Chapter 136: I Could Have Endured the Darkness

"Lord Tuan Zang, we are back to resume the mission; everything went smoothly on the road."

Inside the Hokage Tower, Tuan Zang, believing he had found a solution, returned here.

But this time it was different; he concealed his Root again in secrecy, selecting some civilians to join the ANBU to carry out missions for him.

Since his actions against the Three Clans' members who entered the ANBU were suspected, Tuan Zang has become increasingly concerned about the secrecy of Root members; this time he deliberately dispatched some civilian ninjas out of the Village to carry out missions.

He wants to see the reaction of Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Shuihu Men Yan, wondering whether they will, like him, make underhanded moves against each other.

But judging from the outcome, he seems to have guessed wrong; five days have passed since the three arrived, and his subordinates have not suffered any attack.

It appears the other side has given up.

Hmph—"Not bad, here's your reward. Go down."

When it comes to ninjutsu, Tuan Zang is never stingy; he casually tossed out several scrolls amid their excited gazes.

"Thank you, Lord Tuan Zang!"

The few rejoiced, took the scrolls, and dispersed.

Although they are already Special Jonin, even some Jonin, most were promoted during wartime; even compared to those ninja clan Jonin, or to their own Special Jonin, there is a noticeable gap.

Moreover, the ninjutsu they wield are all standard techniques; a double hand clap reveals their intentions, making people like them awkward on the battlefield.

Simple missions can't make use of them; difficult missions turn them into cannon fodder. The best outcome in this life might be teaching at the Ninja Academy.

That's why, even knowing Tuan Zang's poor reputation, they still willingly obey his orders.

Unlike other assistants and clans that often make grand promises, Tuan Zang truly gives everything except money.

Therefore, among Tuan Zang and other assistants, they can choose Tuan Zang without hesitation.

The few exchanged glances, barely concealing their joy; with these rewards, even if they die in the upcoming turmoil, their descendants can rely on them to establish a household, and after three to fifty years of inheritance they could form a small clan.

"Lord Tuan Zang should be the Hokage. If I could vote, I'd definitely choose Lord Tuan Zang; he is the people's choice!"

While the few were reflecting, a ninja wearing a similar mask passed right by them and slipped into the Hokage Tower.

"This is…"

"The rumored Root, right?"

"Don't ask what shouldn't be asked… it's none of our business. Mission's over, let's change clothes and find a place to drink."

"Right, right, let's go!"

Just as the few were leaving, a Root member arrived before Tuan Zang carrying several letters.

Tuan Zang, after pondering, nodded and said, "Fine they left; select a few more ninjas to fill their positions."

These were resignation letters written by Uchiha ninjas; eight Uchiha ninjas, under Shisui's orders, swiftly completed handover procedures and left the ANBU.

Tuan Zang did not block them; these eight ninjas staying was like occupying a latrine without using it, and each of them was not weak. To deal with them the same way would require him to act personally; otherwise the cost would be huge.

Moreover, any slip would give the Uchiha a foothold; since he resisted the evil Uchiha and returned to the light, these guys have been watching him, and he cannot find a reason to act against the Uchiha.

"Yes, Lord Tuan Zang."

The Root member, after responding, took out another piece of intelligence and whispered, "Lord, the Sarutobi Clan area has reinforced its defenses again; we can't find any opportunity."

Additionally, ninjas from Zhuan Qin and the Shuihu Men clan seem to have many who secretly left the Village; our investigation found that shortly after the Third Hokage fell ill, some slipped away, but their actions were very cautious, and we cannot discern their purpose.

Tuan Zang frowned, squinting as he sighed lightly, "What are they trying to do? Can't they be quiet and let this old man become Hokage?"

"Send people to continue monitoring outside the Three Clans' territories; report any action immediately."

"Yes!"

After his subordinates left, Tuan Zang couldn't help sighing; as long as the Uchiha don't cooperate, he'll have to send people to probe those Village matters, keeping watch constantly, otherwise no one would tell him.

Yet these matters must be done; judging by himself, he's taken it that far, and others couldn't possibly endure it—those who can endure must be because they're rotten.

Does he really need to talk with the Uchiha? Tuan Zang fell into a dilemma, but it didn't last long.

Two days later, the long‑silent Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Shuihu Men Yan, together with Yuan Fei Asuma, seized the moment while Tuan Zang rested at the Root base, suddenly surrounding the entire Root and then summoning all ANBU.

This move instantly raised the hearts of all Village families; every ninja clan knew the two sides were finally about to tear off the mask.

Hokage Tower, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, with a solemn expression, looked at the four squads inside and outside the building, totaling over seventy ANBU members, and low‑voicedly ordered, "Tuan Zang's reckless deployment of ANBU members has caused heavy losses to the ANBU, severely endangering the Village's safety and damaging the Village's interests; he is no longer fit to command the ANBU."

The Third Hokage issued a decree: immediately revoke Tuan Zang's authority to make any personnel appointments outside the Root.

The order was given; everyone looked at each other, especially the civilian ninjas, who were instantly bewildered.

They, born of ordinary origins, having survived one or two ninja wars, are not stupid.

They also guessed that a contest was inevitable, but they came for the benefits.

But they never imagined that the Third Hokage would directly order to limit Tuan Zang's power.

However, was this order truly issued by the Third Hokage?

The crowd glanced at Yuan Fei Asuma beside them, then had to believe it.

Among Tuan Zang and the two assistants, they would choose Tuan Zang.

As for Tuan Zang versus the Third Hokage, they could only choose the Third, so they immediately bowed their heads and obeyed.

At that moment, upon learning that Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Shuihu Men Yan had summoned the ANBU, Tuan Zang immediately rushed out with the Root.

The ninjas outside the Root base couldn't stop the enraged Tuan Zang; he easily broke through and stormed down to the Hokage Tower.

When he arrived, the ANBU were already positioned on both sides; even those he had promoted watched him with clear distance.

"What do you mean by this?"

Tuan Zang, unclear about what happened, suppressed his anger and stepped forward.

"This is Rizhan's intention; Rizhan already knows about your affairs, and from now on, except for the Root, you must not interfere with any personnel appointments of other divisions or any ANBU matters."

"How could Rizhan issue such an order? I want to see Rizhan!"

Tuan Zang stared at the two, his gaze icy, a murderous intent flaring.

"Rizhan is unwell and needs rest!"

The two locked eyes; the surrounding air dropped several degrees as the Root and part of the ANBU faced off.

The others lowered their heads and pretended not to see.

Mizuto Monen, seeing the situation, immediately urged, "Xiaochun, say it all."

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun heard this, let out a light hum, then, as if helpless, added, "Rizhan also said you went too far with these matters, telling you to set them aside and focus on familiarizing yourself with Konoha's administration; there isn't much time left before the Jonin meeting."

Upon hearing this, Danzo's heart suddenly tightened.

"I told you, Rizhan clearly promised me; how could he do such a thing! So that's it, so that's it! Rizhan understands me! Rizhan understands me!"

Danzo suppressed his emotions, let out a cold snort, took a staff from a Root member's hand, turned away gracefully, and said slowly, "Since it's the Hokage's order, that's that; let's disperse."

Danzo just left like that? Some ANBU ninjas standing inside and outside found it bizarre and absurd, even a bit childish.

But a few were very curious and whispered, "Is the Third Hokage planning to pass the Hokage position to Danzo?"

No one responded; Konoha's naivety was becoming increasingly incomprehensible.

"Clan Leader, it has been handled; please inspect."

Police Department—Shisui took the document, read it carefully for a moment, then nodded with satisfaction, smiling, "Good work; from now on, we'll rely on you for matters here."

Shisui followed Yan Shifan's suggestion and recruited some ordinary people from the clan with good memory and quick wits for training.

The Police Department's affairs weren't complicated; after the Eighth taught them simply for a while, several people quickly got the hang of it.

"We should be the ones thanking the Clan Leader; we never imagined we'd have a chance to join the Police Department—how wonderful!"

Their ages varied; the younger were thirteen or fourteen, the older already parents, but as they spoke, they began to cry.

In Konoha, ninjas hold the highest status; all ordinary people here exist to serve ninjas.

If they were ordinary merchants or civilians, it would be tolerable, just getting by, but they were born into the Uchiha, a prestigious Konoha family.

Joining the Police Department is the dream of most Uchihas, yet they can't even become ninjas, which is undeniably despairing.

