"The other comrades, those who died for the integrity of the Land of Fire, were all unsuccessful, and deserved it?"
The thing Nara Shikaku feared has finally come to pass.
Koharu, who was turning over a new bed, did not give in to this, but instead directly asked her a question back.
This confrontational situation pushed the entire scene into a state of opposition and division.
It seems that neither of them is wrong, but neither of their arguments can completely convince the other.
However, it is clear that Koharu Utatane is on the more proactive side, because she has thousands of Konoha ninjas behind her!
"That's enough. Stop arguing over this trivial matter."
"Whether it's the Uchiha clan, other clans, or other ninjas living on this land, they are all an indispensable part of the Konoha family!"
"Moreover, since no one objected to either the reward or the punishment at the time, there's no need to waste any more time arguing!"
Whether it was because the topic of discussion was too sensitive, or because an envoy from the Daimyo's residence in the Land of Fire was present, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not allow the debate to continue.
That righteous and impartial attitude truly reflects the glorious image in the hearts of Konoha ninjas.
"Chieftain of the Wilderness, are you willing to accept this mission?"
"Of course, this mission will still have a level assessment and commission, and the commission will be paid directly by Konoha."
"If that's not the case, then we can discuss other candidates again."
After stabilizing the situation, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked directly.
At this moment, it would be inappropriate for Huang to remain silent any longer.
"Has the Third Hokage forgotten something?"
He looked up at the old man who had put on a kind expression, but his tone revealed no respect or other emotion whatsoever.
"What? You said."
Such a response truly made Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sink; this little brat always managed to cause trouble at crucial moments.
But can I stop the other person from talking?
No.
Otherwise, it would not be in line with the image they project to the public.
"Has the Third Hokage forgotten that the reason I passed through the Land of Hot Springs on my way back a month ago was because I accepted a mission?"
"An escort mission to the Land of Snow."
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart skipped a beat.
He had already guessed what the other party was going to say, which was:
That was a task I was assigned!
"The reason I gave up the public mission I had chosen from Iwagakure is because you, Hokage, personally arranged the designated escort mission."
A hint of irony crept into Huang's voice.
"In fact, I was ambushed by the Akatsuki organization the moment I arrived in the Land of Snow."
"What a coincidence."
Both statements are true.
Whether the Lightning Brigade suddenly appeared after the former left the Land of Hot Springs, or whether the reason for passing through the Land of Hot Springs on the way back was a mission personally assigned by the Hokage, there is no point that can be directly questioned.
As for the attack by the Akatsuki organization, it couldn't possibly be fabricated, since such a lie would be too easily exposed.
"Of course I can take on this task, but I don't need any reward."
"I only need the Hokage to grant me one request."
Ara did not allow the tense atmosphere to continue, nor did he continue to use the Land of Snow as a pretext. Instead, he gave the other party a way out and maintained a certain degree of initiative.
"What conditions?"
Although he didn't want to be led by the nose, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want to continue discussing this topic, because the more he said, the more flaws he would reveal.
"These past few years, the ninjas of the Anbu have been really too useless."
"Years have passed and we still haven't captured a single rogue ninja."
"Therefore, leave the task of hunting down Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja to me."
As he spoke, a cold glint flashed in Huang's eyes.
Chapter 416 The Northern Territory, The Beginning of the Cycle
As is widely known, Konoha has only two S-rank rogue ninja listed in its wanted list.
Including Shimura Danzo, who was just identified as a rogue ninja today, there are now three in total.
The other two are Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha, and Itachi Uchiha, the villain who nearly wiped out the Uchiha clan five years ago.
The fact that the Konoha Anbu has failed to capture an S-rank rogue ninja for years or even decades cannot be blamed on their incompetence.
After all, rogue ninjas who can reach this level are extremely rare. In addition to their own strong hard power, they also have a high level of expertise in other soft power aspects such as reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance.
For example, Orochimaru,
The Akatsuki organization was ultimately unable to capture him.
Moreover, even if they could find the other party's whereabouts from the few remaining clues, it was hard to say whether they could send the message back or whether they would be killed in the process of making the arrest.
After all, those individuals are all so powerful that they cannot be matched.
