Those ordinary carpenters can not only deplete the energy of the Dark and Root, but also facilitate the true actions of Xuan Neng.

Yes,

The old man who had infiltrated Konoha several times over the past thirty years once again entered this seemingly impregnable village.

As for his purpose in infiltrating this time, besides closely cooperating with and guiding the Uchiha clan in their defense deployment, he also had another unspeakable mission.

Of course, the premise of this mission is still that it cannot affect ordinary civilians.

This premise certainly posed a significant challenge to the craftsman who specialized in using explosive tags as mechanisms. As for the deadline, it was naturally the Chunin Exams to be held in Konoha two months later!

Well, it's also worth mentioning that...

With Xuan Neng providing external support and guidance, hiring ordinary craftsmen to enter the Uchiha clan's territory for a bluff-like repair was also a scheme devised by him.

According to the original intention of the wilderness, he himself brought the other party directly into the clan's territory.

"No, it's not."

The elephant, kneeling on the ground, hastily rejected the idea.

The Hokage's question caused his already hesitant and conflicted heart to waver once again.

"What is that? When did stammering become the modus operandi of the Dark Division?"

"Or is it because of the presence of us 'outsiders' that there are things we can't know about down there?"

In the brief interval, Koharu suddenly interrupted, her sharp words and emphasis on the word "outsider" revealing her dissatisfaction.

But we can't entirely blame her for this.

Currently, the external situation of Konoha is as murky as a pool of muddy water, while the Uchiha clan within the village has revealed the powerful Mangekyou Sharingan. In addition, the Chunin Exams jointly organized by Sunagakure and Konoha are approaching. All of this requires these high-ranking officials to be extremely cautious and prudent.

At this sensitive time, the Uchiha clan suddenly decided to repair their clan's territory, which made these old guys even more nervous than before!

The dark force captain, who had been reprimanded by Xiaochun, had a strange glint in his eyes.

He was already suppressing his anger, and now being questioned by an advisor with no real power only made his already uncomfortable mood worse.

After all, he was directly loyal to and obeyed the Third Hokage.

It's not something that can be ordered around by just any Tom, Dick, or Harry!

"Xiaochun, watch your words, watch your attitude!"

"Don't project your personal emotions onto others."

"The members of the Anbu are all elites, handpicked by me from among a hundred ninjas. I know their abilities better than anyone. If you have any questions, just ask me next time!"

However, the dissatisfaction in the heart of the elephant did not fester.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's angry response directly reprimanded Koharu Utatane, who was becoming increasingly restless.

Of course, despite this merciless and ruthless "big stick," he still left a small "sweet date."

"Just say whatever you want to say, including Danzo and Monjom, there's no need to hold back."

"Because, setting aside their advisory roles, they are all elite ninjas who have inherited the Will of Fire and are willing to pay any price for the prosperity of Konoha!"

"Xiaochun's emotional outburst is also due to her concern."

"As the captain of the Anbu, you should be able to see the current state of the ninja world. Although things seem calm on the surface, undercurrents are surging."

"The Land of Hot Springs in the east suddenly announced a lockdown, and all the ANBU members inside disappeared without a trace; the Akatsuki organization in the north is still active between small countries and underground bounty offices; even the Sand Village in the west, which signed a peace treaty with us, proposed a joint exam during this special period."

"Everything around us is a reminder that in this turbulent environment, we must never allow internal strife to occur again."

"That's why Advisor Koharu encountered some problems. On behalf of Koharu, I would like to express my sincerest apologies to you and the Anbu who have been working diligently to protect the entire Hidden Leaf Village. I hope you won't take this to heart."

This combination of "big stick" and "sweet date" reflects his consistent moderate approach to things, which, while appeasing the feelings of the undercover agents, also subtly criticizes and challenges Koharu Utatane's attitude.

Of course, the one-eyed old man who was also present and mentioned scoffed at this, his lowered eyelids not even lifting up.

However, Elephant, the captain of the Dark Army, appeared flattered by the words and the old man's low voice.

At least, the hesitation and strange look that had been flickering in his eyes had completely disappeared.

"Yes, Lord Hokage, you flatter me. I understand!"

"However, a few inexperienced new members in the Dark Division have expressed some dissatisfaction with the current surveillance mission, which is why I wanted to report this."

"Now it seems that we were short-sighted."

