"Heh, I knew it. Hiruzen raised you for exactly this."
After hearing Qingguang's report, Danzo could sum up Hiruzen Sarutobi in just four words.
A hypocrite through and through!
Qingguang—such a good kid. As Kagami's son, he'd had to rely on handouts from neighbors just to get by as a child. And all of Kagami's inheritance had been kept under the watch of that shameless Hiruzen, who'd claimed to be his guardian.
Danzo had recognized the breadth of the boy's heart long ago and wanted to raise him well, but Hiruzen Sarutobi had thwarted him time and again.
And every time, that line—"I'm the Hokage"—had ruined all of Danzo's ideas and plans!
How he'd longed to roar the truth at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
I was the one who took an interest in Qingguang first!
Alas... Hiruzen Sarutobi had still tainted the boy with his filthy ways.
"Lord Danzo, actually, I understand Lord Hokage's thinking. The Uchiha are only one part of it. This also happens to be my father's dying wish, and my own dream."
Just look at him. Even now, the boy was still making excuses for that old dog, Hiruzen Sarutobi!
What a good kid!
Thankfully, Qingguang was exceptionally perceptive and could grasp the essence of the Root's Will, which would benefit Konoha even more than the Will of Fire.
"Enough. I know what that fellow Hiruzen is thinking."
"He just hopes you'll become a bridge between the Uchiha and Konoha, a bond between them."
"That's what he said, isn't it?"
Danzo's left eye fixed on Qingguang's clear eyes.
Qingguang turned his head aside without thinking. He looked a little guilty.
"Nothing gets past you, Lord Danzo."
Danzo swept his sleeves and rose, walking outside. He lifted his gaze to the new moon in the sky.
"Today's Konoha is like that waning moon. The Uchiha alone can't restore it to its former fullness. Some things can't be replaced just by having more of them."
Danzo suddenly turned back. Moonlight fell upon him, making his silhouette appear extraordinarily imposing.
Like the only savior who could bring light to an endless night.
"Don't think Hiruzen has told you every secret. Madara's defection and the Yomi Rebellion of old—those are only the surface."
"Do you know the highest level of the Sharingan?"
Danzo's question left Qingguang momentarily stunned. Confusion appeared in his clear eyes.
"The Three Tomoe Sharingan. That's the Sharingan's limit. Even among the Uchiha, only the best of the best can awaken it."
"I knew it. Hiruzen would definitely hide the most important things."
Danzo took a step and slowly approached Qingguang, stopping right in front of him.
"The highest level of the Sharingan isn't the Three Tomoe. It's the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"The Mangekyō?"
"That's right. Each pair of Mangekyō Sharingan has a unique pattern, no longer shaped like ordinary tomoe."
"Uchiha Madara, who dealt Konoha a devastating blow and could easily control the Nine-Tails, had eyes like that."
Qingguang's pupils contracted as he absorbed the truth.
"No wonder... No wonder Uchiha Madara could defect from Konoha. If he wanted to leave, not even the First Hokage's Wood Release could stop him?"
"That's right. Though Madara eventually returned to take revenge and died beneath Lord Hashirama's Wood Release, Lord Hashirama was also gravely injured and passed away not long afterward."
Suddenly, Danzo reached out and gripped Qingguang's shoulder tightly. He looked at Qingguang as if he were Konoha's only remaining flame and hope.
"Qingguang, remember this. Whether it's Wood Release or the Sharingan, reaching the level Madara or the First Hokage once did is almost impossible."
"In the thousand years of the Shinobi World's history, only those two have ever emerged."
"But if you can combine the power of both, you needn't become invincible. As long as you can control the Nine-Tails, Konoha can still regain its former glory!"
Danzo spoke earnestly, his voice hoarse.
"I understand, Lord Danzo."
The Nine-Tails was universally recognized as the strongest Tailed Beast in the Shinobi World. There was no question about that.
"Good. I understand your predicament. Carrying out Hiruzen's orders will take quite a bit of time, but I don't want you wasting too much energy on these trivial matters."
"I only hope you won't forget to train your Wood Release and Sharingan."
"Qingguang, Konoha is counting on you."
With that, Danzo left.
Only after he was sure Danzo had gone and that he was alone did Qingguang finally relax a little and roll his neck.
Why did those two old men always pull the same tricks?
One wanted him to work himself to the bone for Konoha, while the other wanted him to obediently serve as a Wood Release test subject.
Sorry, I barely know you. I just want to respec my points. Why does it have to be so troublesome?
Orochimaru was better. He loved doing experiments, and Qingguang needed to farm points.
They were practically the perfect partners.
After putting everything away, Qingguang collapsed into bed and fell into an exhausted sleep.
The next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the window and spilled across the courtyard. A graceful dark-haired figure appeared in the yard, slowly making her way toward the bedroom where Qingguang slept.
"Senior Qingguang, if you don't get up soon, the sun's going to roast your bottom!"
A gentle, flowing voice rang in Qingguang's ear.
It was like a lively little stream, brimming with youthful energy.
He opened his eyes.
Mikoto's lovely, delicate face was right in front of him.
Her eyes curved slightly, and the corners of her lips lifted in a smile. Her smooth, dark hair even draped over his neck, tickling him and making it hard to bear.
"Don't lie on top of your senior first thing in the morning."
"How am I supposed to get up like this? Push you up with me?"
A faint blush spread across Mikoto's cheeks. She scrambled to her feet and climbed off the bed.
"Senior Qingguang, honestly! How can you say something like that to a girl?"
The girl's shy face looked like an unripe fruit.
Qingguang sat up and shook his head, clearing it a little. He glanced at the clock on the wall.
It wasn't even seven.
"Tell me, why are you here so early? And how did you know I'd moved back here?"
Mikoto was a little surprised by Qingguang's reaction.
But then she remembered that this was the senior who'd played with her when she was little, and who'd stayed unmoved even when so many girls confessed to him at the Ninja Academy. It was only natural that he wouldn't react.
Looking rather miffed, she grabbed the clothes hanging on the rack and tossed them into Qingguang's arms, then took out the breakfast she'd prepared.
She shot Qingguang a reproachful look. "You promised you'd teach me Fire Release Ninjutsu after you finished that mission."
"You're the one who didn't keep your promise."
She puffed out her cheeks, looking thoroughly displeased.
Only then did Qingguang remember. He'd completely forgotten about it because of the Wood Release experiments.
"Sorry. I got held up with a few other things after the mission. I don't have any new missions right now, so let's do it today."
"Rice balls? Nice."
"Looks like Mikoto will make a wonderful wife someday."
Before you continue