After Jinyo left, Hiruzen rubbed his temples, a headache brewing.
The intelligence was simply too heavy; even old Hiruzen Sarutobi was momentarily at a loss.
Upon arriving at the Hokage Residence, Veigar was immediately escorted to Hiruzen's presence.
"Lord Third, this is my report for the recent mission."
"The other scroll contains some heads I brought back, including the corpse of a Kage-level ninja."
Both the mission report and the scroll containing the heads of Akatsuchi and Aiki's group were placed by Veigar on Hiruzen's desk.
"Hm, thank you for your efforts on this mission."
Days had passed, and the war on the front lines had already been won. Hiruzen had, of course, received news of Veigar and Minato successfully completing their joint mission.
Noticing Hiruzen's visibly troubled expression, Veigar didn't press the matter, simply stating, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Taking a long drag from his pipe and exhaling a thick cloud of smoke, Hiruzen spoke to Veigar in an incredibly somber tone:
"Veigar, I have a new S-rank mission for you now. Please depart immediately."
Having just returned to Konoha, Veigar hadn't expected to receive a new mission just by reporting.
Moreover, Hiruzen's expression clearly indicated that this mission was anything but simple.
It was very likely a mission no less challenging than the one he had just completed.
Veigar wanted to refuse; after all, even a man about to be hanged needs to catch his breath, right?
However, Veigar could tell from Hiruzen's demeanor that he truly couldn't refuse this mission.
"Yes."
Helpless, Veigar could only nod and accept the mission.
Although Veigar showed no overt signs of displeasure, Hiruzen still appeased him:
"You've just returned; I shouldn't be giving this mission to you, but I have no choice. Currently, you're the only one in the village most suitable for this task."
Nodding, Veigar expressed his understanding.
"I need you to..."
...
Ten minutes later, Veigar left the Hokage Residence.
A solemn expression still lingered on Veigar's face. The intelligence Hiruzen had just revealed had shocked him.
This matter was indeed of no small consequence.
Half an hour later, Veigar secretly departed Konoha, rapidly heading towards the Land of Lightning.
Meanwhile, in Konoha, Hiruzen ordered Anbu ninjas to notify the heads of the various ninja clans to convene at the Hokage Residence for a meeting.
At the Konoha Police Force headquarters, Fugaku Uchiha, who had been clan head for several years, exuded an increasingly powerful aura.
He had also heard the news of Veigar's return. Unaware that Veigar had already quietly left again, he was contemplating when he should discuss the previously agreed-upon transaction.
However, before he could make up his mind, Veigar had already sought him out.
Of course, this was just one of Veigar's Shadow Clones.
If he hadn't left the village again, Veigar wouldn't have used a Shadow Clone to meet Fugaku Uchiha.
With Veigar's strength, finding Fugaku's location and infiltrating the Konoha Police Force headquarters wasn't difficult. The moment Veigar appeared in the Police Force captain's office, Fugaku instantly activated his three-tomoe Sharingan.
"Who's there?"
The vigilant Fugaku immediately looked towards Veigar's position.
"Clan Head Fugaku, long time no see."
"My apologies, I had originally planned to visit tonight, but an unexpected situation arose, so I had to come at this time."
"This is just a Shadow Clone of mine; my real body secretly left the village just now to execute a mission."
Fugaku shook his head, not minding this minor detail. He understood that Veigar seeking him out now surely meant there was something important to discuss.
"Long time no see, Jonin Veigar."
"Is there something important?"
His serious expression and grave tone both demonstrated Fugaku's regard for Veigar.
Of course, this was also related to Veigar's earlier transaction with him. As the agreed-upon time drew nearer, Fugaku was also worried about potential unforeseen circumstances.
At the same time, he was curious why Veigar had secretly left the village for a mission immediately upon his return.
However, Fugaku also knew the rules and didn't inquire about it.
Without much preamble, Veigar looked at Fugaku and spoke directly:
"I believe you've already received the intelligence, right?"
"Kakashi obtained one of your Uchiha clan's Sharingan."
Upon Veigar's mention of this, Fugaku's gaze sharpened, staring at Veigar as he asked, "What are you trying to say?"
Indeed, Fugaku had already received intelligence from the front lines: his clan's kekkei genkai, the Sharingan, had appeared in the possession of an outsider.
At this moment, Fugaku was planning to demand the Sharingan back once Kakashi returned from the battlefield.
The Sharingan was one of the fundamental sources of the Uchiha clan's power. Of course, they wouldn't allow the power of the Sharingan to remain outside their control.
Because of this Sharingan implanted in Kakashi's eye, the Uchiha clan was currently in an uproar. Even Fugaku, whose authority had steadily grown, found it difficult to suppress them.
"I want to ask that if Kakashi is unwilling to return the Sharingan to you, please do not pursue it."
"Also, I want you to act out a play."
Veigar's tone was incredibly certain, as if he was sure Fugaku would agree.
Veigar also knew that without his visit this time, Fugaku would eventually reach an agreement after meeting Minato, ultimately supporting Minato's ascension to the Fourth Hokage position.
However, Veigar wouldn't let the plot develop as it normally would. He intended to use this point to his advantage now.
If anyone else had said this to Fugaku, they would either be incinerated by his Great Fireball Jutsu or at least receive a cold reception. But since it was Veigar speaking, Fugaku had to take it seriously.
Fugaku's brow furrowed deeply as he pondered Veigar's intentions.
Seeing that Fugaku hadn't responded and was still thinking, Veigar administered another strong dose.
"I hear your son Itachi is four years old this year; he should be starting the Ninja Academy soon, right?"
"After he graduates from the Ninja Academy, I will personally mentor him as he grows. I believe I have the strength and the ability to do so."
"Furthermore, I will increase the stakes based on our original agreement."
Refuse? Should he refuse?
After stating his conditions, Veigar was in no hurry, quietly waiting for Fugaku's decision.
The office of the Konoha Police Force captain fell into profound silence.
Half an hour later, Fugaku looked up and asked Veigar, "Are you that confident?"
Veigar smiled, replying effortlessly, "It's inevitable, because there's no other choice."
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TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]