"The attitude that Clan Chief Ara has recently displayed has indeed jeopardized the safety of Konoha. Moreover, the Uchiha clan had similar unusual activities several years ago, so such surveillance is justified!"

"I will go back and immediately give those impetuous new members a good talking-to."

[Xiang] responded immediately, his voice and attitude both very sincere.

However, he did not state the whole truth.

The surveillance missions carried out against ordinary craftsmen did indeed cause discontent among the members of the secret service.

But in fact, the dissatisfaction did not come from the so-called new members, but from some veteran members who had the experience of being squad leaders!

This situation is truly terrifying.

Those who should least show discontent and should unconditionally obey the Hokage's orders are the most senior members!

【Day by day!】

"Boss, did we become ninjas, become ANBU, just to monitor these ordinary craftsmen who have lived in Konoha for years, even decades?"

What is the point of doing this?

What is the purpose of our existence as the shadowy force?

These are the complaints those members made about themselves in private.

Moreover, [Xiang] clearly understands that when these squad leaders express these discontents, it means that similar sentiments must have arisen in the teams they command!

That's why he dismissed his colleague who was supposed to give the routine report today and chose to come in person.

But now he has the answer, and he also understands the Hokage's foresight and their own shortsightedness.

All these complaints will be addressed and resolved by myself, as the captain of the Dark Division.

Ultimately, the reason why this situation occurred in the Anbu was entirely due to their own lack of ability. They failed to perceive the Hokage's true intentions in a timely manner, and instead, a similar resentment arose in their hearts.

Thinking of this, the elephant's already drooping head drooped even further.

The intense guilt that ignited within him only strengthened his resolve to support the Hokage.

"No, don't blame them."

"It's understandable that young ninjas want to carry out meaningful missions and make a name for themselves quickly."

"Just like those young guys who graduated from the Ninja Academy a month ago, weren't they all clamoring to go on high-level missions?"

Noticing the somewhat downcast Anbu Captain-Commander, the white-haired old man sitting in the main seat comforted him with a smile, showing no airs of being the Hokage.

"In that case, we can't have the Anbu keeping an eye on those artisans who have lived in Konoha for years every day. Let them rest after today. Root ninjas will keep an eye on them until the Chunin Exams are over."

At the same time, he also rearranged the tasks and spoke directly to the root without consulting anyone.

This was indeed their mistake.

Root ninjas, who abandon all emotions and exist solely to accomplish their missions, are indeed more suited to carrying out such tedious tasks.

"Of course, you don't need to blame yourself too much. It was my fault for not laying out all the details when I assigned the task."

"Moreover, it is perfectly normal for everyone to have their own thoughts. Otherwise, if everyone were like a cold machine, what would be the point of existence?"

As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly picked up the pipe that was placed on the table.

As the pungent tobacco seeped into his lungs and thick white smoke billowed into the room, the unease and restlessness in his heart were slowly suppressed.

[The censorship has changed somewhat.]

It seems that the root is what the dark side should look like.

"No, no, the Hokage trusted the Anbu, which is why he assigned the surveillance mission."

"This is entirely due to the incompetence of my subordinates."

"If I had understood what you meant earlier, Hokage-sama, those guys below wouldn't have had these unnecessary thoughts."

"I will definitely handle this matter properly when I get back!"

"I implore you, Hokage, to leave the mission to the Anbu."

The elephant's head drooped lower and lower, and its voice became increasingly urgent.

He truly felt deep remorse and guilt.

"No need to force yourself."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not directly agree to this, but slowly uttered these four words.

Feigning indifference to desire is also the best way to manipulate people's hearts.

"Please, Hokage-sama, give the Anbu another chance."

The Hokage must also be somewhat disappointed in himself.

[Xiang] The guilt in his heart grew stronger, and such pessimistic thoughts filled his mind in an instant.

"In that case, if any further discontent arises within the Anbu, then let Root..."

After a brief pause, Hiruzen Sarutobi made a symbolic concession.

Before he could finish speaking, the elephant, who was kneeling in the room, suddenly raised its head and fiercely swore:

“If this happens again, I will voluntarily resign from my position as the head of the secret service.”

This abrupt response disrupted the rising smoke.

"No need..."

The third generation leader, having put down his pipe, wanted to say something more comforting.

But when he met the resolute and serious gaze of his subordinates, his expression abruptly changed.

"I understand, then so be it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was filled with helplessness and resignation.

"Yes, thank you for your kindness, Hokage-sama."

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