In a secluded corner of Konoha, nestled between gardens and winding paths, stood a spacious private residence.
It had been Terumi Mei's home for over five years, ever since Guts brought her to the village.
But now, it was time to leave.
Inside the cozy living room, Terumi Mei personally poured Guts a cup of tea, her emerald eyes softening with a smile.
"With Tsunade-sama's help," she began, her voice full of calm pride, "we've built up a rebel force of over 800 shinobi, led by Ao."
"With Konoha's support, we finally have a real shot at overthrowing Yagura's reign of terror."
Guts took a sip of tea, his brows relaxing. He knew from his memory that even if they didn't act, Obito would eventually abandon Yagura for the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
But he didn't mention it. Instead, he flashed a grin.
"If you need an extra hand, let me know. I can tag along and finish it in one sweep."
Terumi Mei blinked, surprised by his offer. Her gaze softened further. "If you hadn't brought me here back then… I probably wouldn't have had this chance. Thank you, Guts."
Guts waved her off casually. "Enough with the gratitude. But if you do manage to take back Kirigakure… do I finally get that hot kiss you keep promising?"
To his surprise, Terumi Mei paused, lips pressed tight. Then, without a word, she leaned forward and softly kissed the corner of his mouth.
Before he could even react, she pulled back, head lowered, her cheeks faintly pink.
"Huh... is this an early payment?" Guts chuckled. "Feels like you missed the spot though."
Flustered, Terumi Mei brushed her hair aside and regained her usual haughty demeanor. "That was just to thank you. Don't overthink it."
But even she couldn't maintain the act for long. She quickly stood up. "I—I'm going out for a walk!"
"You just got back," Guts muttered with a deadpan look as she fled out the door.
He shook his head, got up, and returned home.
When he stepped into the house, Anko instantly pounced on him like a cat sensing mischief.
"Hmm? Why do you smell like Terumi Mei, that vixen?"
Guts froze mid-step. "Are you from the Inuzuka clan or something?"
Anko grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Relax, I'm not the jealous type. In fact, I can help you cover it up."
He narrowed his eyes. "How exactly?"
Without answering, Anko dropped his coat, straddled his lap, and whispered in a sultry tone, "Easy. I'll just replace her scent with mine... Sensei~."
Every time they did this, Anko insisted on calling him Sensei. It was weird... but he wasn't complaining.
That same night, nine-year-old Sasuke groggily got up to use the bathroom. On his way back, he overheard voices from the hall.
"I've noticed your reports have been thinning lately," Uchiha Fugaku's voice was stern, more serious than usual.
Sasuke paused by the doorway.
Itachi's reply came, low and emotionless. "There's simply nothing worth reporting."
A heavy silence followed.
"Don't forget," Fugaku said sharply, "you are the bridge between Uchiha and the village."
Without turning his head, Itachi said calmly, "Sasuke. You've finished, haven't you? Go back to bed."
Sasuke flinched. How did he know?
He scurried back to his room, heart pounding.
Exactly one week later, Shisui approached Guts.
It was rare for them to meet so soon. Usually, they kept their distance to avoid suspicion.
This time, Shisui wasn't alone. Itachi was there too, clad in his black Anbu uniform.
"The last time you two came to me together was over a year ago," Guts remarked as he walked onto the training ground just outside Konoha. "So? What's going on now?"
"Danzo contacted Itachi," Shisui said, his face serious.
Guts's eyes narrowed.
Danzo had practically vanished from the public eye these last few years—like a snake hiding in tall grass. But of course he'd resurface.
"He told me," Itachi began, "that if the Uchiha are willing to defect from Konoha, he'll help us establish a separate village. He claimed he could secure resources, land, and protection."
Guts burst out laughing. "Pfft—HAHAHA! That's rich!"
He clutched his stomach, still chuckling. "Does he think he's a daimyo now? A warlord? What a clown."
When the laughter died down, Guts's eyes turned cold.
"Now tell me… what's Danzo really after?"
Shisui's expression darkened. "Most likely? He wants to provoke a major incident—a mass defection to shake Tsunade's authority. If enough blame falls on her, she might be removed from office."
"And if Konoha's stability collapses," Itachi added, "it could trigger a Fourth Ninja War."
Guts scoffed. "Even if Uchiha left, there's no way they could survive on their own. The world would come for their bloodline."
"And Danzo would benefit regardless," Shisui concluded. "He'd either take over in the chaos or hide in the shadows, pulling strings."
Guts's smirk vanished.
"That old bastard… He really should've just stayed a rat in the dark."
"But this makes things simple. Let's use this chance to wipe the whole damn Root cell out."
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