...
Hyuga Senyo's words turned Danzo's face pale. Being put on the spot like this, any answer he gave would be wrong.
The Third Hokage smiled at the sight. "Danzo, it is already decided that Hyuga Rakawa eliminated an enemy spy. There is no need to discuss this further. For eliminating an enemy spy and securing important intelligence for Konoha, Hyuga Rakawa, you may make one request. As long as it is reasonable, I will grant it."
This was another heavy blow to Danzo. The three of them put on a good show, defining the nature of the situation and thoroughly embarrassing Danzo.
However, he had experienced major battles before, so he quickly changed the subject. "Since an enemy spy infiltrated Konoha, Hiruzen, strengthen the defenses during this period. Root will also intervene and contribute to Konoha's safety."
The Third Hokage pondered for a moment, understanding Danzo's intentions. Danzo would not give up easily. Even if he could not achieve his goal, he would try to gain some benefits from another angle.
His proposal for Root to intervene and strengthen defenses was naturally to expand Root's scope of activity.
If he agreed, Root would inevitably grow stronger. If he refused, Danzo might cause trouble, leading to endless problems.
As he weighed the pros and cons, Rakawa looked at Hyuga Senyo and nodded slightly.
Hyuga Senyo understood and looked directly at the Third Hokage. The Third Hokage quickly noticed his gaze and the almost imperceptible nod, feeling a sense of relief.
"In that case, let Root temporarily assist in strengthening Konoha's security forces. Danzo, the patrol of Konoha's outskirts will be entrusted to Root. You must carry it out diligently."
Danzo weighed his options. Although he did not gain the authority to patrol the central areas of Konoha, Root's scope of activity had greatly expanded, and many things could be gradually implemented. Naturally, he had no objections.
A silent struggle thus ended, an agreement reached, with both sides gaining some advantages and disadvantages.
"Hyuga Rakawa, tell me what reward you desire. As long as it is reasonable, it will be granted."
Rakawa lowered his head and thought. The Third Hokage clearly wanted to give him some benefits now, if for no other reason than to spite Danzo.
The Hyuga Clan belonged to the Hokage faction, and the Third Hokage was naturally pleased to see the Hyuga Clan receive rewards from Konoha.
The more rewards they received, the stronger the Hokage faction's influence would become.
He pondered what reward would be best. As a student, he didn't seem to lack anything. The Hyuga Clan treated him exceptionally well, almost like an Elder. He didn't need material possessions; he already had countless.
Therefore, he could only request rewards that would enhance his strength.
His mutated Byakugan and mutated Dust Release were the sources of his power, but the Third Hokage clearly couldn't help him improve these. Rapidly improving his mutated Byakugan would require Kekkei Genkai, and the Third Hokage would certainly not do such a thing. As for his mutated Dust Release, its strength ultimately depended on his own power. As he grew stronger, his Dust Release would also grow stronger. Additionally, the growth of his Byakugan power had a slight effect on the improvement of his Dust Release.
However, the Third Hokage would not give him a Kekkei Genkai to absorb.
Suddenly, he recalled tonight's battle.
He had used some Ninjutsu during the battle, but most were C-rank Ninjutsu, with almost no B-rank Ninjutsu.
Perhaps acquiring some Ninjutsu would expand his Ninjutsu skill set.
To maximize his benefits, Rakawa already knew what reward he wanted.
"Hokage-sama, my Chakra is somewhat sufficient, but my Ninjutsu is severely lacking. The Hyuga Clan is a prominent Taijutsu clan, with less focus on Ninjutsu research. Therefore, I hope to be able to examine the Scroll of Seals and learn some Ninjutsu."
"Hmm?"
"Absolutely not!"
"An excellent choice."
Three people, three different attitudes.
The Third Hokage was stunned when he heard Rakawa's requested reward. He wanted to examine the Scroll of Seals? This reward was somewhat special and difficult to grant.
Danzo directly refused. Examine the Scroll of Seals? That was a privilege even he didn't have!
Hyuga Senyo, however, smiled. 'This Rakawa boy has ideas,' he thought. Examining the Scroll of Seals was indeed the most direct way to expand one's Ninjutsu knowledge. The Scroll of Seals contained many Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Kinjustu.
"Hiruzen, he absolutely cannot see the Scroll of Seals!"
Danzo almost roared. Even he didn't have that privilege, and now this brat dared to ask for it?
The Scroll of Seals had historically only been accessible to the Hokage. Even the Elder Council members could not view it, let alone anyone else.
Upon hearing this, Hyuga Senyo immediately retorted, "Danzo-sama, are you doubting the Hokage-sama's promise? Or are you implying that the Hokage's word can be easily broken?"
Danzo's face looked as if he had eaten something disgusting. He said in a deep voice, "What do you mean by that?"
"What do I mean?" Hyuga Senyo snorted coldly, turning to face him directly. "Danzo-sama, some things don't need to be said too clearly. Rakawa is a member of my Hyuga Clan. Anyone who wishes to harm him must first ask if my Hyuga Clan agrees! Danzo-sama, it is getting late, and many spies have infiltrated Konoha. Please make arrangements as soon as possible."
At this, Danzo almost swore. Was Hyuga Senyo crazy, trying to kick him out of the Hokage's Office?
However, after seeing the cold gaze in Hyuga Senyo's eyes, he ultimately chose to leave.
Getting into a conflict with a prestigious clan like the Hyuga was not worth it, especially when they were aligned with the Hokage. If the Hyuga Clan targeted Root, they would surely find some flaws, because the Byakugan was truly terrifying.
As Danzo left, the Third Hokage shook his head. "Senyo, you were a bit impulsive."
Unexpectedly, Hyuga Senyo looked indifferent and calmly said, "Third Hokage-sama, you and I both know what Danzo does. If he tries to take Rakawa, he will be making an enemy of the entire Hyuga Clan."
The Third Hokage merely shook his head at this, smiling without a word.
Rakawa, however, felt a strange sensation after hearing Senyo's words. Hyuga Senyo's words might have multiple meanings, making them difficult to fully comprehend.