'Anbu ninja?'
'No, it's the Root.'
Looking at the emotionless white mask—plain, featureless, and stripped of the individuality that defined the standard Anbu design—Asahi quickly understood the nature of the visitor before him. Though this was his first direct encounter with a Root agent, the cold, almost mechanical temperament radiating from the masked figure made it unmistakable.
'Shimura Danzo's dog.' he thought, standing up from his chair with practiced calm.
"What is it?" Asahi asked plainly, his tone devoid of surprise or alarm.
He held a conflicted perspective on Root. In a village like Konoha, steeped in the Will of Fire and wrapped in the illusion of light and harmony, there were always things that needed doing in the shadows. The Root fulfilled that role—unacknowledged, unsung, and unmerciful.
In that sense, Asahi could understand their existence. He even respected their function. But understanding did not mean approval.
Danzo, too, was a man worthy of a measure of respect—not because of his methods, but because his ruthlessness was fueled by genuine loyalty to Konoha. He was a man who would stain his hands in blood, destroy lives, and manipulate futures—all for the sake of the village he swore to protect.
But even a man like that could be detestable.
"Jōnin Senmei Asahi. Danzo-sama wants to see you." the Root agent said tonelessly.
"Alright. Lead the way."
"Please."
And with that, the masked figure vanished, leaving behind only the slightest whisper of wind.
Asahi took his time securing his house, locking the doors and activating a subtle chakra barrier around the perimeter. Then, slipping into the night, he followed the path the Root ninja had taken, keeping his distance and moving with a practiced, scattered gait.
The village was quiet. War-time Konoha operated under strict curfew—after ten in the evening, the streets emptied. The only movement came from Anbu patrols flashing through the shadows, their presence barely perceptible to anyone but trained shinobi.
But neither Asahi nor his guide had anything to fear. Root operatives had their own methods of staying hidden, and Asahi was far from ordinary.
Half an hour later, they arrived at their destination: the Root base.
Unlike the towering Hokage Residence, which stood proud in the heart of Konoha, the Root's headquarters was hidden away—buried deep beneath the earth, shrouded in darkness. Cold, clinical, and devoid of life. A place truly befitting its name.
The chill in the air wasn't from temperature alone.
Danzo was waiting.
"Elder Danzo." Asahi said as he stepped forward, arms relaxed at his sides. "I didn't expect our second meeting to be in such a... charming location."
Danzo leaned slightly on his cane, eye narrowing.
"I had expected to use... persuasion to bring you here. I didn't think you'd come so willingly."
"That's because you haven't yet given me a reason to be wary." Asahi replied, his voice cool and calm.
In truth, he had little admiration for Danzo's methods. The man was intelligent, yes—cunning, even. But more than once, he had allowed his ambition to cloud his judgment. Petty, underhanded, and too easily swayed by power.
Asahi couldn't respect that.
Danzo's response was a faint smile, or at least the approximation of one. "So confident."
"Naturally. Because I know you won't dare to do anything to me. Even if the thought crosses your mind, your position doesn't allow for it."
Danzo's expression darkened. With a heavy thump, his cane struck the floor.
Almost instantly, shadows shifted. Figures emerged from the darkness—Root agents, materializing from the gloom and surrounding Asahi.
But he didn't flinch. Instead, he looked around at the masked shinobi, then back at Danzo with a faint smirk.
"Really? You think this is enough to detain me?"
He took a step forward, completely unafraid.
"Let's stop pretending. You brought me here for a reason. Get to the point. If it's something worthwhile, I might even give you my terms. Who knows? We could find common ground."
Danzo raised an eyebrow slightly before gesturing with a subtle wave. The Root agents dispersed, vanishing back into the shadows.
"You're different from the others." Danzo said finally. "Most of the younger generation still prattle about honor and ideals."
"I've had my illusions broken earlier than most." Asahi said.
"And yet, here you are... praising Root."
"I never said I liked Root. I said your agents are competent. Far more capable than the average Anbu."
Danzo gave a brief nod, acknowledging the compliment. "Then why not join us?"
"No."
The rejection was immediate.
Danzo continued, undeterred. "If you join, I can offer you the position of Deputy Leader. One day, you could even inherit Root itself."
Asahi let out a small laugh.
"If this meeting was just a recruitment pitch, then I'm disappointed."
Danzo's expression turned hard. "You misunderstand what it means to be a shinobi. A true ninja lives in the shadows and sacrifices everything for the village. Sarutobi Hiruzen clings to false ideals—ideals that have weakened our foundations. You've been blinded by glory."
"No, Danzo-sama. What I despise about you is your hypocrisy. You chase power under the pretense of sacrifice, manipulate others with morality, yet cast it aside when it suits you. I'm not a fool. You just want to be Hokage. Admit it."
Danzo's face stiffened.
The words hit too close to home.
"And here's where we might cooperate." Asahi continued. "You want the position. I want leverage."
Danzo's silence deepened.
Then, Asahi dropped the real bombshell.
"Orochimaru is researching the First Hokage's cells in secret. I'd wager he's working with you."
Danzo's eyes narrowed, his grip on his cane tightening. His voice dropped to a whisper.
"How do you know that?"
"Because I was assisting Orochimaru." Asahi said without hesitation.
He could see the shock in Danzo's eyes.
Orochimaru's experiments were one of the most well-guarded secrets in the village. Not even most Root agents knew of the arrangement. For this boy to know—not just speculate—meant he had been deeply involved.
"The First Hokage died too early. Orochimaru was far too young to retrieve the cells on his own. Only someone like you, with the access and the ambition, could have arranged it. I merely put the pieces together."
Danzo's tone turned frigid. "You're clever. But if Tsunade were to hear of this—"
"You won't tell her. If our interests align, you won't risk exposing yourself. That's the difference between you and me, Danzo. I know how to hide better than you."
Danzo stared at him, the shadows between them thick with tension.
"What kind of cooperation do you propose?" he finally asked, all previous bravado gone.
"Undermining Orochimaru is your goal, yes? Conveniently, it's mine too. All I ask is this—when the time comes, keep me out of your operations against him. Ensure my safety. In exchange, I'll help you continue your studies. I can assist with research into the First Hokage's cells... and even the Sharingan."
Danzo was silent for a moment, then narrowed his eyes.
"And if I refuse?"
Asahi's eyes grew colder.
"Then you risk making an enemy who already knows too much. Think carefully, Danzo. I am not someone you can manipulate. But I am someone you can use."
*****
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