Akimichi Torifu saw Nara Rokaku's surprised look and said,
"Don't worry, there are no Anbu around. No one will see my current condition."
"I still have that much perception ability."
"Just now, hearing about Mitokado Homura's death, my hands felt a bit itchy."
"Recalling some old taijutsu techniques slightly. Luckily, I haven't forgotten skills like making the heavy feel light."
"Uncle Torifu, your strength has actually recovered, hasn't it?"
"Of course not. No matter who asks, my strength is far from its peak." Akimichi Torifu said:
"I know you really want to ask me why I refused to come out of retirement."
"Rokaku, the village is currently in a period of turmoil."
"The order at the village's founding, primarily based on the Senju and Uchiha clans with minor ninja clans as supplements, was disrupted by the Second Hokage after the First Hokage's death."
"Second Hokage-sensei began Konoha's great integration, establishing an order based on ninja clans, supplemented by civilian-born ninja."
"This order, in turn, was disrupted by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen."
"Now Sarutobi Hiruzen has established a new order, emphasizing sacrifice for the village under the Will of Fire."
"I believe this order is unsustainable. It doesn't need others to disrupt it; it will collapse on its own due to excessive death."
"It might not even need a Fourth Hokage; it could collapse under Sarutobi Hiruzen's own leadership."
"Danzo's Root and the Shimura clan have been repeatedly targeted, Mitokado Homura was killed... the strikes are too precise."
"The order established by Sarutobi Hiruzen is already collapsing."
"External enemies, even Ōnoki, couldn't possibly grasp Konoha's weaknesses so accurately."
"These strikes are as precise as if Sarutobi Hiruzen arranged and ordered them himself."
"This represents that there is a faction within Konoha that is extremely dissatisfied with the current order."
"If I come out of retirement, I would have to follow Sarutobi Hiruzen's wishes and maintain his order."
"At that time, that faction would fix its sights squarely on me."
"My death is insignificant, but the Ino–Shika–Chō trio would suffer greatly in the confrontation."
"After the Shimura clan, it's the Ino–Shika–Chō's turn? I even feel it might really be Sarutobi Hiruzen setting the stage."
"Uchiha Madara's methods are very similar to Anbu style. If you told me Uchiha Madara was cooperating with Sarutobi Hiruzen, I wouldn't find it strange."
"Let it be. Let them fight. I, and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, will not step out to be this shield."
Nara Rokaku stood frozen.
He thought he had seen through many things, but now he realized he had been among the high ranks for too long, unable to see the full picture of Konoha.
Yes, the current order in Konoha was dominated by the spirit of sacrifice under the Will of Fire.
Sacrifice for Konoha, sacrifice for comrades.
However, this order was extremely fragile.
Nara Rokaku had seen too much selective sacrifice, too much passive sacrifice, and even more so, too much large-scale sacrifice.
Based on sacrifice, this order was unsustainable.
"Uncle Torifu, I've seen the Anbu intelligence scrolls. It seems Uchiha Madara has a good relationship with the Uzumaki clan; he shelters some Uzumaki Remnants."
"Our Ino–Shika–Chō ninja are the Guardian Ninja for the Land of Whirlpools Daimyō. Will Uchiha Madara target our Guardian Ninja?"
"Uncle Torifu, if you don't take the external affairs advisor position, the village needs a powerful external affairs advisor even more."
"We must deter Uchiha Madara, otherwise all Guardian Ninja are in danger."
Akimichi Torifu said, "Let the tall ones bear the weight of the sky. The Land of Whirlpools is southeast of the Land of Fire, the Land of Rain is to the west."
"The two directions are far apart, no immediate danger. Let's watch and wait, no hurry."
Nara Rokaku said, "Uncle Torifu, I never realized you saw things so clearly, so wisely. Compared to you, I seem somewhat foolish."
"Wisely?" Akimichi Torifu said. "I'm not wise. I can't even figure out who the opposing faction within Konoha is."
Akimichi Torifu's expression was grave:
"Is it the Senju clan? Senju Hanaki is too conservative, Tsunade's gambling nature leaves too many loopholes... doesn't seem like it."
"Is it the Uchiha clan? If the Uchiha had such strength, they wouldn't have turtled up for so long."
"Is it Hatake Sakumo? Even less likely. Hatake Sakumo is somewhat idealistic; that idealism is useless."
"Is it the Hyūga clan? Forget it. The Hyūga clan is ruined by the Caged Bird Seal. They only care about the petty hierarchy between main and branch families, with no ambition whatsoever."
Akimichi Torifu looked at Nara Rokaku and said, "Rokaku, it's not you, is it? Are you the one secretly arranging strikes against Danzo and Mitokado Homura?"
Nara Rokaku gave a wry smile and said, "You know the combat strength of our Ino–Shika–Chō trio. Even if I had the intention, I lack the strength."
Just then, Akimichi Torifu suddenly raised his hand and said, "Anbu ninja are about to pass by. You should go attend to your duties."
Nara Rokaku turned his head. He hadn't detected the Anbu, but Uncle Torifu sensed them first.
After bidding farewell to Uncle Torifu, Nara Rokaku turned and left the small lake.
His brow was furrowed tightly. The current situation in Konoha was somewhat incomprehensible.
Was there really an opposing faction within Konoha, continuously striking the Hokage's forces?
Would their Ino–Shika–Chō trio, as beneficiaries of the current system, also be targeted?
Root, the Shimura clan, Advisor Mitokado Homura... the enemy's scope of attack was growing larger.
After consideration, Nara Rokaku judged that the struggle for the Advisor candidate was of great importance; that faction would inevitably reveal itself.
—
Land of Rain.
"Sir! Anbu Messenger Hawk!"
A messenger hawk was circling with a specific pattern under the distant dark clouds. Antelope recognized it as an Anbu hawk.
Summoning creatures with intelligence capable of using Reverse Summoning were extremely rare in the ninja world.
Apart from summoning creatures, messenger hawks were Konoha's most efficient communication tool.
Calling the hawk down, Antelope looked at the small scroll tied to its leg.
His expression changed dramatically, filled with horror. "It's terrible! Sir! Yellow Dog urgently recalls us to the village!"
Yōkō said, "Maintain composure in the face of major events. We are Anbu, how can we lose our composure?"
"Sir! Advisor Mitokado Homura was killed!"
"What? Why didn't you say so earlier? Next time, report everything at once!"
Yōkō thought, Finally, this semi-exile state is ending. The village, under pressure, is recalling him.
Yellow Dog couldn't handle dangerous enemies like Sarutobi Kanenosuke or Tobi.
The Anbu would fall apart without him sooner or later.
"Let's go, back to the village quickly."
Leaving the damp environment of the Land of Rain and entering the Land of Rivers, the several Anbu members felt their breathing become smoother.
It took ten days for Yōkō to return to Konoha.
The panic caused by Mitokado Homura's death had created an extremely tense atmosphere within Konoha.
Even during the fierce fighting of the Second Great Ninja War, there were no casualties among Konoha's senior leadership.
Yet Mitokado Homura was killed by a rogue ninja's subordinate. Konoha's order was in chaos, and the future became highly uncertain.
The Daimyō had just finalized agreements with Mitokado Homura, and then Homura died.
What about the promised trust in Konoha? What about Konoha's ability to protect the Daimyō?
If Mitokado Homura himself was killed, how could he protect the Daimyō?
Daimyō from various countries sent Diplomatic Notes to Konoha, inquiring about the guarantees for the matters agreed upon with Mitokado Homura.
For a time, the village was overwhelmed and had to send more ninja to the capitals of various countries.
Upon entering the Anbu base, Yōkō immediately gathered the intelligence from this period.
The scrolls indicated that Orochimaru had the highest support and was the most likely candidate to become the next Advisor.
Orochimaru's strength was sufficient, but Yōkō was unwilling.
He worked hard to kill Mitokado Homura, not to pave the way for Orochimaru.
Were you trying to profit from the conflict between others?
Yōkō went to the Anbu base beneath the Hokage Building.
"My apologies, Lord Yellow Dog, my mission failed," Yōkō said.
"I was searching for Uchiha Madara's rogue ninja organization in the Land of Rain, but I didn't anticipate Tobi appearing in the Land of Rivers."
Yellow Dog said, "It's not your fault. The ninja world is vast. With just you leading one Anbu squad, it's impossible to keep up with Tobi."
Yōkō nodded, knowing he wouldn't face any punishment. He said:
"Lord Yellow Dog, Advisor Danzo should have cooled off by now, right? Recently, he's been sending me out on aimless searches with no results."
"He's cooled off, and he's also been frightened. Advisor Mitokado Homura's death has greatly shocked the senior leaders. Advisor Danzo won't order you to leave the village for extended periods anymore; it's a serious waste of Anbu combat power."
Yōkō suddenly lowered his voice. "Lord Yellow Dog, I wonder who will become the next external affairs Advisor?"
"Don't know." Yellow Dog said. "The Hokage doesn't have a suitable candidate yet."
"Lord Torifu has been retired for many years; his status is suitable, but his strength is insufficient."
"Among the rest, the most likely is Orochimaru."
"Some people in the village are building momentum for Orochimaru, but the Hokage seems to still be hesitating."
"Yes, ultimately it depends on the Hokage's attitude. However..." Yōkō's voice was full of temptation:
"If Lord Yellow Dog competed for the Advisor position, surely the Hokage would support you."
Hearing this, Yellow Dog felt tempted.
Who wouldn't want to become a senior Advisor?
He knew that Mitokado Homura, by virtue of his senior Advisor status, firmly controlled the Land of Rivers' mission share. Mitokado Homura's wealth was enviable.
Besides money and ninjutsu/secret techniques, there was also status.
Mitokado Homura had high recognition among the Daimyō; many missions required his coordination.
The external affairs Advisor held significant power.
Yōkō continued, "Although Orochimaru is very strong, his cold-blooded temperament—how could he possibly handle external affairs missions?"
"If he went to discuss Konoha missions with the Land of Grass Daimyō, wouldn't he scare the Daimyō to death?"
"I can't even imagine, when Orochimaru meets a Daimyō, would he smile or not?"
"If he doesn't smile, how terrifying would that face be? Sinister and eerie."
"And if he smiles, wouldn't that be even more frightening?"
"So Orochimaru isn't suitable. It has to be you, Lord Yellow Dog."
"Your status as the Hokage's eldest son means your words absolutely represent the Hokage and Konoha's stance. The Daimyō would definitely trust you, right?"
Yōkō's eyes flickered. Use Yellow Dog's advantage as the Hokage's son to defeat Orochimaru. Yellow Dog gets promoted to Advisor, and he himself becomes Anbu Commander.
Then, later, kill Yellow Dog, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen utterly without capable people.
The Advisor position becomes vacant again.
At that time, Hatake Sakumo and Tsunade could no longer be suppressed. To deal with Uchiha Madara and others, Sarutobi Hiruzen would have to rely on Hatake Sakumo or Tsunade.
Then, pushing Hatake Sakumo for Advisor would face much less resistance.
Therefore, Yellow Dog's promotion was crucial.
"Lord Yellow Dog, let the Anbu help build momentum for you!"
"Wait, don't rush. Let me consider it." Yellow Dog calmed his excitement, then said, "Fox, do you really want to be the Anbu Commander?"
Yōkō prepared to retreat to advance, planning slowly:
"Sir, you misjudge me."
"I know my limits. Everything I have comes from your promotion, Lord Yellow Dog."
"Besides you, I have no foundation whatsoever. I simply couldn't hold the Anbu Commander position."
"This position is too crucial; it must be someone the Hokage absolutely trusts."
"The Anbu controls intelligence inside and outside Konoha; they are the Hokage's eyes."
"The Anbu is the Hokage's direct force, the kunai in the Hokage's hand."
"Previously, the Hokage absolutely trusted Advisor Danzo. Now, the Hokage absolutely trusts Lord Yellow Dog."
"Lord Yellow Dog, if one day you become the Fourth Hokage, then I might be able to compete for the Anbu Commander position."
"My loyalty to the Hokage and to you, Lord Yellow Dog, is like the waters of the Nakano River, flowing ceaselessly."
"For now, making me Anbu Commander would be a bit of a stretch."
"I do think about it a little, but I know my own capabilities."
Yellow Dog nodded repeatedly. Fox still understood his place. Yellow Dog asked again:
"Fox, if I become the external affairs Advisor, would you be willing to come with me as an Advisor assistant?"
Thinking about going to dangerous places like the Land of Grass and Land of Rivers, Yellow Dog also felt some trepidation.
Among his subordinates, only Fox had the ability to protect him.
"Of course, I'm willing!" Yōkō's tone shifted:
"However, Lord Yellow Dog, I could hold both positions. Protect your safety while retaining your influence in the Anbu. Kill two birds with one stone."
"Lord Yellow Dog, if you become the external affairs Advisor, would you just hand the Anbu over to someone else?"
"We must have the Advisor position, but we can't lose the Anbu either."
Yellow Dog nodded repeatedly. That made sense.
He prepared to return to the clan compound and discuss with his father. He wanted both the Advisor position and the Anbu.
After he left, he could let Fox temporarily manage the Anbu.
***
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(Chapter End)