Chapter 235 : I Am Here, Akatsuki Is Not A Threat To Konoha
Tsunade looked seriously at the two Hokage advisors and said, "Naruto isn’t what you think he is. I’ve already assigned Yamato to accompany him—there’s nothing to worry about."
The two Hokage advisors disagreed. "Given the current state of the shinobi world, we cannot support such a risky move. And why must you bring Sasuke back? He left the village of his own will, and we didn’t label him a traitor—wasn’t that concession enough?"
In fact, they weren’t entirely wrong. In other shinobi villages, leaving without permission would usually mean being branded a rogue ninja.
What’s more, Konoha had sent people to retrieve him, and Sasuke had refused outright.
If not for Tsunade, Sasuke would have already been classified as a missing-nin.
The advisors also knew very well that the Third Hokage had once entertained the idea of training Sasuke himself. Otherwise, he never would have approved of Tsunade’s proposal in the first place.
Although, in the end, their approval didn’t matter much.
At first, Riku had thought that Hiruzen would be highly cautious toward Sasuke. But after considering it carefully, Riku realized that if the Third Hokage was truly a wise leader, he wouldn’t treat Sasuke with suspicion. On the contrary, he’d invest in cultivating him.
Because at that time, Sasuke was the only remaining member of the Uchiha clan in Konoha.
Originally, the Third Hokage had insisted on making Kakashi the Jonin leader of Team 7 precisely to teach Sasuke how to use his Sharingan. His hope was that Sasuke would grow into the next powerhouse of the Uchiha clan.
The Uchiha were a guarded clan, but with only Sasuke left, there was no reason for suspicion. Let him grow stronger—let him become a pillar for Konoha.
Hiruzen’s attitude toward the Uchiha had always differed from Danzo’s.
His stance was more aligned with Tobirama Senju’s: while he believed the Uchiha should be monitored, they still deserved a place to live and thrive. After all, their blade was a powerful one.
If the Fourth Hokage hadn’t died, the higher-ups in Konoha might’ve truly achieved reconciliation with the Uchiha.
At the very least, relations would have improved somewhat.
That’s why Hiruzen placed high hopes on Sasuke.
There was no need to fear the Uchiha threatening the village anymore.
By nurturing Sasuke, they’d create another elite shinobi. Considering Konoha’s weakened state at the time, if Hiruzen had still wanted to eliminate Sasuke—an obvious genius—it would’ve been pure foolishness.
And the real reason Kakashi was chosen as Team 7’s leader was to teach Sasuke. Monitoring Naruto had only been a secondary objective.
Hiruzen’s views had always aligned with the two Hokage advisors.
That’s why, even after Hiruzen’s death, no one in Konoha moved against Sasuke. Otherwise, if the advisors truly didn’t care, Danzo would’ve already acted.
Sasuke’s talent, as displayed during the Chūnin Exams, was no joke.
Even if the intention was to mold him into a weapon, he was more than suitable.
Hiruzen had only promised to let Sasuke live—he’d never said what kind of life it would be.
But this time, Naruto—Konoha’s Jinchūriki—was involved, and that made the advisors uneasy.
After all, tailed beasts were the most critical assets of every village, and they couldn’t afford to take risks.
The two Hokage advisors frowned at Tsunade’s response and said, "Akatsuki’s members are Kage-level at minimum. I’m sure you’re well aware of how the Kazekage was taken. It happened right in front of the entire Sunagakure force. Do you really think Yamato can prevent something like that?"
Tsunade glared at them. "What are you two suggesting? Either way, Naruto is going on this mission."
The two sighed, then glanced at Riku. "If you said Riku were going, we’d have no objections. We believe that with his strength, he could absolutely ensure Naruto’s safety."
In truth, Riku hadn’t expected to have such a cordial relationship with the two advisors.
He used to look down on these old men.
But after spending years working with them, he realized they thought on a much deeper level than most.
They had their selfish moments, but they also had unwavering dedication—to the stability of Konoha.
Of course, Riku still didn’t like them. But he no longer hated them either.
Over the last three years, they’d had no conflicts.
Riku looked at them and said, "I won’t be going on this mission. You’re really overthinking this. With Yamato accompanying him, Naruto won’t be in any danger. Besides, no one in the shinobi world even knows that Naruto has left the village."
"On the contrary, keeping Naruto in Konoha is more likely to attract Akatsuki here. Don’t you two agree?"
The advisors thought for a moment, then sighed. "Well, if you say so... we won’t object. But among the three of us, Danzo still wants to discuss it."
Riku paused, then smiled faintly. "I knew you two couldn’t make such a firm stand on your own."
In past discussions with Tsunade, they had rarely taken such a strong stance.
So it turned out Danzo was behind this.
The two gave bitter smiles. "When it comes to the Jinchūriki, we have to consult with Danzo. Naruto is too important to Konoha."
Riku didn’t say anything more.
Tsunade frowned. "That old man’s still clinging on, huh?"
Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane looked resigned.
"Danzo, come in," they said toward the door.
The door to the consultation room opened.
Danzo entered, pretending not to have heard Tsunade’s earlier remark.
He walked in on his cane.
Instead of joining them directly, he moved to stand by the window.
He gazed outside at the birds for a long moment without saying anything.
Tsunade stared at him, brows furrowed. "What exactly are you trying to arrange this time?"
Danzo spoke calmly, "I only want one slot."
Tsunade blinked. She’d thought Danzo would push to make his subordinates the mission leader.
Though ROOT had been officially disbanded, many shinobi still followed Danzo’s orders.
She hadn’t expected him to ask for just one position.
Riku narrowed his eyes slightly. Danzo’s behavior was a little unusual. But then it struck him—Danzo was probably planning to send someone to negotiate with Orochimaru.
Over the years, Danzo had cultivated his own intelligence network.
He had connections with Hanzō in the Land of Rain, and even Orochimaru.
Though Danzo had an unhealthy obsession with becoming Hokage, he still didn’t want any other village’s powerful shinobi posing a threat to Konoha.
For all his flaws, he was still a shinobi of Konoha.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Just that one condition?"
Danzo nodded. "Yes. Only one."
Then he turned around and looked at Riku, who stood behind Tsunade.
"Riku, how confident are you when facing Akatsuki?"
"You should be well aware of their strength."
At this question, Yamato, Shizune, Tsunade, and the two advisors all turned to look at Riku.
Riku felt no pressure. He responded calmly, "I can only guarantee this: as long as I’m there, they will never be a threat to Konoha."
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