In the Hokage's spacious office, the midday sun streamed through the windows, illuminating the messy papers on the desk. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat in his chair, slowly smoking his pipe as he read a recent report. The tranquility of the moment was interrupted when an ANBU suddenly appeared in the room, kneeling before him.
"Hokage-sama, Danzo Shimura has returned. He is here to see you."
Hiruzen looked up, a flash of irritation in his eyes. "Let him pass."
The ANBU disappeared as quickly as he had arrived. Moments later, the door opened and Danzo strode in confidently, his robes fluttering slightly with the movement. His gaze met the Hokage's, but he made no gesture of respect.
"You have been absent for two months, Danzo," Hiruzen began, his tone grave. "I demand an explanation. Where have you been and what have you been doing?"
Danzo stopped in front of the desk, his hands behind his back, his stance as defiant as ever. "I have been working for the welfare of Konoha, as always, Hiruzen. Though it seems some do not appreciate my dedication."
Hiruzen frowned. "That's not enough. I need details. You can't disappear for so long without reporting. I'm the Hokage, and your actions must be approved by me."
Danzo let out a light sigh, as if he were dealing with a child's impatience. "If you really insist, I'll tell you. My operations took me to the Land of Lightning. I received information about an emerging organization that planned to take revenge against Konoha for the actions of the last war. Although it was not an immediate threat, I deemed it prudent to investigate and neutralize the problem before it grew."
Hiruzen stared at him, searching for any hint of a lie in Danzo's words. "And what did you discover?"
Danzo raised an eyebrow. "Nothing worth reporting. The organization was weak and poorly organized, the only threat was the leader, a user of the storm element, my men and I took care of them in a matter of weeks. However, we cannot ignore that these frictions still exist, even after the war ended a little over a year ago."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, bringing his pipe to his lips. "You are correct that frictions between villages persist. Although we have signed treaties with Iwagakure and Sunagakure, Kiri and Kumo have yet to agree to a formal armistice. From time to time, there are minor clashes on our borders with the Cloud."
Danzo nodded slowly, though his thoughts were far from any diplomacy. "As expected. The war may be over, but tensions never completely disappear. That is something you should understand better than anyone, Hiruzen."
Hiruzen ignored the comment and continued, "I hope that in the future we can reach agreements with those villages. Peace is not something to be taken lightly."
Danzo let out a dry laugh. "Peace... Peace is an ideal that only the weak desperately pursue through words, Hiruzen. While you dream of treaties, our enemies strengthen their ranks, preparing for the next opportunity."
Hiruzen looked at him sternly. "Do not underestimate my dedication to protecting this village, Danzo."
"Dedicate yourself to protecting the village?" Danzo replied with a glint of mockery in his eyes, remembering something his root Anbu had informed him when he arrived. "Is that what you did when you allowed a ninja to try to assassinate the Jinchuriki?"
Hiruzen clenched his jaw, clearly annoyed by the mention. "That incident was handled. Kakashi was there and foiled the attempt. According to our investigations, the attacker appeared to be a ninja from Iwagakure. However, Iwa denied any involvement."
"Of course they denied it," Danzo said dismissively. "And you, in your infinite kindness, passed up the opportunity to press the issue. You fear war so much that you are willing to ignore a direct threat against our jinchūriki."
"Enough, Danzo." Hiruzen slammed the table hard, his eyes burning with fury. "I make my decisions as Hokage, and I do so with the well-being of the village in mind. I will not allow your extreme methods to dictate the course of Konoha."
Danzo did not flinch at the outburst of anger. In fact, a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips. "Your decisions are those of a weak man, Hiruzen. That weakness is a reflection of the decline of this village. And as long as you continue to dream of peace, others will work to ensure that Konoha does not fall."
Hiruzen stood up from his chair, his figure imposing despite his years. "I may be weak, Danzo, but never forget that I am the Hokage. And while I am in this position, I am the one giving the orders."
