Danzo's Incompetent Rage

Root Office.

Even though he was over fifty, Shimura Danzō still maintained the energy of a young man.

He personally handled everything.

"Ryoma."

Shimura Danzō flipped through a scroll and asked, "Is the Uchiha Clan's relocation complete?"

The Nine-Tails Attack was a disturbance caused by the Nine-Tails.

A gigantic Sharingan had appeared in its eyes, causing the Uchiha Clan to come under suspicion.

At the previous Leaf Restoration Conference, Shimura Danzō had proposed moving them out of Konoha's central districts and into the Southwest Corner, where Anbu would monitor them around the clock.

This meant that the Uchiha Clan had not only left the center of power, but had also lost everyone's trust.

Shimura Danzō was certainly acting out of prejudice.

But forcing the Uchiha Clan to relocate had been a decision made collectively by Konoha's higher-ups, including Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Otherwise, Shimura Danzō alone would never have been able to pull it off.

Ryoma Aburame, dressed in a black trench coat, flashed into the room and said, "It's basically complete."

"How did the Uchiha Clan react?"

"Their reaction was extremely intense. No one wanted to leave, and several clashes broke out, but Fugaku Uchiha, the clan head, stopped them all."

The usually expressionless Shimura Danzō revealed an ugly smile.

His plan had been carried out perfectly.

For that, he truly had to thank the Mysterious Person who had controlled the Nine-Tails.

Otherwise, he would never have been able to send the Uchiha Clan to Konoha's outskirts.

"The Uchiha Clan is a powder keg now. I'm looking forward to the day it explodes."

Shimura Danzō stroked his right arm.

He had already transplanted Hashirama Cells and gained Wood Style.

As long as he obtained the Sharingan as well, he would become invincible under heaven. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi would be no match for him.

By then, taking the position of Hokage would be effortless.

Shimura Danzō suppressed the Uchiha Clan not only to continue his teacher Tobirama Senju's policies, but also because he wanted to obtain the Sharingan.

He had coveted this Kekkei Genkai for a long time.

That was because Wood Style and the Sharingan represented Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.

The strength of those two had been earth-shattering, far surpassing that of every other ninja.

"But why?"

Shimura Danzō subconsciously tightened his grip on the scroll.

The Nine-Tails Attack had driven the Uchiha Clan away from Konoha's center.

The young Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had also died tragically.

Two wonderful things had clearly happened at the same time, so why had things turned out like this?

Shimura Danzō had never dreamed that he would live to see Hiruzen Sarutobi become Hokage twice.

I'm so pissed!

"Fortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi won't be able to remain Hokage for long. As long as I obtain the Sharingan before the new Fifth Hokage takes office, there will still be time."

Shimura Danzō exhaled.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had returned to work after being forced into retirement.

But that had happened because of Konoha's current circumstances.

Once things stabilized, the succession of a new Hokage would be put on the agenda.

How many more years could Hiruzen Sarutobi keep working?

Probably not even one.

Besides, he was already old. He could die at any time.

Shimura Danzō felt much better as he thought about it.

"Lord Danzō."

Another Root ninja flashed into the office and said, "Kano has disappeared. We've searched everywhere, but we haven't found him."

Shimura Danzō's smile stiffened at once, and his expression darkened.

Kano, also known as Yamato, was a survivor of the Wood Style experiments and was extremely valuable.

Not only did he represent the possibility of obtaining a loyal Wood Style subordinate in the future, but he could also give Hiruzen Sarutobi a tremendous surprise.

The thought of that scene excited Shimura Danzō.

But now it was all gone.

Kano's disappearance was undoubtedly extremely dangerous for him.

If Kano fell into Hiruzen Sarutobi's hands, the Wood Style experiments he and Orochimaru had conducted would be exposed.

They had practically handed someone a blade for no reason.

Hiruzen Sarutobi could use this as leverage to control him even more effectively.

"Say that again!"

Shimura Danzō demanded in a sharp voice.

"Kano suddenly disappeared last night. Everyone in Root searched throughout the night, but we didn't find the slightest trace. It's highly likely that he has left Konoha."

The Root ninja explained in greater detail.

"How could someone that big disappear into thin air right under your noses?!"

Shimura Danzō could no longer hold back. He flew into a rage and shouted, "Useless! You're all useless!"

He had placed Yamato at the Training Base.

First, so that he would have a sufficiently quiet space to practice Wood Style.

Second, because the other members of Root could keep watch over him at all times.

He had thought it would be completely safe, but something had still gone wrong.

Shimura Danzō raged helplessly.

The members of Root had already been trained by him into emotionless ninjas who had fallen into darkness.

His anger was meaningless.

"What about Orochimaru?"

Shimura Danzō gradually calmed down. Clutching his cane tightly, he asked the question.

At present, Orochimaru was nominally a member of Root, serving as his personal guard alongside Ryoma Aburame.

But he had not come today.

"Orochimaru is conducting experiments at home," Ryoma Aburame replied.

"Go investigate his residence and see whether there are any traces of Kano."

Shimura Danzō was not suspecting Orochimaru without reason.

In all of Konoha, there were only a few people or organizations capable of leaving Root with nothing to show for its efforts.

Orochimaru was one of them.

Ryoma Aburame came from the Aburame Clan and was skilled at manipulating insects. He was extremely proficient at reconnaissance, and his abilities were among the best in Root.

The chances of being discovered while he investigated Orochimaru would be very small.

Ninja Academy.

Natsume yawned.

The ninja-related classes were decent.

But the theory classes were incredibly boring.

They mainly covered two subjects: the previous Hokage and the Will of Fire.

Among them, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi was the most important of all.

Natsume suspected that he had written the textbook himself.

It had praised him as the strongest Hokage.

In theory, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju.

He had also been the latter's student.

If that was the case, why would he acknowledge the title of strongest Hokage?

After considering it from every angle, there was only one reason: to consolidate the Hokage's position and authority.

Natsume glanced at Itachi Uchiha.

He was listening extremely attentively.

Perhaps this was the origin of his later support for the Will of Fire.

According to the original story, Itachi Uchiha went to the battlefield and killed people at the age of four, graduated from the Ninja Academy at seven, awakened the Sharingan at eight, joined Anbu at eleven, awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, and slaughtered his father, mother, and entire clan at thirteen.

It could certainly be called a "legendary" life.

Natsume did not particularly care for Itachi Uchiha, but he could not pass up the chance to gain Destiny Points.

Of course, he had no interest in taking him on as a subordinate.

This person was far too dangerous.

He had even killed his own parents. Who knew when he might stab Natsume in the back?

Natsume did not dare keep him by his side.

But although Natsume did not dare, someone else did.

Itachi Uchiha's first Destiny Node was undoubtedly joining Anbu.

What Natsume was thinking about now was sending him to someone who liked adopting orphans.

Not Yakushi Nonō, but Orochimaru.

Of course, this was not an act of charity.

Once Itachi Uchiha awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he would be Orochimaru's natural nemesis.

The two of them would probably create all kinds of sparks.

"What's wrong?"

Itachi Uchiha suddenly shuddered for no apparent reason and looked at his deskmate.

"Nothing."

Natsume smiled and asked, "How about I treat you to a meal after school?"

"Thank you. No need."

Itachi Uchiha displayed a faint sense of distance.

As a genius of the Uchiha Clan, he was mature beyond his years, somewhat taciturn, and not good at communicating.

More importantly, as far as he was concerned, he and Natsume had nothing to talk about.

With this time, he might as well go find Shisui Uchiha and discuss adult topics.

Such as the Will of Fire.