At nightfall, with stars twinkling in the sky. Inside the Root Organization's base. Shimura Danzo's bandaged arm hung limply in front of his chest while his other arm rested on the armrest of his chair. His cold gaze swept over Yuto below the platform as he spoke indifferently, "Sarutobi Hiruzen intends for you to participate in the Chunin Exams seven months from now. What are your thoughts?"
Yuto, wearing black-framed glasses, blinked in surprise before lowering his head. " I will follow Lord Danzo's arrangements."
"Good. I haven't misjudged you." Danzo nodded in satisfaction. "Your performance in that match against the Uchiha brat was… most pleasing."
"All thanks to Lord Danzo's guidance." Yuto replied humbly.
"Since Hiruzen has personally named you, you will participate in the Chunin Exams," Danzo commanded, his voice icy. "But remember—your true allegiance lies with Root."
"Understood, Lord Danzo." Yuto nodded solemnly.
"What's this old geezer implying? That Root isn't part of Konoha anymore?" Kushina's voice piped up, confused.
"Probably had some falling-out with the Hokage again," Yuto mused internally. "And let's be real—Danzo's definitely planning to stir up some drama during the Chunin Exams."
"Stir up drama?" Kushina blinked.
"I wonder just how intense the infighting among Konoha's higher-ups will get?" Yuto mused with amusement, though his expression remained perfectly neutral.
"Demonstrate that self-created genjutsu of yours again for me and our comrades. ''Mirage of the Blossoming Moon,' was it?" Danzo's gaze shifted to the masked guard at his side. "Tatsu, you'll be his opponent."
The guard with a monkey mask stepped forward slowly, drawing the sword from his back.
Without a word, Yuto unsheathed his own blade. Raising his left hand, index and middle fingers extended, he murmured, "'Mirage of the Blossoming Moon"
Poof.
A burst of mist exploded outward from him, and a razor-sharp arc of steel flashed through the air.
*Clang!*
Tatsu effortlessly blocked the strike. "Not bad for a genjutsu. But your blade lacks edge."
"Thank you for your guidance." Yuto sheathed his sword and bowed respectfully.
Tatsu gave a slight nod before returning to Danzo's side.
"Tomorrow, for the mission to the Land of Waves, Tatsu will accompany you," Danzo said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Upon your return, he will personally oversee your swordsmanship training."
"Understood. My gratitude for Lord Danzo's consideration."
Meanwhile, Yuto's body had somehow materialized behind Danzo, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.
Yet neither Danzo nor any of the Root operatives batted an eye—in their perception, Yuto was still standing obediently in the center of the hall.
"Incredible… Is this the power of ''Mirage of the Blossoming Moon'?"* Mikoto's voice echoed in awe.
"Hey, if you dropped a pile of dog crap on Danzo's head right now, would he even notice?" Kushina mused, popping out of the Spirit Pearl to scrutinize the back of Danzo's skull.
"Wanna test it?" Yuto grinned.
"Nah," Kushina sighed. "That'd be an insult to the dog crap."
"Fair. Let's head back," Yuto said, turning on his heel. "Early start tomorrow—Land of Waves awaits."
And just like that, he strolled out in plain sight, leaving no one the wiser.
*The following evening. Deep in the forests on the outskirts of the Land of Waves.
Yuto paused, glancing up at the birds flitting through the treetops. "Who knew dusk in the woods could be so picturesque? Truly refreshing."
"This isn't the time for sightseeing," Tatsu said coldly from behind, his monkey mask unreadable. "Don't forget Lord Danzo's orders,Hayashi Yuto."
"We're already at the mission location, Tatsu-san," Yuto replied, turning with a smile.
"I don't appreciate jokes," Tatsu said flatly.
"True, Lord Danzo's orders specified meeting Grey Feather in the eastern district's streets," Yuto conceded. "Logically, that's where we should ambush her."
Tatsu remained silent, his gaze steady.
"But alas," Yuto sighed, looking at the sunset-stained sky, "the eastern district has since been renovated into the Land of Waves' school district. Hardly the place for bloodshed, don't you think?"
"Irrelevant," Tatsu's voice turned icy. "Who do you think you are, Hayashi Yuto? Lord Danzo's orders are absolute. As Root shinobi, we obey without question!"
"So rigid, Tatsu-san," Yuto sighed. "But then again, it's that very rigidity that made you Danzo's favorite attack dog, isn't it?"
"What did you say?" Tatsu's eyes narrowed behind his mask.
"Rulers of the shinobi world adore obedient subordinates—mindless loyalty is so convenient," Yuto mused, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But the moment someone shows a shred of independent thought, they're branded traitors and hunted down. Ah, the shinobi life—such a cruel profession."
*Whoosh.*
Before Tatsu could react, a woman materialized beside Yuto, kneeling."Leader."
She had short silver-gray hair, clad in sleek combat gear, her eyes burning with reverence.
"You—?!" Tatsu stiffened. This was their target—Grey Feather. But why was she calling Yuto "Leader"?
"Grey Feather, you know I dislike kneeling," Yuto said mildly.
"Apologies, Leader." She stood swiftly.
"Hayashi Yuto… You've betrayed Lord Danzo!" Tatsu snarled.
"Betrayed?" Yuto adjusted his glasses, the sunset glinting off the lenses. "Let's be clear, Tatsu-san. I never swore loyalty to Danzo. He dragged me into Root on his own whims."
"You—!"
Enraged, Tatsu lunged, his blade a silver flash—
*Three Crescent Moon Dance!*
A lethal technique passed down from the Second Hokage himself!
*Slice!*
Yuto's body split into pieces—only to dissolve into smoke.
"Wha—?!"
"Behind you, Tatsu-san."
Tatsu whirled—just in time to see Yuto's blade descending.
*Clang!*
His sword shattered. A crimson line split Tatsu from shoulder to waist.
"Tell me, Tatsu-san," Yuto smirked, "is my blade sharp enough now?"
Tatsu collapsed, speechless, as blood pooled beneath him.
*Bonus Scene: "The Unseen Prank"*
(Setting: The next morning, Root headquarters. Danzo sits at his desk, sipping tea, unaware of the previous night's illusions.)
Danzo: (stoically) "Tatsu's report on Yuto's mission progress is overdue. Unacceptable."
Cut to: A Root agent nervously clearing his throat.
Root Agent: "Lord Danzo, uh… there's a… slight issue."
Danzo: (coldly) "Speak."
Root Agent: "Well, sir… your head."
Danzo: "What about it?"
Root Agent: (sweating) "It's… glowing."
Danzo slowly reaches up. His fingers brush against a sticky, neon-pink substance coating his scalp. The entire room falls silent.
Danzo: (deadpan) "…Explain."
Flashback to the previous night: Kushina, cackling like a maniac, slathering "Everlasting Glow-In-The-Dark Hair Gel" on Danzo's head while Yuto's illusion kept him oblivious.
Kushina (ghostly, giggling): "Told ya we should've used the dog crap! This is way funnier!"