Root Headquarters.
Even past fifty, Shimura Danzo remained as active as a man half his age—personally overseeing every operation.
"Tatsuma."
Danzo unrolled a scroll without looking up.
"Has the Uchiha clan's relocation been completed?"
The Nine-Tails' attack had left one undeniable clue—the Sharingan reflected in the beast's eyes.
Thus, suspicion fell squarely on the Uchiha.
At the recent Konoha Restoration Meeting, Danzo had pushed for their forced relocation—moving them from the village center to the southwest outskirts, under 24/7 ANBU surveillance.
This stripped the Uchiha of political influence and trust.
While Danzo's motives were biased, the decision had been unanimous among Konoha's elders—including Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Otherwise, Danzo couldn't have done it alone.
Aburame Tatsuma stepped forward, his black coat rustling. "Mostly complete."
"And the Uchiha's reaction?"
"Fierce resistance. Multiple clashes erupted, but Fugaku intervened each time."
Danzo's usually stoic face twisted into an ugly smirk.
His plan had flawless execution.
In fact, he owed thanks to the mystery man who controlled the Nine-Tails—
Without that, he'd never have pushed the Uchiha to Konoha's fringes.
"The Uchiha are a powder keg now." Danzo stroked his bandaged right arm.
"I look forward to the day it explodes."
He'd already transplanted Hashirama's cells, gaining Wood Release.
All he needed now was the Sharingan—and he'd be unstoppable.
Even Hiruzen would fall before him.
Then, the Hokage title would be his.
Danzo's persecution of the Uchiha wasn't just about continuing Tobirama's policies—
He craved their eyes.
The Sharingan and Wood Release represented Madara and Hashirama—
Two men whose power transcended all shinobi.
"But why...?"
Danzo's grip tightened on the scroll.
The Nine-Tails' rampage had exiled the Uchiha.
And the Fourth Hokage's death should've been two joys combined.
Yet—
Why did it turn out like this?!
Never in his wildest dreams had Danzo imagined Hiruzen reclaiming the Hokage seat—TWICE!
RAAAAAGE!
"At least he won't last long." Danzo exhaled sharply.
Hiruzen was a temporary measure—a stopgap for Konoha's instability.
Once things stabilized, the Fifth Hokage selection would begin.
How long could Hiruzen hold on?
A year, at most.
And he was old. He might drop dead any day.
The thought soothed Danzo's fury.
"Lord Danzo."
Another Root agent appeared. "'Tenzo' is missing. No traces found."
Danzo's smirk shattered.
Tenzo—Yamato.
The sole survivor of the Wood Release experiments—a priceless asset.
Not just a future loyal Wood Release subordinate, but also a weapon against Hiruzen.
The mere idea had thrilled Danzo.
Now? Gone.
Tenzo's disappearance was a disaster.
If Hiruzen got him, the Wood Release experiments would be exposed—
Handing Hiruzen a blade to wield against him.
"Repeat that." Danzo's voice turned deadly.
"Tenzo vanished last night. No clues despite a full search. He may have left the village."
"A fully grown man—gone under your noses?!"
Danzo exploded.
"USELESS! ALL OF YOU!"
He'd stationed Yamato at the training base for two reasons:
Secluded Wood Release training.
Constant surveillance by Root.
He'd thought it secure.
Yet this happened.
Danzo raged impotently.
Root members were emotionless tools—his fury meant nothing to them.
"Where's Orochimaru?"
Danzo's grip on his cane tightened.
Orochimaru was nominally a Root member, serving as his bodyguard alongside Tatsuma.
But today, he was absent.
"Conducting experiments at home." Tatsuma replied.
"Investigate his residence. Check for Tenzo."
Danzo wasn't blindly accusing.
In all of Konoha, only a handful could evade Root's detection—
Orochimaru was one.
As an Aburame, Tatsuma's insect-based tracking made him Root's top scout.
If anyone could spy on Orochimaru undetected, it was him.
Konoha Ninja Academy.
Sasame yawned.
Ninja skills classes were fine, but theory lessons?
Dull as dirt.
The curriculum focused on two things:
Past Hokages.
The Will of Fire.
With Hiruzen Sarutobi as the star.
Did he write this textbook himself?
It hailed him as the "strongest Hokage."
But Hiruzen knew Hashirama and Tobirama.
He was Tobirama's student!
How could he accept such a title?
Only one explanation: consolidating power.
Sasame glanced at Uchiha Itachi.
The boy listened intently.
Probably where his later obsession with the Will of Fire started.
By canon:
Age 4: Fought in wars.
Age 7: Graduated the Academy.
Age 8: Awakened Sharingan.
Age 11: Joined ANBU, gained Mangekyō.
Age 13: Killed his entire clan.
A "legendary" life, indeed.
Sasame wasn't fond of Itachi—but he couldn't pass up Fate Points.
That said, recruiting him was out.
A guy who'd slaughter his parents might stab him in the back anytime.
Too risky.
But if Sasame wouldn't take him, someone else would.
Itachi's first fate node was undoubtedly joining ANBU.
Sasame's current plan?
Hand him to a certain orphan collector.
Not Yakushi Nono—but Orochimaru.
Not out of kindness, of course.
Once Itachi awakened the Mangekyō, he'd be Orochimaru's natural counter.
The fireworks between them would be… spectacular.
"Something wrong?"
Itachi flinched, turning to his deskmate.
"Nothing."
Sasame smiled. "Want to grab food after school?"
"No. Thanks."
Itachi's tone was polite but distant.
As the Uchiha's prodigy, he was mature for his age—reserved and poor at socializing.
More importantly, he saw no point in bonding with Sasame.
He'd rather spend time with Shisui, discussing grown-up topics—
Like the Will of Fire.