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NBB Chapter 50: How to Accidentally Ruin Danzō’s Week in One Sentence
🕑 Added 2025-06-01 20:11:54 +0000 UTCA few days later.
In the Hokage’s Office in Konohagakure.
“I didn’t expect things to turn out this complicated.”
Hiruzen, pipe in mouth, looked solemnly at Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Kitagawa Gen. Even he now sensed how grave the situation had become.
Especially after hearing the report the three of them had brought back—he could hardly keep a straight face.
“Yeah, we didn’t expect it either,” Jiraiya replied with a serious nod.
“That guy really is Uchiha Obito. And he is the one responsible for Minato’s death."
"From what we’ve uncovered, his hatred may not be limited to Konoha—it seems directed at the entire shinobi world.”
“That’s right,” Kakashi added with a nod.
“He’s completely lost his mind. And the organization he’s part of seems to support his actions. They’re far too dangerous!”
Dangerous?
That was putting it mildly.
Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe. Kirigakure’s recent operation had yielded astonishing results—they had learned far more than anyone could have imagined.
But with so much revealed, what he felt wasn’t satisfaction. It was fear.
The Mizukage being under mind control... the true cause of Minato’s death... that mysterious organization...
Even someone like Hiruzen, who had weathered many storms, felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
And this was likely only the tip of the iceberg. Who was behind Uchiha Obito? Where had his Wood Release come from?
Even just this much information was already enough to send chills down his spine...
“Go fetch Danzō.”
After a long pause, Hiruzen rubbed his forehead and gave the order to the ANBU lurking in the shadows. Then he continued.
“I’m going to have Danzō follow up on this. As much as I distrust Root, I have to admit—they do have their strengths when it comes to intelligence."
"I’ll also send someone to communicate with Kirigakure and try to gauge the attitude of the other villages. Let’s see how they respond to all this.”
If the Mizukage could be controlled, then what about the other Kage?
Everything had to be handled with utmost care!
“In addition, I’ll issue a bounty for Uchiha Obito."
"But I want you to understand—some things can’t be made public."
"Especially since we’re trying to engage diplomatically with Kirigakure, so...”
“We understand,” Kakashi and Jiraiya both nodded. They were well aware of how serious the implications of this case were.
“Good.”
Hiruzen nodded in return, then turned toward Kitagawa Gen, who had been lost in thought the entire time. His voice carried a hint of amazement as he spoke: “Gen... what you accomplished this time... was truly incredible.”
Hiruzen already knew Gen was gifted—he’d heard Kakashi and Jiraiya praise the boy’s talent more than once.
Though he had always found it surprising. Gen had performed well in school, but not to an extraordinary degree. Still, Hiruzen hadn’t thought much of it.
Some people only reveal their true talents once they become full-fledged shinobi.
And yet...
Kitagawa Gen’s performance had been downright absurd.
“But it’s a good thing—after all, he’s a child of Konoha.”
This mission to Kirigakure had brought one surprise after another, all thanks to Gen.
It was his plan that allowed them to infiltrate Kirigakure smoothly. He had confirmed that Uchiha Obito was the one behind Minato’s death ten years ago—and then used Minato’s curse mark to defeat him once more.
It was also him who led the team out safely and retrieved the most crucial intel.
The boy had delivered shock after shock.
“Uh, thank you, Hokage-sama.”
Gen had been preoccupied with other thoughts. Normally, he wouldn’t even be qualified to attend a meeting like this—he was only here because of his deep involvement in the mission.
He hadn’t expected to be called out—but thankfully, he snapped back to attention just in time.
“I was just doing my duty. After all, I am a shinobi of Konoha.”
“No need to be so modest,” Hiruzen said with a much lighter tone now. Hearing that had clearly improved his mood—though he couldn’t help remembering how Gen had tricked him out of a bowl of ramen before leaving the village.
He shook his head and grew a little more serious.
“Still, Gen, you truly are exceptional. But there’s still much you need to learn. The best shinobi are those who stay humble—that’s how they keep growing.”
“And this time, the people and organizations we’re dealing with are far too dangerous. You’ve already caused them serious damage, so I’m worried…”
“That’s why I hope you can settle down for a while and focus on your studies here in the village. Pour your energy into improving yourself.”
As Hiruzen said this, he was a little concerned that Kitagawa Gen might be unwilling—after all, what genius wasn’t proud and ambitious?
Thinking it over, he quickly added: “Also, you performed exceptionally well this time. The mission will be classified as S-rank. If you’d like a reward, just say the word—I’ll do my best to grant it.”
“Really?”
Gen’s eyes lit up immediately. He had already planned to stay in Konoha for a while and delve into the rewards he’d received.
Especially since his eyes had reached their limit—they could awaken at any moment. He had to be careful in case the changes became too drastic.
Besides, even if he wanted to leave the village... Flying Thunder God wasn’t exactly easy to master.
As for the reward, he thought for a moment, then asked cautiously: “Um, could I be promoted directly to jōnin?”
“…”
“Hokage-sama, I know I still have room to improve, but I can keep learning. I think I’m capable enough, right?”
“…”
“Besides, Kakashi-sensei became a jōnin at about my age too, so…”
Hiruzen felt a vein in his forehead begin to throb. Was he regretting his words already?
Did this kid know what being a jōnin meant?
They were the elite of the village—the core forces, part of the succession pool for future Hokage candidates!
Becoming Hokage wasn’t easy... but if you weren’t even a jōnin, you basically hadn’t even reached the doorstep.
Konoha had over 100,000 residents and tens of thousands of shinobi—but how many of them were jōnin?
And this wasn’t wartime. Handing out promotions carelessly could have serious consequences…
“Becoming a jōnin requires careful evaluation. You need to master far more knowledge and be able to lead missions independently.”
Hiruzen rubbed his temples, trying to explain gently.
“And jōnin usually lead their own squads. You don’t want to leave Kakashi just yet, do you?”
“Hmm…”
Gen turned to glance at Kakashi, then asked in confusion: “But I heard Kakashi-sensei still—”
“Your chūnin promotion has been approved!”
“But—”
“No need to worry. You’re exceptional—you don’t need another test. That’s enough for now. You must be tired. Go get some rest.”
Hiruzen was now trying to usher him out. He really didn’t want to keep bickering with this kid.
“Then, Hokage-sama, I’ll take my leave as well,” Kakashi said, shrugging.
He walked over and put an arm around Gen’s shoulders, guiding him out.
“Group dinner tonight. Go home, rest up, and be ready. Let’s go.”
“Tch.”
Gen pursed his lips. He had been hoping to use this opportunity to push the main quest forward.
But seriously, wasn’t this Third Hokage being way too stingy?
Then again… it wasn’t like he got nothing. The rewards this time weren’t bad at all.
Aside from the Three-Tails’ chakra, he had received something quite interesting:
[Side Quest Complete: Kakashi Exclusive Side Quest 2]
[Jaded Obito, Shattered Self]
[Reward Acquired: White Zetsu’s special Yang Release chakra]
“Another Yang Release chakra, huh…”
Gen had already obtained Kimimaro’s Yang Release chakra—but that had been from the ‘Ōtsutsuki Hamura’ line.
Now, with his eyes awakening as well, it felt like the pieces were finally falling into place.
And with this latest reward… he might’ve just completed the ‘Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo’ set!
“Well, I guess I still don’t have the real Indra or Asura...”
He felt a bit disappointed. Still, with the Three-Tails’ chakra and this latest haul—
“I’m definitely about to make a massive leap forward!”
With that thought in mind, he quickened his pace, eager to get home and dive into his gains.
“That kid…”
Back in the Hokage’s Office, Hiruzen looked at Kakashi and Gen’s retreating figures with a mix of exasperation and fondness. After a while, he shook his head.
“He really is an outstanding child.”
“He is,” Jiraiya nodded. “Even if his personality is a bit... much, he’s truly exceptional.”
Then he grinned at Hiruzen and said: “Besides, each generation surpasses the one before. That’s how it should be.”
“It is… Seeing him makes me feel old.”
Hiruzen nodded, and perhaps feeling unusually sentimental, suddenly asked with a smile: “Jiraiya, how about it? Want to help me out—take over as Hokage?”
But just as the words left his mouth, he happened to glance toward the door—
And saw Danzō standing there, eyes wide in disbelief.
“?!”
“…”
