Of course, Ethan included Kakashi. You want to leave after getting in the car? The doors are welded shut.

Besides, Kakashi also had a grudge against Danzo. Even if that weren't the case, he had received a lot of benefits from the Uchiha clan. He didn't mind giving something back, especially since the only two surviving Uchiha were both connected to him.

Itachi had been his subordinate in the Anbu, and their relationship had always been good.

As for Sasuke, there was even less to say. He was his student, and by Konoha tradition, could be considered his successor, the one who would carry on his will.

What's more, over the past period, Itachi had helped Kakashi a lot in learning how to use Susanoo.

Although Kakashi still couldn't fully use Susanoo, he already understood how it should work. The next step was to increase his chakra reserves and improve his proficiency with the Mangekyo Sharingan.

Fortunately, Ethan wasn't in a hurry. He continued wandering with the three of them across the Land of Fire, occasionally crossing borders to sweep through nearby smaller countries in search of Orochimaru's hideouts.

"Why are you so focused on Orochimaru's hideouts?"

"Because Orochimaru holds evidence of his collusion with Danzo. As long as we expose their connection, no matter how extreme our actions are when we return, no one will sympathize with him."

Compared to the Akatsuki or Hanzo the Salamander, colluding with Orochimaru was what the people of Konoha truly hated. Orochimaru had caused real damage to the village.

Unfortunately, Orochimaru was hiding too well. It was unclear whether he had caught wind of something, but he had gone completely underground.

Under these circumstances, their actions seemed to be a complete waste of time.

"It's already been over half a year since we left. Shouldn't we go back?"

More than half a year had passed since they set out. Although they were officially on a long-term mission, it was about time to return.

From the scouting done by Ethan and the others, they had confirmed that there were no more of Orochimaru's hideouts within the Land of Fire.

There might still be some in nearby countries, but they couldn't operate as freely there. And with Orochimaru currently lying low, he wouldn't suddenly jump out and attack Konoha anytime soon. Their mission could be considered complete. It was time to go back and report.

Ethan had also "eliminated" the Konoha rogue ninja Itachi, so from any angle, it wasn't appropriate to keep wandering around.

"Then let's go back."

It was a bit disappointing that they hadn't found solid evidence, but that had never been essential. Ethan already had Itachi as a witness to take down Danzo. The Third Hokage and Kakashi could also be counted as witnesses. After all, Danzo had even sent people to assassinate the Third Hokage, and Kakashi was involved. From any angle, Danzo was clearly a traitor to Konoha.

Unfortunately, the Third was too soft. Instead of dealing with it, he just let it go, giving his old comrade a chance to "reform."

The Third's good intentions weren't repaid. Danzo demonstrated what it truly meant to be unrepentant, continuing to stir up trouble in secret.

The number one troublemaker in the ninja world. He truly lived up to the title.

Thanks to Ethan's relentless "education" during this time, even Sasuke had gained a deeper understanding of Danzo.

Originally, Itachi and Sasuke only knew that the Uchiha massacre was heavily tied to Danzo and that Itachi's friend, Shisui, had been killed by him.

But they hadn't expected Danzo to have done so many disgusting things in the shadows. If what Ethan said was true, then countless major events in the ninja world, including the Akatsuki, were connected to Danzo.

At first, Itachi had suppressed his anger and refrained from seeking revenge because he didn't want war to erupt in Konoha.

But now it seemed that keeping Danzo around was the true disaster. He had already created many powerful enemies for Konoha, including the Akatsuki and Orochimaru, who were both watching the village intently. And Danzo was still acting from the shadows, ready to stab the very ninjas who were defending Konoha.

Even if they didn't fully believe Ethan, if even a portion of it was true, Danzo was undoubtedly a cancer in Konoha. Eliminating him could only bring benefits.

With that realization, Itachi felt less pressure. He began wholeheartedly guiding Sasuke and Kakashi on how to properly use Mangekyo Sharingan abilities, including Susanoo.

At this point, it had been seven months since Ethan and the others left Konoha. Sasuke could finally freely use Mangekyo Sharingan techniques. His abilities were Amaterasu, the black flames that could burn anything and never extinguish, and Kagutsuchi, which allowed him to manipulate the shape of those flames.

