Konoha Notes

Chapter 69 Consultant
"The Hokage has other commitments today and is not here right now. If Jonin Shuji has any questions, you can leave a letter and I will pass it on to the Hokage."

That's what the people in the Hokage's office said.

It's quite rare to see the third generation not in the office. As Shuji was about to leave, he bumped into two people.

The village's advisors are Mitokado En and Utatane Koharu.

“You are, Special Jonin Shuji.” Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses, his gaze lingering on him for a moment. “Hiruzen isn’t here. If you have something to say, feel free to come in and talk to us.”

The two advisors have the same authority as the Hokage in village affairs management, so it's perfectly acceptable to explain this to them.

Shuji succinctly stated his concerns about the Cloud Village delegation and the potential risks, mainly that the envoys might have ulterior motives—after all, in the original work, they were indeed heading towards the Hyuga clan.

Koharu Tsurugi lowered her eyelids slightly, as if they were half-closed. After listening, she slowly said, "The security arrangements inside and outside the village have been properly arranged, so there is no need to worry."

After finishing his business, Xiu Si bowed and prepared to take his leave.

"Wait a moment." Mitokado Homura raised his hand to stop him. "Since we've run into each other, we might as well talk about some things at the same time."

He gestured for Shuji to sit down again. Koharu Utatane also sat down silently beside him.
"We are all disciples of the second generation, and we have always respected Lady Momoka. As for you, there is no need for such formalities, Shuji."

"Is this Lady Tao Hua's intention, or is it something you want to do?"

Mitokado's eyes looked exceptionally sharp behind his glasses.

Shuji recalled that he had been doing quite a lot lately, but the Uchiha's operations had always been very secretive, either carried out by Fugaku Uchiha himself or by his teammate Itachi.

Therefore, the question is probably not about the Uchiha clan.

That's the Thousand Hands.

"Nothing much, consultant, just routine interactions," Shuuji replied with the standard answer.

"There's no need to resist Yan's questions," Koharu Utatane's voice rang out leisurely. "Even if you intend to rebuild your clan, we would be happy to see it happen."

The Senju and Uchiha are different.

Especially in the current situation, with the village facing a shortage of young talents and low morale, the return of Qian Shou would actually boost morale and serve as a deterrent to foreign powers.

The problems that existed at the beginning of the village's establishment are no longer problems.

Hiruzen Sarutobi served as Hokage for decades, and the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, wasn't from a particularly prestigious family. In the present-day Konoha, the Senju clan claims ownership, but other ninja clans and villagers don't acknowledge it.

"We support Hiruzen bringing Uchiha Itachi under your command."

“So, just say it directly, Shuji.” Mitokado Homura rested his chin on his hand. “If you intend to rebuild the Senju clan, the village won’t be an obstacle. Although it’s inconvenient for us to show our faces, you can come directly to us if you need anything.”

So that's how it is. He was clearly a section chief in the Ministry of Political Affairs, but Hayami Shigeru never tried to hide it when he went back to his old house.

These two advisors have been in charge of the Ministry of Government Affairs.

Considering the current situation, the fact that Senju is revealing the sign again at this point is indeed more beneficial than harmful to the village, and it can also directly control the Uchiha clan.

In the original timeline, they might have had the same idea, but the original owner of this body, Shuji, died from severe injuries two months ago, Granny Peach Blossom didn't have the inclination, and Tsunade was just sitting around doing nothing. They didn't have a suitable person to re-establish the Senju banner.

If you just randomly put forward someone, you won't be able to win over the hearts of the Thousand Hands Clan.

"You two have misunderstood. I really didn't have that idea."

Even if Xiu Si didn't have that idea, he would be a target if he jumped out now, and he might be focused down even if he went out to do a mission.

“It’s alright if you don’t have it.” Mitokado Yan didn’t insist, leaning back in his chair. “In the village, we won’t be your enemies.”

“However, I should remind you that although we are not enemies, there are indeed people who do not want the Senju clan to succeed.” He stood up and looked down at Shuji. “Even if… the connection between you becomes closer, it will be enough to touch a nerve with some people.”

The two advisors said no more and turned to leave the office. Were they referring to the Uchiha clan? From the perspective of the village's advisors, they were likely referring to the Uchiha clan, since they were unaware that they had already reached an agreement with Fugaku Uchiha.

From one's own perspective, it's also possible that it's the Uchiha clan. After all, besides Fugaku, Itachi, and Shisui, the radical Uchiha might also know one's stance and react accordingly.

But the meaning behind those words was clearly not the case.

Then, we need to consider who would benefit after the Senju clan disbanded.

If you calculate it that way, it's too much. It's a good thing he refused Fugaku Uchiha's offer to rebuild the clan; only a fool would do that.

The envoys from Kumogakure stayed outside the village for a day. After the village made preparations for their welcome and security, it opened its gates to let the three envoys in.

The villagers lined the streets to welcome them, and the applause was enthusiastic. The three envoys from the Hidden Cloud Village were very satisfied with this, and they all smiled and waved to the villagers.

Judging from the scene alone, everything went very smoothly.

Shuji stood on a rooftop watching the scene, with Anko sitting beside him.

"These guys are really getting carried away." The purple-haired female ninja was on her captain's side, so she gave a bad review.

"Let's go."

Not seeing anything wrong, Shuji took Anko and left.

Itachi?
He went to do his job; investigating a person's inclinations is not a simple matter.

The actual combat strength of the fifth squad is one upper class and two middle class, which is considered a high-level squad in the village. They are often on missions, so Itachi has to use every spare moment to investigate missions.

Shuji was also busy, but after the two advisors reminded him, he slightly increased the frequency of his communication.

Furthermore, a new plan has been developed. Since the village leadership has support, the available options have increased, and there's no need for the cumbersome method of meeting with several people a day.

As for the Flying Thunder God Technique, the current progress is stuck on the Curse Seal and Sealing Technique.

This can't be done behind closed doors. I happened to be out today to buy some things so I can practice when I get back.

As always, it's Aoki Ninja Tool Shop—that's right, the owner of this shop is also a former Senju. The owner's name is Aoki Aomori, and he's about ten years younger than Granny Momoka.

The Shuuji family buys all their ninja tools here; the quality is always excellent, and they offer the most favorable prices.

"reel?"

“Yes, I’ve been practicing sealing techniques lately, so I’m trying to make some ninjutsu scrolls myself,” Shuuji replied.

"Are you going to use it in actual combat? Or just for practice?" Aoki asked about its intended use. "A blank scroll for practice costs 220 ryo. If you want to use it as a ninja tool, it will cost 1100 ryo."

Xiu Si ordered 100 sets for practice, and the shopkeeper charged him 200 taels per set, for a total price of 20,000 taels.

With so many things to carry, it was hard to carry them all, so the red beans came in handy.

"Shuji, did you call me out to do hard labor today?" The female ninja looked at the four large items, dawdling and unwilling to move.

"Let's have barbecue tonight, Q. I'll pay."

"Yes! Your subordinate, Hongdou, will serve you, Captain!"

　Regarding currency: In my previous answer to a reader in Chapter 2, I mixed up the units. According to the official information, one ryo in the ninja world is equal to ten yen, which is approximately 0.5 RMB.

　　So having a meal in the ninja world is actually quite expensive.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)