyō Sharingan. He hoped Uchiha Fugaku wouldn't disappoint him, yet he also hoped that the latter had not activated it, given the Mangekyō Sharingan's daunting presence.
…
Land of Whirlpools.
In a valley, a steady stream of ninjas appeared.
Uchiha Yoru, his body wrapped in bandages, squinted at the figures that emerged, rasping, "Did you bring the stuff?"
Facing him was the leader from the Hidden Cloud Village, the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki, Killer B. Wearing sunglasses, he showed an unusually serious expression.
"Five hundred pounds of chakra metal, and here's gold worth a billion."
The Cloud ninjas behind him took out scrolls and unsealed them, revealing glistening gold and black chakra metal.
"Now, where's the person!" Killer B, looking serious, asked the man opposite, while Uchiha Yoru, his face covered and also wearing sunglasses, smiled upon seeing this.
He shifted slightly, revealing the pale, unconscious Sarutobi Shinzo behind him.
"Have your men bring the gold and chakra metal here. After checking everything, we'll make the trade."
Killer B nodded silently to his team, giving them a secret signal. A Cloud ninja stepped forward and gathered all the scrolls.
"Check everything thoroughly. Once confirmed, send the person over first."
"Yes."
Uchiha Yoru didn't care about any tricks the Hidden Cloud Village might play. He saw this as a way to dispose of a problem while also making a fortune, killing two birds with one stone.
Sarutobi Shinzo was a hot potato in his hands. Although he did this for Kakashi and Shisui, the ninja world's mysterious jutsu were too many. If he really tricked the people of Konoha and any flaw was exposed, it would be his loss.
"I'm here."
As a Cloud ninja approached, Uchiha Yoru nodded indifferently, "You check the person, I'll check the payment."
"Okay."
Both sides began their inspections.
However, the little tricks of the Cloud ninja didn't escape his eyes. The Sharingan hidden behind his sunglasses saw everything clearly, and Uchiha Yoru's mouth slowly curled into a smile.
Indeed, typical of the Hidden Cloud Village, skilled in such lowly tactics. But this time, he would let it pass.
Two smoke bombs suddenly exploded, emitting dense white smoke. The Cloud ninjas in the distance cried out in alarm.
"Not good!"
But as the smoke cleared, the figure had already vanished. However, when they saw Sarutobi Shinzo's figure, they immediately showed relief and joy.