Now Shisui has given them a chance; although they can't become ninjas, they have successfully entered the Police Department, fulfilling their long‑held dream and earning a decent salary.

Seeing this, Shisui felt deeply moved; Konoha does have civilian staff, yet he had never considered doing the same in the Police Department. He still wasn't caring enough for his clan.

Feeling guilty, Shisui comforted everyone one by one, when Shiliu Ye suddenly approached and whispered in his ear.

Shisui's expression changed instantly upon hearing it, and the others, seeing this, sensibly stepped away.

After they left, Shisui ordered, "Tell the teacher the news; if he agrees, immediately inform Danzo of that matter."

"Yes!"

"Wait!"

Shiliu Ye turned around, then stopped, looking at Shisui with confusion.

Shisui pondered silently, and after a moment added, "When spreading the rumor, say the Third Hokage plans to make Danzo the Hokage."

"Yes!"

Shiliu Ye didn't understand, but he didn't ask further; after Zi Hui went to the Hot Springs Country front line, he, under Shisui's arrangement, took charge of the covert intelligence network, and then realized Shisui had been doing so many things behind the scenes.

He also learned that the teacher in the Clan Leader's household was astonishingly capable.

But he didn't mind; as long as his child was safe, he didn't care how Konoha fared.

And Shisui could give him the best protection!

Ten—Danzo's side can wait until evening; make sure no one from the clan goes.

"Yes!"

The intelligence network the Uchiha had maintained for a long time began to operate, and that afternoon the news that Danzo might become Hokage spread rapidly throughout Konoha.

However, the ANBU were not united; Jonin Squad Leader Nara Suzaku kept playing dead, the Uchiha were the ones acting behind the scenes, and each ninja clan sensed a problem but tacitly chose to look away. By the time the three assistants learned of it, the news could no longer be contained.

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Mizuto Monen exchanged a glance; with Danzo occupied handling administration nearby, she had to swallow her anger, exchanged a few brief words with Danzo, then stood up and left.

Outside the Hokage Tower, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun felt anxious and whispered, "Do you have any news over there?"

"Almost there. My people on East Mountain Road picked up her trail; it looks like she's heading to the Hot Springs Country. I've already sent someone to find her; it won't be long before we bring her back."

"That's good. I'll have people help you; you must retrieve her quickly, or Danzo won't be satisfied."

"Hopefully."

Inside the Hokage Tower, Danzo didn't mind the two's departure; although he had lost most of his power, he felt his whole body brimming with strength, as if he were ten years younger.

He handled most of the affairs in one go and didn't feel tired.

Root's people arrived at the right moment to tell Danzo the village's news; Danzo immediately grinned, then realized it hurt his image and quickly suppressed it.

But he really wanted to laugh out loud.

He had waited too long that day; now the whole village calls his name, hoping he'll become Hokage.

He won't disappoint the villagers; he will become the Fifth, leading Konoha back to its former glory! Hmph—he let out a light hum, Danzo lowered his head to hide his emotions.

"Sir, someone sent this from outside Root."

Just as Danzo was joyfully dreaming of the future, another Root member delivered a sealed letter.

Danzo didn't even lift his head, casually took it, opened, skimmed, and set it down.

Hmm? Danzo snapped his head up, his eye twitching slightly, his expression puzzled, then he again picked up the letter, opened, skimmed, and set it down!

Bang—realizing it, Danzo felt his scalp tingle, his vision went black, and he sprang up, clenching the letter in his fist and slamming it onto the desk.

Fierce wind‑style chakra instantly tore the desk and the letter to pieces.

His fist was slick with dark red blood, yet Danzo didn't notice; he looked out the window at distant houses, at the four stone statues that were both detestable and enviable, his anger burning unabated.

Especially the third one, the Hokage in darkness, whose expression seemed to mock him.

"Rizhan!"

He roared, a sudden warmth spreading through his chest, spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and then fell unconscious.

"It seems Danzo had an accident; Root's people secretly sent him back to the Root base."

Leaving the dark Root, which in the Uchiha's eyes had completely lost its concealment, Danzo's front foot was led away from the Hokage Tower, and Shisui's rear foot immediately sensed the situation.

