Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 481 The Aftermath of the Talks

Even if you are very familiar with everyone at the meeting, holding a meeting is still a mentally and physically exhausting task. What's more, the war had just ended not long ago, and the world was in a state of reconstruction, which made the content of this Five Shadows meeting particularly heavy.

They must explore the arrangements for the victims in each country, and how to inform the world about the beginning and end of this war.

As he smiled and saw off the last guest, a deep weariness almost overwhelmed him, but he couldn't stop yet, because the meeting's content still needed to be reported to the lord. Fortunately, communication was so much easier now than before; emails or video calls were sufficient, eliminating the need for someone to travel in person. However, he would have to write the report himself, as his new secretary was too young and inexperienced in such matters.

Just as he was engrossed in his work at the computer, there was a knock on the office door, and the person who walked in was someone he hadn't expected. He had clearly promised to rest and recover properly in the hospital, but now he was all dressed up, as if he were saying goodbye.

"Sasuke, did the doctor give you permission to run around like this?"

The visitor remained unmoved, and pulled out a rather familiar takeout order from inside a tightly wrapped cloak; the bag had a bright Ichiraku label on it.

"I just happened to pass by and saw that your light was still on, so I figured you must not have remembered to eat properly."

He stared at the fragrant takeout for a while, then glanced at the unfinished report on his computer, a rare moment of conflict on his face. The adult world is so cruel; even when faced with his favorite food, he had to consider whether his work could be completed on time.

However, Sasuke didn't consider any of that. He used his only hand to open the package, skillfully taking out the separate noodles and soup, and before he could even finish agonizing over it, he shoved them together. Now, if he didn't eat them quickly, the noodles would clump together.

He reluctantly took the chopsticks, and before starting the meal, he asked, "Have you eaten?"

"Nutritious meals".

Okay, I almost forgot, this guy is a patient.

"Did the meeting go smoothly?"

"Why do you ask that? We've already fought the toughest battles, so how could things not go smoothly?"

"That's good."

"Are you worried that the new Kage will make things difficult for me? Sasuke, at least have some faith in me."

"Times are constantly changing, and there are more and more talented younger generations. It's time for us to step back and move behind the scenes."

"How could you say something like that? You don't look old at all."

Sasuke looked at him with a somewhat speechless expression. "What I mean is..."

"I know, I know, you're just hoping I retire sooner." That great battle concerned the very survival of the planet; everyone gave their all, fighting to the death, and he was no exception. Actually, his health was quite poor. Now that Kurama was no longer with him, many of the aftereffects of his earlier reckless actions were starting to surface. But the position of Hokage wasn't solely based on strength; there were many other factors to consider. Even if he wanted to retire, he couldn't, otherwise the reconstruction of Konoha would likely be in jeopardy.

"The war has just ended, and it's a time when stability is needed. The impact of this war is much wider than that of World War IV. I can't follow Tsunade's example."

Sasuke wasn't satisfied with the answer, his brow furrowed. His angle was just right, allowing him a glimpse of sunken eyelids peeking out from beneath the long bangs. A thought flickered in his mind; he was about to say that he seemed to have grasped the basics of Yin-Yang Release, and if all went well, they might not have to wait too long for new eyes.

However, his computer suddenly buzzed with an email he couldn't ignore, demanding in a commanding tone that he report the details of the Five Kage Summit to the capital. Then, the office door rang again. This time, the guest didn't knock but barged in, saying in a somewhat urgent voice, "You must go see the Daimyo."

"You shouldn't be running around like this."

Sasuke frowned even more deeply, but out of respect for the visitor's appearance, he didn't react. Instead, he asked relatively calmly, "Can accepting the Daimyo's invitation change the fate of the world?"

The visitor did not answer directly, but instead emphasized again: "You must go this time."

"If we don't go, will the world face a crisis?" he asked.

Guoxin Jushi nodded vigorously. In the past, he could directly explain what he saw in the miraculous "Ten Directions" divine technique that could observe countless futures, but this time he couldn't say anything more detailed, only emphasizing:

"You must go."

Sasuke still had doubts, but he didn't think it would be troublesome to meet the Daimyo. He was indeed looking for a suitable successor and had delegated a lot of power; this sudden trip was also a test for his juniors.

"I've already learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, so it's very convenient for me to come and go. I'll definitely be back in three days at most... no, a day and a half."

"It's alright, Sasuke. Although I really don't like seeing the current Daimyo, running away won't solve anything. You should take good care of yourself and wait for me in Konoha."

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On the way back, they used the Flying Thunder God Technique, but it was Tobirama who initiated it, and they had to do it secretly so that Neji wouldn't find out.

Before even returning to Konoha, "Hui" delivered an expected message through special channels. A small group of Anbu members raided the secret chamber where Danzo's body was stored and attempted to destroy the abnormal tree containing at least ten Sharingan eyes. Unfortunately for them, their actions had been anticipated, as both locations had been specially guarded, leading to a fierce clash between the two sides.

The Hokage had just finished the Five Kage Summit and had to deal with this matter immediately upon landing. Internal strife during such a sensitive time was hardly a good thing, and these Anbu members deserved serious punishment. However, whether they were Danzo's subordinates remained to be verified, as their first reaction upon capture was suicide. Fortunately, the people sent to handle them had several Senju members, who managed to save two or three of them.

After this incident, when the Hokage met with the advisory group again, he felt that the two of them were speaking a little softer. Surprisingly, they didn't offer any dissenting opinions regarding the Allied Shinobi Forces; they simply accepted the assigned tasks without question, being incredibly obedient.

"Tsk, it should have been done a long time ago." Sasuke finally felt a little relieved. Even without experience, he could guess that those few ANBU members and the advisory group were definitely involved.

"Don't let your guard down too soon. Ambiguous evidence won't convict you. The more they act like this, the more careful you need to be." Naruto gave a brief reminder, then immediately passed the buck. "You talk to Tobirama about their performance today. He knows what to do. You just need to approve it."

"...Do you usually use them like this?"

"Of course, leave professional matters to professionals."

Hearing this, Sasuke was finally somewhat relieved. He had thought that this idiot had died from overwork because he tried to do everything for himself. In that case, even if he survived, he probably wouldn't escape dying young... The Naruto with the buzz cut in his dream looked really tired; it seemed he had to keep working hard.