Why Uchiha?

"Wait, Sarutobi. Even if you say so, a reward of five million ryo and the Kusanagi Sword is excessive. Are you really going to hand over such a massive expenditure to a mere genin?"

A genin? Shiranui Genma didn't even notice the senbon drop from his lips, while Namiashi Raido and Tatami Iwashi behind him wondered if their ears were failing them.

Since when could a genin carry out an S-rank mission? And he had actually completed it! The three of them had struggled with every ounce of their strength just to finish an A-rank mission providing battlefield support. What exactly was the background of this Uchiha brat?

"What do you mean? This is my mission reward. Whether I use this money to landscape my garden or go to the hot springs is none of your business, you old hag!"

"You wretched Uchiha brat, how dare you openly insult a Hokage advisor! You..."

Tension flared in the mission briefing hall. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, slammed his hand onto the table and glared at her.

"Enough, Koharu. What kind of nonsense are you spouting in front of a junior? Our comrades in Konoha are risking their lives on the front lines; how can we withhold their mission pay just because the amount is large?"

"Uchiha Hanazuki, this is your reward. As for the Kusanagi Sword and the materials to craft it, I will have Orochimaru take responsibility for that."

"Beyond that, do you have any interest in leading a chunin squad for further missions, or perhaps joining the Anbu?"

His smile was kind and gentle. The Third Hokage before them seemed like nothing more than a benevolent old man chatting about trivial family matters with the group.

"I refuse. Master Orochimaru is going to train me for a while, so I don't have time for missions. I'm leaving."

Snatching the Konoha check—which started with a five and was followed by a string of zeros—Hanazuki vanished instantly, leaving no time for the Third Hokage or the two advisors to react.

"Cough, cough. Very well, you three may go as well. Continue to work diligently. Aim to grow into towering trees; one day, you will become the pillars of Konoha."

At that moment, Shiranui Genma raised his right hand, unable to suppress his curiosity. "Who was that Uchiha kid?"

"Hmph, just a brat who got lucky enough to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique. He has no respect for his elders and is arrogant about his talent—he's exactly like Orochimaru!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow furrowed in deep dissatisfaction. Even if he couldn't read Orochimaru's mind, the man was still his most prized student.

"Enough, enough. He is a graduate of this year's Ninja Academy and a rare genius. Mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique at his age is not something that can be dismissed as mere luck."

"The battle at Mount Kikyo has ended and the village is safe, but the Third Shinobi World War is not over yet. This is not the time to let our guard down."

The three of them exchanged glances, recalling the jutsu Hanazuki had used to vanish, and recognized the gravity in each other's eyes.

After the three left, Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, his gaze shifting to his old friend who had just stepped through the door. His tone was low. "Was it your suggestion to have Orochimaru take Uchiha Hanazuki as his student, Danzo?"

"Is there something wrong with that? Isn't Orochimaru the most talented among your many disciples? Having Uchiha Hanazuki receive his guidance should bring him closer to your side, closer to the Will of Fire, shouldn't it, Hiruzen?"

"Reports have come back from the front. Orochimaru prepared something in advance. Do you want to see how the Kazekage's advisor, Chiyo—known as the legacy puppeteer—lost to a genin?"

Danzo gestured, and two Anbu members rolled in a television. After a burst of static, the screen displayed the battle with faint audio, showing the scene in its entirety.

After a brief silence, even Utatane Koharu, who had held such strong opinions about Uchiha Hanazuki, remained speechless.

"The greatest masterpiece of the puppet ancestor Monzaemon, the trump card of that puppet hag, was suppressed in an instant by a summoning beast. Can that Grim Reaper summoning beast really seize chakra?"

"Excellent taijutsu and ninjutsu, perfect timing with the Body Flicker, and a keen grasp of the situation. He is indeed a genius, but why must he be an Uchiha?"

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura gave their assessments, while Danzo wore a rare smile.

"Precisely because he is a genius of the Uchiha clan, if he ever shows signs of betraying Konoha, Orochimaru will eliminate him without hesitation. Are you still dissatisfied with such an outcome?"

Danzo's smile left Sarutobi Hiruzen silent for a long moment. He lit his pipe, and wisps of smoke curled around him before fading into nothingness.

"However, when Konoha is in danger, Uchiha Hanazuki, as a ninja of this village, must do everything in his power to help. That is an unshakable bottom line."

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen relent, Danzo smiled broadly and turned to leave.

As his figure receded into the distance, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression grew faintly worried.

Orochimaru, have you chosen to join forces with Danzo?

Late at night, at the headquarters of Root, the training division of the Konoha Anbu.

Danzo leaned on his cane, his face expressionless. His steady footsteps echoed through the corridor, and his half-smile hinted at hidden joy.

"It seems the terms of the negotiation have been met. Uchiha Hanazuki will be under my tutelage. Aside from his personality, the talent contained within that child may be beyond imagination."

"It doesn't matter, as long as you don't let him come into contact with the decaying Third Hokage. We are in the midst of war. Once this war ends, shouldn't he step down and yield his position? Are you prepared to become the Fourth Hokage?"

Not far away, two Root members were carrying a body bag toward Orochimaru. A few drops of crimson blood fell, causing Orochimaru to frown in displeasure.

"Since when does Root make such amateur mistakes? You didn't even clean up the blood. Or is it that..."

"This fellow's bloodline limit is somewhat special. If the blood is drained completely, the ability of the bloodline limit will vanish with it. The rest is no concern of Root."

A giant, winding python swallowed the body whole. Orochimaru turned to leave, but just as he was about to vanish, Danzo called out to him.

"Wait, Orochimaru. Don't forget your mission: confirm whether Uchiha Hanazuki has awakened the Sharingan."

"Whether he has awakened the Sharingan? I can give you the answer right now. Without a doubt, he has. That child's genjutsu is so potent that even I would fall into it if I weren't careful."

"Do you truly believe his eyes have the potential to replace that treasure within your right eye?"

Danzo's expression turned somber, his already dark face growing more sinister. He let out a cold snort.

"Don't forget, the research authorization for the First Hokage's cells is still in my hands."

"The First Hokage's Wood Release... that power to control Tailed Beasts is something I certainly desire, but unfortunately, that is not my current objective."

"My current objective is that adorable student of mine who always manages to surprise me. Hehehehe..."