Konoha Hypocrite (Part-1)

Chapter 148: Unfaltering Loyalty, Shattering Hiruzen's Defense

Just after the four of them left the meeting room, they noticed a person standing by the window in the corridor. The person was wearing a white windbreaker, and his slender figure was thin but elegant.

He was looking at the scenery outside the window with his hands behind his back as if he was observing something. This was the very Uchiha Tonan who was the primary subject of the argument just now.

Shimura Danzo glanced at him and lightly said, "Little fellow, what a coincidence you are here." In his heart, however, he thought that Sarutobi Hiruzen had secretly summoned Tonan. Tonan seemed to have just noticed their presence. He turned around and adjusted his glasses, greeting with a smile, "Danzo-sama, Advisors-sama, Orochimaru-sama."

Tonan behaved very politely. Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu both nodded back, thinking this young boy was very well behaved. Although they were on Danzo's side at this time, most of their reasons were not about going against Hiruzen.

On one hand, Tonan was indeed the best candidate and they didn't want to go against the Daimyo. But on the other hand, Danzo had given them a promise that they couldn't refuse.

While walking past Tonan, Danzo patted his shoulder and said with a smile that did not reach his eyes, "Half a year later, we need you to win glory for Konoha. Make extra effort in this time to strengthen yourself."

Orochimaru's snake eyes also focused on Tonan, and a look of interest flashed through his narrowed slits. Tonan didn't respond. He just smiled and watched the four people leave. After they were gone, he walked into the meeting room.

He saw Hiruzen leaning on the chair to rest with his eyes closed. Tonan lightly walked behind him and stretched out his hands. He then rubbed Hiruzen's temple with his thumb and transmitted some chakra into it, making the massage even more relaxing. After a while, he asked in a quiet voice, "Sensei, what is bothering you?"

Hiruzen took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. Much had happened recently that was giving him a splitting headache. He enjoyed the head massage and the depressing feelings in his heart dissipated a bit. "Why did you come here?"

During this time, Hiruzen felt exhausted both mentally and physically. Since Shinnosuke and Asuma's death, it could be said that the people to whom Hiruzen attached the most importance were Tonan and Orochimaru.

Orochimaru had been with him for so many years. He had personally watched him grow from an ignorant boy to one of the sannin who shook the Ninja World. He had always been his pride. Unexpectedly though, the student he valued the most betrayed him at a critical moment.

In terms of teacher-disciple relationships, Tonan was Orochimaru's junior brother. However, he still pushed him into the fire pit of the Capital.

Tonan controlled the strength of his hands and softly said, "I thought of some regulations for the welfare institution. I wanted sensei to help publicize it."

Hiruzen sighed and took a sip of tea. He waved his hand, "Let's put the matter of the institution aside for now. The higher-ups just had a meeting. The Daimyo asked you to participate in the Honorary Chunin Competition that will be held in the Fire Capital in half a year. After a vote, this discussion is now finalized and you have to participate."

Tonan nodded lightly and said, "I don't have a problem with that. It's my honor to win glory for the village."

Hiruzen opened his eyes and held Tonan's hand. Patting the back of his student's hand, he earnestly said, "Tonan, you're still too innocent. Some things are not that simple. Perhaps, I'm truly old. I never expected them to stand together now." Hiruzen squinted his eyes as he said this.