Of course, Konoha's own lack of attention to this issue is also a major reason.
The same relentless pursuit and killing of rogue ninjas as the neighboring Hidden Mist Village is the kind of strong stance a large ninja village should have, which can also deter other treacherous individuals within its ranks.
The Third Hokage truly couldn't find any reason to refuse Uchiha Ara's request.
Although hunting down rogue ninjas is the responsibility of the Anbu, it is also the duty of every Konoha ninja.
Most importantly, what the other party said was true; to this day, the ANBU ninjas have still not made any progress in dealing with those two rogue ninjas.
Even if both Orochimaru and Itachi Uchiha possessed strength far exceeding that of ordinary ninjas, failing to capture them was simply failing to capture them, and as the Hokage, he had no way to argue or make excuses.
This is their own dereliction of duty.
The meeting room was filled with whispers because of Huang's request, but most of them were expressions of admiration and amazement.
After all, it is quite common for pursuers to be killed by rogue ninjas during a manhunt, let alone someone classified as a top-level rogue ninja.
However, even if such a request is reasonable, or even if it is based on a noble cause, it is still unreasonable.
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi still did not make a decision immediately.
The most crucial point in this petition is that Ara didn't specify which S-rank rogue ninja he wanted to hunt!
Moreover, compared to Orochimaru and Itachi Uchiha, who are elusive, Danzo Shimura, who just left the village early this morning, is undoubtedly the most likely to be found.
And in terms of value, the latter is also the highest.
After all, that guy knows most of the secrets of the entire Hidden Leaf Village, or rather, the entire ninja world!
Hiruzen Sarutobi really couldn't guarantee that the opponent's primary target wasn't his longtime friend and nemesis from the same period, but rather Itachi Uchiha.
No wonder that old fox was unwilling to stay in the village any longer and await judgment from the daimyo of the Land of Fire.
The threat posed by Uchiha Ara was simply too direct and clear.
"What's wrong, Hokage-sama?"
"Or is it that your secret service has already tracked down that guy's whereabouts and is ready to arrest him at any time?"
The boy's cold voice reached Hiruzen Sarutobi's ears again, and the question made him subconsciously look at the young junior sitting in the front row.
Cold, profound
It felt like being in the snowy land of the far north.
This is the genuine feeling they experienced in that instant of eye contact.
So, you really intend to take action against Konoha and settle scores with everyone who has done so in the past?
Concerned about the lone, exposed pupil, Hiruzen Sarutobi's vision blurred.
In his sight, it seemed that a fledgling eagle with thin wings and unsteady steps appeared. After experiencing an indescribable baptism of blood and fire, it grew into a terrifying eagle with full wings and sharp claws!
If only...
He suddenly recalled the most glorious moment of the Uchiha clan, the moment when they were known as the "Three Heroes of the Family".
Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Ara—if these three could all wholeheartedly serve Konoha, then…
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly dismissed such thoughts, as he had no way out.
Time can never be turned back.
"It is certainly excellent that Chief Huang has such a kind intention."
"Moreover, hunting down registered rogue ninja is the duty of every Konoha ninja."
"But everything depends on stabilizing the threats around Konoha. So, Clan Chief Ara is willing to take on this mission to the Land of Hot Springs?"
Instead of directly answering the other party's question, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally steered the conversation back to the topic.
Danzo wasn't stupid after all. Since he was able to sense the potential threat posed by Uchiha Ara and chose to leave in advance, he must have found a way to escape being tracked by others.
"Ah."
Huang simply hummed in agreement.
Since the Land of Lightning has already made contingency plans, there's nothing to worry about with Miyajo En's abilities. Danzo's defection is an unexpected bonus; that guy shouldn't think he can easily escape the search from the Sky Zone Ninja Cats.
The meeting concluded in this manner, with various families, squads, and border troops making minor adjustments and relocations afterward.
However, in reality, all of this did not last long.
That evening,
When the unusual activity occurring within the Land of Lightning was urgently reported back to Konoha by scouts, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the incumbent Hokage, quickly called a halt to the gathering.
There is only one reason: the retaliatory methods of the [Thunder Light Group], this emerging force, are far too extreme and too radical!
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