At the same time, after Li Yaoxiang left Hokage Residence. He ushered in the arrival of Uchiha Itachi.
It's just that after he heard that someone specifically named him and asked him to complete the mission, he had a little trouble.
The person at the mission reception: "Uchiha Itachi, you must know that the village rules are like this. No matter how good your results are, Genin can't go out alone to do a mission. You have to choose your teammates."
This period of Uchiha Itachi has just unlocked his Sharingan.
That is when his teammates were killed recently.
At the same time, it was also when he was disappointed with his father's attitude. Because his father, Uchiha Fugaku, didn't care about the death of his teammates at all, and he was proud that his son had opened Sharingan so early. Because of this, the temperament of Uchiha Itachi in this time became a bit cold.
"No need. I can complete the mission by myself."
The person at the mission reception desk: "But, this is completely out of the rules…."
Without waiting for the person at the task reception desk, suddenly one more person appeared in the room. This person was also wearing Uchiha Clan's standard high-necked clothing and a 3-corner protective gear.
This person was Uchiha Shisui.
Soon after Uchiha Shisui appeared, he came behind Uchiha Itachi, patted his shoulder, and then said to the person at the mission reception desk: "I and Itachi will take this mission together. It should be okay, right?"
After Uchiha Itachi saw the person was Shisui, his indifferent complexion also softened a lot: "Big Brother Shisui!"
The two looked at each other. He nodded. Then, he looked towards mission reception, waiting for his reply.
The result was very clear.
With Uchiha Shisui's lead, the people at the mission reception will not look for trouble and offend Uchiha Clan's people: "Hahaha, fine. I will submit your message here."
Two people left the mission reception. Walk side by side on the street.
....
Shisui: "Itachi, I understand how you feel. But since our companions have sacrificed their lives for you. Then we should live better. Together with their share of work. Together to protect this beautiful home. I hope you can understand this truth." Compared to other people. Uchiha Itachi's attitude towards Shisui was obviously much better. He did not answer. But he was seriously thinking about what his Big Brother Shisui said.
Shisui did not bother anymore.
After a while, Shisui continued to say: "I will not carry out this mission with you. I will hide in the dark and observe carefully. I hope your performance will not disappoint me."
...
Early the next morning, Li Yaoxiang packed his clothes. Then he left to wait at the mission reception.
It didn't take long.
He soon saw Uchiha Itachi as a child and came here on time.
Seeing Uchiha Itachi, Li Yaoxiang immediately went up: "Looking at your clothes, you should be Uchiha Itachi? Hello, I'm your client this time, Li Yaoxiang. Pleased to work with you."
Li Yaoxiang held out his right hand and wanted to shake hands with Uchiha Itachi.
Li Yaoxiang thought he would be rejected. Instead, Uchiha Itachi really shook hands with him and thanked him kindly.
"Hello, I am Uchiha Itachi. Thank you for trusting me, and named me to take this mission. I will escort you to the destination safely."
This scene slightly surprised Li Yaoxiang.
Li Yaoxiang was familiar with the original series. But it's very clear that during this period, Uchiha Itachi, who has experienced all the deaths of his teammates, has become much colder in character. This made him wonder why Uchiha Itachi would be so friendly towards him.
"Good, good!" After a few praises, Li Yaoxiang continued, "Uh…, you're the only one?"
It was strange to see Uchiha Itachi alone.
As far as he knows, according to Konoha's rules, Uchiha Itachi, who was still a Genin, should not be able to take a mission out of the village alone.
Uchiha Itachi said with a smile: "Relax, Mr. Li. Your mission is just C-Rank's Escort Mission. I can complete it by myself. There will be no problems."
Hearing Uchiha Itachi's words, Li Yaoxiang was still a little worried. It's not that he doesn't believe in Uchiha Itachi's ability. But more concerned about a Jonin hiding in the distance, secretly protecting Uchiha Itachi the Genin.
To avoid causing suspicion from others, before leaving the sight of these ninjas, Li Yaoxiang decided to continue to maintain his 'sincere' appearance. "Hahaha! You are the genius ninja in the village. How could I be uneasy? Don't get me wrong. I'm just curious. I specifically entrusted you to accept this mission. I just want to know you more. I hope you don't mind."
Uchiha Itachi laughed, saying he didn't mind.
The reason why his attitude towards Li Yaoxiang was so friendly was that he did not want to disappoint Shisui. He knew that Shisui in the vicinity was watching him. Therefore, facing the 'customer' Li Yaoxiang, he did his best to show a friendly attitude.
After the short exchange, the two went outside the village.
...
Konoha Village, Root base.
This is underground in a hidden place in Konoha Village. All around is covered with huge roots. The air is filled with a thick humid smell of mud.
At this time, Shimura Danzo was at the base, handling some of his daily official duties.
At this moment, a Root Ninja with a cough came to Shimura Danzo and reported to him: "Cough! Cough! Cough! Lord Danzo, just now someone reported that a villager got a Third-Hokage's approval. An approval about leaving the village."
Shimura Danzo stopped his official duties. His expression became slightly angry, questioning: "Hiruzen? Is he getting older and more confused? How can he let people leave the village casually? ... Who's leaving the village?"
Root ninja: "Cough! Cough! Cough! His name is Li Yaoxiang…."
Immediately after this, Root Ninja, who coughed from time to time, told him about Li Yaoxiang's message and what happened recently. Even about Li Yaoxiang commissioned ninjas to do an Escort Mission for him.
Shimura Danzo's face became gloomier after hearing it. He didn't care whether Li Yaoxiang was innocent in this matter or not. As long as there is a hint of probability that becomes an 'unstable factor', Shimura Danzo would rather kill the wrong one than let it go! Moreover, as long as Li Yaoxiang died as soon as he left the village, Konoha's people would know how dangerous the outside world is! They all won't hold the thought of leaving Konoha!
"Who took over this mission?"
"It's Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui."
Hearing that these two people took the task, Shimura Danzo's face became a bit ugly. He knew very well that the two of them could not move yet. But with a little carelessness, Uchiha Clan may immediately create…
Before the village was prepared, he didn't want to take this risk.
"No need to deal with the people of Uchiha Clan. Send someone to stop them for a moment to see if there is a chance to kill that Li Yaoxiang. If you really let him escape into a city… then forget it."
The reason why there is such a choice because as long as he enters the city of Land-of-Fire, Danzo won't be able to move that easily anymore. Otherwise, it would be trouble for him if someone investigates it.
You need to know that in today's Ninja Village, even if you are qualified to be a shadow in the village, you still need the consent of Daimyo*.
[*TL notes: A daimyō (English TV: Feudal Lord, literally meaning: Great Name) is the political leader of a country. A daimyō is responsible for all decisions concerning their country, from alliances to the annual budget to the privileges allowed to the country's hidden village. Daimyō is, therefore, one of the single most important individuals in the entire country and holds the highest degree of political power, such that they are given special protection by the Allied Shinobi Forces during the Fourth Shinobi World War.]
"Cough, cough, cough. Yes!"