From the moment he saw Danzo, Tobirama's keen eyes, ever vigilant, noticed something off about the man's appearance. His gaze narrowed, focusing on the empty socket where he knew Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan was supposed to be.
"Danzo," Tobirama's voice cut through the silence. He asked with a sharp and demanding tone. "Where is Shisui Uchiha's eye?" He asked again. 'Did you give it to one of your Root ninjas to safeguard it or did something else happen?'
Danzo stiffened, his expression darkening as he was forced to recount the events that had transpired just before Hiruzen's arrival. "It was taken… by a man who called himself 'Dragon.'"
Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly. "Dragon? Who is he? What happened, Danzo?"
The one eyed ninja sighed, his defeat was evident in his voice as he recounted the attack. "He appeared out of nowhere and came straight for Shisui's eye."
The Hokage's eyes widened. "Wait! Then does he know about-"
Danzo nodded. "He knows about Shisui's Mangekyo powers. He said he had plans with the Kotoamatsukami."
At that moment Hiruzen recalled the dead bodies he and his men discovered. "When I entered the building I came across several dead Root ninjas. I'm assuming that's his work."
The former Root commander nodded. "He infiltrated this base with such precision and power that even my most skilled men couldn't stop him. He cut through them like they were nothing. He moved as if he had knowledge of our operations. Like he knew exactly where to strike."
Tobirama's face remained impassive, though a spark of interest lit in his eyes. "Describe him."
Danzo clenched his fists, recalling the encounter. "He wore a dark green cloak, and a mask in the design of a Dragon, his face, chakra signature and scent were hidden and he wasn't ordinary. His strength… it felt like something I haven't encountered before. He could use multiple chakra natures and he moved with the fluidity of a seasoned front line warrior and yet had the precision of an assassin. His techniques were flawless, and his objective was clear. He was after Shisui's Sharingan and something more."
"What else did he take?" Hiruzen asked, his voice edged with concern.
Danzo's jaw tightened as he continued. "He didn't stop at Shisui's eye. He took my right arm. It was embedded with Sharingan. During my fight with him, I had already used three of them for Izanagi. Seven were left… but now they're gone."
"Sharingan arm? What are you talking about?" Hiruzen questioned while the Second Hokage merely stayed silent.
Danzo closed his eyes and sighed. He felt regret at the thought of someone else benefiting at the cost of his hard work and even more at the fact that it could be used against the Leaf village.
'Instead of trying to escape, I should have fought him and used the Reverse Four seal and killed him with me. At least then I could have died with some dignity.'
"Danzo…" Tobirama called his name and it woke the Root leader from his trance. "That right arm—it was no ordinary limb, was it? What exactly had you done to it?"
Hiruzen's attention was immediately drawn to the question, his own curiosity piqued. Though he had always known Danzo to be secretive, the extent of what he had hidden had not been fully revealed until now. He then remembered what his spy had said about Danzo's secret meeting with Orochimaru.
Danzo sighed, knowing there was no point in hiding the truth any longer. He looked between the two Hokage with the expression of resignation. "The arm… it wasn't just a prosthetic. It was a tool, a weapon I had created with the help of Orochimaru's research and the DNA of the First Hokage."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed dangerously, his tone immediately harsh. "You tampered with my brother's DNA? After all the warnings and precautions we put in place?"
Danzo didn't flinch under Tobirama's intense gaze and continued. "Yes. I knew the potential risks, but I believed the power it could grant was worth it. I had the arm implanted with cells from the First Hokage, which allowed me to wield the Wood Release, though not to the same extent as Lord Hashirama himself."
Hiruzen looked deeply troubled, his brow furrowed in concern. "Danzo, you were playing with forces you didn't fully understand. Lord First's cells… they're too dangerous to be used lightly…" He recalled the reports of his spy. "So that was what you did with Orochimaru that day."
"Yes." Danzo nodded, acknowledging the truth in Hiruzen's words. "I was aware of the risks. But that's not all. The arm wasn't just infused with Hashirama's cells. I also embedded it with multiple Sharingan."
Tobirama's expression shifted from anger to a mix of shock and disbelief. "Sharingan? You implanted Uchiha eyes into your arm? To use Izanagi?"
