Danzō's body remained on one knee, black energy coursing within.
Uchiha Jin studied his new puppet, thought flickering in his eyes.
"Recite Root's entire code system."
At once the "Danzō" moved his lips like a machine. Streams of encrypted countersigns poured out.
More unsettling, as each code came, he added the identity of the corresponding sleeper and the activation method.
The sheer number of names showed a web far larger and more complex than it looked.
When the last name fell, Jin nodded, satisfied. The body's memories had been preserved completely under the black shadow's tempering.
In the corner, the shadows stirred. Several shadow soldiers surfaced and neatly fed sealed scrolls into the dark.
Jin idly skimmed a roster of Root personnel. His finger paused on several entries. "So even Anbu has your people. They are mine now."
He closed the scroll and looked to the waiting "Danzō."
"Report the deaths from last night in batches as normal combat losses."
"As you command." A black gleam flowed through the single eye. The voice was the same as ever.
Jin smiled. Root's intelligence network now belonged to the Uchiha.
Spies in the other villages, stakes in noble estates, special plants inside the Leaf's own leadership, all would turn into pieces for the clan.
"Follow your plan and wait for the war to break. I will send new orders then."
His outline began to slip into darkness, then he paused and glanced back.
"Do not forget to visit Medical and change your bandages. That right eye needs proper rest."
The concern dripped with mockery. The oil lamps guttered out.
Only when Jin was gone did "Danzō" rise and begin the cleanup.
...
At first light, Jin walked through mist in the clan compound.
Thinking over yesterday's gains sent a pleasant warmth through him.
Inside the shadow space, many captured shinobi still had their life drawn out to nourish its growth.
In the sun, his shadow was three shades deeper than most, black as ink.
Closer to the center, more of the people wore hitai-ate.
When they saw him, their eyes showed mixed emotions and whispers followed in his wake.
At six years old he had defeated Fugaku, a jonin. Even among prodigies, it blazed.
Familiar faces greeted him, and he returned each with a mild smile.
Soon he reached Elder Hikaku's house.
He slid the door and went straight to the tearoom. The elder already waited with steaming cups.
"You are here. Sit." The old man's voice carried the warmth of kin.
Jin sat naturally. They needed no ceremony.
The elder poured for him. Fragrance spread through the room.
"Danzō dared send men after you, and you did not tell me?"
He set the pot down, tone turning reproving.
"If the Third had not spoken to me yesterday, I would still be in the dark."
"A small matter, and already handled. I was coming to inform you today."
Jin sipped and spoke evenly.
"And the men? What did you do with them?" The elder pressed, a glint of killing intent in his eye.
Jin placed the cup down and smiled. "You will not be seeing them again."
The answer stunned the elder, then split his face into a grin.
"That sounds like you."
He drank and continued. "Yesterday the Third told me Danzō had been dismissed. He hopes the Uchiha will not hold a grudge."
"Then Root's matter is closed."
Jin's tone was light.
The elder blinked. He had come ready to urge restraint, and Jin had already let it lie.
"Danzō has paid enough."
Jin caught the questioning look and added with meaning.
"Hm? If you say so."
The elder gave him a curious glance. He did not fully understand, but he trusted Jin's judgment.
"The Third had more than Danzō to discuss. He said Orochimaru can lead your team."
At that, quiet joy crept over the elder's face.
A student of the Third as the Uchiha's instructor was a clear sign of goodwill, even a nod toward Uchiha hopes for the Hokage seat.
"Jin, if you become Orochimaru's student and we support him for Fourth, your chances to be Fifth will be very strong."
The elder could not quite contain himself. The clan longed for a Hokage of their own, even a glimmer of that hope.
Jin showed no delight. He watched the elder finish and then spoke.
"Elder, you should calm down."
He refilled the old man's cup.
Only then did the elder notice Jin's untroubled face and faltered. "Do you not want Orochimaru as your teacher? I can ask the Third again. Tsunade is not suitable, but Jiraiya would be fine. Still, judging by results, Orochimaru has the clearer path to the hat."
"This is not about such dull reasons. I do not understand why you still cling to such naive fantasies."
The air in the tearoom seemed to stop. The elder's hand halted with the cup midair.
Jin met his eyes without wavering.
"From the First onward, you always pinned hope on someone else.
When the First lost, you looked to the Second. When our founder passed and Tobirama took the hat, you hoped Captain Kagami would secure the Third.
Round and round, the same cycle. Do you not find it laughable, Elder Hikaku?"