chsdbacks Chapter 116 An Unintentional Success
Chapter 116 An Unintentional Success
"Click—"
Roots emerging from the ground bound the bloodthirsty ninja.
Meanwhile, the defeated genin shakily got up.
Hongdou in the stands began to understand why Qingwu was chosen as the examiner for this segment.
It's so easy!
Qingwu didn't even need to take action himself; with just a command, the withered wood guards beneath him could quickly stop the battle.
Moreover, the Deadwood Guardian is good at controlling but lacks attack power, so there's no need to worry about accidentally killing someone.
"Next game."
Qingwu calmly announced, already thinking about what reason to use to leave the village again.
The last time he wanted to leave the village, the third generation leader used a "trip to the capital" as an excuse to get rid of him.
Later, due to Danzo's warnings and threats, he spent his time building up his territory and accumulating troops.
Now that Mumu is leading a large number of mixed troops to guard the territory, his restless heart has begun to beat again.
The key issue is that there's been no news from Jiraiya, so the [Natural Essence] remains undiscovered.
While the 5 gold coins obtained from the capital may sound like a lot, they are actually used to replenish troops and are consumed very quickly.
The next step is to accumulate timber and stone resources while focusing on money and natural resources.
The withered tree guard was already an elite Jonin-level ninja, and he was eagerly anticipating the unicorn's combat power!
"So what if they're the Shadow Guard?"
"That guy doesn't take his job seriously at all."
In the stands, Mitarashi Anko puffed out her cheeks and glared at Seigo.
Unbeknownst to Qingwu, who was "slacking off," a heated debate about him was brewing in the Hokage's office...
……
Inside the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage's gaze darkened slightly: "You want to send the Shadow Guard to the battlefield? I thought you came here today just to give a routine report on Root's situation."
Danzo lowered his head slightly and said in an ambiguous tone:
"Urgent reports keep coming from the front lines. Since the border conflict began, Iwagakure in the Land of Earth has reinforced its troops on the border three times, and local skirmishes are escalating almost every day."
The third generation remained silent.
Danzo raised his head, his single eye gleaming coldly:
"Morale at the front is low and casualties are mounting. Your Shadow Guard is the most elite squad in Konoha in recent years. Isn't this exactly the time when they are needed?"
"Besides... wasn't the conflict with Iwagakure caused by the Shadow Guard's 'excessive' completion of missions?"
"They have a responsibility and an obligation to dedicate everything to the village!"
Danzo was well aware of Hiruzen Sarutobi's high regard for Aogo, but seeing that brat who had ruined his plans "comfortably" wasting time in a place like the Chunin Exams...
How can he maintain his mental balance?
After much thought, he finally came up with a good idea as the conflict between Konoha and Iwagakure escalated on the border.
Sending the Shadow Guards to the battlefield is a calculated move!
Didn't you, Hiruzen Sarutobi, claim that everything you do is for the village? I'd like to see how you refuse!
"The Shadow Guard has a more important mission than a field squad," the Third Hokage tried to politely decline.
"Heh... An important mission? Is it to become an examiner for the Chunin Exams?" Danzo pressed on.
"..."
"Hiruzen, in this time of crisis for the village, the most elite force should be at the forefront."
"Danzo, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You offended Aoko with what happened in the capital, but you should know that Onoki has been watching Aoko all along. Are you trying to use him as a tool to kill someone on the battlefield?"
"Hiruzen, this isn't naive talk that someone our age should be saying. The Kage's deployment not only intimidates Iwagakure, but it also tells the entire village—those around the Hokage are willing to die for Konoha!"
"..."
"I have already spread the word. If the Shadow Guard avoids battle at this time, morale will collapse, the village council will gossip, and the frontline ninjas will lose heart."
"Danzo, you actually acted on your own initiative."
"Hmph, Hiruzen, I'll make this clear today: I have no intention of using someone else to do my dirty work. All my suggestions have been for the sake of the village from beginning to end."
"..."
The third generation leader fell silent again.
One of the most important reasons why he couldn't gain the upper hand in today's conversation was that Danzo's arguments were impeccable.
The Shadow Guard is indeed the most elite squad in Konoha in recent years. Its members not only have Wood Release bloodline limit, but also have two Jonin.
And no one mentioned it.
In such a critical moment on the border, if he refuses any suggestions offered, he will be suspected of being a "private soldier of the Hokage, avoiding war and living a life of luxury."
The Third Hokage was fully convinced that if he refused today, Danzo would definitely steer the rumors in that direction, thereby making the public dissatisfied with the Shadow Guard and even the Hokage behind them.
"Hiruzen!"
Danzo urged in a deep voice, "If you disagree, I suggest we convene a Jonin meeting to vote..."
"I understand!" The Third Hokage interrupted Danzo.
He saw through Danzo's plot, but he couldn't refuse—the village's interests were paramount, even in a meeting, and the reason for "avoiding war" would only damage the reputation of the Shadow Guard.
"The Shadow Guard will be deployed."
The Third Hokage closed his eyes, then opened them a moment later. "We'll set off after the Chunin Exams."
As the Hokage, when faced with the greater good, he cannot simply protect one person; he must protect the entire village!
Danzo revealed a triumphant, sinister smile, his mouth slightly open:
"Of course, the Shadow Guard is directly under the Hokage, and no one but you can command them."
After saying that, he opened the door and left.
"Bang!"
The office door closed, and the Third Generation sighed softly.
Danzo's stab today hit the mark.
Human energy is ultimately limited.
To avoid fighting on two fronts, he has been busy this year pushing for peace talks with Kumogakure, which allowed Danzo to exploit a loophole.
However... there is a huge difference between going to the battlefield and "going to the battlefield".
The Third Hokage closed his eyes again, pondering how to both... and...
Since it is inevitable that the Shadow Guard will go to the battlefield, we should find a way to send them to complete some less dangerous missions.
The commander of the northwestern border of the Land of Fire has been fully taken over by Nara Shikaku, who arrived to provide support last time, with Shirakumo Hayato serving as his deputy.
They're all our own people.
only……
The Third Hokage opened his eyes and thought of another possibility: he couldn't guarantee that Danzo, who had no bottom line, wouldn't sell information about Seigo to Iwagakure.
If Onoki were to personally intervene, the Shadow Guard would likely still face the risk of annihilation.
The negotiations with Yunyin have reached a critical stage, and he is currently unable to personally oversee the battle at the border.
This is...
The third generation leader found himself in a difficult situation.
Danzo seized the perfect opportunity this time.
"Slap! Slap!"
The third generation clapped his hands.
call out!
A masked member of the secret service appeared in front of the desk and knelt on one knee.
"Go and summon the Shadow Guard."
"yes!"
The figures from the shadows disappeared.
The third generation leader withdrew his gaze and fell into deep thought again.
He planned to personally speak with the members of the Shadow Guard and hear their opinions.
Previous actions have already proven that both Kakashi and Senju Seigo are highly intelligent ninjas.
Perhaps... the person involved can offer some ideas for breaking the deadlock.
……