Inside the hall of the Root headquarters.
"My lord, is something the matter?"
"Tsunade is pregnant with my child." Danzo's mind was filled with countless thoughts.
Yakushi Nonō froze for a moment but quickly resumed her usual composed demeanor.
"This is good news. My lord should have had an heir long ago."
Danzo had indeed considered continuing his bloodline, and he had thought about Tsunade. After all, aside from her temper, she was the best possible choice.
But he had never expected it to happen so suddenly—especially when he hadn't even done anything himself.
Though he was a man focused on results, he still preferred to have some sense of participation.
Yet now, Danzo could only accept this reality.
"Handle matters in the Land of Fire quickly. Do not allow anyone to disturb Tsunade... During this period, you will oversee Konoha's administrative affairs. Itachi will also step forward publicly to assist you.
"Send people to protect her in secret. If possible, carve a space-time teleportation seal in the Hokage's office. No, never mind—I will personally set it up when I have time..."
"Understood, my lord."
Danzo glanced at Yakushi Nonō, who maintained her usual respectful and obedient posture.
"Also, you should bear my child as soon as possible."
With that, he pulled her into his arms, completely disregarding the fact that they were in a hall.
A secretary should be used for such purposes, after all.
Besides, Yakushi Nonō showed no sign of shyness. It seemed she had long realized that her nun's attire was precisely what Danzo favored.
This time, however, she seemed slightly more proactive, as if venting something deep within her.
It was only after she was completely exhausted that she collapsed unconscious in Danzo's embrace.
...
The next morning, news spread that Uchiha Itachi had become the Deputy Minister of Konoha's Administrative Department.
The major clans were instantly envious.
After all, the Uchiha clan already controlled the Police Force and was the backbone of external regulatory affairs. They also had influence in various other departments.
Everyone understood one thing: the Uchiha were rising once again.
Not only were they powerful, but they also had Danzo's trust.
Though others were jealous, they could only admire them. After all, the Uchiha had earned their position through effort—especially since even their former clan head had died in battle.
Many clan leaders began preparing themselves. Centuries of survival experience told them:
During difficult times, a clan should focus on preserving its strength to ensure survival.
During prosperous times, a clan should seize opportunities to make a name for itself, securing more resources for greater advancement.
...
Meanwhile, the Land of Rain officially declared its dissolution. Half of its territory was annexed by the Land of Fire, while the other half went to the Land of Wind.
Even though the Land of Rain's daimyo protested and sent letters to various nations, it was to no avail.
The Land of Fire justified the annexation by accusing the country of harboring Akatsuki, assassinating nobles, and destroying shinobi villages. Consequently, the Land of Rain's daimyo was stripped of his title.
Both nations sent Jonin-led squads to establish borders along the Ichikawa River, marking the division of land between them.
For the Land of Fire, this was merely an expansion of territory.
For the Land of Wind, however, the Land of Rain—rich in water resources—was an invaluable acquisition.
A plan for a massive canal, stretching several hundred kilometers into the Land of Wind, was quickly drafted.
Tasks for Earth Release shinobi were immediately posted in the allied village of Konohagakure.
At the same time, the Land of Wind recruited a large number of Water Release shinobi from Kirigakure and placed an order for grain supplies from the Land of Fire.
Under Root's subtle influence, shinobi missions were gradually shifting from assassination and protection to construction and development.
Even the weakened Iwagakure accepted Root's olive branch.
The village joined the Four-Village Alliance and dispatched Earth Release shinobi to various nations for infrastructure projects, earning significant rewards.
As for the Root operatives stationed in the capital of the Land of Earth, the authorities merely turned a blind eye.
After all, given their current crippled state, they were in no position to protest. Instead of being excluded, they were grateful to even be included in the game.
Kurotsuchi, the newly appointed Tsuchikage, had at least enough sense to recognize the benefits.
Moreover, modern shinobi no longer held feudal lords and nobles in the same reverence as before—some even resented them.
When the Fourth Hokage of Konoha had dared to defy the Land of Fire's daimyo and instead consumed his territory bit by bit, it had been a clear declaration.
That moment had been the first arrow aimed at the ruling class.
From then on, noble families and daimyos began losing their divine status.
...
In a hidden laboratory outside Konoha.
"The product of willpower... Truly fascinating..." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he unconsciously licked his lips.
Inside a small glass container, a blob of black fluid writhed and slammed against the glass, struggling to break free.
"This thing is unlike any known lifeform, yet it possesses independent consciousness. This is truly the work of a god... M-mother..." Orochimaru muttered. As soon as he spoke the last word, the black mass inside the container reacted violently.
"Enough, Orochimaru. I came to see you for another reason. You can study this remnant will later."
Orochimaru reluctantly tore his gaze away, suppressing his hunger for knowledge, and turned to Danzo.
His eyes still shone with boundless curiosity.
"What can I do for you?"
"I need to borrow your Edo Tensei. Here are five sets of remains—I want them summoned."
Standing behind Danzo, Kabuto performed a summoning technique, producing five ancient urns and five White Zetsu bodies.
"It is my honor to be of service," Orochimaru said, licking his lips.
With a flick of his wrist, he unfurled a scroll, quickly forming hand seals.
With a puff of smoke, the technique was completed.
"AAAHHH!" The White Zetsu bodies shrieked in agony.
Among the summoned figures stood Granny Chiyo and the First Kazekage. The other three were clad in increasingly ancient garments.
"Danzo...? Reto-sama...?" Chiyo muttered in disbelief.
"Who are you? Chiyo...?" The First Kazekage questioned, clearly confused.
"..."
"Enough. Be quiet. I'm not here to fulfill your dying wishes," Danzo cut in.
The moment he spoke, Orochimaru noticed that he had lost control over the Edo Tensei.
Danzo scanned the resurrected figures with his sensory abilities.
Chiyo's soul was relatively intact, and the First Kazekage's was slightly damaged but still retained awareness.
The third figure, a powerful shinobi from 150 years ago, had a soul that was muddled, as if something had devoured parts of it.
The remaining two—great warriors from 200 and 300 years ago, respectively—had completely failed to revive due to their souls being too fragmented.
Danzo then instructed Orochimaru to attempt reviving three ordinary civilians from 500 years ago.
This time, all three resurrections were successful.
"As expected..."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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