Danzo kept a calm expression as Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed to his terms, but deep down, he was already rejoicing. While he wasn't the Hokage, his Root division had grown into a formidable force, one that rivaled the Hokage's own Anbu in power and influence. In his mind, he had already seized a significant portion of the Third Hokage's authority.
With an unhurried smile, he spoke.
"Lord Hokage, I can handle this task for you. But only if that boy is sent to the front lines. Otherwise, it's going to be difficult to act."
Even Danzo wouldn't risk an assassination inside the village. If it were to be discovered, the repercussions would be catastrophic—not only would it cause political turmoil, but it might also reveal Root's darker operations. He knew that Uchiha Ryosuke was immensely powerful. Realistically, only he himself could take on the task with any real chance of success. But attacking him within Konoha? That was asking for failure.
However, on the battlefield, far from the village and prying eyes? That was an entirely different matter. Danzo had means, subtle and direct, and even potential allies in other villages. In fact, he already had someone in mind: the Fourth Raikage. If he could point that lightning-charged warlord toward Ryosuke, he could remove the threat without Konoha ever having to lift a finger.
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully.
"That's not a problem. I'll make sure he's deployed to the front."
As the Hokage, Hiruzen had complete authority to assign missions. Given that this initiative had come from Ryosuke himself, no one would question it if he were sent to the battlefield.
Danzo's visible eye narrowed slightly.
"Of course… there's one more condition before we proceed."
The Third Hokage's expression soured.
"Danzo, enough already. I've agreed to your demands."
Danzo remained composed, but firm.
"This time, it's not for me—it's for the mission's success. I plan to have the Fourth Raikage handle the kill. Don't you think we should give him a proper incentive?"
The Hokage's eyes narrowed. Using a foreign Kage to eliminate a Konoha citizen—especially one from the Uchiha clan—was a bold move. But, considering the Fourth Raikage's strength, it would be a clean, undeniable method. Yet, Danzo's talk of "incentives" made him cautious.
"What sort of benefit are we talking about?"
Danzo's reply was calm and calculated.
"Something minor. Say, when it's time to renegotiate peace after the skirmish, perhaps Konoha could be more… flexible."
Hiruzen's face darkened instantly.
"Flexible?"
Was Danzo seriously asking him to concede territory or political leverage to a foreign power just to eliminate Ryosuke? That was bordering on treason. It reminded him of the last time he gave ground during a peace treaty with Iwagakure—and the political backlash that followed forced him to resign.
He glared at Danzo.
"Danzo, watch your words. I will not agree to any concession that weakens the village."
Danzo internally sighed. He had hoped Hiruzen would be desperate enough to take the bait. If the Hokage agreed, Danzo could turn public opinion against him—frame him as weak and willing to sell out Konoha for personal reasons. With the right support from the clans and even the Feudal Lord, Danzo might finally claim the title of Hokage for himself.
Unfortunately, the old man was more cautious than expected.
Recomposing himself, Danzo softened his tone.
"Of course, Lord Hokage. I wasn't referring to anything major. A monetary offering—perhaps a token payment. Nothing the village can't afford."
Hiruzen leaned back, considering it.
"One hundred million ryo. No more."
Danzo nodded.
"Very well. Then I'll proceed with the arrangements."
He stood, ready to leave.
"I'll send you a list of talented individuals I'd like to bring into Root. I hope you'll convince the clan leaders not to interfere."
Danzo left the Hokage's office and returned to Root headquarters, where he immediately began drafting a classified message for the Fourth Raikage. He needed a capable operative to deliver it—someone skilled in infiltration and intelligence.
Only one name came to mind: Nonō Yakushi, also known as the "Crawler" (Shinobazu), and a former elite of Root.
Danzo left the base and traveled to the outskirts of the village, arriving at a humble orphanage. Children laughed and played outside, oblivious to the dark machinations underway.
Without a word to them, he walked into the main building and opened the door to the head office. Inside sat a gentle-looking woman wearing a white headscarf and large round glasses.
Recognizing her guest, she immediately rose and greeted him respectfully.
"Lord Danzo."
Though she had left Root, she still showed proper decorum. After all, this orphanage only continued to operate thanks to Danzo's funding—a necessary evil to protect the war-displaced children.
Danzo waved his hand.
"No need to stand."
He sat across from her.
"The orphanage looks well-run."
Nonō smiled faintly.
"It's thanks to your generosity, Lord Danzo. These children have a place to call home only because of your support."
Danzo appreciated the praise, even though his motives were far from altruistic. The orphanage was a training ground, a talent pool. Children without ties made the most loyal Root agents.
He cut to the point.
"Have you found any promising recruits lately?"
Nonō's smile faltered, and she sighed quietly inside. She knew Danzo only came for this reason. Though she had left Root to provide a better future for these children, she couldn't refuse him outright. If she denied him, she might lose everything—and so would the orphans.
She replied gently.
"There is one… quite talented. A boy named Kabuto Yakushi."
Danzo raised an eyebrow.
"He has your surname?"
Nonō nodded.
"I found him in the Land of Fire. He was still very young, and didn't remember his parents. I gave him my name."
Danzo's interest sharpened.
"And you've taught him the basics? Ninja arts, espionage?"
Nonō hesitated, then nodded.
"Only a little… enough to help him understand the world. He's intelligent—exceptionally so. He picks things up quickly."
Danzo was already scheming. A young mind shaped from childhood could become a peerless weapon. With his guidance, Kabuto could be molded into the perfect spy or assassin.
"Good. I'll be taking him under my wing. Prepare him."
Nonō's heart sank, but she didn't protest. She knew better than to refuse Danzo outright. All she could do was hope that Kabuto would be strong enough to survive Root—and not lose himself in its darkness.
As Danzo left, a cold wind swept across the orphanage.
He held in his hand the sealed letter for the Fourth Raikage.
War was coming. And amidst the chaos, Danzo would send a message not just to the enemy—but to the entire shinobi world.
A message written in blood.
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