"…I already gave my word to the Third…"Natsume Yō's chest tightened, but he still tried to stall for time. He hadn't even finished the excuse before Danzō's voice cut him like a blade.
"I told you. Don't hide behind the Third Hokage. I don't tolerate those who disobey me. If I want someone erased, it's simple—and the Third won't say a damn thing."His eyes flared, sharp beams locking onto Yō. The sheer weight of his aura crashed down, suffocating, making Yō's face twist pale.
As expected of Danzō—ruthless, absolute. For his goals, even slaughtering his own village is just another casual move.
"I've already chosen. I'll enter the Third Hokage's ANBU. Forgive me, Lord Danzō, but I will not join Root."Yō forced each word out slowly, unshaking despite the pressure.
If he entered Root, his secrets would be stripped bare. And then—his death would be silent, erased from the world.
This was Danzō, the man even the Third couldn't always shield people from. Once, he'd even tried to assassinate his own wartime comrade, the Hokage himself. What chance did a nobody like Yō have?
"In that case… you leave me no choice but to kill you."Danzō's tone was icy as he stepped closer, the click of his sandals echoing like a death toll. A kunai slid from his sleeve, gleaming with cold light, and he raised it toward Yō's throat.
At that instant, every hair on Yō's body stood on end. Death had never felt this close, pressing against his skin.
Am I really gonna die here? Just like this? Damn it, so unfair—cut down before I even get started!
"Danzō, stop!"
A deep, commanding voice roared through the cavern.
"Shhhk! Shhhk! Shhhk!"
Dark shadows streaked from every angle, surrounding the newcomer in a suffocating ring. One signal from Danzō, and they'd tear the intruder to pieces.
"You can't be serious, Danzō."But the man at the center didn't flinch. His voice carried the weight of authority.
"Hmph. The great Third Hokage himself, breaking into my Root over some brat. Truly rare. I suppose your little 'Will of Fire' brainwashing is more effective than I thought."Danzō sneered, lowering his kunai.
The newcomer was none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen—the Third Hokage, the very pillar of Konoha.
"This time, boy, you live."Danzō pulled back his killing intent and gestured subtly. In a blink, the Root operatives melted back into the shadows, leaving Hiruzen untouched.
He knew better than to spark open war with the Hokage over one child.
"Danzō, every villager is part of Konoha. You've gone too far."The Third frowned, voice heavy with reprimand. Then he stepped toward Yō, resting a gentle hand on the boy's trembling shoulder. "It's alright now, child. Let's go home."
Even knowing the darker truth about the Third, Yō couldn't help the surge of gratitude. This timely rescue softened his heart.
"…Got it, Grandpa Hokage."He nodded, quietly wiping the cold sweat from his brow. Before leaving, his gaze lingered—first on the vast, oppressive lair of Root, then on the shadowy figure of Danzō himself.
His fists clenched tight.
Danzō… one day, I'll make you regret this.
The arrogance born from his sudden rise in power vanished in that instant, replaced by a raw, burning resolve.