Chapter 56: The Tremor in Konoha

The classroom was noticeably quieter than usual, and Iruka felt a sense of relief. Thanks to Shishou's leadership, even the most troublesome students like Naruto and Kiba had adopted various "modes" such as 'Training Mode' or 'Quiet Mode,' leading to a more disciplined atmosphere. This had significantly eased Iruka's teaching burden.

However, there was still one student who remained a constant headache for him—Shikamaru. Shikamaru had adopted a "Sleep Mode," and he slept not just during breaks but also during lessons.

Iruka flicked a piece of chalk at the sleeping Shikamaru.

"Ahhh~~~" Shikamaru yawned and scratched his head as he slowly woke up. Iruka's eye twitched slightly, but he decided to proceed with the lesson.

"Today, we'll learn about how to utilize the environment..."

Hokage's Office

"Bang!"

"What did you say?" Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, slammed his hands on the desk, staring intensely at the ANBU member in front of him.

"A mysterious individual capable of using Wood Release and someone else using the Flying Thunder God technique appeared in the Mist Village?" Hiruzen repeated, trying to process the information.

Wood Release was the signature ability of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Flying Thunder God technique was the trademark of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Currently, no one in Konoha could use these techniques. The fact that they appeared in the Mist Village was alarming.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. The information is reliable," said Danzo as he entered the office. He had received the information from his ROOT operatives before Hiruzen and had already verified its authenticity.

Just then, the other two elders of Konoha, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, entered the room, having also received the news.

Hiruzen dismissed the ANBU and turned to Danzo, "What are the specifics?"

Danzo, looking grim, replied, "The identity of the Wood Release user is unknown, even to the Mist Village. He wore a single-eyed mask. As for the one using the Flying Thunder God technique, only the high officials of the Mist Village know, but the new Mizukage has enforced a gag order."

"A single-eyed mask..." Hiruzen's expression darkened as he recalled the mysterious man who had confronted the Fourth Hokage during the Nine-Tails incident. The same man who had manipulated the Nine-Tails into attacking Konoha now seemed to be behind the recent events in the Mist Village. It had to be the same person.

Hiruzen's realization brought a grim determination. "Danzo, I don't care what it takes, find this man!"

The notion of someone wielding both Uchiha and Senju powers, especially someone who bore such hatred towards Konoha, was terrifying. Hiruzen was resolute in eliminating this threat before another attack could be orchestrated against the village.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu nodded in agreement. Danzo, in particular, was already planning to capture the masked man, not just to neutralize the threat but also to gain his powers and secrets.

"And what about the person using the Flying Thunder God technique?" Homura inquired.

Hiruzen, taking a deep breath, replied, "We need to investigate this individual as well. The Flying Thunder God is a Konoha-exclusive technique, and we must ascertain his identity. However, do not antagonize him until we know more. For now, approach him with caution."

It was clear that the user of the Flying Thunder God technique had opposed the masked man and saved the Mist Village. This suggested he might be a potential ally rather than an enemy. Hiruzen decided to first investigate and possibly recruit him, given Konoha's current strained resources.

"Also, I will arrange for two squads of ANBU to guard Naruto. He will also move into my residence for better protection," Hiruzen added, mindful of the potential threat the mysterious man posed to Naruto, the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki.

"Day by day, I've advised you to let Naruto join ROOT. This way, he would be absolutely loyal to Konoha," Danzo interjected.

"We've had this discussion before, Danzo, and my decision remains unchanged," Hiruzen responded firmly.

"One day, you will regret this, Hiruzen!"

"Danzo, I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen's tone left no room for argument.

At the Border of the Land of Water

"Tsunade-sama, we received news that something significant happened in the Mist Village," Shizune said, entering the room with a report in hand. Despite having left Konoha years ago, Tsunade still maintained informants in the village to stay updated on significant events.

"Why should we care about the Mist Village?" Tsunade replied, placing her empty sake cup on the bedside table and leaning back against her pillows.

"According to our sources, a mysterious individual capable of using Wood Release appeared during a Three-Tails rampage in the Mist Village. This individual used genjutsu to control the Three-Tails' jinchuriki, causing the rampage. Additionally, someone using the Flying Thunder God technique helped the Mist Village fend off the attack," Shizune explained.

Tsunade sat up, her interest piqued. She was less concerned about the Flying Thunder God technique, despite its origins with her granduncle Tobirama. However, the appearance of someone using Wood Release was alarming and hit close to home as the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju.

"Shizune, prepare to leave immediately. We're going to the Mist Village to investigate this," Tsunade ordered, swiftly getting out of bed and starting to dress. When Tsunade made up her mind, she was quick to act.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Shizune replied, hastening to pack their things for the journey.

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