Shisui was training in the backyard with Jin Huo and Ying Shu, and upon hearing it he said, "It seems this has dealt Danzo a heavy blow~"

The letter only mentioned one thing: after the Third fell into a coma, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Shui Tuo Men Yan began secretly searching for Gong Shou, the Sarutobi Clan also took part, and now there is news of Gong Shou's whereabouts.

To make Tuan Zang so angry he spits blood must mean something heartbreaking has been touched.

Shisui sighed, then dismissed the two, and went alone to the study to discuss with Yan Shifan.

Yan Shifan unusually did not laugh; instead he looked up at the moon and sighed slowly, "I once thought I controlled everything, yet in that person's eyes I was nothing but a leaping clown, and I never knew when I would be discarded."

"It's also because of my reckless actions that I ended up like this, dragging my father into it, and I don't know if anyone will look after him after I'm gone."

Yan Shifan was moved by the scene, his heart filled with sorrow.

Shisui was speechless, not knowing how to comfort him, and could only stand aside and stoke the furnace for him.

After a moment, Yan Shifan calmed down; seeing Shisui nearby, his heart was eased.

"It doesn't matter; what happened in the previous life cannot be undone, so we must focus on the present."

Yan Shifan, being no ordinary person, quickly adjusted his mood and told Shisui, "After great joy and great sorrow, Tuan Zang may act unwisely, but that will only make him appear even more helpless."

"When he loses his trump card and his support, he'll lose his resolve; let's wait for him to come begging us."

Yan Shifan's guess was correct; Tuan Zang was merely angry to the point of distress, but his body was far healthier than the Third's, and he recovered quickly with the aid of medical ninja.

After waking, Tuan Zang's aura grew even colder, and his eyes showed a hint of madness.

"Summon everyone, everyone!"

He was ready to stake everything, to gamble it all! "Yes!"

The two Root members beside him shivered, and immediately obeyed to leave.

In less than a quarter hour, all Root members hidden inside and outside Leaf returned to the Root base.

A total of twenty‑seven people.

Root had originally planned for seventeen members later, Tuan Zang had privately trained some, but the Third robbed them twice, and those hidden people are now few.

After confirming his own power, Tuan Zang immediately sent someone to invite two assistants to the Hokage Tower to discuss important matters.

He then ordered the Root to split into two groups, ambushing the path the two must take, preparing to kill the two assistants outright.

"They have become a threat to Leaf; as the Root of Leaf, we must carry out divine punishment. From this moment, eliminate them!"

As soon as the two die, he will immediately take over the ANBU, then lead men to the Sarutobi Clan's lands to force the Third to concede, and then throw the Zhuan Qin and Shui Tuo Men people straight onto the battlefield; he doesn't believe anyone can still hinder him!

However, Tuan Zang's actions never go as he wishes; they didn't before, and they don't now.

Although Leaf's ninja cannot directly monitor every Root member, beyond the Root's main gate there are already countless hidden scouts.

When the Root makes any move, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Shui Tuo Men Yan receive the news, and the Sarutobi Clan immediately provides support.

Under the power of the three clans, the Root not only failed the mission but suffered heavy losses; even Tuan Zang's prized Wood Release ninja – A was captured alive and sent that night to the Sarutobi lands, where the Third learned of it.

When Tuan Zang learned of the outcome, the once‑vast Root base had fewer than ten people left, each wounded.

Tuan Zang remained silent in the darkness for a long while, until the gate opened and masked Kakashi relayed news from the Third.

"Hokage, please have Elder Tuan Zang go to the Sarutobi Clan's lands."

No specifics were mentioned, and Tuan Zang had no desire to ask.

He looked at Kakashi, half‑kneeling in the light, a strange expression flashing in his eyes.

"I could have endured."

I didn't get a ticket, can't go home, sobbing~Sharing today's event: after school in the evening I went to eat, found a self‑serve hot pot with black chicken rolls and some other rolls, the food was okay, but right after the first bite the power went out.

Luckily the place was right by the street, so we ate for a while by the streetlight and our phones.

Then the owner came over, asked us to sign our names, said we could eat free next time, and kept apologizing, saying the outage was their fault. I already didn't mind, and hearing that made me like them instantly; I'll probably keep coming, yum~ (End of chapter)