After a long silence, Shimura Danzō finally nodded.
"Very well."
He drew a scroll from his robes and placed it on the table.
"This contains the catalogue of every technique recorded in the Scroll of Seals. You may choose three."
Though Jin's demand had slightly displeased him, the offer of a Kage-level combatant had exceeded Danzō's expectations. He had originally hoped the Uchiha would dispatch one or two elite jōnin squads.
Instead—
They were offering a shadow-level powerhouse.
That alone justified the concession.
Jin accepted the scroll without comment and unfurled it.
His eyes skimmed the contents:
Multiple Shadow Clone Technique
Flying Thunder God Technique
Spirit Transformation Technique
Super Beast Imitation Drawing
Impure World Reincarnation
Summoning: Rashōmon
Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags
Eight Gates
Wood Release Secret Arts…
A dazzling collection.
Many of these were signature techniques of renowned shinobi. Namikaze Minato's Flying Thunder God. The Might clan's Eight Gates. Even forbidden arts bordering on catastrophe.
Jin did not hesitate.
He rolled the scroll closed and slid it back.
"I want the Spirit Transformation Technique, the Eight Gates, and Summoning: Rashōmon."
For himself, he required nothing further. His flame abilities already demanded full devotion. Diluting focus would weaken him.
Better mastery than mediocrity.
But for the clan—
Spirit Transformation strengthened the soul.
Eight Gates tempered the body.
He did not require the Uchiha to become another Katō Dan or Might Guy. Only that they fortify spirit and flesh.
For those blessed with the Sharingan, such enhancement would yield exponential returns.
As for Rashōmon—
The Uchiha lacked defensive depth outside Mangekyō users. Rashōmon could compensate. Even the First Hokage's Fivefold Rashōmon had deflected a Tailed Beast Bomb augmented by Susanoo.
Danzō did not object.
He gestured subtly. A Root operative retrieved three sealed scrolls and placed them before Jin.
Danzō stood.
"My sincerity has been shown. Do not betray yours."
Jin rose with a faint smile.
"Give us three days. Our representative will reach your designated location."
Danzō left without another word.
When the footsteps faded and the door closed—
The smile vanished from Jin's face.
He sat back down, expression heavy.
Silence filled the room.
Uchiha Fugaku returned shortly after.
"They've exited clan territory."
Uchiha Yashi exhaled sharply.
"Jin… are we truly assisting in assassinating Hiruzen? If this is exposed—"
Setsuna scoffed.
"You were the one who nearly leapt across the table at the mention of a council seat."
Yashi shot him a glare but did not argue.
Jin waved a hand lightly.
"This is not the Second Elder's fault. If Minato were not our ally, even I might have been tempted."
"A Konoha Council seat…" he muttered softly. "Danzō's bid is audacious."
Fugaku frowned.
"You do not intend to cooperate. Then why agree?"
Jin's smile returned—thin, sharp.
"If I had refused, he would remain cautious."
"If he does not lose himself completely… how can he be destroyed?"
"And remember—I agreed to cooperate."
"But only if Hiruzen dies."
"If Hiruzen survives, there is no deal."
Yashi blinked.
"But you promised a Kage-level combatant. Our only such forces are you, Fugaku, and Shisui. Each of you is unmistakable. If Hiruzen recognizes one of you—he must be killed."
"And if we appear to hold back, Danzō will notice."
Jin's eyes gleamed.
"Which is why the Kage-level combatant must fight seriously…"
"…and must not be an Uchiha."
The elders stared.
Jin leaned back.
"I've already chosen."
"We'll hire one."
"A true S-rank missing-nin from the black market."
He looked to Fugaku.
"Contact the underground network. Find a man named Kakuzu."
Kakuzu.
"He values money above all else. Increase the payment. Consider it reimbursement for the three forbidden techniques."
"And keep it quiet. Use the Neko Granny's channels. No trace must lead back here."
Fugaku nodded instantly.
"I understand."
Jin's lips curved faintly.
Kakuzu—nicknamed by some in the underworld as the "Little Third."
And Hiruzen—
The aging Third Hokage.
When the Little Third meets the Old Third…
Jin's eyes flickered with dark amusement.
Let's hope Hiruzen doesn't die too easily.
Otherwise—
Things won't be nearly as interesting.
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