"Hokage-sama has other arrangements on his schedule today and is not present. If Jōnin Shuji has any questions, you may leave a letter. I will pass it to Hokage-sama."
The person at the Hokage's office said so.
Quite rare. Even the Third had times when he was not in the office. Shuji planned to leave. He met two people head-on.
The village advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
"You are Special Jōnin Shuji." Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses. His gaze lingered on him a moment. "Hiruzen is not in. If you have business, you might as well come in and speak with us."
The two advisors had authority in village affairs equal to the Hokage. Explaining to them was acceptable.
Shuji concisely stated his concerns about the Cloud delegation and potential risks. Mainly that the envoys might have ulterior motives. After all, in the original work they really did go after the Hyūga.
Utatane Koharu's eyelids lowered slightly, seeming half-closed. After listening, she said slowly, "Security deployments inside and outside the village have been properly arranged. No need to worry."
After speaking, Shuji bowed to take his leave.
"Wait." Mitokado Homura raised his hand to stop his movement. "Since we've met, there are some matters worth discussing together."
He indicated Shuji should sit again. Utatane Koharu also silently sat to the side.
"We are both disciples of the Second. We have always respected Momoka-sama. With you, there is no need to skirt around empty words, Shuji."
"Is this Momoka-sama's intention, or yours? What do you want to do?"
Mitokado Homura's eyes behind his glasses were exceptionally sharp.
Shuji recalled. He had done quite a lot recently. But Uchiha matters had always been very secretive. Either Uchiha Fugaku came himself or team member Itachi came.
So they probably were not asking about Uchiha.
Then it was Senju.
"Haven't done anything, Advisor. Just normal interaction." Shuji used an all-purpose answer.
"No need to resist Homura's inquiry." Utatane Koharu's voice leisurely sounded. "Even if you plan to rebuild the clan, we would welcome it."
Senju and Uchiha were different.
Especially in the current situation, with the village lacking talent and morale low, if Senju returned, it would actually boost hearts and deter foreign nations.
Problems from the village's founding were no longer problems now.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had been Hokage for decades. Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato was not from any prestigious family either. In current Konoha, if Senju claimed it was theirs, other clans and villagers would not agree.
"Hiruzen placing Uchiha Itachi under your command, we also support."
"So just speak plainly, Shuji." Mitokado Homura propped his chin. "If you plan to rebuild the Senju clan, the village will not be an obstacle. Though we cannot openly appear, if there is anything needed, you can come directly to us."
So that was it. Though he was Political Affairs Department section chief, Hayami Shigeru never concealed himself when going to the old estate.
And the ones who had always been responsible for Political Affairs were these two advisors.
Considering current circumstances, at this time point having Senju raise their banner again would indeed benefit the village more than harm. It could also directly check the Uchiha clan.
In the original timeline, they probably also had this idea. Only the original Shuji died heavily injured two months ago. Granny Momoka had no such inclination. Tsunade kept slacking off outside. Wanting to raise Senju's great banner again, there was no suitable person.
Randomly pushing someone forward could not rally the hearts of Senju remnants.
"You two have misunderstood. I truly have no such intention."
Never mind that Shuji had no such idea. Even if he did, jumping out now would make him a target. Going out on missions could get him focused down.
"No matter either way." Mitokado Homura did not insist. His body leaned back against the chair. "In the village, we will not be your enemies."
"However, I should still remind you. Though we are not enemies, regarding the Senju clan matter, there are indeed some who do not hope for success." He stood, looking down at Shuji from above. "Even if... it is just your connections becoming closer, it is enough to touch certain people's nerves."
The two advisors said no more and turned to leave the office.
Were they pointing at the Uchiha clan? From the village advisors' angle, they might be indicating the Uchiha. After all, they did not know he had already reached cooperation with Uchiha Fugaku.
From his own angle, it could also be the Uchiha clan. After all, besides Fugaku, Itachi, plus Uchiha Shisui who probably knew his position, Uchiha radicals might also react to this.
But the meaning in their words clearly was not that.
Then it had to be considered who profited after the Senju clan disbanded.
Counting that way, there were too many. Fortunately he refused Uchiha Fugaku. Rebuilding a clan, only fools would do that.
The Cloud Village envoy stayed outside the village one day. After the village prepared welcome and security arrangements, they opened the gates to welcome the three Cloud envoys inside.
Lined welcome, applause all in place. The three Cloud envoys were very satisfied. Each wore broad smiles, waving to villagers.
Just from appearances, everything was very smooth.
Shuji stood on a rooftop watching this scene. Anko sat beside him.
"These guys are really getting carried away." The purple-haired kunoichi was on her captain's side, so she gave a poor rating.
"Let's go."
Seeing no problems, Shuji brought Anko to retreat.
Itachi?
He went to do work. Investigating someone's inclinations was not such a simple matter.
Team Five's actual combat power configuration was one jōnin, two chūnin. This level counted as a high-grade squad in the village, frequently going on missions. So any slight free time, Itachi had to use as much as possible on investigation missions.
Shuji was also busy. But after the two advisors' reminder, he slightly lengthened the frequency of contact and interaction.
And he had a new plan. Since village leadership had people supporting, available options increased. No need to use the troublesome method of meeting several people a day.
As for Flying Thunder God Technique, current progress was stuck on curse marks and sealing techniques.
This could not be done behind closed doors. Coming out today was also conveniently to buy some things. Going back he could practice.
Same as usual, Aoki Ninja Tools. That's right, this shop's owner was also a former Senju. The owner named Aoki Shinrin was about ten years younger than Granny Momoka.
Shuji's family's ninja tools were all bought here. Quality had always been good. The prices given were also the most favorable tier.
"Scrolls?"
"Yes, recently practicing sealing techniques. Just trying to make some ninjutsu scrolls myself." Shuji answered.
"For actual combat use? Or just practice?" Aoki inquired about usage. "Blank scrolls just for practice are 220 ryō each. If taking them for ninja tool use, then it's the 1,100 ryō tier."
Shuji wanted one hundred for practice use. The owner calculated them at 200 ryō each. Total price was twenty thousand.
Too many things to carry easily. So Anko came in handy.
"Shuji, did you call me out today to be a laborer?" The kunoichi looked at those four large items, dawdling and unwilling to move.
"Tonight we eat at BBQ Q. I'll pay."
"Yes! Subordinate Anko serves Captain-sama!"
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild