After the Fourth Hokage died, his training was hastily ended. The originally planned guard position was also canceled.
The three parted ways and joined this new team. Only to be transferred again less than a year later.
"Alright. I am willing to support you and become your retainer, Young Master."
Finally, Genma Shiranui made his decision. He was about to drop to one knee.
"No rush. I will pass the secret technique to you first. But corresponding safeguards must be put in place. After all, we are still weak and shouldn't publicize it."
A hint of a smile appeared on Zenji's face.
Zenji extended two fingers and pointed at Genma's forehead.
A power more obscure than chakra flowed along the contact of the two fingers into Genma's brain.
A blank Soul Book merged into his soul. With Genma's willing consent, it received all his memories, soul, and information.
He could easily feel this state. So he had to be willing initially for the Soul Book to merge into his soul and take effect.
Only this way could it completely receive all information and merge into the soul. Of course, once in progress, there was no turning back.
A blank Soul Book is truly difficult. Wasted so many years of time.
Zenji sighed internally.
Genma opened his eyes and immediately felt the changes in himself.
His spiritual energy was much more vigorous. His chakra had also strengthened. His control had improved to a certain extent.
Most importantly, the memories in his mind were much clearer. The various knowledge he had learned before became incomparably clear. Recalling them brought deeper comprehension.
"I have passed the knowledge of Phase Shift to you. Cultivate it well after you go back."
Zenji's voice rang out.
Genma nodded excitedly. He now felt completely reborn. Experiencing the feeling of being a genius.
"Yes, Young Master."
"Address me normally from now on. We don't need to expose our relationship right now."
"Alright."
"By the way, if you have the chance, recruit your two teammates as well."
"No problem. They are also civilians. If they knew they could master such a secret technique, they would definitely be willing."
After some instructions, Genma left.
The external illusion synchronized, then slowly vanished.
Zenji stood in place. Watching Genma's retreating back.
With this hidden spy, I will also be able to grasp the movements on the Third's side.
Zenji thought internally.
This wasn't an ordinary hidden spy. Zenji didn't even need to contact Genma. He just needed to check the information on the Soul Book to know everything.
It could be said to be extremely safe.
This scene appeared in a crystal ball. Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe. His gaze fixed on this scene.
Zenji. Do you have a problem or not?
Hiruzen's mind was filled with countless thoughts. Still unable to make a decision.
Judging from Shisui's intelligence, Zenji hasn't had much contact with the Uchiha clan. It's just that the two of them have a relatively good relationship.
If I were to suppress the Uchiha clan, Zenji shouldn't get involved—right?
Hiruzen wasn't Danzo. He had no thought of annihilating the Uchiha clan. After all, they were an important combat force of the village.
But the Uchiha clan was like a double-edged sword. If not controlled well, it could not only hurt others but also hurt oneself.
The problem now was that after the Nine-Tails incident, Orochimaru's defection, and the experimental subject's rampage, Konoha's balance of power had been disrupted.
Or rather, the power of the Hokage faction had greatly diminished. Making them feel it was a thorny issue to face the Uchiha clan.
No matter how kind or mentally strong a person is, standing in front of a hungry tiger, they would still feel afraid.
But if he had an automatic rifle in his hands, he wouldn't be afraid of the tiger.
Because he could kill the tiger before it hurt anyone.
Hiruzen was now like a person who had lost his rifle. Facing the fierce tiger that was the Uchiha.
Regardless of whether the Uchiha would hurt anyone, it filled him with a sense of crisis. He needed to find a way to take control of the situation.
Zenji. I hope you know what's good for you and don't interact too much with the Uchiha.
On the other side.
Zenji walked toward the academy. Not long after, a large complex of buildings appeared in the distance.
Konoha First Academy.
It taught general knowledge and some specialized knowledge. Mainly to cultivate ordinary management talents.
The building adjacent to the training ground was Zenji's training class.
As soon as he walked in, he saw Shinsuke Aoki walking toward him.
"Clan Head."
Shinsuke Aoki had already become a Jonin. One of the three quotas exchanged previously.
Besides him, the training class had two other Jonin. Both of whom were Zenji's retainers.
"Under the name of the training class, assign a long-term, specifically named mission to me at the Hokage Building. The mission rank is best at S-rank. If that's not possible, get a few A-ranks."
Zenji directly issued an order.
"Yes."
Shinsuke Aoki nodded. This wasn't difficult.
An S-rank mission might be a bit tricky. But A-rank missions weren't hard.
Now that the Enhancement Technique was an indicator for Jonin promotion, arranging a highest-level coach or examiner would meet the standard for two A-rank missions.
Zenji didn't know what Hiruzen was planning. But by assigning himself two missions first, the other party wouldn't be able to indirectly command him through the mission system.
"Also, buy a piece of land nearby. I want to build a factory."
"Yes."
After checking the accounts to see how much money they had, Zenji selected a few plots of land nearby on the map. He issued the instructions and left.
He left the rest for Shinsuke Aoki to handle.
After walking for a long time, Zenji had just returned home when he saw Choso standing nearby.
"Clan Head. We have three guests."
Zenji's eyes lit up slightly. He already knew who had come.
Walking into the living room of the courtyard, he saw three people sitting side by side.
"Three seniors, long time no see."
Zenji wore a light smile. His mood very joyful.
Akimichi Kuryo, Nara Yuto, and Yamanaka Mitsumi hurriedly stood up.
"Clan Head Zenji. The three of us have come today with a request."
"Oh. Please speak your minds. If I can help, I definitely will."
Zenji sat aside and followed along with their words.
"The three of us have retired and are no longer ninjas. We wish to seek a position in your training class."
Nara Yuto spoke, kneeling on the floor with his head bowed.
The other two also lowered their heads.
This posture didn't look like seeking a position. It looked more like submission.
Zenji didn't speak. His gaze on the three. They were Jonin promoted through military merit. It wasn't that easy for them to retire.
Unless it was due to death or permission from the higher-ups, it wasn't easy for a Jonin to retire.
With a casual wave of his hand, an invisible force enveloped the surroundings like a vast sea.
"Now no one can spy on this place. Tell me—what exactly do you want to do?"
Zenji spoke faintly.
Nara Yuto didn't immediately state their intentions. Instead saying something seemingly unrelated.
"Lord Danzo has completely taken back the power of the Hokage Assistant."
Upon hearing this, Zenji immediately understood.
As the Hokage Assistant, Danzo not only coveted the position of Hokage but was also wary of latecomers who might replace his position as Hokage Assistant.
Especially since he had made multiple mistakes over these two years. Even attempting to assassinate Hiruzen. It could be said there were reasons to strip him of his position at any time.
Under these circumstances, he was naturally extremely vigilant toward anyone who could replace him at any moment.
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