The Uchiha Clan's Sun

"Damn it, Shimura Danzo promised me he would properly train Masao and the others! Is this what he calls properly training them?!"

"Naive! Shimura Danzo has taken many people over the years, have you ever seen any of those who were taken away come back?"

"No! I must bring all the children of the tribe back!"

......

Most of the people present were outraged and launched a verbal attack on Danzo Shimura!

A small group of people remained silent with gloomy faces.

For example, Aburame Shiki, the patriarch of the Aburame clan, now had a face as black as the bottom of a pot!

The Aburame clan was arguably the ninja clan in Konoha that was exploited the most by Danzo Shimura! Many of their elite ninjas were lured to Root by Danzo!

The Aburame clan is skilled in insect control, utilizing the characteristics of different insects in various aspects such as reconnaissance, combat, defense, luring enemies, and healing. They are all-around warriors with no weaknesses!

As a result, the Aburame clan was valued by Danzo Shimura, who frequently asked for people from their clan!

What's even more terrifying is that some of the Aburame clan members that Shimura Danzo took over were brainwashed by him and became his most loyal subordinates, even helping him to fleece the Aburame clan!

Aburame Shii had some prior knowledge of how her clansmen had entered the Root organization. Now that she knew the truth, although she remained outwardly calm, she secretly wanted to tear Shimura Danzo to pieces!

"Quiet!" Although Nara Shikaku was also furious, he remained calm and said, "Everyone, we're discussing how to deal with those children right now! Don't get agitated, everyone calm down!"

Everyone present was a person of high rank and power, and after venting their anger for a while, they quickly calmed down.

Nara Shikaku then turned to Uchiha Jin and asked, "Clan Head Uchiha, you were the first to know about this situation. Do you have any ideas on how to resolve it?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Jin shook his head and then nodded, saying, "There is no specific solution yet. After all, this is not something that my Uchiha clan can solve on its own. We need to discuss it with everyone and ask for everyone's opinions."

"So my current idea is to have the village transfer a group of people from Konoha Hospital to work with the Konoha Police Department to settle these children next to the Konoha Orphanage and to assess their specific circumstances!"

"Then we'll discuss specific solutions at the Jonin meeting!"

After pondering for a moment, Nara Shikaku said, "For now, this is the only way! Does anyone have any different opinions?"

It was getting late, and the most urgent task was to settle the children down, so Nara Shikaku had no objection to Uchiha Jin's suggestion.

"My Hyuga clan has no objection!"

"We, the mountain people, have no objection!"

"My Akimichi clan has no objection!"

......

The clan leaders present all spoke up, indicating that they had no objections.

After receiving their reply, Nara Shikaku did not immediately finalize the matter. Instead, he looked at Namikaze Minato and gave him an inquiring look.

Minato Namikaze is now the nominal Fourth Hokage, so naturally, he needs to make the final decision on this matter!

Minato Namikaze smiled and said, "I have no objection either. Let's do as the Uchiha clan head suggests!"

Uchiha Jin nodded and continued, "Then the next thing to deal with is the second matter!"

"According to the intelligence obtained by our Konoha Guard, Shimura Danzo not only established Root bases around Konoha, but also had some secret bases in the Land of Fire and even other countries!"

"As the saying goes, speed is of the essence in war! The news of Shimura Danzo's capture has not yet spread, making this the best time to eliminate these root bases in one fell swoop!"

"However, our Konoha Guard has limited manpower and cannot go to all these Root bases at the same time. Therefore, we hope that the village will send manpower to support us and wipe out Shimura Danzo's remaining followers as soon as possible!"

After a pause, Uchiha Jin added, "Furthermore, these Root ninjas have all been brainwashed by Shimura Danzo to some extent. It's possible that they might betray the village after learning that we captured Shimura Danzo!"

"Therefore, in order to prevent the village from suffering irreparable damage, I hope everyone will take this matter seriously!"