Sasuke had also awakened the initial form of Susanoo. As for Kakashi, he could now manifest the ribcage of Susanoo to protect himself. Though incomplete, it was a solid start.

Even if they wouldn't be able to see the sight of three full Susanoo beating Danzo down, this was enough.

Coincidentally, this was also the time they returned to Konoha.

Although they had decided to return a while ago, they hadn't taken a direct route and traveled slowly. By the time they arrived back in the village, it had been eight months since they set out.

"It really has been... a long time since I've been away from the village for a mission."

Sasuke had never been on such a long mission before. Although most of the time was spent training, with guidance from both Ethan and Itachi, and the solid foundation Ethan had built for him, his strength had grown significantly.

Now he couldn't wait to test the results of his training and deal with Danzo once and for all.

"Should we go report the mission first?"

"No."

It was still broad daylight. Ethan wasn't in a hurry to enter the village. He found a quiet place outside and patiently waited.

"When night falls, we'll go directly to see the Hokage."

During this time, everyone's training intensity was lowered as they adjusted their condition.

Including Itachi, they all tuned their bodies to peak state. Because once they returned to Konoha, there would likely be a tough battle ahead.

"No matter what, our next move has to be discussed with the Hokage first."

"..."

Kakashi felt especially speechless hearing this. So in Ethan's view, seeing the Hokage was just "discussion"? Not asking for permission first?

He was even a little conflicted. If the Hokage didn't approve, should he try to stop Ethan?

From a duty standpoint, he had to. Even though he knew he wasn't strong enough to stop them.

Night soon fell. Although Konoha's security had been tightened significantly, it still wasn't difficult for this group to sneak in.

And as for Tsunade noticing them? They were going to see her anyway, so it didn't matter.

"You're back?"

The sudden appearance of Ethan, Sasuke, and Kakashi instantly alerted the Anbu. Especially when there was someone else with them. The presence of that person made it impossible for the Anbu to stay calm.

"You actually brought Itachi back!"

Waving her hand to signal the Anbu to retreat, Tsunade sat calmly behind her desk, sipping hot tea while studying Itachi.

He wasn't old, only eighteen this year.

Yet this young man carried the world-weariness of someone who had seen it all, which made Tsunade sigh inwardly.

She had seen many prematurely mature youths before, but those were all during the war. Itachi hadn't even participated in a ninja war. He had grown up in a peaceful era, yet was more mature than the war generation's youths.

"Report your mission."

Ethan thought for a moment, then looked directly at Kakashi.

"Why me?"

"I don't have any experience in this. I don't know how to report. You do it, and I'll learn from you."

"..."

Kakashi was helpless. He had no choice but to report on Ethan's behalf. Just as he finished explaining their mission, Itachi suddenly spoke.

"Danzo already knows we're back."

The veins on Tsunade's hand bulged as she clenched her teacup. The next second, the cup shattered in her grip.

Tsunade, after hearing Kakashi's report, understood that these few had secretly returned to Konoha to see her. Aside from herself, the only people who knew about their return were the few Anbu assigned to her protection.

Danzo was becoming increasingly bold. Had he started infiltrating the Hokage's personal Anbu guards?

Ethan wasn't surprised. Danzo had long been placing his people in the Anbu. He just hadn't expected that even those responsible for protecting the Hokage had already been compromised.

This only made it easier for him. Besides the Third, what other leader would tolerate this?

"I want to see what he plans to do."

Cold sweat ran down Kakashi's back. Earlier, he had been debating whether to stop Ethan if Tsunade didn't agree to their plan.

He didn't expect the Hokage to be the first to blow up. Judging by her expression, she might even personally go after Danzo. Should he try to calm her down?

Before Kakashi could speak, he felt someone grab him and push him aside. Steadying himself, he turned to see Ethan walking toward Tsunade with a bright smile.

"Hokage-sama wants to take down Danzo? Would you like your subordinate's help?"

"..."

For some reason, Tsunade suddenly had the urge to punch Ethan in the face.

(To be continued.)