Konoha - Outskirts - Underground Base
Dim light flickered at the entrance to a hidden staircase that spiraled deep into the earth. At the bottom lay a labyrinthine network of meticulously organized buildings, their rooftops stacked in a claustrophobic array. Danzo Shimura, appearing about thirty years old, clad in battle armor with a ninjatō strapped to his back, descended the stairs at a measured pace. Two shinobi flanked him as escorts.
"Danzo-sama, that's the general situation in the village," one of them reported.
Danzo's eyes glimmered briefly with excitement at the update, though he quickly masked it. In front of subordinates, he knew he had to project cold, calculated authority—it was the demeanor befitting someone in his position.
"Keep a close eye on these matters while I'm not in the village," he ordered. "For Konoha's sake, I must have full control over this information."
"Yes, Danzo-sama," the shinobi responded promptly.
Danzo soon reached his private quarters. As his hand turned the latch, the door creaked open slightly. His sharp instincts screamed danger, and he instantly stepped back, muscles coiled for action.
The two shinobi at his side snapped into alertness, kunai drawn. Someone had entered Danzo's room.
Danzo's gaze locked onto the silhouette of a figure seated in his chair, facing away from the door. His mind raced. Who could have found this place, let alone bypassed its security?
The figure turned slowly.
"Well, Danzo, aren't you going to welcome me?"
The man's slicked-back hair, calm yet piercing eyes, and long coat were unmistakable.
Danzo's tension eased, though his caution remained. With a wave of his hand, he signaled his subordinates to stand down. Entering the room, Danzo gave a small, respectful bow.
"Kakuzu-sama, why didn't you notify me of your arrival?"
The subordinates wisely excused themselves, leaving the two men alone. Danzo took a seat opposite Kakuzu.
"Kakuzu-sama, I've heard rumors that you paid Sarutobi Hiruzen a visit—and even taught him a lesson."
Danzo couldn't hide the spark of satisfaction in his voice.
Kakuzu chuckled. "Indeed. I suggested he step down and hand over the Hokage position to you. He refused, so I gave him a little... reminder of his mortality."
Danzo's eyes lit up with undisguised admiration.
Kakuzu-sama has always supported my ascension to Hokage. He's even willing to act for it!
"Your wisdom is unparalleled, Kakuzu-sama," Danzo said fervently. "Hiruzen's stubbornness will be his downfall."
Kakuzu smirked, resting his chin on one hand while lightly tapping the ancient wooden table with the other. His gaze swept the room.
"This place... did you build it?"
"No, Kakuzu-sama," Danzo replied. "It was originally my teacher's laboratory. I've since repurposed it. Here, I will establish a new organization dedicated to safeguarding Konoha from the shadows."
Kakuzu chuckled darkly. "And what do you plan to call it?"
"Root," Danzo declared, standing tall. "Just as the roots of a great tree remain hidden from sight, this organization will operate in darkness, ensuring Konoha's safety."
Kakuzu nodded knowingly. "A noble sentiment. Though I suspect the Uchiha will bear the brunt of your... reforms."
Danzo didn't flinch. "The Uchiha must understand their place for the greater good of Konoha."
Kakuzu didn't press further. This was none of his concern. Taking a sip of tea, he redirected the conversation.
"Danzo, isn't there something you owe me?"
Danzo blinked before realization dawned. He quickly retrieved a scroll from his robe, unrolling it onto the table. After forming a series of hand seals, a small vial materialized.
"This is what you requested," Danzo said, presenting the vial.
Kakuzu took it, inspecting the liquid inside with a calculating expression.
"Hashirama's cells... excellent. You've done well, Danzo. With this, I'll support you as the next Hokage."
Kakuzu patted Danzo's shoulder, a rare gesture of approval. Danzo's gratitude was evident.
Kakuzu-sama is a true ally. A strong, unyielding ally who recognizes my potential. Supporting my ascension proves he has Konoha's best interests at heart.
