"A while back the Daimyō formed a bodyguard unit called the Guardian Twelve.
"The unit itself isn't the issue. The problem is that half of them have gone astray.
"They're advocating that the Land of Fire launch war on the other great nations to unify the shinobi world. That part I can accept—I even support it.
"But they're also pushing for the Daimyō to take back control of shinobi, claiming the Hokage and Konohagakure are unnecessary.
"This is… this is…"
Danzō's voice grew harsher as he spoke, his face twisting, killing intent spilling from his single eye.
"Utter treason. Turning the world upside down," Kageyama Kogetsu said, giving voice to what Danzō felt.
"Exactly."
"Hell no. The Land of Fire can't allow ideas that outrageous," Kogetsu snapped.
"Outrageous?" Danzō blinked at the word.
"It means 'extremely formidable'—as in their ideology is dangerously 'formidable'."
Danzō nodded, accepting the gloss. "The Land of Fire must not allow that kind of thinking to spread."
"So you want me to kill those six?" Kogetsu asked.
Danzō shook his head and gave a cold smile. "No. I want you to beat them within an inch of their lives and bring them back to Konoha.
"They're the ones saying the Hokage and the village are unnecessary?
"I'll use every method at my disposal to break them and make them Root's slaves, forced to dedicate everything to Konoha.
"Having Root operatives move on them isn't safe—either the losses would be high or our identities could be exposed.
"I can't act personally either. There are very few wind-style specialists in the world; it would narrow suspicion.
"When I thought it through, only you fit. If you go, the success rate is the highest and exposure is least likely."
Konoha shinobi striking the Daimyō's personal guards was indeed too sensitive. If the truth came out, as long as Konoha wanted the Land of Fire's funding, they would have to hand over the culprit and all involved—no exceptions, not even for the village leadership. The rulers would have to make a brutal example.
"Alright. I'll do it," Kogetsu said without hesitation.
"So readily? You're not even going to think it over?" Danzō was taken aback.
"Think about what?
"This is part of our deal. I honor it, no matter the risk."
"A promise carved in stone," it sounded like.
"Put it this way.
"If we finish our trade, even if you asked me to eliminate the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, I'd do it. That doesn't violate my principles," Kogetsu said, face set.
Danzō drew a sharp breath; his facial muscles twitched, shock plain in his lone eye.
He'd thought himself radical—bold enough to strike the Guardian Twelve—but this was another level.
He did want Konoha to unify the shinobi world, but he'd never planned to erase the Daimyō and the nobles. His vision was a vastly expanded Land of Fire with Konoha at its core. Still, that kind of resolve was priceless—more than worth the price.
"No need, no need." Danzō waved his hand quickly. "Just deal with those six heretics.
"Here's the list. The one named Kazuma is their ringleader. He must be taken."
Kogetsu unrolled the scroll. "No problem. The names in red are the targets?"
"Yes."
"Oh. Asuma is on here too."
"How about I bring back the other five as well, besides Asuma?" Kogetsu suggested, looking up.
Those six small fry hardly merited his personal attention. Add five more… still not worth him moving. He had subordinates.
He could leave the operation to Kakuzu and Yakura while he covered from the shadows to prevent surprises. Definitely not because he wanted to slack off.
"Eh?"
Danzō's eye widened. Was there such a bargain to be had?
"Can it be done? Don't let anything go wrong."
"Drop the question mark," Kogetsu said, rolling his eyes. "Nothing will go wrong. At worst it takes a little longer.
"Speaking of time—you'll have to handle that. I still have a day job."
Danzō's smile wrinkled his whole face. "You've given me… quite the surprise.
"This isn't just worth the price—this is a windfall.
"If you're confident, then let's do it together.
"But leave the one called Chiriku. He's from the Fire Temple, and our relations with the temple are good.
"As for time, I've already got a solution.
"I'll brief Hiruzen.
"I'll say Root has encountered a very thorny mission and that only by seconding you can we minimize losses and maximize the odds of success.
"Hiruzen will likely solicit your opinion. You agree, and that's that."
"Understood," Kogetsu said with a slight nod.
"Right, if I bring those ten back, can you raise my promotion with them?"
"No problem," Danzō said without hesitation, eager to deepen their working ties.
"I've been thinking—my earlier approach had a flaw."
"What flaw?"
"For my promotion, it's best if you sound out Elder Homura and Elder Koharu and let them be the ones to raise it.
"If you're too overtly enthusiastic, the Hokage may notice our cooperation.
"That wouldn't be good for either of us."
Danzō's expression cleared. "Makes sense. I'll mind my touch."
"Anything else?
"If not, I'm going home to sleep," Kogetsu said, rolling up the scroll.
"No business left, but I'm in high spirits tonight. How about some drinks at my place?" Danzō offered, delighted.
"I'm still a minor," Kogetsu said with mock difficulty.
"That's nothing. You look of age."
"I have work tomorrow."
"A trifle. You don't need to go in tomorrow.
"I'll tell Hiruzen and Shinnosuke it's my call—urgent mission, and you must be ready to depart at a moment's notice.
"When Hiruzen's bodyguard ANBU come to ask your preference, just agree."
Kogetsu laughed. "Since you've thought it all through, I'll come impose."
"Impose? Nonsense. Come."
"Alright."
They vaulted away together toward the village. In the moonlight their shadows stretched long, like wolf and jackal running side by side.
Truth be told, if the two of them truly worked hand in glove, they might not be able to sideline Hiruzen entirely, but they could influence and alter a great many things.
Danzō might be unpopular, but Hiruzen had long indulged him.
Kageyama Kogetsu was deeply trusted by Hiruzen and on good terms with Homura Mitokado. He was also on decent terms with Koharu Utatane, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, and the heads of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans, not to mention a web of other connections—his influence was nothing to sneeze at.
Back in the village, Root shinobi fanned out to drive off nearby ANBU, police, and any passersby, keeping them at a distance so the two wouldn't be seen. The pretext was simple: Danzō was leading them on a secret mission. If anyone felt like courting disaster by ignoring Root and Danzō, they were free to try.
They drank, and the host and guest both were pleased.
Danzō was truly elated.
Someone understood him—at last, a kindred spirit.
Kageyama Kogetsu had played him like a fiddle, and played him happy.
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