Danzo
Inside the Hokage's office in the Hokage Building, the atmosphere was quiet but tense.
Senyu stood before Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura.
He retrieved the scroll Orochimaru had entrusted to him and handed it respectfully to the Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, this is the report Orochimaru-sensei asked me to deliver. It contains a summary of the current situation in Kusagakure."
Hiruzen accepted the scroll, his expression thoughtful as he began to read.
Danzo, standing beside him with arms crossed, eyed Senyu sharply. "I heard you led a mission in Kusagakure... with four Uchiha under your command?"
There was a distinct edge to his tone, cold and probing—typical of Danzo when testing loyalties.
Senyu nodded. "Yes, Danzo-sama. Per Orochimaru-sensei's orders, I was appointed mission captain and led four Uchiha shinobi."
Danzo narrowed his eyes. "Was that only because of Orochimaru's directive?"
"Yes," Senyu replied calmly. "I followed orders as assigned. Nothing more."
Danzo fell silent for a moment, then abruptly asked, "What is your opinion of the Uchiha?"
Senyu hesitated, surprised by the sudden question. Danzo was clearly trying to gauge his stance—perhaps seeking a reason to either recruit or control him.
But Senyu knew better than to speak openly. In the current political climate, whether one praised or criticized the Uchiha, either stance carried consequences.
Danzo continued in a flat tone, "I recall that you've had previous... conflicts with the Uchiha clan. Yet now you're leading them. Have those tensions been resolved?"
Senyu answered evenly, "There's nothing to resolve, Danzo-sama. We're all shinobi of the same village. Compared to Konoha's interests, personal matters are insignificant."
Danzo raised an eyebrow. A subtle smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"So, your sense of duty outweighs personal history. Good. Tell me, Senyu—have you considered joining Root?"
Senyu's heart skipped a beat. He's recruiting me? In front of the Hokage?
He didn't want to join Root—not now, perhaps not ever. But refusing Danzo wasn't a simple matter either.
Before he could speak, Hiruzen looked up from the scroll and interjected with a smile that masked his firm intent.
"Danzo," he said mildly, "Senyu is currently a vital asset to Konoha. He'll remain on the front lines. He can't be diverted to Root."
Danzo clicked his tongue in irritation.
Hiruzen continued, "The situation in Kusagakure has stabilized for now, and other fronts are holding. We're considering rotating more Genin into the field for experience and to build momentum."
Danzo scoffed. "You're too optimistic. According to Root's intelligence, Ōnoki of Iwagakure has been reaching out to Kirigakure."
Hiruzen frowned. "Go on."
"You sent envoys to Kirigakure and were turned away. But they accepted Iwagakure's. That suggests Kirigakure may soon ally with them. If Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri form a coalition, Konoha will be surrounded."
"I'm aware," Hiruzen admitted, "but let's not jump to conclusions. We've finally seen signs of hope—no need to drown in pessimism just yet."
Danzo eyed him suspiciously. "What are you hiding? Did you receive new intel?"
Hiruzen's expression hardened. "You've heard of the 'Bloody Mist' policy the Third Mizukage instituted, correct?"
Danzo nodded. "A brutal method to create stronger shinobi by forcing academy students to kill each other."
"Correct. According to our agents, that policy did create formidable fighters—but at an enormous cost. Their ranks are dwindling. Their long-term viability is in question."
Danzo frowned. "You think that will stop them from cooperating with Iwa?"
"No," Hiruzen said bluntly. "But it weakens their position. If Kirigakure suffers from a manpower crisis, they may become a liability rather than an asset in any alliance."
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "You're hoping Ōnoki or the Raikage will abandon them."
"Possibly," Hiruzen replied. "If they do, it gives us a chance to exploit that fracture. Kirigakure could be the weak link."
Danzo was silent for a moment, then muttered, "You always look for compromise. Sometimes what's needed is swift elimination."
"We'll do what's best for the village," Hiruzen said flatly. "And right now, we have opportunities we must manage carefully."
Turning to Senyu, the Hokage added, "Apologies, Senyu. Our discussion dragged on."
He reached into his desk and retrieved another scroll. "This is your formal transfer order. You're being reassigned to the Kusagakure front."
Senyu accepted it with a bow. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"One more thing," Hiruzen said, eyeing him kindly. "Orochimaru mentioned that you won't be forming a full Genin team. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. My combat style is more suited to solo operations. I believe mentoring a single disciple directly would be more effective."
Hiruzen nodded. "Very well. The Ninja Academy graduation is in two days. You may choose a Genin from the top ranks as your student."
"Understood." Senyu bowed again. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Go on."
Senyu exited the office, exhaling a quiet breath of relief. The encounter had been tenser than expected—Danzo's sudden interest was troubling.
To be offered a position in Root so casually, and in front of the Hokage no less... he really doesn't care for appearances.
Though it was their first meeting, Danzo's reputation preceded him. Senyu had no illusions about the man—he was ruthless, cunning, and utterly unbound by morality.
Now he'd caught Danzo's eye. That could mean trouble.
He made a mental note: from now on, every move would need to be calculated.
As he walked down the Hokage Building's steps, a faint smile touched his lips.
His next stop: Mito Uzumaki's residence.
---
Back in the office, the air was thick with tension.
Danzo turned to Hiruzen. "Do you think he's suitable?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Suitable for what?"
Danzo's face darkened. "The Uchiha."
Hiruzen's expression grew cold. "Danzo, we need the Uchiha right now. Their strength is indispensable during wartime. This isn't the moment to reopen old wounds."
Danzo retorted, "And what about after the war? Do you think they'll quietly return to the margins? They're using the war to reassert themselves—mark my words."
Hiruzen said nothing, but the silence spoke volumes.
He knew Danzo wasn't entirely wrong.
But peace built on paranoia would collapse faster than war itself.
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