Chapter 110

Konoha.

Fujinaka Genma suddenly appeared in his home bedroom.

It was already afternoon; leaving the bedroom, as expected, his mother Akie was not at home—she was probably at the fruit shop.

Fujinaka Genma first boiled water for a bath, then went to the kitchen and prepared a Japanese-style lunch himself.

“Perfect!”

After a satisfying meal, Fujinaka Genma couldn’t help but laugh out loud in contentment.

Life on the front lines isn’t fit for humans.

Not only is the mind tense, but the food is terrible.

Sometimes Itachi get hot food, but often Itachi only get ration pills.

Ration pills replenish strength quickly, but the taste is awful.

Moreover, Itachi can’t eat ration pills often, or your digestive system will atrophy.

Satisfied at eight-tenths full, Fujinaka Genma walked around his home to digest, then lay down in the bathtub for a comfortable soak.

Steam filled the air as Fujinaka Genma opened the Mount & Blade system.

Character: Fujinaka Genma

Level: 42

Age: 16

Faction: Land of Fire, Hidden Leaf Village

Available attribute points: 0

Available skill points: 5

Open attribute panel.

Constitution 1344, Agility 45, Intelligence 56, Charm 72.

Since leveling up in the Land of Rain several months ago, his character level has only increased by three levels.

From level 39 to level 42.

Two attribute points were added to Agility, as his Agility growth had become extremely difficult.

Intelligence remained unchanged; Charm increased by another two points.

Yet, over this long period, he had not gained another opportunity to upgrade equipment.

Sparring with the Fourth Raikage and Killer B yielded only Mount & Blade points.

“With 72 Charm, I can influence up to 72 subordinates.”

Fujinaka Genma didn’t know how many people were in Root, but spreading these Charm points would quickly let him establish himself there.

Danzo’s brainwashing training and cursed seals—how would they compare to his Charm influence?

“I can’t wait!”

A faint smile appeared on Fujinaka Genma’s lips.

After reviewing his attribute panel, Fujinaka Genma glanced at the skill panel.

Minimal improvement.

At level 6, ninjutsu skills are already very hard to advance further.

He had saved his skill points without spending them.

Still, five skill points were enough to raise several skills to level 10.

For example, Magnet Release at level 6!

Level 10 Magnet Release, combined with level 10 Lightning Release chakra nature transformation and level 10 Chakra Control, would let him fuse them into Electromagnetic Release—he had great confidence.

“No rush now; I’ll spend most of my time in Konoha.”

Fujinaka Genma did not immediately level up; he switched the interface to the Mount & Blade shop.

55,000 Mount & Blade points.

This was his accumulated savings over this period.

“First, buy a divine talisman…”

Fujinaka Genma stood up, focused his will—and successfully purchased the divine talisman.

Closing the Mount & Blade system, he rose and ended his bath.

Dressed, he no longer wore armor, but still wore Kushina Uzumaki’s Hokage robe.

After enhancement, the robe was not only incredibly defensive, but also spotless—even blood could not stain it.

Stepping outside to his family’s fruit shop, his mother Akie, busy weighing fruit for a customer, froze in surprise, then beamed with joy: “Genma, when did Itachi get back?”

“Just now.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled broadly.

“Genma’s returned from the battlefield—haven’t seen Itachi in ages, and Itachi’ve grown taller again!”

The customer, an elderly woman, chuckled.

Fujinaka Genma politely responded.

After the customer left, Akie stepped forward to inspect her son, confirmed he was unharmed, then asked: “Have Itachi eaten?”

“I’ll make your favorite dish.”

Fujinaka Genma quickly stopped her: “Mom, I’ve already eaten. Let’s have hot pot together tonight!”

“Of course! I’ll close the shop early and buy your favorite ingredients.”

Akie said at once.

Fujinaka Genma nodded and helped arrange the fruit, assisting with weighing when customers came.

After half an hour of busyness, Akie smiled: “Itachi haven’t visited the Fourth Hokage yet, have Itachi?”

“Go ahead—I can manage here.”

Fujinaka Genma didn’t refuse; he nodded and left.

Along the way, he greeted acquaintances and strangers alike, savoring Konoha’s peaceful, everyday atmosphere as he strolled slowly to the Hokage Tower.

Ding dong!

Fujinaka Genma knocked; Minato’s voice responded quickly from inside.

Pushing the door open, Fujinaka Genma saw Minato bent over documents and smiled: “Sensei Minato!”

Minato looked up, instantly smiling: “Itachi’ve seen Aunt Akie?”

Clearly, he already knew Fujinaka Genma had returned.

Fujinaka Genma wasn’t surprised; he nodded and asked: “Sensei, how’s being Hokage?”

Minato pinched the bridge of his nose. “The situation isn’t good.”

“The Iwa are acting frequently, unwilling to give up. The Kumo haven’t withdrawn yet, and the Kirigakure may land at any moment.”

“Only the Suna are stable—for now, the Land of Wind’s daimyo has cut military funding.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded; this matched what he knew. He asked: “Where’s Kakashi?”

Minato, still reviewing documents, replied: “With Ebisu and Guy, in the Land of Grass.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded—so obviously, Hyuga Mio was at the Konoha Medical Center.

At that moment, Minato pulled out a document and handed it to Fujinaka Genma.

He took it, glanced down.

Hokage’s Directly Controlled ANBU Roster!

Fujinaka Genma frowned—only 36 people?

Konoha’s ANBU consisted of only two branches.

One was Root; the other was the Hokage’s Directly Controlled ANBU.

Root was originally the ANBU training institution.

Of course, that was its original purpose; now Root had become Danzo’s personal force, still responsible for training ANBU members.

In the past, Fujinaka Genma didn’t know the exact number of ANBU, but it was certainly more than 36.

Come on—the Hokage’s Directly Controlled ANBU was the strongest force under the Hokage’s command.

Seeing Fujinaka Genma frown, Minato explained: “Many ANBU are still on missions and haven’t returned.”

“Also, the Third Hokage retains control over some.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi still held some.

Probably a significant portion.

This wasn’t unexpected to Fujinaka Genma—but it did weaken Minato’s authority.

Fujinaka Genma understood that power transitions take time, especially for someone as young as Minato.

Yet under these circumstances, Minato couldn’t afford to rush.

As Fujinaka Genma placed the document back on the desk, Minato picked up another one: “Genma, are Itachi certain Itachi want to join Root?”

Fujinaka Genma’s gaze sharpened; he nodded firmly: “Of course!”

With the Directly Controlled ANBU stripped away and Root under Danzo’s control, Minato’s position as Hokage was too constrained.

Minato nodded solemnly, then said: “Then…”

“Fujinaka Genma, from this moment on, Itachi are the leader of Root!”