After Sarutobi Hiruzen left, Shimura Danzo's face darkened, his expression grim enough to almost drip water.
The Border of the Land of Fire
A Fei lay lazily on a tree branch, staring at the drifting white clouds in boredom.
Several days had passed since he last eliminated the Root squad. He had expected them to retaliate quickly, but to his surprise, there had been no movement for days, and his patience was wearing thin.
Suddenly, A Fei sensed a familiar presence. Moments later, a White Zetsu emerged from the tree trunk.
"Hey, Fei, you're really taking it easy."
"There's nothing else to do. Those fools haven't come after me for days."
"Heh, well, I've got some news for you. Shimura Danzo has left Konoha. Do you know who his target is this time?"
Hearing this, A Fei curled his lips. "Who else could it be? It's obviously me. By the way, have you informed Madara-sama?"
"Of course. I've been monitoring Shimura Danzo in Konoha, so reporting to Madara-sama was my top priority."
White Zetsu, still halfway inside the tree trunk, seemed to recall something. "Oh, right—Madara-sama wanted me to tell you not to engage Danzo. Just stall him until he arrives, and then we'll eliminate him in one decisive strike."
A Fei raised an eyebrow. "You mean there's a large force coming this time?"
"That's right. It's not just Danzo's Root operatives—Anbu from the Hokage's unit is involved too. Over twenty elite shinobi are headed your way."
"What? More than twenty, including Konoha's Anbu?"
Hearing this, A Fei sat up immediately.
He had no problem handling two or three Jōnin, especially since they were unaware of his abilities, allowing him to take them out easily.
But over twenty Jōnin, including a Kage-level opponent like Shimura Danzo? How was he supposed to fight them?
A Fei glanced at White Zetsu. "Did Madara-sama say when he'll arrive?"
"No. He just told me to make sure Danzo doesn't escape." White Zetsu shrugged.
Damn it.
A Fei cursed internally. If it weren't for Black Zetsu, he wouldn't be listening to Uchiha Madara's orders in the first place.
Still, he wasn't completely out of options. With White Zetsu's Mayfly Technique, escape was always possible if things got out of hand.
At worst, he'd just stall Danzo, keeping him busy until Madara arrived.
Nightfall, at the Border of the Land of Fire
Near a campsite, the flickering flames cast a glow over Shimura Danzo's grim profile.
"Still no sign of him?"
A Root operative knelt before him, trembling. "Apologies, Danzo-sama. That man left no trace after eliminating our team. Even with all our men searching, it could take days to find him."
"Hmph. Useless."
Danzo scowled and turned his gaze to the Anbu standing nearby. His eyes turned cold.
If his subordinates hadn't failed, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't have caught wind of the situation.
And if Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't found out, he wouldn't have had to bring these spies with him under the pretense of "assistance."
Anyone with half a brain could see through Hiruzen's excuse.
Danzo stopped speaking and walked back into his tent.
As soon as Uchiha Madara received White Zetsu's report, he immediately set off toward A Fei's location.
But before leaving, he had White Zetsu create a clone in his likeness—his presence was still necessary elsewhere.
As for whether anyone would see through White Zetsu's disguise, Madara didn't even consider it. White Zetsu's transformation was different from ordinary shinobi techniques.
Without a special sensory ability like the Nine-Tails, no one could possibly detect it.
Two days later, after traveling relentlessly, Madara finally neared A Fei's location—only to find that he had already engaged Shimura Danzo.
Deep in the Forest
Shimura Danzo and his forces had completely surrounded A Fei. He scrutinized the masked figure, intrigued by the wielder of Wood Release.
"So, you're the one who killed over a dozen of my men?"
"Yeah, that was me. What, are you here for revenge?" A Fei surveyed his surroundings, noting that all exits had been sealed off.
"Hmph. Those weaklings were expendable." Danzo snorted. "I'll give you two choices: come back to Konoha with me, or I'll take your corpse instead."
With that, Danzo gestured to his men.
The Anbu and Root operatives instantly understood.
Danzo had already devised a strategy to prevent the Wood Release user from escaping.
If capture was impossible, they were to ensure the body remained intact.
"Forget it. I'm not going anywhere with you. If you want my life, come and take it!"
"Hmph. Stubborn fool. Begin!"
As Danzo gave the order, four Anbu immediately formed a hand seal.
"Four Purple Flame Formation!"
A square-shaped barrier of violet energy erupted around them, sealing A Fei inside.
Danzo attacked first.
"Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere!"
A razor-sharp wind projectile shot toward A Fei.
The other shinobi followed suit, unleashing their own jutsu.
"Lightning Release: False Darkness!"
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
…
Seeing a barrage of ninjutsu incoming, A Fei knew he couldn't withstand such an onslaught.
He quickly clapped his hands together.
"Wood Release: Four-Pillar Prison!"
Four massive wooden walls shot up around him, forming a protective barrier.
But A Fei wasn't foolish enough to stay put. The moment the wooden structure was in place, he activated the Mayfly Technique, sinking into the ground.
Although Wood Release was powerful, his abilities were nowhere near Senju Hashirama's. He couldn't withstand such an overwhelming assault.
Boom!
A massive explosion rocked the battlefield.
When the dust settled, Danzo narrowed his eyes at the charred remains of the wooden walls.
He hadn't expected a single attack to finish the Wood Release user, and sure enough—there was no corpse in sight.
A thought crossed his mind.
Where did he go?
More than twenty trained shinobi had been watching, yet the target had vanished.
Just as confusion spread among the group, thick vines erupted from the ground, lashing out at them.
"Evade!"
Danzo leaped backward instantly.
The battle had only just begun.