Malphegor
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IUTT: Ch. 124
🕑 Added 2025-06-07 22:43:44 +0000 UTC"It wasn't hard at all, it's all for Konoha!" Sakumo responded loudly and proudly.
"Good, very good." Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction and said, "I knew I wasn't wrong about you. My teacher once told me, the Hatake clan has produced elite talents generation after generation. It seems that was no exaggeration."
Being praised by the Hokage made Sakumo blush. He scratched his head bashfully and said in a sincere tone, "I only did what I was supposed to do."
Hiruzen looked at the simple-minded Sakumo and nodded inwardly. Although he still didn't like him, such a straightforward and honest personality could certainly be used. He continued, "Rest assured, I've seen all your contributions. So has everyone in Konoha. You don't know how reluctant I was when I had to remove you from the ANBU. A talent like you should be entrusted with great responsibilities. But Shin just wouldn't let go of your one small mistake and kept pressuring me. I had no choice but to take that measure. You know, he's Tsunade's fiancé and is also favored by Lady Mito. I was left with no choice but to let you take the fall."
"Why would you say that?" Sakumo quickly responded. "It was his fault. There's no need for you to take the blame. Besides, I did make a mistake after all. You were right to punish me. Not to mention, you didn't really punish me. Instead, you allowed me to resign voluntarily, preserving my dignity and the reputation of the Hatake clan. I am not an ungrateful person. I will always remember your kindness!"
Hearing this, Hiruzen was even more pleased. A usable heart, a truly usable heart! Especially when Sakumo openly criticized Shin, it delighted him even more.
"However, I've recently heard some things," he changed the topic. "I heard you and Shin had another disagreement?"
Sakumo's expression froze. "Has Shin been talking behind my back again? Please see the truth, that guy is simply too overbearing. But don't worry, if you order it, I'll go and apologize right away. I won't let this cause trouble for you."
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen felt completely at ease, utterly delighted. From Sakumo's mistaken perception of his relationship with Shin, it was clear this guy was truly simple-minded. And judging by his attitude toward Shin, Sakumo genuinely disliked him.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend... and to think the first person he approached turned out so cooperative!
So he quickly waved his hand and said, "You've misunderstood. I don't mean for you to apologize. I heard what happened. Just like you said, it was him who went too far. Just because you glanced at him on the street, he wanted to teach you a lesson. Does he really think a bit of strength allows him to act so lawlessly?"
The conflict in question happened half an hour ago. The gist of it was:
"What are you looking at?"
"What do you mean what am I looking at?"
"You wanna keep looking?"
"Sure, why not?"
Of course, the two didn't actually fight, just a tense standoff.
After hearing Hiruzen's words, Sakumo asked in disbelief, "You don't blame me?"
"You weren't at fault, why would I blame you?" Hiruzen countered.
"It's just... you have so many responsibilities, and yet you're worrying over my trivial matters. I..." Sakumo suddenly turned theatrical, vividly expressing surprise, gratitude, and a touch of guilt. If Shin saw this, he would probably be comforted, his training had finally paid off.
"You misspoke just now," Hiruzen said with a smile. "To a Hokage, nothing that happens in Konoha is a small matter. That's the most basic duty and responsibility of a Hokage. Besides, you were the one wronged, I can't let you continue to suffer in silence while turning a blind eye to corrupt influences. Actually, there's another reason I called you here today. Besides offering you reassurance, I need your help with something."
"Please speak freely, Hokage-sama. I will do anything within his power."
"Mm." Hiruzen nodded. "I've noticed something unusual about the Uchiha clan recently. I hope you can temporarily set aside your current missions and help me keep an eye on them. Would you be willing?"
"I know this may be presumptuous of me... but may I ask the reason?"
You know it's presumptuous and still ask? No wonder I dislike you!
Outwardly, Hiruzen remained calm and patient, explaining gently, "To tell you the truth, Shin has been getting unusually close to the Uchiha clan lately. It seems like they're plotting something, and that puts me ill at ease."
"Shin again! Nothing good ever comes from wherever he shows up." Sakumo gritted his teeth in anger, looking as if he wished he could tear the man apart.
"But... will it be just me?" Sakumo asked.
"You'll lead a small team. I'll assign three elite ANBU to assist you."
"Why me?" Sakumo voiced his inner doubt once more.
"First, because you have experience with long-term surveillance," Hiruzen answered, growing more irritated but still maintaining a kindly expression. "Second, because the Uchiha clan is powerful. I wouldn't feel secure sending just anyone."
"I understand. You have my word, I will not let you down this time."
After watching Sakumo leave, Hiruzen's expression immediately turned cold and grim. If it weren't for their shared enemy, he would never have bothered to play nice with Sakumo. Because truthfully, he didn't trust him.
The so-called ANBU "assistants" assigned to Sakumo, were actually there to monitor him. Even though Sakumo had shown gratitude to Hiruzen, he knew someone like him wouldn't abandon his beliefs just for a few small favors. In other words, the two of them were never truly on the same side.
Hiruzen even believed that if the dark deeds he had done were ever exposed, Sakumo would immediately become his enemy. So monitoring him was absolutely necessary. In fact, he had considered keeping tabs on Sakumo long ago. But doing so without a good reason would only provoke him and cause unnecessary trouble.
After all, Sakumo was no pushover. If it came down to a one-on-one fight, even Hiruzen wasn't confident he could win. And to secretly surveil someone of Sakumo's caliber without being detected? That was a pipe dream.
But now, everything had fallen into place perfectly.
Sakumo would monitor the Uchiha clan, and the ANBU would monitor Sakumo. If everything went smoothly, great. But if the Uchiha clan became upset about being watched, Sakumo would be the scapegoat, the one thrown to them to appease their anger.
Perfect.
---
At that moment, Root welcomed a special visitor.
In his office, as the guest entered, Danzō immediately stood up to greet him, unusually enthusiastic.
"Orochimaru, I didn't expect you would actually come." he said with undisguised delight.
