CHAPTER 105

Several days had passed since Uchiha Kiyo had been summoned to the Hokage's office. In that time, he had become increasingly proficient in both the Body Flicker Technique and the Water Vapor Propulsion Technique. His ability to integrate them seamlessly into combat had significantly improved, making his movements more unpredictable and fluid. His combat power had once again taken a step forward.

Today, he was in the middle of his training at Training Ground Nine when an Anbu ninja suddenly appeared before him.

"Uchiha Kiyo, Lord Hokage has summoned you to his office," the masked Anbu stated flatly.

As was customary, the Anbu didn't leave until he saw that Uchiha Kiyo had acknowledged the command. Knowing that any delay might be taken as a sign of defiance, Uchiha Kiyo immediately stopped his training and followed.

On the way, he mulled over the summons.

"Why now? The relationship between me and the Hokage hasn't been good for a while."

Ever since he had killed those Root ninjas and pointed out their involvement in Nawaki Senju's death, his relationship with the Third Hokage had become tense. It was clear that Hiruzen Sarutobi did not appreciate his actions. The Third Hokage had seen Uchiha Kiyo as a potential bridge between Konoha and the Uchiha clan, someone who could be cultivated into a medical and support ninja. But Uchiha Kiyo's bloody efficiency on the battlefield, his willingness to kill without hesitation, had thrown a wrench into that plan.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had tolerated Uchiha Kiyo's actions up until now, perhaps because of Orochimaru's influence or due to the sheer number of enemies the young Uchiha had eliminated. His contributions to the war effort had been undeniable, and his growing reputation on the battlefield had made it difficult for even someone like Danzo to move against him.

However, Danzo had not been idle. The loss of Root operatives was not something he would forgive so easily. And now, Uchiha Kiyo had been summoned—on what seemed to be an official pretext.

"The root was attacked some time ago," the Anbu had mentioned. "According to our investigation, the ninja responsible for the attack was one of our own, who had disappeared before resurfacing within Konoha. Hokage-sama wants to speak with you regarding this matter."

"Sure enough," Uchiha Kiyo thought. "I should have expected this. But for them to even find out about the missing Root ninja... Konoha's intelligence network really is terrifying."

As much as he had tried to cover his tracks, it seemed something had slipped through. That meant his actions were being scrutinized.

"Staying under the radar and keeping my moves hidden is becoming increasingly difficult. If I don't tread carefully, I might end up falling into a trap."

It took only ten minutes to reach the Hokage Tower. With a composed expression, Uchiha Kiyo entered the Hokage's office, pushing the doors open.

Inside, the Third Hokage was seated at his desk, seemingly engrossed in paperwork. However, Uchiha Kiyo noticed Danzo standing nearby. Despite his injuries, Danzo had made it a point to be here. His empty sleeve and pale complexion were clear signs that his wounds had not yet healed, but his presence meant one thing—he had prepared for this moment.

"Putting on an act again, huh? I'm sure you already know what I did, so what's the point of pretending?" Uchiha Kiyo thought to himself, remaining calm despite the apparent trap.

"Hokage-sama, you summoned me?" Kiyo said, keeping his tone neutral.

"Ah, Kiyo," Hiruzen responded with a grandfatherly tone, though his eyes were as sharp as ever. "I called you here today to ask about a certain matter."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"I don't know if you've heard, but some time ago, Root was attacked. Our investigation has determined that the assailant was a former Root ninja who had gone missing and somehow found his way back into Konoha."

Before Hiruzen could continue, Danzo, visibly impatient, cut in with a sneer.

"Hmph. Hiruzen, there's no need to be so gentle with this. Uchiha Kiyo, did you know that this so-called 'missing' Root ninja was planning to attack? Or, more importantly, were you the one who encouraged his actions?"

Danzo's single eye bore into him, looking for any sign of weakness.

Uchiha Kiyo widened his eyes in what seemed like genuine surprise and shook his head. "I was only responsible for receiving information, Lord Danzo. If he was planning an attack on Konoha, I had no idea. If anything, wouldn't that be a failure on your part?"

Kiyo continued, not giving Danzo a chance to interrupt. "A Root ninja defected and went rogue? That sounds like a problem with Root's management, doesn't it? How can I be held responsible for that?"

Danzo's face darkened, and his single hand clenched into a fist. "Hmph! Hiruzen, you see? He's just making excuses. We have intelligence linking him to the traitor."

Uchiha Kiyo narrowed his eyes. "Oh? And what proof do you have, Lord Danzo? Are you saying I should take the blame for Root's failure? If a Root ninja goes rogue and Konoha suffers a loss because of it, shouldn't we question Root's ability to manage its own people? If anything, Hokage-sama should be questioning you, Lord Danzo."

"You—" Danzo's face twisted in barely controlled fury, his fingers twitching as if he wanted nothing more than to lash out.

Hiruzen raised a hand, silencing Danzo before he could say more. "That's enough," he said, exhaling heavily. "Uchiha Kiyo, I have indeed called you here to discuss this incident. However, I want you to be honest with me. What do you know about this Root ninja's defection?"

Uchiha Kiyo's expression remained calm as he answered, "Hokage-sama, I was simply tasked with retrieving information from the Root ninja. I did not even get to see his face properly. I don't know why he turned against the village, nor do I understand why I would be accused of having anything to do with it. If Root's own member turned traitor, isn't that something Root should take responsibility for?"

Sarutobi looked at him intently, his expression unreadable. "Hmm. Very well. You may go for now, Uchiha Kiyo."

Uchiha Kiyo nodded, feigning innocence to the end, and left the Hokage's office.

As he exited the building, he could feel Danzo's eye on his back, filled with suspicion and silent rage. Uchiha Kiyo smirked slightly.

"You can keep trying, Danzo, but I'm not falling that easily."

The village was getting more dangerous by the day, and Uchiha Kiyo knew that sooner or later, he would have to make a choice. But for now, he had more pressing matters to attend to.

His training needed to continue, and his plans needed refining.

No matter what, he would not be anyone's pawn.

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