Naruto: With maxed-out affection, I am invincible in the ninja world.

He also happened to want to talk to Mikoto alone, so he readily agreed.

"Mikoto, could you come with me? I'm not very good at grocery shopping."

"Ah."

Mikoto nodded gently, and the two then left hand in hand.

After the two left, the clan chief asked with concern:

"Were your injuries from this mission not serious?"

"It wasn't too heavy, it just fell into the river and floated for a while."

Haneda didn't mention his thoughts about the Akatsuki to anyone else. After brushing it off with a single sentence, he added,

"During this mission, I encountered a masked ninja who claimed to be Danzo's subordinate. Let's assume he's a Root ninja for now."

“They tried to harm me during my escape, and I told the Third Boss about it.”

"Root?" Upon hearing the name "Danzo," the clan chief's smile vanished, and he asked seriously.

"Do you think they are from Root, or other ninjas in disguise, Haneda?"

"Is this important?" Haneda poured himself a cup of tea.

He had just returned from Ichiraku Ramen and was thirsty.

Upon hearing this, the clan leader patted Yu Tian on the shoulder and laughed.

"You're right, it doesn't matter."

"Tell me, what conditions do you want to reach with the Third Hokage this time, and what do you need the clansmen to do for you?"

"I don't need anything. Lord Hokage has already agreed to my conditions," Haneda said with a smile.

"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed in the clan leader's eyes.

But considering that Haneda's strength and status are no longer what they used to be, and putting myself in the shoes of the Third Hokage, I began to understand.

This mission was personally ordered by the Third Hokage, and the personnel included his son, the Uchiha representative, and Konoha's White Fang.

It's unreasonable for the Third Hokage not to react when both Haneda and Sakumo have run into trouble, especially since his own son is fine.

Moreover, there were still traces of the roots afterward.

Given Danzo's methods and unpopularity, who knows if it might be true?

If anyone believes it to be true, then the Third Generation will have no choice but to compromise.

This is something he has to do as Hokage.

The clan chief asked curiously:

"What conditions did you offer the Third Hokage, Haneda? Was it to investigate Danzo's Root organization?"

“No.” Haneda shook his head and said, “It’s the same as last time, still the Book of Seals.”

"But the third generation himself gave a condition."

"That is to have Uchiha Hachiro, who joined the Anbu five years ago, and the Anbu captain thoroughly investigate what happened to me in the Land of Rain."

Upon hearing this, the clan chief realized that Haneda might need his help.

"Haneda, what do you want Yashiro to do? A genuine investigation, or..."

Haneda replied without hesitation:

"The Third Generation could not allow Root to disband. Rather than letting Root hide deep underground, it is better to keep it on the edge of darkness."

"It would be good if Yashiro could find something, but he doesn't have to go to great lengths to find it."

"It would be good if we could annoy Danzo. It would be best if it took a long time. We can drag it out as long as possible and let the progress be up to fate. The specific situation depends on the Hokage's attitude."

After listening to Yutian's words, the clan leader pondered for a moment.

Besides seeking revenge for what happened five years ago, Haneda's main motivation was to make deals with the third generation leader.

He greatly admired her calm thinking, which was not without its own selfish motives.

The clan leader glanced at Yu Tian's youthful yet mature face and nodded, saying:

"I understand. I will inform Yashiro later and help you arrange these things."

"By the way, I've already had people investigate the two mysterious men who attacked you and Sakumo that day."

"One of them was named Kakuzu, a rogue ninja from Takigakure who once attempted to assassinate Lord Hashirama but was released by him."

"This person cultivated a forbidden technique called Earthly Wrath, which is very powerful, and it is said that he has multiple hearts."

"The other person is very likely the grandson of Chiyo, a high-ranking official in Sunagakure."

"This person showed talent in puppetry from a young age and was a renowned genius in Sunagakure, but there has been no news of him recently."

"He was the only one who had the opportunity to contact the Third Kazekage and assassinate him without anyone knowing, even though there were no ANBU following him."

Hearing the clan leader's words, Yu Tian smiled.

He knew perfectly well who had attacked him and Uncle Sakumo.

But the clan elder's willingness to help investigate this matter warmed Haneda's heart.

…………

Chapter 104: Mastering Wood Release!

The next day, early morning.

As agreed with Sakumo and the others, Haneda arrived at the Hokage Building early.

At that moment, Asuma and Kurenai were standing not far away in front of the Hokage Building, waiting for him.

Noticing Haneda approaching, Asuma immediately stepped forward and greeted him:

"Brother Haneda!"

"It's Asuma." Haneda recognized the voice and knew who it was.

He glanced at Asma and noticed that Asma's face was bruised, as if he had been beaten.

But Asuma doesn't seem to care about these things.

"Are you injured on your face?" Haneda asked with concern.

"Yes! I spoke up for Brother Haneda yesterday and got a lecture from the old man, but..."

“I think it was worth it. There’s nothing wrong with that. The old man was just too lenient with that old devil Danzo.”

Asuma spoke with a somewhat indifferent tone, recalling Sakumo's instructions, and added,

"Let's go first, Haneda-nii. Sakumo-sensei said he doesn't need the ninjutsu in the Book of Sealing."

"He said that if there's anything you want, you can take it in his name. He's going to be training with Kakashi these days."

"I see..." Haneda thought to himself that Uncle Sakumo must have asked Asuma to tell him because he was too embarrassed to say it to his face.

These past few days, however, have been quite interesting practicing swordsmanship with Kakashi.

This is probably Kakashi's own idea...

Perhaps Kakashi wanted to temporarily break through his limits and face himself in the upcoming Chunin Exams.

Haneda couldn't help but smile slightly.

When he came to his senses, he said to Asuma, "How about I heal your wounds first, and then we go in?"

"No need, no need, it's too much trouble for Brother Haneda..."

Asuma declined somewhat embarrassedly, but Haneda had already gathered Yang-attribute chakra in his hands.

"It won't be long." Haneda placed his right hand on Asuma's face.

In a short while, Asma's face, which had been somewhat bruised, returned to normal.

"Let's go see the Book of Seals." Haneda withdrew his right hand and smiled.

…………

As Haneda entered the Hokage Building, he vaguely sensed that many ninjas lurking in the Anbu were watching him and Asuma.

Every now and then, malicious glances would sweep over, seemingly from Root ninjas.

Once I stepped into the Hokage's office, the surveillance had lessened considerably.

Da da da……

After a knock on the door, Haneda and Kurenai greeted them.

"Hokage-sama."

"Oh, it's Haneda and Kurenai. Please come in."

The third generation leader's words were relayed, and Haneda and the other two pushed open the door and entered.

"Asuma, you've come too," the Third Hokage said with a smile, but Asuma ignored him.

Then, the Third Hokage turned his gaze to Haneda and Kurenai, and asked with a smile: