Fang Yuan sneaked back into Konoha Village overnight. Despite the failure of his gold exchange mission, he didn't forget the purpose of his trip. Before leaving, Putian Yilang had brought back a box from his sister, containing a full 1 million taels. This was the legitimate income from Huawanyi Town's business over more than a decade, so Fang Yuan certainly couldn't spend it frivolously.
"Although the money problem is solved, there is still no clue about the good wine," Fang Yuan thought. His drinking habit lingered, and despite possessing Putian Yilang's physical and mental skills, Fang Yuan still needed time to master the technique of slicing his own soul. Attempting it rashly would be too risky.
This technique involved the bloodline of the Putian clan, so Fang Yuan couldn't replicate it easily. When he first tried forming the seal, he could only amplify his perception of the surroundings, but couldn't detect actual objects. After activating the technique, Fang Yuan's perception extended within a five-meter radius, surpassing even the dynamic vision of the Sharingan.
Fang Yuan was satisfied with this. As long as he had enough chakra to maintain the physical and mental perception technique, he wouldn't need to worry about surprise attacks. Even if an enemy used instant body movement or space-time ninjutsu, Fang Yuan would detect it immediately. It was like a simplified radar!
Fang Yuan traveled quickly and reached the edge of the outer wall of Konoha Village around 12:00 p.m. The time of Xu was around seven or eight in the evening. By this time, the Uchiha guards on duty had changed shifts. Fang Yuan noticed that the guards were more vigilant than usual, likely due to recent news of a spy defecting from Konoha, prompting the village's decision-makers to increase the guard's strength.
Fang Yuan identified a weak spot on the outer wall. He used a straightforward approach to attract the guards' attention, targeting two tribesmen with only one Magatama Sharingan each. Appearing on the watchtower with body flicker technique, the two guards heard the noise and turned around, only to face a rotating three-magatama Sharingan.
Since this eye would need to be replaced eventually, Fang Yuan didn't hold back on using his pupil power. The two guards, with their one-magatama Sharingan, were completely overwhelmed by Fang Yuan's illusion and fell asleep immediately. Fang Yuan tidied up the scene and vanished into the dark night.
Meanwhile, inside the brightly lit Hokage Building, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, set down his pipe. He looked up in surprise as Shimura Danzo entered, his eyes lighting up momentarily.
"You haven't been back for a while," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked.
Danzo took off his straw hat and sat opposite Sarutobi Hiruzen. Pouring himself a cup of hot tea, he said calmly, "The laboratory has made new achievements recently. Orochimaru needs me to coordinate his subordinates' work. I really couldn't spare the time."
"But you're back now," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied with a knowing smile, eyeing his old friend.
"Due to the Rain Ninja's traitor, Root needs a major reshuffle. And I heard Kakashi has returned," Danzo said, his expression darkening.
Danzo had been working closely with Salamander Hanzo during this time, keeping their cooperation a secret from Sarutobi Hiruzen. His return was intended to prevent any leaks about their dealings. Danzo had been active in capturing lone Uchiha members, raising Hiruzen's suspicions.
Danzo thought to himself, I need to stay quiet for a while...
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, his expression serious. "Kakashi has indeed returned. However, the mission was not without loss; two heroes died in the line of duty. I asked Kakashi to rest and report back in the evening. He should be here soon."
"You were spying on me? You knew I was coming back at night?" Danzo's expression grew grim. It was clear Sarutobi Hiruzen had been waiting for him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen met Danzo's gaze calmly and did not deny it. "After all, the followers were involved in this mission. As the leader of Root, you need to hear the details."
At that moment, three sharp knocks were heard outside the window.
Boom, boom, boom.
"Come in," Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
Kakashi entered the Hokage's office. He glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, then at Danzo Shimura, before returning his focus to Sarutobi Hiruzen, seeking direction.
"Don't mind him, Kakashi. Just report your findings," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, picking up his pipe and taking a puff as if nothing was amiss.
Kakashi, unbothered by the presence of others, began his report. Danzo waved his hand impatiently.
"Let's begin," Danzo said.
Kakashi recounted the details of his mission. After he finished, a heavy silence fell over the room.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. "A ninjutsu that can make the soul perceive physical objects is truly remarkable. It's no wonder the spy from the Rain Village managed to infiltrate Konoha for so long. Thankfully, he's dead. You did well, Kakashi."
"What a pity... if only we could have used him," Danzo said, his head bowed, clearly plotting. He noted the name Putian in his mind, hoping to one day capture the surviving descendants of this clan.
"In your report, you mentioned encountering civilians controlled by the Sharingan. Is this accurate, Kakashi?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, his tone becoming cautious.
Kakashi nodded. "The mysterious man didn't seem hostile. He even provided information about our enemies. His true purpose remains unknown."
"Have any Uchiha clan members registered to leave the village recently?" Sarutobi Hiruzen inquired.
Kakashi shook his head. "I checked this afternoon. Besides those assigned to missions, there have been no recent departures from the Uchiha clan."
"That's strange... Could it be an Uchiha member who got lost outside?" Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered. He then noticed Danzo's eyes glowing red, his tone becoming more forceful.
"Something has happened, Hiruzen. I've always said the Uchiha are Konoha's greatest hidden danger. They're restless and have evil intentions. They were behind the Nine-Tails incident and now this mysterious Uchiha is colluding with the Rain Village. How long will you tolerate them?"
"Danzo, Kakashi said this Uchiha meant no harm," Sarutobi Hiruzen responded calmly.
"You're still too naive, Hiruzen. Kakashi might have been manipulated. The Uchiha are masters of illusion. It's absurd to think no one has been deceived," Danzo sneered.
"I propose that the Uchiha clan be eradicated from Konoha!"
"Danzo! How can you suggest that?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's anger flared. He was shocked by Danzo's extremism.
"And Kakashi, having had contact with that Uchiha, should be detained for investigation. His trustworthiness is in question. The deaths of Tsurumao Jonin and Dieyi Chunin are also suspicious. I hope Root will take over the next phase of the investigation."
Danzo's gaze lingered on Kakashi, who remained impassive. Sarutobi Hiruzen was visibly unhappy.
"Do you believe Kakashi has been bewitched by his enemies?"
"Not necessarily, but he is not suited for joint missions with Root and Anbu at the moment," Danzo said. "Hiruzen, I would like to transfer one more person from your Anbu to assist with my work."
"Hmph! Is that your real aim, Danzo?" Sarutobi Hiruzen said coldly, realizing Danzo's intentions to poach new personnel.
He remained silent for a moment, deep in thought, before finally agreeing. "Tell me. Who do you have in mind?"
Danzo's eyes lit up with anticipation. "I want Uchiha Shisui!"