A hotpot dinner loosened everyone's spirits—except for Mito Uzumaki.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't bring up village affairs again after being warned by Mito Uzumaki. However, later on, an unavoidable private ideological dispute erupted between Danzo and Hiruzen.
The two argued endlessly until finally, after a few drinks, they actually started fighting.
Mito didn't stop them.
She had seen similar scenes play out countless times between Hashirama and Madara. As long as they didn't use chakra or ninjutsu, letting them settle things with fists was acceptable.
"Real punches landing—that's what this is," Jiraiya said, watching in shock. Danzo specifically targeted weaknesses in Hiruzen's defense, while Hiruzen relentlessly exploited Danzo's blind spot in his right eye—neither held back a bit.
Although these were only basic taijutsu techniques, at their level the fight remained impressive. Round after round, neither managed to gain an advantage over the other.
But then again, this only happened because both had a bit too much to drink.
Under normal circumstances, neither would ever stoop so low as to brawl like regular people—both had reputations to maintain.
"Teacher's got it rough," Akaba sighed with sympathy.
This explained why Danzo grew increasingly angry and frustrated—Hiruzen clearly exploited his blind side. And since Mito Uzumaki sat nearby, anyone attempting to seal them with ninjutsu would immediately face swift retribution, with absolutely zero tolerance.
"If this were a standard taijutsu match without Enma assisting Teacher, he wouldn't stand a chance against Danzo. The loss of sight in his right eye has significantly impaired Danzo's combat effectiveness."
Orochimaru muttered softly.
Danzo had shown interest in him before, but never forced anything directly—he only subtly manipulated psychologically, guiding Orochimaru to act according to his own inclinations.
Therefore, Orochimaru harbored no deep hatred toward Danzo. In fact, he found many common topics with him and considered Danzo somewhat of a mentor who taught him various methods.
Even someone as strong as Danzo couldn't escape the frailties of age and injury.
Orochimaru couldn't help sighing inwardly—how vulnerable even the strongest could be to age and injury.
"Don't count me out yet!" Danzo suddenly roared. His speed and strength surged dramatically. The next instant, Hiruzen was kicked straight into the air.
"The Eight Gates!" Akaba shot to his feet, staring incredulously at Orochimaru. "Did you have something to do with this?"
"No, I merely submitted a theoretical report on the Eight Gates, along with some conjectures regarding opening the Gate of Opening," Orochimaru replied calmly.
[Gate of Opening] was the easiest among the Eight Gates to unlock—it temporarily granted a ninja full control over their physical abilities.
The Primary Lotus, for instance, was a classic technique performed under this state.
With a snap of her fingers, Mito released several chains of chakra binding both Danzo and Hiruzen simultaneously, slamming them both onto the ground.
Each grunted from the impact, becoming slightly more sober.
Akaba and the others stared, stunned.
This was perhaps the first time they'd personally witnessed Mito Uzumaki take action—and it was nothing short of breathtaking. Those chains appeared to be the legendary Adamantine Sealing Chains unique to the Uzumaki clan—but Mito had mastered them so completely, she wielded them with effortless precision.
So powerful!
"I'm sorry—I shouldn't have aimed there," Hiruzen apologized first.
Attacking an enemy's weakness is a ninja's common sense, but Danzo was an ally.
Danzo didn't think The Third committed any fault. He silently cursed his own weakness and blindness—he would've surely beaten him soundly otherwise.
He glanced at Mito Uzumaki and half-heartedly said, "I shouldn't have used the Eight Gates technique either."
Though he had only opened the first gate, it still significantly enhanced his physical abilities. If the fight continued, Hiruzen would likely end up in the hospital after taking such a direct hit.
"This kind of dangerous technique should never be used against teammates."
Mito Uzumaki stated calmly.
"You're right."
Danzo bowed his head while unconsciously rubbing his right eye.
This eye had already become necrotic.
In previous fights with opponents weaker than himself, he hadn't felt much impact, but battling Hiruzen made him realize how significant this deficiency truly was.
He needed to train and develop his own "eye"!
"Come find me later about the eyesight issue. Our Uzumaki clan does have some authority regarding sensing abilities."
Mito didn't continue berating him endlessly.
She clearly saw how much Danzo had contributed to Konoha. Both of The Second's two most outstanding disciples had their flaws, but they were undeniably loyal to Konoha.
Regarding his vision problem, she was willing to help resolve it.
"Thank you, Lady Mito."
Hiruzen happily accepted on Danzo's behalf.
Danzo hesitated for a moment, then quietly muttered "Tch," finally saying to Mito Uzumaki, "Thank you, Lady Mito."
Akaba was secretly thinking—if people from the Fire Shadow World could also awaken the Color of Observation Haki, wouldn't Danzo's Haki compensate for his lost eye?
But there was still a long grind ahead before he could unlock the Color of Observation Haki.
While contemplating internally, Akaba didn't say anything out loud.
Given Mito Uzumaki's abilities, whatever she planned to teach Danzo could temporarily make up for the deficiency. Once he activated the Color of Observation Haki through the System in the future, he could then consider whether he could teach others as well.
After all, this world crossed over between pirates and ninjas, and since he had the power of the System, he needn't worry about these problems—but people like Danzo faced entirely different circumstances.
"Alright, let's tidy up and go back."
Mito stood up, using chakra threads to manipulate the stone pot and dishes, tossing everything into the water to wash them. After scrubbing and rinsing multiple times, she pulled all the dishes back out.
