"Hokage-sama has other appointments today and isn't in the office at the moment. If you have any questions, Roshi-san, you can leave a written report, and I'll make sure it reaches him."
The assistant in the Hokage's Office spoke with practiced politeness.
It was rare for the Third Hokage to be away. Roshi was about to leave when he ran into two familiar figures.
The Village Advisors—Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu.
"You must be Roshi," Homura said, pushing up his glasses, his eyes briefly studying him. "Since Hiruzen isn't here, why not discuss your matter with us instead?"
The two advisors held authority nearly equal to the Hokage's when it came to village administration. Speaking to them wasn't out of the question.
Roshi succinctly explained his concerns about the upcoming Kumogakure delegation—their potential hidden motives, and the risk of underlying tension. After all, in the original story, they had targeted the Hyūga Clan.
Koharu's half-lidded eyes gave her an almost sleepy look. After listening in silence, she finally said, "The internal and external security measures have been arranged properly. There's no need for concern."
Having delivered his report, Roshi bowed politely, ready to leave.
"Wait a moment," Homura interjected, raising a hand. "Since we've met, there are a few other matters we might as well discuss."
He gestured for Roshi to sit. Koharu silently followed suit, settling beside him.
"We're both disciples of the Second Hokage," Homura began. "We've always held Lady Momoka in high regard. So, with you, Roshi, there's no need for empty formalities."
His expression sharpened. "Tell me—are your recent actions your own doing… or Lady Momoka's intention?"
Roshi thought for a moment. He'd been busy lately, yes—but anything related to the Uchiha had been discreet. Either Fugaku himself came, or Itachi as his subordinate. That wasn't what this was about.
Which meant… this was about the Senju.
"I haven't done anything in particular, Mitokado-san. Just my usual duties and daily interactions," Roshi replied calmly—a deliberately neutral answer.
"There's no need to be so defensive," Koharu said softly. "Even if you intend to revive the Senju Clan, we'd be quite pleased to see it happen."
The Senju were not the Uchiha.
In Konoha's current state—short on talent and low on morale—the return of the Senju would strengthen the village's spirit and serve as a deterrent to other nations.
The old political problems that once surrounded the clan had long since faded.
Hiruzen had ruled for decades, and Minato, the Fourth Hokage, hadn't come from any major family. In today's Konoha, even if the Senju reclaimed their heritage, few would oppose it.
"Hiruzen assigning Uchiha Itachi under your command has our full support," Homura added.
"So let's be direct, Roshi." He leaned his chin against his hand. "If you truly intend to rebuild the Senju Clan, the village will not stand in your way. We can't intervene openly—but if you need anything, you can come to us."
So that was it.
Hayami Shigeru, head of the Political Affairs Department, had been visiting the old Senju estate quite openly. No wonder—the department itself fell under the advisors' purview.
Given the current political balance, a revived Senju Clan would be far more useful than troublesome. It would also act as a quiet check against the Uchiha.
Perhaps, in the original timeline, the Advisors had considered this too. But the original Roshi had died two months earlier, Grandma had no interest in politics, and Tsunade was still wandering outside the village. There had been no one suitable to carry the Senju name.
And without the right person, no revival could truly take root.
"You misunderstand," Roshi said evenly. "I have no such intention."
Even if he did, now was hardly the time. Proclaiming himself a Senju heir would only paint a target on his back—and make him a convenient scapegoat.
"It doesn't matter if you don't," Homura said, leaning back in his chair. "In the village, we won't be your enemies."
He stood, looking down at Roshi. "But remember this—even if we mean no harm, there are others who might. There are people who would rather the Senju name remain buried. Even a hint of renewed connection could be enough to provoke them."
The two Advisors said no more, leaving the office quietly.
The Uchiha? From their tone, that was the most likely implication. They didn't know about Roshi's arrangement with Fugaku, or his rapport with Itachi. But it could also refer to others—those who had benefited most from the Senju's disappearance.
The more he thought about it, the more he realized how many that included.
Good thing he'd turned down Fugaku's earlier suggestion. Rebuilding a clan? Only a fool would step into that firepit right now.
The next day, the Kumogakure representatives were finally allowed entry into Konoha after a day's delay outside the gates.
The welcoming parade was grand—cheers and applause from villagers lining the streets. The three representatives from the Cloud smiled broadly, waving as if basking in the admiration.
On the rooftops, Roshi watched with a detached expression. Beside him, Anko sat cross-legged, chewing on dango.
"These guys are really enjoying themselves," she muttered.
"Let's go," Roshi said, satisfied that everything seemed normal.
Itachi wasn't present—he was busy investigating someone's motives. For Team 5, composed of one Special Jōnin and one Chūnin and one Genin, such extra work was routine. High-ranking squads were always in motion.
After the advisors' warning, Roshi had begun reaching out a bit more—but this time, with purpose. Since part of the high command quietly supported him, his options had expanded. There was no longer any need for frantic, daily meetings.
The real challenge now lay elsewhere—the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. His progress had stalled at the sealing formula stage.
He couldn't solve that alone.
Which was why he was out today—to gather supplies.
Aoki Ninja Tool Shop
The owner, Aoki Aomori, was an old acquaintance—and a former Senju himself, about ten years younger than Grandma Momoka.
Roshi's family had always bought from him. Reliable quality, fair prices.
"Scrolls?" Aoki asked as Roshi entered.
"Yes. I've been practicing sealing techniques lately, trying to make some sealing scrolls of my own," Roshi said.
"For training or for combat?" Aoki asked knowingly. "Practice scrolls are 220 ryō each. Combat-grade are 1,100."
"I'll take a hundred practice ones."
Aoki's eyebrows rose, but he didn't comment. "That'll be 20,000 ryō, then. I'll give you the bulk rate—200 per piece."
The bundle was heavy, too bulky for one person to carry.
"Roshi!!" Anko complained, dragging two large boxes behind her, "did you bring me along today just to do manual labor?"
Roshi smiled. "We're eating at BBQ tonight. My treat."
Anko immediately brightened. "Yes! Subordinate Anko will serve Captain-sama with full dedication!"
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