"Lord Shimura, the assassination failed!"
A ninja wearing a fox mask knelt before Danzo Shimura. Although his face was hidden, his trembling body betrayed his fear.
"Failed? As I thought, that boy isn't someone simple."
Danzo Shimura remained expressionless. He closed the scroll in his hands and waved it dismissively.
"Withdraw for now. I need to think this through before taking any further action."
"Understood!"
The ninja let out a relieved breath and retreated toward the door.
When he opened it, he was met by a silver-haired man and a stranger in a bright green jumpsuit standing before him.
"Kakashi, Guy!"
Kakashi and Guy appeared casual, but the ninja instinctively reached for his tool pouch.
"Relax, we're not here to cause trouble," Guy said with a smile as he grabbed the ninja's wrist to prevent any sudden movements.
"Let them in," Danzo's voice called from inside the room. The ninja relaxed his muscles but kept his eyes sharp on the newcomers' movements.
Kakashi and Guy entered Danzo's office, shedding their nonchalant demeanor.
"What brings you here?" Danzo asked, his gaze fixed on Kakashi with suspicion.
Before Kakashi could respond, Guy slammed his hand on the table, his anger flaring.
"Stop pretending!" he roared.
Danzo Shimura placed the scroll on the table and looked at Guy with a faint sneer.
"If you have nothing to hide, why fear me?"
The remark ignited Kakashi's anger. He had served faithfully in the ANBU for years, only to be hunted after leaving the organization. And not just him—Ryuji, a young man dragged into the conflict, was now also entangled in this mess.
"What have I done to make you see me as a threat to Konoha?"
Danzo remained unfazed by Kakashi's outburst and replied with a cold smile.
"You've done nothing. But you spent too much time in the ANBU, growing accustomed to killing. Now that you're no longer part of it, we naturally must keep an eye on you."
He paused, letting the words sink in, and then continued in a colder tone:
"However, you killed the ninja assigned to watch you. And you brought along a boy of unknown origin. How can we not suspect you of betraying the village?"
Kakashi smiled, but it was bitter. He had given everything for Konoha, only to be treated like a criminal. Danzo's ninjas hadn't just spied on him—they had nearly executed him.
He thought of the day he met Ryuji. If the boy hadn't intervened, Kakashi wouldn't be alive to face Danzo now.
"You can accuse me all you want, but leave Ryuji out of this. If you have a problem with me, deal with me."
"The boy's origin is suspicious, and his abilities are too dangerous. It's impossible to let him roam free," Danzo declared.
Kakashi's eyes hardened. Though he initially had doubts about Ryuji, the young man had proven himself trustworthy by helping his comrades grow stronger, especially Hinata. What kind of spy would selflessly contribute so much without asking for anything in return?
"And if I warn you that I won't hold back if you continue this?"
Danzo chuckled mockingly.
"The moment you stepped into my office, you lost the option to leave. This formation is designed to activate from the outside. Escape is impossible."
Kakashi frowned, lifted his forehead protector, and activated his Sharingan. Scanning the room, he noticed countless chakra flows moving precisely around the space. It was a meticulously prepared trap.
He reached out to touch one of the seals, but as he did, his hand was engulfed in flames. He struggled to extinguish the fire, gasping from the pain as he reassessed the situation.
The mocking look on Danzo's face deepened.
"Try all you like, but escape is not an option."
Kakashi retreated quickly. Despite his skills, he knew staying any longer could cost him his life.
Danzo, seeing Kakashi cornered, smirked coldly before turning his attention to Guy.
"This has nothing to do with you. If you decide to follow me, I promise you'll hold a place of honor under my command."
"Follow you? Have you lost your mind?" Guy clenched his fists, his anger evident in every word.
Without hesitation, he struck the ground with immense force. The formation, previously invisible, lit up with waves of chakra, revealing its intricate structure.
Unfazed, Danzo swiftly began forming hand seals. "If that's your choice… then all of you will go to hell!"
With the final seal complete, a powerful Great Fireball erupted from his mouth. Kakashi and Guy, trapped within the formation, had no way to avoid the attack.
Flames engulfed them, but in the last moment, Kakashi formed seals with great effort.
"Earth Style: Earth Wall Technique!"
A wall of earth shaped like a dog's head rose, blocking most of the flames. However, both men were injured, panting heavily from the strain.
"This won't end well if we keep this up," Kakashi murmured.
Guy nodded. The formation left them vulnerable, and their injuries had already taken a toll. Danzo had complete control of the situation.
Danzo smirked as he observed their condition. "Fight with everything you have. I want to see how much longer you can endure."
Just as he began forming another set of seals, the door burst open with a powerful kick.
"Am I late?"
All heads turned in surprise. Standing in the doorway was Ryuji, his demeanor calm and his expression resolute.
Danzo's smile widened at the sight of him. "Perfect. Now I can take care of everything at once."
Ryuji showed no intention of retreating. He remained still, his gaze steady on Danzo.
"Ryuji, run! You're no match for him!" shouted Kakashi.
"Get out of here, kid! Leave this to us!" added Guy, gritting his teeth.
But Ryuji didn't move an inch. The desperate cries of Kakashi and Guy seemed not to affect him.
Danzo, sensing the boy's apparent indifference, strode toward him with confidence. "Your bravery is admirable, but it's pure foolishness."
As he reached out to grab Ryuji, his movements abruptly stopped. His body froze in an unnatural stance as if immobilized.
A female figure, wrapped in bandages, emerged from behind him, her serene smile contrasting with the tense atmosphere.
"Sorry, but you can't touch this boy," Kurenai said, her voice firm yet composed.
"A genjutsu? Kurenai Yuhi! Do you dare stand in my way? It seems everyone has forgotten what I'm capable of!" Danzo roared, swiftly breaking free of the illusion.
"I'll finish that boy today. Let's see who dares to stop me!"
Danzo reached for Ryuji again, but his hand was blocked once more.
"Sorry, Danzo, but today, you're not laying a finger on him," said a calm male voice, accompanied by the smell of dense smoke.
The man, bearded and with a cigarette between his lips, smirked confidently as he grabbed Danzo's wrist.
"Asuma Sarutobi," Danzo muttered, his expression twisting with frustration.
If you want to read more chapters, you can visit my Patreon.
patreon.com/DivineCultivationHub