Danzo held the Hokage's gaze for a long moment, as if evaluating his words. Then, without another word, he turned and walked towards the door.
As he was about to leave, Hiruzen spoke again, his voice firm and full of authority. "Danzo, don't forget. I am the Hokage."
Danzo stopped dead in his tracks, but didn't look back. Instead of responding angrily, as Hiruzen expected, he let out a light laugh. "For now," he muttered with a cocky smile. Then, he opened the door and walked out, leaving behind a feeling of unease in the office.
Hiruzen sat back down in his chair, staring at the closed door. For the first time in a long time, he felt a chill as he thought of his old friend and rival. "For now..." he repeated quietly, a feeling of uncertainty growing within him.
//////
The main hall of the Hyūga residence was dim, lit only by the faint light of a chandelier. Hiashi Hyūga stood waiting, his face calm, but his gaze fixed on the door, as if he could pierce it with his dojutsu. Around him, several scrolls were neatly arranged, evidence of his recent administrative work.
The door opened silently, and Danzo Shimura entered with his usual easy gait. He was dressed in his usual dark attire, but this time he carried a package wrapped in black cloth, from which emanated an eerie presence. Two members of the Branch Branch, stationed near the entrance, watched warily, but did not intervene.
"Hiashi," Danzo greeted with a slight nod.
Hiashi responded with a similar gesture, albeit shorter. "Danzo-sama, I hope you have good news."
Danzo walked over to the low table in the center of the room, carefully placed the package down, and unceremoniously pulled back the black cloth, revealing its contents.
Ao's head, with its implanted Byakugan, lay there like a macabre offering. Hiashi watched the scene in complete silence, his face unfazed. Only his eyes shone with a glint of recognition and satisfaction at seeing that the lost Byakugan had finally returned.
"I have kept my word," Danzo said, his voice low and firm. "The Byakugan has been recovered. Ao will no longer stain the honor of your clan."
Hiashi nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off the head. "You have done so. My clan will be eternally grateful for this act, Danzo-sama. However, I know that you did not do it just out of altruism."
Danzo gave a slight smile, a gesture that did not attempt to deny the truth. "Of course. You and I are not men who act without purpose. This, Hiashi-dono, is more than a simple favor. It is the beginning of an alliance that can shape the future of Konoha."
Hiashi finally looked away from his head to look directly at Danzo. "Speak clearly. What is it that you hope to gain from me and the Hyūga clan?"
Danzo folded his hands in front of him, his posture relaxed but full of authority. "First, I want a few members of the Branch Branch assigned to the Root. Their skills will be an invaluable asset in operations that benefit not only Konoha, but your clan as well. With the Caged Bird Seal, you will always be in control of their lives, this way you will not fear that I will use them against you."
Hiashi frowned slightly, but did not interrupt.
"Second," Danzo continued, "your support on the Council will be crucial. There are decisions that must be made firmly, especially regarding the security of Konoha. I cannot allow Hiruzen's weakness to compromise our position. I need you to support my proposals, even if they seem unpopular."
Hiashi was silent for a moment, evaluating Danzo's words. "And what guarantees do I have that these 'proposals' will not endanger the stability of my clan?"
Danzo leaned forward slightly. "None. But I can be sure of one thing, a strong Hyūga clan means a strong Konoha. My vision is not just political, but military. If Konoha becomes the dominant village, the Hyūga Clan will be seen as one of the pillars that held that hegemony."
Hiashi mused silently. He knew Danzo was a dangerous man, but he also understood that Danzo's ambition could align with the clan's interests, at least for now.
"If I accept your terms," Hiashi said finally, "what guarantee do I have that you will keep your word?"
Danzo smiled coldly. "My word is my guarantee. But if that is not enough, let me remind you that the success of this alliance benefits both of us."
Hiashi nodded slowly, accepting the reality of the situation. "Very well, Danzo-sama. I will consider your terms. But understand this, we Hyūga are not your pawns. I will work with you as long as our interests align. If I ever feel that you are compromising my clan, I will be the first to oppose you."
Danzo stood, satisfied. "I understand perfectly, Hiashi. I hope this alliance will bring great benefits to both of us. And remember, my strength lies in doing what others dare not."
Hiashi watched him as he walked away.
Danzo walked out, leaving Hiashi in front of Ao's head.
Hiashi stared at the macabre trophy for a few more moments, then ordered a servant to remove it. As silence filled the room again, he muttered to himself, "Ambitious as ever, Danzo. But be careful... even the most cunning of snakes can be crushed."
//////
Deep within the Root base, a deathly silence filled the dark hallways. In one of the main rooms, Danzo stood in front of a large map of the Shinobi Countries, with the borders of Iwagakure clearly outlined. His gaze was cold.
Tatsuma, his most efficient and trusted man in Root, was kneeling in front of him, awaiting instructions.
Danzo spoke in his usual, authoritative tone.
"Iwagakure made a grave mistake in attempting to attack Konoha's jinchuriki. If they think they can touch what belongs to us without retaliation, they are deeply mistaken. They have no right to be enraged if we take compensation for their audacity."
Tatsuma nodded without looking up. "What is your will, Danzo-sama?"
Danzo placed a kunai on the map, pointing at Iwagakure.
"Your mission has two main objectives. The first is to kidnap a child named Deidara. He must be approximately four years old, he is an orphan, he will be an asset to Root. Here is a detailed description of his appearance."
Danzo held out another scroll with information about the boy. Tatsuma took it and quickly looked through it.
"The second objective," Danzo continued, "is to steal the scroll containing Iwagakure's secret Kinjutsu. This scroll is, in all likelihood, located in the office of Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage."
Tatsuma looked up slightly, though his face remained impassive. "Do you wish for me to confront the Tsuchikage if necessary?"
Danzo let out a short, dry laugh. "Don't be absurd, Tatsuma. Even though Ōnoki is old, his power is still immense. Even you wouldn't stand a chance against him in a direct confrontation."
"So, how shall we proceed?" Tatsuma asked.
Danzo crossed his hands behind his back and began to walk slowly around the room.
"I'll talk to Orochimaru, he'll distract the Tsuchikage, I'll order him to use the genjutsu pills he developed. If he uses them correctly, he'll be able to manipulate Han, the Jinchūriki of the Gobi, into losing control and releasing his tailed beast."
Tatsuma nodded, understanding the plan.
"When the beast is released, Ōnoki will have no choice but to intervene personally. It will be then that you, having already located the boy, will kidnap him. At the same time, you must infiltrate the Tsuchikage's office and take the Kinjutsu scroll. The confusion caused by the release of the Gobi will be your greatest ally, in addition, the members of your team must also search for genetic samples from the corpses of the great ninjas of Iwagakure, with the corpse of the second Tsuchikage being the priority."
Danzo stopped in front of Tatsuma, staring at him. "This mission is crucial. There will be no room for error. If you fail, the consequences will be severe, not only for you, but for the Root as a whole."
Tatsuma bowed his head in respect and obedience. "Understood, Danzo-sama. I will complete the mission."
Tatsuma slowly stood up, his figure casting an imposing shadow in the dim light of the room.
"One more thing, in case you meet Nonō Yakushi, bring her back with you, tell her I need her here, her mission as a spy is cancelled" Danzo needed a doctor to start monitoring Kimimaru's health, and although Kabuto was talented, he had not yet become the great medical ninja he would be in the future, Tsunade would not come just because he asked her, so for now the best option was Nonō.
"Understood, I will go prepare a squad and then set off, Danzo-sama."
Danzo nodded, and as Tatsuma disappeared into the darkness of the corridor, the Root leader turned his attention back to the map.
"Now I will talk to Orochimaru" he muttered to himself.