It's been 24 years, why am I reincarnated in Konoha without a system?

Chapter 123 C-Rank Delivery Mission, Target: Karin

Konoha, beneath the lake at the Uchiha ruins.

[As expected, the roots weren't as easily infiltrated from the outside as I'd imagined. But thinking about it, it makes sense; if it were that easy to penetrate, Danzo's Shisui Mangekyou Sharingan would have been recovered by Obito long ago. After all, that's Kotoamatsukami!]

Feeling the nourishment in White Zetsu's body, Ishikawa sighed and released the Spirit Transformation Technique.

In an instant, as the blue and white spirit body flew back from underground at the speed of light, the Ishikawa family's main body suddenly opened its eyes, revealing a strange look.

"Then, let's leave the White Zetsu there for now! That place is usually deserted, and there's no future involvement of any interests, so it should be foolproof." Ishikawa smiled confidently, thinking of the one-armed White Zetsu hidden in the Uchiha ruins.

He originally planned to place the White Zetsu under Ichiraku Ramen, but there was no sufficient water vein to nourish it, so Ishikawa had no choice but to give up.

However, the White Zetsu issue isn't the main point; the main point is that he has already alerted Danzo! Invading the Roots is also difficult, so obtaining Hashirama's cells will require finding another method.

Although using spiritification techniques to control Root members to infiltrate and steal is one option, Ishikawa does not intend to do so.

Putting aside the difficulty of controlling a Root member, even if they successfully infiltrated him, they wouldn't know the exact location where Hashirama's cells were stored. Even if they found it by sheer luck, they would inevitably be hunted down by Root and their Spirit Transformation Technique would be discovered.

Hehe! Then there's no need to think about what happens next...

Do you think the Third Hokage would choose between Danzo and the rogue ninja who stole important resources from Root?

However, the importance of Hashirama cells to Ishikawa is self-evident! With the help of a "golden touch" to resolve the rejection reaction, transplanting Hashirama cells is undoubtedly the most convenient way to quickly improve one's strength.

Then, we can only try to find a solution from Orochimaru or Obito!

After this failed invasion, Ishikawa dared not easily go after Orochimaru and Obito, neither of whom were people he could afford to offend at the moment.

"So, we can only postpone it until the Chunin Exams to raid Orochimaru's base or go look for him over there!" After a long while, Ishikawa looked at the restored inner wall and muttered to himself.

After deciding to give up for the time being, Ishikawa glanced at the alarm clock that showed it was past 2 a.m., stopped thinking about it, and went to sleep.

While Ishikawa was fast asleep, the sudden appearance of all the Root ninjas alerted the Anbu, who reported it to the Hokage. Konoha was far from peaceful that night…

Ishikawa didn't care about any of this; no matter how they investigated, they'd never find out it was him. So, let Danzo and Sarutobi worry about it!

The next day, in the Hokage's office.

"Yes, the three of you are tasked with a Class C message delivery mission at the northern border outpost today."

"A C-rank mission?" Ishikawa asked instinctively, somewhat surprised, not expecting the Third Hokage to assign them a C-rank mission so quickly.

Although the mission is still in the Land of Fire, a mission like delivering a message to the border should be handled by a team of experienced Chunin.

Could it be because of last night...?

"What? Worried about something unexpected?" Seeing Ishikawa's surprise, the Third Hokage rubbed his slightly aching head and said, "This is just a regular letter, there's no danger. Ishikawa, I believe your team has the capability."

"No, I'm just a little surprised that a C-rank mission is being carried out so quickly. Please rest assured that this mission is ours, Hokage-sama," Ishikawa quickly explained, trying to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

"Hehe... Of course I believe in your strength. Then this letter is yours. Please make sure to deliver it to the Jonin, Hakuun Hayato, who is in charge of the sentry post." The Third Hokage smiled as he handed over the letter, not noticing Ishikawa's surprise.

As Ishikawa said, he hadn't originally planned to have them carry out C-level missions so soon. However, the unusual activity at Root last night caused a shortage of manpower in the village, so he had no choice but to gradually delegate less important B and C-level missions.

"A morning Jonin? I understand." Ishikawa nodded solemnly, then immediately called to his two excited underlings and turned to leave.

Watching the three of them leave, the Third Hokage's kind smile immediately turned serious, and his gaze turned cold. "Danzo, what exactly are you trying to do?"

They actually used the excuse that someone had invaded Root to send Root ninjas to search for clues everywhere, but they ended up targeting the Anbu and his Sarutobi clan.

Is this guy doubting his position as Hokage? Or is he using this as an excuse to try and gain something...?

The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is about to graduate, and that guy has always been eyeing him covetously! Could he be looking for an excuse to absorb Naruto's Root and turn him into his so-called Tailed Beast weapon?

"Danzo, no matter what you want to do, I will not let you succeed. Konoha needs your power, but that doesn't mean I will allow you to do whatever you want..." After a long while, the Third Hokage sighed heavily, his face resolute.

Meanwhile, Ishikawa was unaware that his intrusion had sparked a secret rivalry between Sarutobi Danzo and others. Soon, the three of them finished packing and left Konoha.

"According to the map, the northern border stretches for over a hundred kilometers from east to west, bordering the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass. The border post we are going to is located in the section between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass."

“Although the Land of Grass is a small country caught in the middle, we may still encounter them on the border. So Tarojiro, if any unexpected situation arises, you must all obey my orders. I want you to escape; you cannot stay and must evacuate with all your might.”

On the way, Ishikawa gave his two underlings a heads-up to prevent any unexpected situations from escalating and causing a messy incident!

"No, we can't leave you alone, brother."

"Taro is right. If anyone should leave, it should be the eldest brother first."

Sure enough, almost the instant Ishikawa finished speaking, the two henchmen immediately patted their chests and shouted, with expressions of fearlessness.

"Ha! I knew it would be like this, that's why I made it clear beforehand." Ishikawa shook his head, then looked at the two of them seriously. "Although it may be a bit hurtful to say this, the truth is that having you two around might hold me back from retreating. So, when facing an enemy we cannot defeat, you go first so that I can retreat safely."

Upon hearing this, the two underlings' faces fell. Just as they were about to say something more, Ishikawa waved his hand and said firmly, "If you acknowledge me as your boss, then obey my orders! Don't forget, I can use my teleportation ability to escape with flying eagles."

Seeing Ishikawa's resolute attitude, and knowing that he also had a way to retreat, Tarojiro exchanged a glance and finally nodded helplessly.

No, their strength is still too weak! After this mission, I must work hard to cultivate and catch up with my elder brother, so I won't be a burden anymore...

"Very good, full speed ahead." Seeing that the two had agreed, Ishikawa gave the order and accelerated again, taking the lead with red eyes.

He wasn't just making baseless accusations or being overly pessimistic; he really was going to stir things up!

The neighboring Land of Grass has Karin, his personal nanny, right there, which Ishikawa can't ignore.

A ninja team typically consists of four members, and after Kakashi leaves, their team will inevitably need to add one more person. So, why can't it be Karin from the Grass Ninja?

With Karin joining the team, the safety of his squad in the face of future dangers will definitely increase by more than one level!

Snake Uncle, Erzhuzi, sorry, but I'm going to have to compete with you for someone...