Upon hearing this, Minato Namikaze's expression turned serious, and he asked, "Jin, do you have specific information on those Root bases?"

Uchiha Jin nodded and said, "According to the information currently in the hands of our Konoha Police Department, Shimura Danzo has established a total of nine secret bases outside Konoha, within the Land of Fire; three within the Land of Wind; two within the Land of Earth; two within the Land of Lightning; three within the Land of Water; and one within the Land of Rain..."

"These root bases have very comprehensive functions, including child trafficking, talent training, intelligence gathering, resource collection, human experimentation, and almost everything else!"

"It can be said that these root bases are all small integrated bases, each with the ability to operate independently!"

"As for the defense forces... due to the large number of personnel that Shimura Danzo recently withdrew from these Root bases, these Root bases are at their weakest point in history!"

"So this is the best time for us to deal with them!"

Nara Shikaku frowned upon hearing this and said, "Those Root bases within the Land of Fire are fine; it doesn't matter how much trouble they cause on our own turf!"

"But those root bases in other countries are a bit more difficult to deal with, especially the root bases in the four major countries of wind, earth, thunder, and water!"

"We have just gone through a major war, and this is the most sensitive time in terms of relations between countries!"

"If we act now, it might cause some unnecessary misunderstandings, which could lead to a renewed war!"

"And even if there's no misunderstanding, this is a time when they're on high alert. If they discover our actions, they'll definitely try to sabotage us!"

Nara Shikaku's concerns were not unfounded!

Given the nature of the other major powers, if they found out about this, they would definitely try to obstruct Konoha's actions!

Therefore, the number of people sent to deal with the root base needs to be controlled within an appropriate range!

Furthermore, it is also necessary to carefully consider whether Konoha's actions will force the Root ninjas in the Root base to defect to the enemy!

“Then we’ll have to deal with each situation differently!” Uchiha Jin said. “We don’t need to worry too much about the Root bases in the Land of Fire and smaller countries; we can just sweep them away!”

"As for those ancestral bases within the other four major powers, we can send people there first to persuade them to surrender!"

"Although the ninjas in those Root bases all served Danzo Shimura, it is undeniable that they also made certain contributions to the development of the village!"

"As long as they haven't done anything too outrageous, and aren't completely devoted to Shimura Danzo, giving them a chance to start over isn't out of the question!"

Minato Namikaze nodded and said, "Agreed! We can't generalize and condemn an ​​entire group! There are ninjas within Root who are dedicated to the village!"

"We need to carefully screen not only the Root ninjas in the Root bases within the other four great nations, but also the Root ninjas in the Root bases within the Land of Fire and near the village!"

Since Minato Namikaze had said so, Shikaku Nara naturally wouldn't refuse, saying, "Let's handle this matter like this for now. I will select some suitable people from the village's elite ninjas to cooperate with your Konoha Guard's operations!"

Nara Shikaku is the leader of the Konoha Jonin team. He not only has a deep understanding of the village's ninjas, but also has a certain degree of leadership over them!

Having settled this matter, Uchiha Jin continued, "The last thing is much simpler: the Root's intelligence network!"

Uchiha Jin described the information he had learned from Yakushi Nonou, and said, "So this matter can be completely handed over to Nonou to handle, but she needs to be given the authority to act in the name of Hokage!"

Nara Shikaku replied, "A complete intelligence system is of paramount importance no matter where it is placed, and it is indeed necessary to grasp it as soon as possible!"

"But can we really rely on Yakushi Nonou alone?"

Nara Shikaku had just learned about Yakushi Nonou's past experiences from Uchiha Jin, so he still had some doubts about Yakushi Nonou's abilities.

Minato Namikaze waved his hand and said, "I've had dealings with Dean Nonou before, and there's no doubt about her abilities, so let's just do it her way! I'm authorizing her in the name of the Hokage!"

After hesitating for a moment, Nara Shikaku nodded and trusted Namikaze Minato's judgment.

However, Nara Shikaku also realized something was wrong from this incident, and sensed that the relationship between Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Jin was not as simple as it seemed on the surface!

"Then I'll trouble the Nara clan chief to cooperate with the Uchiha clan chief to handle the children and the Root base matters. I'll head to the Daimyo's residence shortly to collect my appointment letter!"

"We'll contact you anytime if anything comes up!"

......

Chapter 292 The Child of Prophecy! (Two Chapters Combined)

After the impromptu meeting concluded, Minato Namikaze briefly explained a few things before heading to the Daimyo's residence. Meanwhile, Jin Uchiha discussed with Shikaku Nara the specifics of handling the Root base issue.

After Uchiha Jin and Nara Shikaku finished their discussion, the other clan leaders also left, but three people remained in place.

Tsunade glared angrily at Uchiha Jin, Jiraiya stood by with a forced smile, while Orochimaru stood expressionless to the side.

It seems that all three of them are waiting for Uchiha Jin.

Seeing this, Uchiha Jin said to Nara Shikaku, "Nara clan head, why don't you take your men directly to the Root base? You can find Nono or Uchiha Fugaku; they can make the decisions!"

Nara Shikaku naturally saw the situation and nodded, saying, "Understood, then I'll take my leave!"

With that, Nara Shikaku instantly vanished, leaving space for Uchiha Jin and the others.

Uchiha Jin glanced at Orochimaru, then looked at Tsunade and Jiraiya, and asked, "Gentlemen, is there anything else?"

Orochimaru is one of our own, and given his personality, he must have something important to do if he stayed. Otherwise, he would have already gone back to the lab to do experiments. Therefore, Uchiha Jin planned to send Tsunade and Jiraiya away first before having a detailed talk with Orochimaru.

Upon hearing this, Jiraiya's smile faded. He glanced at Tsunade, and seeing that she didn't intend to speak first, he turned to Uchiha Jin and said, "Clan Head Uchiha, I do have something to discuss with you, but this isn't the place to talk. How about we find a tavern to have a drink and chat?"

Compared to Tsunade and Orochimaru, Jiraiya was the most down-to-earth and worldly-wise of the Sannin, and he didn't like to engage in such dry conversation.

Uchiha Jin didn't seem to care, and instead looked directly at Orochimaru, giving him an inquiring look.

Orochimaru smirked and shrugged, saying, "I'm not in a hurry. I'll take this opportunity to rest."

Uchiha Jin said, "In that case, please lead the way, Jiraiya!"

Seeing that Uchiha Jin did not refuse, Jiraiya smiled and said, "Hahaha, then come with me. I know a tavern that has some really good snacks to go with your drinks!"

Led by Jiraiya, the group of four arrived at a small tavern located on the outskirts of Konoha Village.

The tavern isn't large, with three floors. The main hall on the first floor is only about 20 or 30 square meters with a dozen or so tables, the second floor has several private rooms, and the third floor is where the tavern owner lives.

Jiraiya was a regular here, and he led Uchiha Jin and the other two directly into a private room on the second floor of the tavern.

Whether it was because it was too late or because the aftershocks of the daytime incident had not yet subsided, the small tavern only had this one table of customers, so their arrival did not cause much of a commotion.

"This tavern is run by the widow of one of my subordinates. Don't let its small size fool you; the food and drinks here are just as good as those big taverns on the commercial street. You should all give it a try!"

After the tavern owner served all the food and drinks and left, Jiraiya picked up a sake cup and poured drinks for Uchiha Jin and the other two, while giving a brief introduction to the tavern.

"Hmph, are you sure it's the food and drinks here that are good, and not because the proprietress is pretty?"

Tsunade tilted her head back and downed the sake in her cup in one gulp. Then she snatched the sake cup from Jiraiya's hand, snorted, and said with a hint of disdain.

This is, after all, a world transformed from anime. Even an ordinary passerby in this world, unless the author deliberately portrays them as ugly, will definitely have a face and figure above the standard, especially female characters!

The proprietress of this tavern was only around thirty years old, in the prime of her life. With her status as a person, she was very attractive and had a great figure. In addition, given Jiraiya's well-known character, it was perfectly normal for Tsunade to have such thoughts!

"Slander! You're slandering me!" Jiraiya's face fell, and he clutched his chest, exclaiming dramatically, "Sachiko's child is almost graduating from the Ninja Academy, how could I possibly have those kinds of thoughts about her!"

"What kind of thinking are you talking about?" Tsunade put down her wine glass and glared at Jiraiya. "If you were serious about him, I would respect you more. But your attitude of taking advantage of others and not taking any responsibility is the most despicable!"

While Jiraiya may not be particularly noteworthy in other aspects, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was morally flawed when it came to women!

In particular, Jiraiya's current temperament is far less mature than when he first appeared in the original work. He can be described as a womanizer who can get away with anything without getting attached to anyone, making him a complete scumbag!

No wonder Tsunade looked down on him when she was young!

Jiraiya smiled sheepishly upon hearing this; Tsunade had really hit the nail on the head!

He had never thought about marrying Sachiko, the tavern owner, but it would be a lie to say he hadn't thought about it—it would be a mutually beneficial exchange of skills!

Of course, Jiraiya was just thinking about it. He often came here mainly to help out the business of the widows and orphans and make their lives a little easier.

Seeing that Tsunade seemed determined to continue the discussion, Jiraiya quickly turned to Uchiha Jin and changed the subject, saying, "Clan Head Uchiha, the main reason I invited you here today is that I have a question I'd like to ask you!"

Uchiha Jin's eyes flickered upon hearing this, and he said, "I dare not presume to ask for your guidance. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, Jiraiya. I will certainly not refuse to answer anything that I can!"

Although it was unclear what Jiraiya wanted to ask, Jiraiya was, after all, Minato Namikaze's teacher, and if possible, Uchiha Jin didn't want to strain their relationship too much and put Minato in a difficult position.

Jiraiya was quite satisfied with Uchiha Jin's straightforwardness; at least Uchiha Jin didn't intend to use platitudes to fob him off.

Jiraiya thought for a moment and then cut to the chase, saying directly, "Clan Head Uchiha, what I want to know is very simple: is your relationship with Minato not as simple as it seems on the surface?"

After confirming with Tsunade that he had been held back by Orochimaru at the behest of King Uchiha, Jiraiya concluded that King Uchiha had more or less been involved in Danzo Shimura's coup today!

When Jiraiya approached Minato Namikaze, wanting him to thoroughly investigate the matter as the Fourth Hokage, Minato politely declined.

From Minato Namikaze's stammering and incoherent state at the time, Jiraiya was shocked to discover that his disciple was not as simple as he seemed!

This discovery was like the sky falling down for Jiraiya!

You should know that in Jiraiya's heart, Minato Namikaze was always a pure and innocent little white flower, a disciple who was perfect to the extreme, and he might even be the prophesied child in the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku!

But now that Jiraiya has discovered that Minato Namikaze, this seemingly innocent flower, might actually be a black-hearted man, how could he not be excited!

After careful consideration, Jiraiya was certain that Minato Namikaze's "innocent nature" was not an act; his "black heart" was merely a result of being influenced by his surroundings.

And Uchiha Jin, who was protected by Minato Namikaze, is naturally the prime suspect who corrupted Minato Namikaze!

That's why Jiraiya harbored some hostility towards Uchiha Jin!

Jiraiya sought out Uchiha Jin because he couldn't force Minato Namikaze, so he wanted to ask Uchiha Jin for clarification and to confirm the matter.

Uchiha Jin pondered for a moment, then looked up and smiled, saying, "Jiraiya-sama guessed correctly. My relationship with Minato is indeed not as distant as it appears on the surface."

"To be honest, Minato and I are like-minded comrades, and also half-brothers!"