Sharingan... Wood Release...
These two words were like wedges, piercing deep into Shimura Danzō's mind and prying open the floodgates of memories sealed for decades.
The dim yellow light of the oil lamp flickered in his single eye, and the two bottles left behind by the disappearing Black Zetsu seemed to overlap the present reality with the illusion of the past.
Memories were first pulled back to the distant past, to the early days of Konoha's founding.
He was just a child then, hiding behind a big tree at the edge of the training ground to watch the ninjas practice.
At that time, he looked enviously at the First Hokage Hashirama Senju, who was clad in layered red armor and stood as majestic as a god.
It wasn't a formal drill; it was just that Lord Hashirama was on a whim, demonstrating the wonders of " Wood Release " to a few curious young ninjas.
" Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"
Hashirama didn't even Hand Seals; he simply clasped his hands together.
In an instant, the earth roared!
On that open space, countless thick trees sprouted from the earth like giant, living pythons.
These branches grew wildly and intertwined, instantly transforming the entire training ground into a primeval forest.
That wasn't just Ninjutsu; it was... the power of a god's creation!
As a child, Danzo tightly to the tree bark, digging his fingernails into the wood, just to keep himself from screaming.
The majesty and grandeur of this power far surpassed any offensive Ninjutsu he had ever seen.
For the first time, Danzo truly felt that real power could be like this.
The shock of that moment, along with the overwhelming aura of the forest that appeared out of nowhere, was deeply etched into his soul.
Wood Release is a First Hokage Hashirama Senju. It was the cornerstone of his pacification of the chaotic world and the establishment of Konoha, and one of the ultimate symbols of power in this world!
As a Danzo, Danzo was captivated by the power of this technique; he felt only envy and had no desire to even attempt to master it.
The scene before them changed; Danzo had grown taller.
As time went by, he became one of the most trusted members of the Hokage's guard, working Second Hokage Tobirama Senju.
Although he wasn't a direct disciple of Tobirama Senju like Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, or Utatane Koharu Tobirama Senju...
However, as a member of the Hokage's guard, he, like Kagami Uchiha and others, received careful instruction from the Second Hokage.
During the mission, Kagami Uchiha, who was also a member of the Hokage's guard, left an indelible impression on him.
Those eyes turned crimson, Tomoe slowly rotated.
These are the eyes!
The instant Kagami activated his Sharingan, his enemy's movements seemed to be predicted, and the trajectory of his thrown Kunai was seen through.
Even the slightest starting stance of Substitution Technique can be instantly detected by Mirror.
Back then, Kagami Uchiha was like a phantom, traversing the battlefield.
Each attack was precise and deadly, carrying a chilling elegance.
Genjutsu, insight, the ability to replicate, and dynamic vision.
According to Kagami Uchiha's later description of these abilities, the Sharingan truly lives up to its name as the eye that reflects the soul, and it can also bring about many qualitative improvements.
While Danzo needed hundreds or even thousands of hours of arduous practice to master Ninjutsu, how could these Uchiha people learn it with just a glance?
Why? Why is it that the Uchiha possesses such an exceptionally unique Kekkei Genkai?
Why can they "see through" everything with their eyes?
Shimura Danzō's dedication and loyalty were no less than anyone else's, so why couldn't he possess that kind of power that went straight to the essence?
The seeds of doubt have been sown.
The Uchiha Clan, whom the Second Hokage feared most, possessed the Sharingan, which could be awakened by extreme emotions, enough to turn the tide of a battle.
It was the eye that reflected his soul, an excellent aid in battle, and a power he longed to understand and control.
Why should this power fall into the hands of the evil Uchiha Clan?
The tide of memories continued to surge, dragging him into the deepest regret:
"I need someone to stay behind and cover the retreat, buying time for the others to evacuate."
Tobirama's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable resolve:
"This is a mission where death is certain. Volunteers, step forward."
This scene appeared countless times in Danzo's dreams.
That was after the end of World War I, during a meeting with the Kumogakure. The sneak attack by Kinkaku and Ginkaku severely injured the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju.
An atmosphere of despair enveloped the exhausted guard squad.
The Second Tobirama Senju, stopped and asked them that question.
At that moment, the air froze.
Danzo's heart pounded wildly, and blood rushed to his head.
He knew he should stand up, for Konoha, for Teacher Tobirama's trust, and for his duty as a protector.
His muscles were tense, and his toes were almost moving forward...
However, his survival instinct, his lack of confidence in his strength, his fear of death, and the idea that he could return to the village and perhaps inherit the Hokage Position held him back.
Just as he hesitated, a figure stepped forward without hesitation and with unwavering determination—it was Hiruzen Sarutobi!
It's that hypocritical Hiruzen Sarutobi!
It was all down to that one step!
Danzo watched helplessly as Hiruzen Sarutobi passionately declared that he would stay behind to cover the retreat.
At that moment, he missed the best opportunity to prove his loyalty and courage, and it seemed he missed a turning point in his destiny.
Later, the Second stayed behind to cover the retreat and sacrificed himself, Hiruzen Sarutobi became the Third Hokage.
Danzo times in the dead of night, Danzo questioned himself: What if I had been the one to step forward back then?
This belated regret, along with his deep yet twisted love for Konoha, slowly grew into an even more stubborn belief.
We must acquire power by any means necessary to make up for past "mistakes".
Protect Konoha in a tougher, more thorough way, and prove that you are right!
Power... he needs power!
The Konoha left behind by their teacher, under the weak and Hiruzen Sarutobi, couldn't even suppress the mere Sunagakure!
We might even need to punish him to get help from the other party!
Danzo's hands involuntarily rested on the two bottles.
Now, only Shimura Danzō and Hiruko in this safe house.
Danzo suddenly asked:
" Hiruko, I never expected you to side with the Dawn. How did you break free from my Cursed Seal?"
" Lord Danzo is joking. I was originally a member of Dawn, but you later absorbed me into Root."
Moreover, my loyalty to you is evident to all; I have neither revealed any information about you nor done anything to harm you.
As for the Cursed Seal, they're all on me...
Hiruko stuck out his tongue, Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal remained intact.
The Cursed Seal on his heart was displayed without any alteration.
Danzo then released the scroll he was holding and began to stroke the two bottles again:
"You're wise enough not to have any intention of betraying me, otherwise..."
Danzo threatened coldly.
Hiruko himself before him, repeatedly saying that he dared not.
Danzo then said:
"Then, you will be the one to transplant these two powers into me. Remember, if anything happens to me, your heart will be shattered by the Cursed Seal!"
Hiruko's eyes were filled with fanaticism:
"Please rest assured, Lord Danzo, these two forces complement, restrain, and enhance each other; it is extremely safe..."