Notice
After Chi Yu left Root, Danzo stood rooted to the spot, unable to compose himself for a long while.
Finally, he slammed his fist down on the table, splintering it with a resounding crack. His face twisted into a venomous snarl as he roared:
"Ryoma!"
From the shadows, a figure emerged—Yume Ryoma, one of Danzo's most trusted subordinates and a core Root operative.
Danzo turned sharply, his eyes bloodshot with rage. "Tell me, if I gave you a squad of my most elite men, could you kill Chi Yu?"
Ryoma's expression remained cold and impassive. He answered evenly:
"My apologies, Lord Danzo. I have no confidence. He always senses my position before I reveal myself, and… my insects fear him. They refuse to approach."
Danzo's glare deepened as Ryoma added, "With all due respect, even if all of Root were mobilized, I doubt we could eliminate him."
"Useless!" Danzo bellowed, his voice shaking the chamber. "What good are the tools I've raised if you can't carry out something this simple?!"
But Ryoma held his silence, unmoving.
Danzo's fury simmered down into cold, calculating hatred. His voice was low, poisonous:
"Chi Yu… you'll regret crossing me. All the influence you've gathered in Konoha was only possible with my support. Without me, you'll find neither Hiruzen nor Minato willing to shield you. Let's see how long you can last."
---
Outside Root, Chi Yu's demeanor was calm and unshaken.
To him, Danzo was nothing more than a temporary tool, and there was little more to gain from their partnership. Severing ties was inevitable.
He made his way to the Konoha Military Police Headquarters—referred to officially as the Konoha Defense Force—and found Kakashi.
"Teacher Chi Yu?" Kakashi blinked in surprise. "What brings you here? I thought you were… always with Kushina-sensei lately."
Chi Yu got straight to the point. "Kakashi, your time as acting captain ends today."
Kakashi's brows furrowed. "You mean… you're resuming command?"
Chi Yu shook his head. "No. From today forward, the Konoha Defense Force has nothing to do with me."
Kakashi froze. "What happened?"
"Danzo and I are finished," Chi Yu said curtly.
Kakashi understood immediately. The Defense Force had been created under Danzo's heavy influence, meant to serve as a counterbalance to the Uchiha Police. With Danzo and Chi Yu at odds, his removal was certain.
Chi Yu asked, "The bail funds we collected—are they intact?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Over the past few months, we've accumulated about forty million ryō."
Chi Yu considered this. "A little less than I expected, but enough."
Kakashi led him to the storage room. With a practiced hand, Chi Yu unrolled a sealing scroll and stored away the entire sum.
As they left the building, they ran into Uchiha Shisui.
Shisui froze upon seeing Chi Yu, his expression immediately tightening. Of all the Uchiha, Shisui had been the most concerned about Chi Yu's role in the Defense Force. While Kakashi had enforced policies with moderation, Chi Yu's methods were far harsher—and Shisui had feared his return.
Seeing him now, Shisui instinctively grew tense.
But Chi Yu only smiled faintly. "Relax. In fact, after today, you won't need to worry anymore. So, goodbye."
Without another word, Chi Yu and Kakashi departed.
Shisui stood there, confused. What did he mean, 'you won't need to worry anymore'?
---
Outside, Chi Yu spoke quietly to Kakashi. "Go wait at my house. I need to visit the Hokage Building—first, to tender my resignation, and second, to ensure Danzo loses face."
Kakashi nodded. "Understood, Teacher." He left without further question.
Chi Yu headed toward the Hokage's office, his thoughts calm. Once Minato was informed, there would be nothing left to disturb him until Kushina gave birth. He intended to remain by her side.
---
At the Hokage's office, Chi Yu knocked.
"Come in," Minato's voice called.
Inside, both Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi were present.
"Chi Yu?" Minato asked, surprised. "What brings you here?"
"I came to inform you," Chi Yu said evenly. "From this day forward, I resign as captain of the Konoha Defense Force. Appoint whomever you see fit."
Both Minato and Hiruzen's eyes widened.
"Resign? Why so suddenly?" Hiruzen asked.
Chi Yu's reply was measured. "Kushina is pregnant. She needs my care. That's reason enough. As for other reasons…" His gaze flicked meaningfully between them. "You'll discover them soon enough. Consider this my warning: whether you hear it from me or from Danzo will make all the difference. I've done you a favor. Now, unless it concerns Kushina, do not disturb me."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.
Minato and Hiruzen exchanged glances, unsettled. His words were cryptic, but they understood—something had fractured between Chi Yu and Danzo.
They didn't have to wait long.
Moments later, Danzo stormed into the office, his robes swirling around him.
"Fourth Hokage, Hiruzen," he barked. "Chi Yu's conduct has become intolerable. I demand he be stripped of his position as captain of the Konoha Defense Force, and that he be dismissed entirely! I already have a suitable replacement to recommend."
Danzo's tone was dripping with certainty. He believed Minato, who had been cautious about the Uchiha, would gladly see Chi Yu removed from power.
But Danzo was already a step behind.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters