Xu Fan's Rise in Konoha
Xu Fan had no intention of letting Danzo escape unscathed after everything he had done. His downfall was inevitable, especially after losing Shisui Uchiha's Kotoamatsukami to Xu Fan. Without that trump card, Danzo was powerless to stage a comeback anytime soon. In fact, it was likely he would go into hiding, fearing Xu Fan's growing influence.
"Where is Danzo?" Xu Fan demanded.
When the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, remained silent, Xu Fan repeated his question, his voice firm and unyielding. The message was clear—tell me where Danzo is, and I will take care of the rest.
Sarutobi sighed, meeting the young man's gaze. He understood Xu Fan's anger. And yet, his hesitation in dealing with Danzo stemmed from their long history together. Though Danzo's actions were ruthless, he had always acted with Konoha's interests in mind. Hiruzen was the light of Konoha, while Danzo was the shadow beneath it. Sacrificing him so easily was not a decision he could make lightly.
"When this is over, I will give you an answer," Hiruzen finally responded, opting for a diplomatic delay.
Xu Fan studied the Hokage's expression and nodded. He understood the message—after the mission in the Land of Iron, Danzo would be his to deal with.
This upcoming conflict with Kumogakure was the perfect opportunity to make a name for himself. Minato Namikaze had cemented his legacy as the "Yellow Flash" during the Third Great Ninja War. His speed and deadly precision had been so feared that enemy shinobi were ordered to abandon missions upon encountering him. It was that kind of reputation Xu Fan sought to establish.
With the Hokage's acknowledgment, Xu Fan knew what awaited him when he returned—Danzo.
"There's one more thing," he said.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I accept the invitation to join Anbu—but only as the Captain of my own squad," Xu Fan stated confidently.
Hiruzen was taken aback. Though Anbu was an elite force, led by seasoned warriors like Kakashi Hatake, Xu Fan displayed an unwavering confidence, bordering on arrogance.
"Whether in terms of combat ability, intelligence analysis, or leadership, I am not inferior to Kakashi," Xu Fan continued, his tone firm. "I refuse to serve under someone weaker than myself."
There was no hesitation in his voice. This was not empty bravado but the conviction of someone who knew his own strength.
When he had first awakened a massive chakra reserve, he could overwhelm opponents with raw power. But facing elite shinobi like Sarutobi required more than brute force. His breakthrough came when he unlocked the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai. Now, he could hold his own against even an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan-wielding Sasuke. However, a glaring weakness still remained—genjutsu.
Against someone like Itachi Uchiha, direct eye contact could be fatal. But even without the Sharingan, genjutsu could be activated through sound, touch, or indirect sight.
That was his final hurdle. And now, he had overcome even that.
With his current strength, he felt unstoppable.
The only person who can defeat me… is myself.
A small smirk played on his lips. How invincible… how lonely.
Standing at the summit of power, he felt the biting wind of solitude. Who else could understand his burden?
But Xu Fan had greater ambitions.
His goal was not simply to become Hokage. He wanted to unify the entire ninja world under the banner of the Fire Country. To use science and strategy to elevate shinobi beyond their endless cycles of war. To prepare for the ultimate threat—the Otsutsuki Clan.
Despite their portrayal as mere plot devices in the original manga, the Otsutsuki were an existential threat. They had the power to traverse dimensions, absorb chakra, and rewrite reality itself.
In this world, they were not a joke.
They were the greatest enemy.
It was no different from the legendary Kyojuro Rengoku's final stand against Akaza—a fight that seemed destined for tragedy. But Xu Fan would not allow that fate to play out.
For now, he had a simple first step—defeat the Raikage in the Land of Iron.
Upon returning, he would eliminate Danzo and establish his own foundation of power.
"This may not be easy," Sarutobi warned. "Anbu are the strongest shinobi in the village. A captain without experience—"
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama," Xu Fan interrupted, a knowing smile on his lips. "I excel at handling people."
His words carried a subtle but unmistakable pressure.
Sarutobi hesitated.
For a brief moment, he saw not a young shinobi—but a man reminiscent of Tobirama Senju.
Finally, he relented.
"Very well," Sarutobi said. "From this moment forward, I appoint you as Anbu Captain."
Xu Fan gave a small bow of gratitude, then turned on his heel, leaving the office.
Watching his retreating figure, Sarutobi wiped the sweat from his brow.
When did he become this powerful…?