For some time now, Danzo had been searching the ninja world, but his efforts had yielded nothing.
On the contrary, his frequent and unrestrained use of Six Paths-level power had left many perceptive Kage-level ninja deeply unsettled.
...
Land of Water, Kirigakure
Compared to the mist-shrouded, lifeless village of the past, Kirigakure was now just as vibrant as Konohagakure, bustling with activity and prosperity.
Inside the Mizukage's office—
Danzo reached under his desk, ruffling Mei Terumi's hair in encouragement.
"You're quite good at hiding. Even after the entire pond has been upturned, you still manage to remain calm."
His suspicions had been confirmed recently through Orochimaru's experiments: the entire ninja world was nothing more than the Sage of Six Paths' personal fishpond.
Through constant conflict, the Pure Land harvested the souls of powerful shinobi.
Even—
Chakra, the Ten-Tails split into nine, the perpetual enmity between Indra and Asura, and even Black Zetsu lurking in the shadows—all were carefully orchestrated by the Sage to stir the pond, ensuring the development of stronger souls.
One used humans as sacrifices to feed the God Tree and increase her power.
The other scattered chakra across the world, sowed chaos like a grand experiment, and ultimately reaped the rewards.
Rather than let things continue like this, destruction would have been the better option.
Unfortunately, Hamura had ultimately chosen to leave the decision to his descendants.
At some point, Mei had climbed onto Danzo's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"You bastard. With such a beauty in front of you, couldn't you at least show some interest?" she huffed, clearly upset.
"That sounds like a personal problem. You're just not professional enough."
Mei's expression froze before shifting to anger, tinged with grievance. She bit Danzo's neck in retaliation.
"Seems I haven't disciplined you enough..."
"Go ahead! You think I'm scared of—Ah! No... not there... I was wrong... you bastard...!"
...
Danzo picked up the scattered clothes on the floor and gently draped them over Mei before walking to the window. The sky had darkened, heavy with the promise of rain.
The matter of the Sage of Six Paths needed to be dealt with swiftly.
Not only had Mount Myoboku sealed off spatial travel, but the other two great summoning realms had done the same.
Just like a thousand years ago.
Yet the Sage remained hidden, nowhere to be found despite exhaustive searches across the entire ninja world.
Even the moon had been explored twice, along with various sealed alternate dimensions, but there was still no trace of him.
Glancing once more at Mei, Danzo's figure vanished from the Mizukage's office.
...
Konohagakure
"Minato, are you sure?"
Faced with Danzo's question, Namikaze Minato hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"I want to find Naruto first, then awaken Kushina. Otherwise, she'll worry too much."
"Not afraid she'll find out about the Queen of Roran?"
"Come on don't joke about that..." Minato gave a helpless smile.
Being revived only to learn he had a daughter and the situation with the Queen of Roran—it had taken him quite a while to process everything.
"Very well, I respect your decision. Have Kakashi help you adjust for now. Root is pushing for the formation of a Shinobi Federation, and we need manpower. Your assistance will be invaluable."
Even more shocking than the Fourth Hokage's return was the Hyuga Clan's announcement to abolish the Caged Bird Seal.
Though some internal resistance arose, with Danzo's support, Hiashi and Hizashi had stood their ground against the clan elders.
"I don't intend to interfere with clan affairs, but the Caged Bird Seal severely contradicts Root's philosophy. I will personally modify the seal to prevent the Byakugan from falling into enemy hands while ensuring the clan's freedom."
With Danzo's direct intervention, the Hyuga elders had no choice but to relent, bringing the conflict to an end.
...
At Ichiraku Ramen,
Minato sighed as he observed the changes in Konoha.
"So much has changed... Even the Hyuga Clan..."
"Not just Konoha. The entire ninja world is changing. The Land of Lightning is also undergoing reform. A new order is being established—one without war or oppression."
Kakashi's eyes gleamed. Having lived through war, he knew how difficult peace was to attain.
"That means we were on the right path all along... Kakashi, you're not getting any younger. Have you considered settling down?"
Kakashi's expression grew awkward.
"I was actually thinking of asking Lord Danzo for a marriage arrangement... Someone who isn't a kunoichi."
"You're not trying to follow in Jiraiya-sensei's footsteps, are you?" Minato eyed him suspiciously. He was well aware that Jiraiya had ended up with three wives.
All of whom were still quite... robust, which had significantly weakened his teacher's strength.
"No, just one will do..." Kakashi muttered, recalling how disturbingly immersive the latest volumes of Icha Icha Paradise had become.
Minato shot him a strange look.
"I heard Danzo has high hopes for you. He's even considering you as the Sixth Hokage. Don't end up like Jiraiya-sensei."
"Sensei, when are we going to Roran? I'd like to meet my other 'sensei's wife.'"
Minato choked on his ramen, casting a sidelong glance at Kakashi. For the first time, he realized his former student had this side to him.
"Kakashi..."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (195 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)