The Will of Fire Was Also a Deadly Weapon

Root Organization's underground base.

Danzo's eyes were both still intact, but the calm expression on his face showed a hint of barely perceptible struggle.

Since Yakushi Nonō was facing away from him, she didn't notice the change in Danzo's expression.

"What did you need me for?" Danzo asked indifferently.

Yakushi Nonō nodded. "I've started compiling intelligence on Pakura's personality and movements."

"Good. Once it's compiled, have Falcon deliver it to Shuten-doji."

"Lord Danzo, none of them have Cursed Seals... and this mission is of great importance. I'm worried..."

"Your worries are unnecessary." His tone suddenly turned stern. "Nonō, don't make the same mistake as Aburame Tatsuma."

Yakushi Nonō dropped to her knees in alarm. "This subordinate was wrong."

Aburame Tatsuma had asked a question he shouldn't have, so Shimura Danzō had sent him off to Kirigakure in the Land of Water to gather intelligence.

"Speaking of you, I'd originally planned to send you to Kumogakure. But Root's manpower is spread thin across the world, so I changed my mind at the last moment and decided to keep you by my side.

"Still, you needn't worry that you'll be left without merit. Do as I say, and when the orphanage in Konoha needs a new director, you'll take over."

She suppressed the delight rising in her heart. "This subordinate will brave fire and water for Lord Danzo."

"Heh. Brave fire and water for me?"

"Yes!"

Danzo's gaze shifted to the calligraphy on the wall, which read "Bide your time." He had written those four characters himself. From the moment he proposed establishing Root, Danzo had decided to bide his time.

Now that the Shinobi World was engulfed in war and other villages were using Tailed Beast Jinchuriki, the balance of power was bound to shift with each battle. There was no need to bide his time anymore. It was time to build up strength and make his move.

Danzo's tone softened again. "I know you're kindhearted, Nonō. But you must understand what it means to be a Konoha Ninja. Which matters more: saving one or two children, or saving the civilians of all Konoha?"

"This subordinate will keep Lord Danzo's teachings close to heart."

"I hope so. I hope your Will of Fire won't change. As for the mission assigned to Shuten-doji, do you think he can complete it?"

Yakushi Nonō hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

Danzo turned to look at her. "Is that difficult to answer?"

"Shuten-doji once fought Pakura in the Land of Rivers. If he approaches her rashly, she'll kill him."

"Yes, Pakura will most likely kill him. So do you know why I still entrusted him with this mission?"

"I... I wouldn't dare presume to guess your intentions, sir."

"I'm ordering you to speculate."

"Lord Danzo wants to see what he's made of."

Danzo nodded in satisfaction. His gaze settled on the calligraphy on the wall that read "Wind Forest Fire Mountain." "Swift as the wind, quiet as the forest, fierce as fire, immovable as a mountain. The heart of this mission lies in the contest of wits, not in fighting.

"If Shuten-doji can use his intelligence and strategy to curb Pakura's killing intent, persuade her to communicate, and clearly convey Konoha's desire for an alliance to Sunagakure's leadership, then he'll have proven his adaptability and courage in the face of danger.

"If he can go a step further and cleverly secure greater benefits for Konoha based on the situation in Sunagakure, I'm willing to give him command of a squad personally trained by Root."

Yakushi Nonō said quietly, "What you describe is the mission going smoothly. What if it doesn't?"

"If it doesn't?"

Danzo let out a cold laugh. "This mission was tailor-made for him. Konoha and Sunagakure can form an alliance, or they can choose not to. The treaty is just a scrap of paper that can be torn up at any time.

"If the mission fails, Shuten-doji may still reveal his worth in a desperate situation and display qualities I admire. I'd allow him to live all the same. He wouldn't have to be used up as a worthless tool."

"Lord Danzo, what if Shuten-doji can't even manage to approach Pakura and loses his life?"

Shimura Danzō replied as if it were obvious, "You said he'd lose his life. Why ask me? If he dies, then he dies. Konoha has no shortage of young, ambitious Ninja. Even if he is Senkaku Tetsuji and Shika's son, I've already shown him considerable favor in recognition of their contributions."

As he finished speaking, a knock sounded at the door.

"Lord Danzo, I've completed the task you assigned."

A cold voice came from outside, as if nothing in the world could stir any interest in its owner beyond the mission.

"Come in."

"Understood."

The door creaked open.

A petite figure wearing a Falcon mask was hidden beneath a black cloak. Without even glancing at Yakushi Nonō, who was still kneeling on the floor, she carefully placed a report on the desk.

Danzo picked up the report, opened it, and read through it line by line, as if its every word concealed an incomparable treasure.

"You've done well. I won't break my promise to you."

"I never doubted your word, sir."

Shimura Danzō said to Yakushi Nonō, "You may leave."

She didn't dare delay. Though she still had other matters to report, she hurried out at once.

The door creaked shut.

Holding the report, Danzo paced back and forth, visibly shaken.

"So he's a descendant of Kagami Uchiha. His name is Uchiha Shisui."

"Yes. Though he's still a child, he's precocious and has concealed abilities far beyond those of his peers.

"But he is still a child, after all, and he's at the Ninja Academy. He's somewhat impatient and accidentally revealed a little of his true skill.

"The teacher currently in charge of Uchiha Shisui's weapons training is eager to use him to improve his own record. He's already requested a variety of weapons from the storehouse manager."

Based on the village's new policies for the Konoha Ninja Academy, Hiroya had also followed Shimura Danzō's orders and established a reward system for students who graduated.

In short, the teachers were to identify talented students and push them to graduate as soon as possible, especially those from the Uchiha Clan, followed by the other prominent clans, excluding the Hyuga Branch Family, who bore the Caged Bird Seal.

Shimura Danzō stared at Falcon's mask. "You wrote in your report that Uchiha Shisui has greater potential than the other young Uchiha. How did you determine that?"

"Even while holding back, Uchiha Shisui is beyond the reach of the other students. This subordinate believes his talent surpasses even Hatake Kakashi's. If he awakens the Sharingan, Hatake Kakashi won't stand a chance against him."

"What do you plan to do next?"

"Instill the Will of Fire in him, so that even if Uchiha Shisui dies, he'll believe that his death is worthwhile—that he died for the village."

Danzo closed his eyes and thought for a moment. "Do as you say. Teach him about the Will of Fire yourself. Make Uchiha Shisui willing to abandon the Uchiha Clan he was born into for the sake of the Will of Fire and the village."

"This subordinate understands."

"You and Shuten-doji are both unexpected gains for me. I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Yes."

Just as Falcon was about to take her leave, Danzo suddenly asked, "What is the Third Raikage's weakness?"

Falcon froze.

The Third Raikage's weakness?

"This subordinate doesn't know."

Everyone knew the famous Third Raikage as a powerful figure renowned for his strongest spear, "Hell Stab: One-Finger Nukite," and his Strongest Shield, "Lightning Release Armor."

A terrifying figure who had mastered both offense and defense to the peak of the Shinobi World.