"What? Those three techniques? I know them!"
Uchiha Nobuhiko's expression turned grave. He looked Ren Takashi over carefully. "Why do you want to learn those? Reanimation Jutsu desecrates the dead—it's feared by everyone. The Spiritualization Technique is dangerous; if the soul doesn't return properly, it could be damaged or destroyed. And the Eight Inner Gates Formation? Once the final gate opens, death is guaranteed. These are not simple jutsu. You don't need them."
Ren Takashi raised his hands, shrugging. "I get it, but it's not for use—it's for research. All three techniques are flawed, yes, but their concepts are advanced and valuable for study. For example, with Reanimation Jutsu, I can summon the souls of the dead. Imagine if I resurrected the First and Second Hokage to show them how the Third almost destroyed the Senju and Uzumaki clans. Wouldn't that be... poetic?"
Nobuhiko rubbed his chin, intrigued. "You know what? I'd pay to see the Second's face."
Ren Takashi grinned. "Also, if I understand it well enough, I might develop a perfected resurrection technique."
"You serious?" Nobuhiko asked, eyes wide.
Ren Takashi simply nodded. "Even if I fail, it adds to my knowledge. Besides, with my talents, success is just a matter of time and planning. I'll study other resurrection techniques too—like Chiyo's Self-Reincarnation Technique and the Rinnegan's Outer Path."
"And the other two jutsu?"
"Same principle," Ren Takashi said. "Spiritualization Technique will help with soul research, and Eight Inner Gates is great for understanding human potential."
Nobuhiko sighed. "Fine. Just be careful. But I doubt the Third will hand over Reanimation Jutsu."
Ren Takashi waved it off. "If he wants my teleportation techniques, he'll pay. If not, I'll wait until he's replaced by my teacher. Either way, I'll get what I need."
Back in Konoha, hours after Ren Takashi had returned, a messenger hawk finally reached the Third Hokage and Danzo.
"The Uzumaki clan has been rescued and brought back to Konoha by Lady Mito and her team. No need to go to Whirlpool Country."
Danzo and Hiruzen were both stunned.
"How? How could Uchiha Ren Takashi's Flying Thunder God be used so frequently?" Danzo murmured.
Hiruzen frowned deeply. "Let's go back. Now."
They turned around immediately and returned to Konoha in less than an hour. Hiruzen didn't meet with Mito or the Uzumaki. Instead, he summoned the ANBU commander to his office.
"Report," he demanded.
The ANBU knelt. "Hokage-sama, the survivors were seen in Uchiha territory. Tsunade has relocated them to the Senju compound. She said she will meet with you later to discuss formal integration."
Hiruzen dismissed the commander with a wave. Once the barrier was sealed, he turned to Danzo. "Thoughts?"
Danzo scowled. "Mito clearly knows we suppressed the letters. She's going to make us answer for it. But technically, we didn't attack them. We just didn't help."
"But we gained from it," Hiruzen added bitterly. "And they know that too."
Danzo's face darkened. "Worse, with this rescue effort, the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki might form an ironclad alliance."
Hiruzen cursed under his breath. "If that happens, they'll be unstoppable."
Danzo folded his arms. "And whose fault is it? You coddled Mito for too long. Now she's leading a new coalition that may destroy our influence. We should've eliminated Uchiha Ren Takashi when we had the chance."
Hiruzen glared. "It's too late now. We'll have to play along—at least until the war ends."
Danzo sneered. "If you're too weak to deal with them, give me the Hokage seat."
Hiruzen scoffed. "Dream on. My teacher chose me over you, and for good reason. Even if I step down, I'd never hand the seat to you."
Danzo clenched his fists in silence.
Hiruzen rubbed his temples, sighing. "This is going to be a nightmare."
In his heart, he already knew the tide was turning—and not in his favor.