Ninjutsu really was like magic.
Akaba broke out in cold sweat—it turned out that even elite warriors in the ninja world washed dishes so uniquely. In his previous life, he disliked dishwashing the most.
Next, Hiruzen used Water Release to put out the fire, while Danzo utilized Vacuum Sphere to dig holes for burying items.
"Let's go."
Everyone packed things up, carrying pots, pans, bowls, and chopsticks as they left.
On their way back, Tsunade mentioned something about opening a hotpot restaurant.
Hotpot was undeniably spicy, yet incredibly satisfying to eat—everyone fell in love with it after just one bite.
Even Orochimaru, who usually wasn't too fond of it, would probably rush over with ingredients if another hotpot dinner happened tomorrow.
Therefore, everyone enthusiastically agreed with the proposal for opening a hotpot restaurant—except Akaba.
It sounded way too exhausting and stressful.
The main reason Akaba knew how to prepare chili seasonings and other bases was because of family teachings. Actually opening a restaurant himself would quickly drain his interest toward it.
But if anyone wanted to open a shop, Akaba wouldn't mind providing recipes.
Returning to Konoha's streets, everyone went their separate ways toward home.
Danzo patted Akaba and Orochimaru on the shoulders, signaling them to follow. The Third noticed this but said nothing, maintaining a silent understanding.
"The two of you are the Training Instructors for the Preparatory Division and the Director of the Research Institute, respectively. Now that the war has just ended, we Konoha badly need fresh blood. During our recent meeting, we decided to put the Preparatory Division into operation as soon as possible to begin training for this year's graduating Genin."
Danzo had been punched by Mito Uzumaki earlier and was completely sobered up. His tone was far more composed now. His and the Third's simultaneous arrival was clearly no coincidence.
Akaba guessed this was partially related to him and partially connected to Mito Uzumaki leaving her clan compound.
Mito Uzumaki understood this well too.
"Have the equipment arrived at the Research Institute?"
Orochimaru cared most about his beloved devices; everything else meant little to him.
"Yes, and if you find anything unsuitable, you can move the current set over."
Danzo replied indifferently.
"Then I have no problem with it."
Orochimaru nodded in agreement.
"The Preparatory Division is also ready to start operations at any time. Have you already notified the Genin about this?"
Akaba naturally had no objections either.
Although both he and Orochimaru weren't exactly seasoned in these roles—it gave off the impression of children trying to drive a tank—they were indeed the most suitable candidates for these positions. No one else in the village could competently fill their shoes, so there was no alternative.
"Good. Then starting tomorrow, you'll both begin your work. At first, it would be best to give the newcomers a harsh welcome before properly educating them later."
Danzo said coldly.
"I understand."
A harsh welcome for new students?
Wasn't that basically military-style initiation training?
Though the methods of military training couldn't be directly copied, the concept was essentially the same. How to torment those students? Akaba already had a comprehensive plan.
First, send them all into a [True Illusion], followed by a month of intensified training. After that month, conduct another [Illusion] test.
Essentially none of the rookie Genin would survive these two illusions unscathed. Then inform them that failing three times means getting sent back to the academy to repeat the program.
Yes, that was perfect.
"Alright. Also regarding today's incident—"
"Don't worry. I'll keep my lips sealed and let the secret rot inside me."
Akaba understood perfectly.
Could something like this—the Hokage and Anbu leader getting drunk in the woods and throwing punches at each other—really be allowed to spread?
"Better make sure of that."
Danzo understood Akaba well too. This kid maintained strong principles regarding major issues, yet could be shamelessly petty about trivial details, enough to infuriate anyone.
If he ever opened a hotpot restaurant, he'd probably put up a sign saying "The Third and Danzo Fought Over Who Made the Best Broth!" As soon as the shop opened, everyone from the village would come to taste it out of curiosity.
To prevent Akaba from actually doing that, Danzo decided to warn him ahead of time.
"By the way, Lord Danzo, since you've managed to open the Opening Gate, can you tell us about it?"
Once official matters were settled, Orochimaru immediately turned to his 'research.'
Someone who had opened the first gate of the Eight Gates—this was truly invaluable experimental material.
After a moment of contemplation, Danzo answered, "I opened the Opening Gate during the battlefield recently, and indeed, it was extremely useful. However, I don't think I have the strength to open any further gates. I probably won't make it past the Second Gate, the Gate of Life."
"That's true. The [Opening Gate] involves the mind region, and anyone has the potential to unlock it. But based on your experience, it seems easier to activate in times of danger."
Orochimaru quickly took out his record page and began scribbling furiously.
Danzo remained silent for a moment. He had been away for some time, so he hadn't kept up with Orochimaru's latest progress, and found it hard to adapt to his current research-obsessed state.
Akaba, standing nearby, felt rather conflicted.
In the manga, Danzo had been killed by the [Reverse Four Symbols Sealing], using this terrifying jutsu that caused irreversible damage. Yet now, he was actually the first person to test and master the very first of the Eight Gates.
It was like watching Sasuke struggling to form a Rasengan—it was just too surreal.
Then, the two began discussing various aspects of the [Eight Gates Technique], occasionally asking Akaba a few questions as well—after all, in some sense, he was also one of the original creators of this technique.
After deep study, Orochimaru refined his records beyond anything he'd ever compiled before.
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