335. Can You Defeat Danzo?

The Twelve Guardian Ninja.

This is a special force independent of the hidden villages, exclusively serving the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

The team consists of twelve members, each an elite ninja of considerable strength. They often wear a waistcloth with the character for "Fire" to signify their identity.

As the son of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Asuma's inclusion in this group adds an aura of... justice.

After all, if even the Hokage's son has "defected" to the Daimyo's side, what could be more convincing?


As a result, the Daimyo holds Asuma in high regard, allocating many resources to him.

Were it not for his ties to Konoha, Asuma might have already become the leader of the Twelve Guardian Ninja...

However, after Danzo executed a group of nobles and merchants on charges of rebellion, Asuma's situation in the capital became delicate.

In the eyes of the nobles, Danzo represents Konoha, and Asuma is a member of Konoha.

During such tense times, being treated with suspicion is all too normal.

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As Asuma walks through the streets, he can fully understand their thoughts.

Feeling the gazes of those around him, Asuma flicks his lighter.

With a crisp sound of gears turning, a flame appears in his hand.

He skillfully lights the cigarette between his fingers and takes a deep drag, the furrow in his brow seeming to ease slightly.

Then, without hesitation, he turns into a dark alley and disappears into the crowd.

Seeing this, the black-haired woman who had been secretly following him panics.

She quickens her pace, rushing toward the alley where Asuma vanished.

To her surprise, as soon as she enters the alley, she runs straight into Asuma, who was waiting for her.

"I didn't expect Kazuma to be so distrustful of me that he'd send you to tail me even while I'm just taking a stroll," Asuma says, cigarette in mouth, leaning against the wall, his gaze complex as he looks at his companion.

Indeed, the woman who had been following him is also a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja—specifically, a member of the radical faction, Tou.

Hearing Asuma's question, Tou smiles coquettishly. "Asuma, Lord Kazuma is just worried you might do something reckless. After all, your father and the 'Darkness of the Shinobi' are quite close, aren't they?"

Asuma doesn't argue.

He simply flicks his cigarette butt to the ground and crushes it underfoot. "Think what you want. I won't let any harm come to the Daimyo."

With that, he activates the Body Flicker Technique and vanishes.

Tou narrows her eyes slightly, watching the direction Asuma left, lost in thought.

Upon returning to his residence, Asuma immediately gathers all the members of the moderate faction.

Including himself, there are six of them—exactly half of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, forming a balance against the radical faction led by Kazuma.

Aside from Asuma, the other five are Chiriku from the Fire Temple, and the "Lightning Style Four," including Kitane and Nauma.

"Everyone, at Kazuma's suggestion, the Daimyo plans to summon Danzo to the capital, where we, the Twelve Guardian Ninja, will ambush and kill him. What are your thoughts on this?" Asuma announces.

Hearing this, the group exchanges glances, and for a moment, no one speaks.

Finally, Chiriku, who knows Asuma best, breaks the silence. "Asuma, can you really bring yourself to kill Danzo?"

At this question, Asuma forces a bitter smile.

Truthfully, he is deeply conflicted.

On one side is an elder who watched him grow up, and on the other is his own ideals.

When the two clash, Asuma is truly lost...

Meanwhile, Tou has reported Asuma's situation to Kazuma. "Leader, with all due respect, Asuma is a wildcard in our plans. Perhaps it would be best to exclude him when the time comes."

Kazuma narrows his eyes at Tou's suggestion.

Though tempted, he ultimately shakes his head.

"No, not yet. We still need his father, Sarutobi Hiruzen's, help if we are to take down Konoha. Removing Asuma now would only create more variables. It's better to use him to pressure Hiruzen, forcing the Hokage to join our cause."

When he mentions the Hokage, Kazuma's eyes are filled with killing intent.

After all, he is a staunch anti-Hokage faction member. Seeing Tou still hesitating, Kazuma adds firmly, "Don't worry. If he steps out of line, I'll deal with him personally."

Hearing Kazuma's assurance, Tou finally lowers her head. "Understood."

————————

In truth, the unrest isn't limited to the capital. Konoha is also in turmoil.

At Koharu Utatane's residence, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, and other old friends have gathered—a rare occurrence.

Hiruzen sits, taking a long drag from his pipe.


Exhaling a cloud of smoke, he speaks slowly. "So, what's the reason for calling us here today?"

He looks at Koharu, his gaze deep.

She produces a letter from somewhere and slides it over to Homura and Hiruzen.

"See for yourselves."

Hiruzen doesn't move, but Homura eagerly picks up the letter to read.

Soon, his expression turns to one of shock. "What? The Daimyo is asking for our help?"

Hearing Homura's exclamation, Hiruzen remains calm.

Koharu, however, grows agitated.

"That's right! Even the Daimyo can no longer tolerate Danzo's tyrannical actions! He wants us to assist the Twelve Guardian Ninja in reclaiming control of Konoha!"

She looks at her two old friends, gritting her teeth. "Hiruzen, Homura, this is our last chance!"

Hearing this, Homura's expression shifts uneasily.

Since Danzo took power, they, the elders, have been stripped of their authority, reduced to mere figureheads.

To say he harbors no resentment would be a lie.

After all, who could accept going from a powerful elder to a meek old man?

But...

After being beaten down so many times, he doesn't dare to openly oppose Danzo now.

Hiruzen, however, after a long look at his old friends, lets out a deep sigh.

Then, in a hoarse voice, he asks the most critical and important question:

"Can you defeat Danzo?"