CHAPTER 113
There were only two days left before returning to the front line, and Uchiha Kiyo had already begun making preparations.
The first priority was his Wind Release ninjutsu. After five days of practice, he could occasionally perform it successfully. As long as he continued refining the hand seal transitions and chakra control while on the battlefield, he could incorporate it into his combat style.
The second issue was his clone. He needed to leave one behind in Konoha to monitor Danzo's actions and stay informed about village affairs in real time.
Finally, there was the matter of merit exchange.
Over the past two years, Uchiha Kiyo had accumulated significant battlefield achievements. Now, he was eager to exchange them for valuable ninjutsu.
The Forbidden Techniques in the Scroll of Seals were particularly tempting.
Flying Thunder God Technique, Impure World Reincarnation, Darkness Jutsu...
There was also the Spirit Transformation Technique, which allowed the soul to separate from the body and move independently. For Uchiha Kiyo, this was especially appealing.
Hokage's Office
A Konoha ninja in a standard vest entered the office, bowing slightly as he handed a scroll to the Third Hokage.
"Lord Hokage, this is Uchiha Kiyo's mission record. He recently visited the mission department to exchange his merits for ninjutsu. Given the sheer amount of merits he has accumulated, we were unable to make a decision without your approval."
The Third Hokage furrowed his brow as he unrolled the scroll. His eyes scanned the contents, and his expression darkened.
Nearly twenty S-rank merits remained unredeemed, along with a substantial number of A-rank merits—more than enough to exchange for multiple high-level jutsu.
This was the result of Uchiha Kiyo's relentless combat on the front lines. Over the past two years, he had eliminated a staggering number of enemy shinobi, playing a key role in several major battles.
His battlefield record was undeniably outstanding.
Yet, at the same time, this also meant that Uchiha Kiyo had transformed from a once-cautious and defensive ninja into a lethal and highly skilled combatant—a development that unnerved the village leadership.
Even the Third Hokage himself couldn't ignore the implications.
Uchiha Kiyo had been forged by war.
Danzo, in particular, had every reason to fear him.
After all, it was Danzo's actions that had pushed Uchiha Kiyo into this path of relentless growth. And now, they couldn't be certain whether his loyalty to Konoha would remain unwavering.
The Third Hokage sighed, rubbing his temples.
Why is Uchiha Kiyo choosing to exchange his merits now?
The war was nearing its final stages. Under normal circumstances, these merits would eventually be recognized and rewarded—especially with Orochimaru speaking on his behalf.
Yet Uchiha Kiyo was taking the initiative, demanding his rewards now.
Was he worried about something?
The Hokage glanced at the ninja before him.
"Summon Uchiha Kiyo. I'll speak with him directly."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
The Third Hokage remained deep in thought as he examined the scroll once more. A brief, tempting thought crossed his mind—to alter the records.
But he quickly dismissed it.
No. Something like that would only damage my reputation.
Mission Department
Uchiha Kiyo received his summons without surprise.
Given the sheer amount of merit he was exchanging, he had expected the decision to escalate to the Hokage.
However, there was a problem—his relationship with the Hokage was already strained.
Under normal circumstances, high-ranking officials would offer rewards to ninjas who had contributed significantly.
Yet here he was, forced to demand what he had rightfully earned.
If things were different, I wouldn't even have to ask. But given the situation... I can't afford to wait.
Uchiha Kiyo could not return to Konoha after this upcoming mission.
If he left without exchanging his merits now, they would be rendered useless.
Moreover, his ongoing conflict with the village leadership was becoming increasingly obvious.
At the same time, news of his merit exchange request quickly reached Danzo.
Danzo, ever the schemer, wasted no time in heading straight to the Hokage's office.
It didn't matter what Uchiha Kiyo wanted—he would object to it regardless.
Hokage's Office
By the time Uchiha Kiyo arrived, Danzo was already there, standing behind the Hokage with his usual arrogant and composed demeanor.
"Lord Hokage," Uchiha Kiyo greeted as he stepped inside.
Danzo's cold, piercing voice cut through the air.
"Uchiha Kiyo! Do you not understand proper etiquette? Have you no respect for your elders?"
Uchiha Kiyo barely spared him a glance, his expression unreadable.
Respect? You expect me to salute you?
Danzo, don't be ridiculous.
Ignoring him, Uchiha Kiyo turned his attention to the Third Hokage, awaiting a response.
The Hokage sighed and steered the conversation forward.
"Kiyo, I heard you wish to exchange your merits for ninjutsu."
His gaze hardened.
"Before approving this, I need to hear your reason."
This was a standard protocol within Konoha's merit system. Any major exchanges had to be justified.
Uchiha Kiyo smirked slightly. He had anticipated this.
Turning toward Danzo, his tone was laced with mockery.
"A certain someone has been calling me a criminal for years.
If that person decides to suddenly declare 'merits and crimes cancel out,' what happens to my merits?
No, I'd rather use them now while I still can."
Though he hadn't named Danzo explicitly, the meaning was crystal clear.
A tense silence filled the room.
The Third Hokage frowned.
Danzo really could do something like that...
It was not an unreasonable concern.
Danzo had yet to act, but it was entirely possible that he had been waiting for the war to end—planning to erase Uchiha Kiyo's achievements in one swift move.
Now that Uchiha Kiyo had brought it up, the atmosphere became awkward.
Was the village planning to strip a loyal ninja of his earned merits?
Even worse, there was a hidden message behind his words:
If you undermine my achievements, don't expect me to fight for Konoha with my full strength.
Uchiha Kiyo had demonstrated his power on the battlefield—he had elite jōnin-level combat ability.
If he fought with everything he had, Konoha could win more decisively.
The Third Hokage glanced at Danzo, gauging his reaction.
Danzo, naturally, understood the implications.
He couldn't outright deny Uchiha Kiyo his exchange—not now, at least.
If he pushed too hard, it would only confirm Uchiha Kiyo's suspicions.
After a brief pause, he finally spoke.
"Kiyo, rest assured, your merits are properly recorded."
For now, he wouldn't obstruct the exchange.
Uchiha Kiyo wasn't convinced.
The Third Hokage sighed.
"Fine. You may proceed with the exchange. Given your merits, you are entitled to one S-rank and two A-rank ninjutsu. A list will be provided—choose from it."
Uchiha Kiyo raised an eyebrow.
"Lord Hokage, doesn't the village have a Scroll of Seals filled with advanced ninjutsu? Why can't I exchange my merits for something from there?"
The room grew silent once again.
Danzo's expression darkened.
Uchiha Kiyo had just escalated things even further.
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