Kakuzu smirked inwardly. With Danzo under his thumb and a steady supply of Hashirama's cells, his plans were falling into place.
Taking another sip of tea, he savored the moment.
After his meeting with Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, Kakuzu had no pressing matters to attend to in Konoha. Before leaving, though, he decided to check on his investments in the village. The 300-plus properties he owned still stood, bustling with activity as ninja and residents came and went. The monthly income was steady, if not spectacular.
As for the glass factory and the gambling den—his major moneymakers—while they weren't as explosive as when they first started, they had stabilized, bringing in tens of millions in profit each month. It was far better than the risks of mercenary work.
Before departing, Kakuzu also met with his long-time steward, Maruboshi Kosuke. Once a young boy, Kosuke was now a grown man. He lost his teammates on a mission due to a critical mistake, an event that haunted him. Stricken with guilt, he voluntarily chose to remain a genin under Tobirama Senju's administration, avoiding the higher responsibilities of a shinobi.
The only difference this time was Kakuzu's influence. He had taught Kosuke various ninjutsu and forbidden techniques. Although Kosuke had failed his mission, he hadn't suffered lasting injuries. When Kakuzu saw him again, Kosuke was working as a caretaker at the ninja academy, cleaning tools and equipment.
Sitting beside Kakuzu, Kosuke set aside his work and smiled faintly.
"Kosuke," Kakuzu began, "are you really content with being a genin for life?"
Kosuke chuckled, shaking his head.
"Kakuzu-sama, this job isn't so bad. It keeps me away from the bloodshed, and I get to watch the next generation of Konoha grow. That's a kind of happiness too."
Because of his genin status, Kosuke wasn't eligible to teach at the academy, but he found satisfaction in his current role. Kakuzu respected his choice. After all, living a peaceful life, collecting steady profits, and observing the children wasn't a bad way to spend one's time.
While the two chatted, the academy's training field buzzed with excitement. A group of kids had gathered in the center, forming a noisy ring around two figures. The children varied in age; some looked as young as six or seven, while others were eight or nine. Though most faces were unfamiliar to Kakuzu, a few stood out, prompting him to narrow his eyes in thought.
Noticing this, Kosuke explained, "Those two with the Byakugan are from the Hyuga clan—Hizashi and Hiashi, the young heirs of their family."
Kakuzu nodded, remembering when they were mere infants. He had once visited their grandfather, Hyuga Tennin, on the man's deathbed. Eight years had flown by since then.
Kosuke continued, pointing toward the crowd. "The spiky-haired boy and the chubby one beside him are Nara Shikaku and Akimichi Choza."
Kakuzu smirked. The little ones he'd known before their birth had grown up into Konoha's new generation.
The children were cheering loudly, focused on the two older students sparring in the field's center.
"What's all the commotion about?" Kakuzu asked.
"It's tradition," Kosuke explained. "The previous year's graduates are invited back to spar as a way to inspire the younger students. They demonstrate what it means to be a ninja, though the kids mainly care about how cool it looks."
Kakuzu chuckled softly. He recalled similar events in his previous life, though ninja students seemed far more preoccupied with flashiness than actual danger. They weren't interested in the risks of being a shinobi—only in how impressive the techniques and battles looked.
The graduates, eager to show off, had turned the sparring session into a full-on arena match. However, there was a downside: someone always lost. And losing in front of your juniors wasn't exactly great for one's pride.
As Kakuzu observed, his eyes settled on a white-haired boy currently being pummeled on the field.
"You idiot! I told you not to attack my legs!" the boy yelled, scrambling to his feet. "You're playing dirty!"
"That's just strategy," the opponent retorted smugly.
"Damn it! I wasn't ready! Let's go again!"
Kakuzu squinted at the white-haired boy and smirked in recognition. It was none other than Jiraiya. As for the boy beating him senseless, Kakuzu's gaze turned sharp with interest.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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