Chapter 58: Taking Leave

Sato Kenji hadn't expected Bai to surrender so quickly. Hadn't they agreed to demand an explanation from Konoha?

Even though the old man's killing intent was formidable, that was no reason to compromise.

For a moment, he felt betrayed.

But soon Sato Kenji suppressed that thought. Bai had been brought back by Wang Bo and was trustworthy, so he felt he shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Perhaps Bai had some plan. So he shut his mouth, said nothing, and watched Bai's performance.

After Bai apologized to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the latter, too embarrassed to argue with two children, nodded to indicate he forgave their recklessness.

"Konoha and Lord Igarashi are sincere in their cooperation. We never engage in underhanded schemes behind the scenes. You can trust us on that. Please don't be misled by outside rumors."

Hiruzen Sarutobi repeatedly expressed Konoha's goodwill.

Bai naturally accepted Hiruzen Sarutobi's kindness. "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Hokage. When we return, we will surely inform our lord of this matter. I believe he will also understand Konoha's sincerity."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled with relief.

Bai took the opportunity to take his leave. Hiruzen Sarutobi did not stop him and waved his hand in agreement.

Bai and Sato Kenji withdrew from the Hokage building and left Konoha.

After walking some distance, leaving Konohagakure behind, Sato Kenji could no longer suppress his anger and shouted at Bai, "Why did you apologize? This was clearly Konoha's fault. Why didn't we demand an explanation from them?"

Bai said calmly, "Before we left, our lord instructed us that our safety is more important than demanding an explanation from Konoha. Moreover, from the start, the Hokage repeatedly emphasized that they did not kidnap our lord, which shows they don't intend to give a reasonable explanation. In other words, they deny the incident."

"If we insist on Konoha giving an explanation, it will only anger them, and we might even put ourselves in danger."

"So I judged that we should stay calm, leave Konoha, return to the base, and report Konoha's attitude to our lord."

Sato Kenji listened and reluctantly accepted Bai's explanation.

"Fine, let's leave this matter to our lord to decide."

The two quickened their pace and headed for the base.

But they didn't know that not far behind them, two ANBU ninjas from Konoha were secretly following them, watching their every move.

They even heard their entire conversation clearly.

The ANBU ninjas exchanged glances. One of them said slowly, "It seems the two brats aren't being used. You go back and report to the Hokage. I'll follow them and see who's behind this."

The other ANBU ninja nodded and vanished instantly.

The remaining man followed them.

A few days later, Bai and Sato Kenji returned to the base, found Wang Bo, and reported Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude to him.

Wang Bo sat in an office, questioned them carefully, then nodded and said, "Alright, you two may go. I'll handle this matter."

Bai and Sato Kenji nodded and withdrew from Wang Bo's office.

After they left, a Konoha ninja appeared in the office like a ghost.

Wang Bo was not surprised at all. He looked up at the ninja, who was none other than the genius ninja he had met once before—Hatake Kakashi.

"Lord Igarashi," Hatake Kakashi said in a low voice, "I come on the orders of the Hokage to clear up this misunderstanding with you."

Wang Bo looked at Hatake Kakashi with a half-smile. "Are you sure this is a misunderstanding?"

Hatake Kakashi said firmly, "Konoha would never betray an ally. Such despicable behavior is something Konoha would never do."

Wang Bo couldn't help but chuckle. "That's a bit too absolute, Konoha ninja."

Hatake Kakashi couldn't help but retort, "I also want to know who attacked you, Lord Igarashi, that makes you so firmly believe it was someone from Konoha."

A faint trace of contempt appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Forgive me for saying this, but if it really were someone from Konoha, they wouldn't have failed so easily."

Wang Bo finally burst into laughter. He stood up from his chair and said, "Since you think so, come with me."

Hatake Kakashi was startled.

Wang Bo led the way out of his office, and Hatake Kakashi followed. The two left the building and walked on until they reached a wooden house. Wang Bo pushed open the door and entered.

Hatake Kakashi looked around. It was a simple wooden cabin, empty except for a table, a few chairs, and a bed.

But on that bed, he found a person.

A very familiar person.

The leader of Konoha's Root, Shimura Danzo.

Once the spirited leader of Root, now lying on the bed like a lump of mud, not only missing both arms, but anyone with eyes could see that all his bones were shattered.

For a moment, Hatake Kakashi felt as if struck by lightning.

He never imagined he would see the leader of Konoha's Root here.

"This is the ninja who kidnapped me, aiming to take all my money. To be honest, if I didn't have a few tricks up my sleeve, he might have succeeded."

Wang Bo's voice came slowly, and Hatake Kakashi finally snapped out of his stupor.

He looked at the pitiful Danzo, then at Wang Bo, opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

Wang Bo said calmly, "Go back, Konoha ninja. Tell your Hokage that since Konoha has gone back on its word, our contract is void from today. You can recall all your ninjas. I will hire ninjas from other countries to protect my shops."

Hatake Kakashi quickly said, "Wait, Lord Igarashi, this is definitely a misunderstanding."

"Whether it's a misunderstanding, I know better than you, Konoha ninja." Wang Bo pointed at the man on the bed. "Do you dare say he is not a Konoha ninja?"

Kakashi wanted to deny it, but he knew he couldn't lie. After all, ninjas from other countries knew who Shimura Danzo was.

If he lied, it would only worsen the relationship between Konoha and Igarashi.

"Please hear me out, Lord Igarashi. Although this man is a Konoha ninja, Konoha absolutely had no intention of harming you. We..."