Chapter 85: The Number One Dangerous Figure – Uchiha Iizumi!

“Uchiha…” The young envoy, clearly familiar with the Uchiha name, couldn’t help but pause. After all, the Uchiha clan was legendary throughout the Ninja World.

He suddenly narrowed his eyes. “Is he alone? Or does he represent the entire Uchiha clan?”

The Leaf Village ninja recalled, then replied: “Uchiha Iizumi is more of a lone wolf. He’s always been an outsider—even among his own clan. But I’ve heard he’s been accompanied by a rookie investigator from the Investigation Corps.”

The envoy’s expression cleared. A faint smile curled his lips. “Then he’s no threat. If he’s not representing the whole clan, he’s merely one man.”

He added with quiet confidence: “My lord, the Daimyo himself sent one of the Guardian Ninja Twelve—‘Nanmu’—to serve as my personal guard. He was once an elite Leaf ninja, a jōnin, if I recall correctly.”

“Nanmu,” the Leaf ninja murmured under his breath, his gaze drifting to the group before him.

His eyes settled on a single figure—tall, sharp-eyed, with a deep scar cutting across his cheek, radiating an aura both cold and dangerous.

But still, the Leaf ninja pressed: “Still, Your Excellency, proceed with caution. It would be best to remain here for a moment. I’ll return shortly.”

…

Not long after, inside the Hokage’s office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tsunade Konoha, and Hyūga Menji—the three highest-ranking officials of the Leaf Village—stood gathered in solemn discussion. The same Leaf ninja who had spoken with the envoy was present as well.

Tsunade Konoha scoffed. “Hmph. Young fools these days. Just a little courtesy, and he actually climbed straight up the ladder. Told him the Hokage would meet him personally, and he actually took it seriously.”

Hyūga Menji spoke slowly. “True enough. His position is unique—he’s the Daimyo’s second son, Yoyoenin Kyosuke. With that title, he naturally believes the Hokage should come out to greet him.”

He turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi. “Hokage-sama… what do you intend to do?”

Hiruzen, fingers wrapped around his pipe, exhaled a slow stream of smoke. After a long silence, he set the pipe down and stood.

“I’ll go myself,” he said, voice firm. “After all, he’s a messenger from the Daimyo.”

He continued, “The Third Ninja War ended not so long ago. The Nine-Tails’ attack left us devastated. And last night’s chaos has left the village weakened. In this state, we need financial support from the Daimyo’s court. Letting my own face be seen in exchange for more funds? It’s a small price. The village gains. There’s no loss.”

His words, noble and self-sacrificing, nearly brought tears to the younger ninja’s eyes.

But Tsunade Konoha and Hyūga Menji remained expressionless.

They both knew the truth—once word spread that “the Hokage bowed before the Daimyo for the village’s sake,” it would only strengthen Hiruzen’s political standing within Leaf.

“By the way, Hiruzen,” Tsunade Konoha suddenly called out, her voice low and sharp. “That incident last night—Danzō and Uchiha Iizumi. Are you really not going to handle it properly?”

“Uchiha Iizumi is too unpredictable. Even if you have your own plans, you should’ve shared them with us.”

Hiruzen paused mid-step.

He met Tsunade’s gaze, then spoke quietly, “I’m doing this precisely to make him controllable. If he ever turns against the village, even if we manage to defeat him, the cost will be catastrophic. For now, the only thing I can do is keep him calm.”

Tsunade’s voice tightened. “Hiruzen, this kind of tolerance only encourages him to push further! Last night, he openly defied you in front of everyone. What next? What will he do when he’s truly unchained?”

“Respect your decision, we do. But you must think carefully—because one day, you may regret it.”

Hiruzen felt a strange déjà vu.

He almost snapped back with his usual retort: “I am the Hokage.”

Instead, he said simply, “I am aware of my duties as Hokage.”

With that, he turned and left—leaving Tsunade and Hyūga Menji staring after him.

…

Meanwhile, Yoyoenin Kyosuke—son of the Daimyo—caught a glimpse of his father’s most trusted guardian, Nanmu, wearing a rare, grim expression.

He tilted his head. “Nanmu… you were once a jōnin of the Leaf Village. Have you heard of Uchiha Iizumi? And why are you so serious? You’ve never looked like this before. Is he really that dangerous?”

Nanmu’s voice was heavy with warning. “If he’s the same Uchiha Iizumi from my memories… then he’s trouble.”

He exhaled slowly. “He was the Molten Release Beast of the Third Ninja War. Countless powerful foes fell to him. Back then, he was considered a peer to Uchiha Shun—two of the greatest bloodline prodigies of the Uchiha clan.”

“I’ve heard rumors,” Nanmu continued. “He follows a strict Justice Ninja Way. He cannot tolerate evil. After joining the Uchiha Police Force, he solved countless cases—no matter the target.”

Yoyoenin Kyosuke considered this, a thoughtful smirk forming. “So he’s not a monster, then. Sounds like a righteous warrior. Then why did that man tell me to avoid him?”

Nanmu’s face hardened. “Because his justice knows no rank. No title. No privilege.”

“Even if you’re the Daimyo’s son, if he detects sin within you—no hesitation, he’ll strike.”

He added gravely: “Nine-Helper, Hiruzen Asama recently returned to the village for his brother’s funeral. He’s likely still here.”

“For your safety, I strongly recommend we bring him along. To protect you.”

Nanmu wasn’t exaggerating.

If Uchiha Iizumi set his sights on Yoyoenin Kyosuke, the Daimyo’s heir—there was no guarantee Nanmu could hold him off.

That man… was no ordinary ninja.

He was a monster.

“Hey, Nanmu,” one of Kyosuke’s retainers stepped forward, voice sharp. “Are you implying the Daimyo’s son is guilty? Be careful with your words. You’re just a guard, not our equal.”

“Hmph?” Nanmu didn’t even glance at him. His eyes were locked ahead, fixed on a distant point.

His fingers brushed the hilt of his blade. His palm, slick with cold sweat.

He spoke, voice low and tense: “You’re curious about the most dangerous man in the entire Leaf Village, aren’t you?”

A pause.

Then, softly:

“Funny… because Uchiha Iizumi… is right in front of us.”

…

…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end