Danzo's voice was steady as he gave his explanation. "The Yin chakra of the Sharingan helped me control the Yang chakra of those powerful cells and their chakra in turn helped me use Izanagi for longer periods. The Sharingan in the arm allowed me to cast the forbidden technique multiple times, effectively rewriting reality to escape death or alter the outcome of a battle. I believed it was a necessary measure to protect the village from threats it wasn't prepared to face."
Hiruzen's eyes widened with shock. "Izanagi… You were using it as a tool, at the cost of the Sharingan itself?"
Danzo nodded, a bitter expression crossing his face. "Each use of Izanagi would cause the Sharingan to go blind and become useless, but the arm was equipped with 10 eyes, allowing for multiple uses. It was a failsafe, a last resort."
Tobirama's tone was harsh and laced with disapproval. "You've taken forbidden techniques, combined them with dangerous experiments, and turned your body into a weapon… You've crossed lines that should never have been crossed, Danzo."
The old man didn't argue. He knew there was no defense for what he had done. "I did what I thought was necessary to protect the village from the shadows, to deal with threats that couldn't be handled through conventional means."
"How about now? With the loss of Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan and that arm, do you still believe the village would be safe?" Tobirama growled in anger.
Shame filled Danzo to his core as he looked down.
Hiruzen shook his head. "You've taken too many risks, Danzo. The village should never have to rely on such dangerous measures. We need to protect the Leaf, yes, but not at the cost of our humanity, not at the cost of becoming the very thing we seek to protect it from." The disappointment was clear in his eyes as he spoke.
Tobirama's voice was stern as he added, "And now that arm is in the hands of someone who may use it against us. Your actions, Danzo, may have inadvertently created a threat greater than any you sought to combat."
Danzo's expression darkened with the weight of his mistakes. "I understand that now. I won't make any excuses."
Hiruzen sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead thinking about the precarious situation. "What's done is done, Danzo. But now we have to deal with the consequences. We need to find this 'Dragon' and stop him before he can use that power you've given him against the village."
Tobirama nodded in agreement. "Yes. We need to make sure that the secrets of the Uchiha, the wood style, and Sharingan are not used to bring harm to the village. But that is secondary to finding and saving Tsunade."
The Second Hokage sighed and glanced at the defeated Danzo. "Power without restraint, without understanding, only leads to destruction. This was a lesson you should have learned a long time ago. Now its too late."
The Root leader merely stayed silent as he listened to the advice of his former teacher.
Hiruzen rubbed his chin as he thought about the intel his men found. "I still don't understand something. Why kill some of the Root ninjas who weren't guarding you? Who were nowhere close to here."
It was Tobirama who answered that. "That's because he didn't just take the Sharingan. I've been tracking almost all movements throughout this building after the operation began. He raided the jutsu vault and your information archive. I investigated and learned of this a few moments before coming here. I also sensed two powerful foreign presence near here but they both escaped before I could catch them."
Both Danzo and Hiruzen were surprised. 'Two?'
Tobirama's eyes flickered with a mix of concern and anger. "I don't know who the second man is but if this 'Dragon' is capable of such feats, targeting such specific items… Then he is no ordinary enemy. What else can you tell me about him?"
Danzo's face darkened further. "I didn't know much until I fought him. The way he attacked, the way he moved… It was almost as if he knew Root's techniques inside and out. But there was one thing… He recognized Hotaru, my second-in-command, who I had reanimated"
"He knew Hotaru?" Hiruzen was surprised while Tobirama was curious.
Danzo nodded. "Yes. And the way 'Dragon' spoke to me, the familiarity he showed me… it was unnerving. Like he knew me on a personal level. And he didn't just attack to kill. He attacked with a purpose and had knowledge that only someone deeply connected to us could have."
"This is certainly strange." Hiruzen murmured.
"There's something else you both need to know," Danzo began, causing Hiruzen and Tobirama to turn their attention back to him. "During the battle with 'Dragon'... his focus wasn't on me at first. When we fought, at the beginning it was like I was just an annoyance to him. But after he recognized Hotaru… everything changed."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed, and Hiruzen's brow furrowed with concern. "Changed how?" Hiruzen asked.
Danzo's expression darkened as he recalled the intense confrontation. "Up until that point, 'Dragon' was efficient, almost indifferent. He seemed more interested in his mission than anything else. But the moment he laid eyes on Hotaru, his entire demeanor shifted. It was like something inside him snapped. He didn't just attack me… he went after me with the intent to torture and kill."
Tobirama's gaze sharpened. "He recognized this Hotaru? And that recognition caused him to react with such anger?"
Danzo nodded slowly. "Yes. It was as if Hotaru's presence infuriated him. From that moment forward he didn't just see me as an obstacle; he saw me as a personal enemy. The battle became more vicious, more intense. He was ruthless in his assault, and despite my skills, I was no match for his strength."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed with concern. "Why would this 'Dragon' have such a strong reaction to Hotaru? Could there be a past connection?"
Danzo hesitated and then spoke with a hint of uncertainty. "I'm not entirely sure, but during our fight, I noticed something peculiar… The way he moved, the techniques he used. They were eerily familiar. I recognized several taijutsu moves specific to Anbu assassination tactics."
Tobirama's eyes widened slightly at this revelation. "Anbu techniques? Are you suggesting that 'Dragon' might have a connection to the Anbu?"
Danzo nodded grimly. "It's possible. The way he fought, the precision, the efficiency—it was reminiscent of Anbu training. But more than that, his reaction to Hotaru suggests a deeper connection. If he truly is or was Anbu, it might explain his knowledge of Root's operations and his expertise in assassination techniques. But why did he react so strongly to Hotaru… that's the mystery…"
Hiruzen's expression darkened with the implications. "If 'Dragon' was once Anbu, or if he has some connection to our black ops, that would make him even more dangerous. He would have access to techniques and knowledge that could be devastating in the wrong hands. It looks like there's another unstable factor in our village."
Tobirama's voice was stern as he spoke. "This man… if he has ties to the Anbu, and if he's targeting Root and its secrets, then we're dealing with someone who knows our village's darkest secrets. A rogue ninja hiding in our ranks. We need to proceed with extreme caution."
As the weight of the situation settled heavily on their shoulders, Danzo spoke again with some unease. "There's more you need to know…"
Hiruzen groaned as he realized more bad news was coming.
Danzo continued. "This 'Dragon'… he knew things. Things that should have been impossible for him to know."
Tobirama and Hiruzen exchanged glances, the gravity of Danzo's words evident. "What do you mean?" Hiruzen asked cautiously.
"He knows the truth about the Uchiha massacre."
Danzo's words shocked Hiruzen while Tobirama raised the unknown man's threat level.
—-----------------
Author's Note:
If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.
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Danzo took a breath as he recalled the chilling encounter. "He spoke about the Uchiha massacre as if he knew the hidden truth behind it. Things only 4 people in the village should be aware of."
The Third Hokage groaned as he thought of the implications. "Danzo, that secret… If it got out, it could destabilize the entire village."
"I'm aware of the danger, Hiruzen. And, what's even more disturbing, he also knew about the forbidden Izanagi jutsu."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed as he understood the meaning of Danzo's words. "I assume even amongst the Uchiha it's only known to a few? For him to possess such forbidden knowledge suggests he may have had some ties to them… or he could be an Uchiha himself."
Hiruzen frowned at that possibility and his mind raced as he tried to make sense of this revelation. "An Uchiha…? Lord Tobirama, do you think he could be someone who survived the massacre? Perhaps using that forbidden jutsu."
Th Second Hokage crossed his arms as his suspicion deepened. "It's possible. If this man is aware of the Izanagi and the truth of the massacre, he could be one of the Uchiha who was brought back to life and escaped detection, someone who's been in hiding all these years."
"I'm not so certain." Danzo meanwhile was unsure of that theory. "When he spoke about the massacre he didn't seem angry and he didn't show any extreme emotions of hate. It looked like he just wanted me to know about it… But then again it could be a mask. It's not far-fetched to think he might be an Uchiha biding his time to seek revenge or justice for his clan in his eyes."
But Hiruzen thought about it for a few more moments and shook his head firmly, his voice resolute. "No, that doesn't add up. After the massacre, we took meticulous care in accounting for every member of the clan. We counted every body, confirmed every name and disposed of them. There were no survivors unaccounted for. If there had been, we would have known."
Tobirama's expression remained stern as he considered Hiruzen's words carefully. "Hmm… You're right, Hiruzen. I've looked over the investigation records. The village was thorough, but it's still possible that someone could have slipped through the cracks. Or perhaps this 'Dragon' may not be an Uchiha, but he could be someone who gained access to their secrets—perhaps through one of the Sharingan eyes or forbidden scrolls."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "We've seen before that there were those willing to exploit the Uchiha's legacy for their own ends. But to possess knowledge of both the Izanagi and the massacre… This man is no ordinary threat. If he's not an Uchiha, he could be someone with ties to the clan or its remnants."
"Could this Dragon have any connection with Itachi Uchiha? Could he have told him?" Tobirama pondered.
Danzo and Hiruzen were silent as they thought of such a scenario.
'Itachi knows about Shisui's eye in my possession and he knows the truth about the massacre… So it's a possibility… But would he really do it?' Danzo wondered.
''Itachi loves the village and Sasuke even more. He won't take any action that would endanger his brother…" While Danzo was suspicious, the third knew what kind of a man Itachi was. So he was certain Itachi didn't leak any intel. "With what Danzo said, I think this Dragon might be someone from inside the village. Or someone exceptional at hiding in plain sight and gathering intelligence."
Tobirama stayed silent as his mind pieced together the fragments of information. "If he's been hiding in the village, biding his time… He could either be a powerful spy or he could be a Leaf ninja, someone who's decided to go rogue, who knows our ways and who's been gathering power and knowledge in the shadows."
Hiruzen's face hardened as he considered that scenario. "If that's the case, then he's even more dangerous. A rogue ninja with such strength and access to top level secrets… He could destabilize everything we've worked to build."
Tobirama nodded, his mind set on the next steps. "He hasn't done anything till now. But we don't know if he's just waiting for the right time. We need to tighten our surveillance, investigate any unusual activity within the village for the last several years."
Hiruzen crossed his arms, deep in thought. "To think we wouldn't have found out about him if it wasn't for this incident... A man who knows Root's secrets, who has such knowledge and strength to infiltrate and attack it alone, and makes such careful strategies… He calls himself 'Dragon' huh?"
Danzo looked up at Tobirama and Hiruzen, a rare expression of uncertainty crossing his features. "This man… he's no ordinary shinobi. If he has the knowledge and power that I suspect… he could become a threat to the entire village."
Tobirama sighed and agreed. "We need to find him, Hiruzen. We cannot allow him to use those dangerous tools against the village."
"I have a feeling this 'Dragon' might have a relationship with Kensei. Not sure what it is though." Danzo said as he looked at Hiruzen.
Hiruzen nodded. "We don't know that for sure. I'll question Kensei when he gets back, but right now, I'll mobilize Anbu to search and track this Dragon down. But before that, we need to assess the damage, understand what was taken, and prepare for any potential threats."
Danzo's voice was low, almost a whisper. "'Dragon'… he's something I failed to anticipate. If he's planning something with the Sharingan and the jutsu he stole..."
Tobirama's expression hardened. "Danzo, this is a consequence of the path you've chosen. The tools you've used, the secrets you've kept… they have a way of coming back to haunt you. This mess. It's your fault..."
Danzo nodded, his face pale and drawn. "I know… I know that now."
"We'll start unraveling the mystery of 'Dragon' with his connection to Hotaru. Now this is no longer your concern, Danzo. We will clean up this mess. But as I said before, Tsunade and Shizune come above everything. Now that this matter is settled I'll focus my efforts on her rescue." Tobirama spoke and Danzo could see anger hidden beneath his calm face.
The second Hokage looked directly at Hiruzen. "It's time…" The Third Hokage nodded and turned to Danzo.
The air in the room grew heavy with the weight of unspoken realities. Danzo, weakened and fully aware of the gravity of his situation, took a deep breath before speaking again. His voice carried a tone of finality.
"Hiruzen… There's one last thing I must ask of you before… before the inevitable happens."
Tobirama's patience was wearing thin. "You've already done enough, Danzo. Whatever you have to say, it's likely too late for that."
Danzo met Tobirama's gaze without flinching, though he acknowledged the truth in his words. "I know I have no right to ask for anything, given what I've done. But this is important… It's my last request."
The younger Senju, still simmering with anger over Danzo's actions, immediately narrowed his eyes. "You dare to make a request after all the problems you've created? You've betrayed the village, desecrated my brother's legacy, committed several treasonous actions, indirectly strengthened a possible enemy and now you think you can ask for leniency?" The Second Hokage had been calm at the beginning but the more he learned after speaking with Danzo the angrier he got.
Danzo met Tobirama's gaze. The Second Hokage could see regents haunting those orbs. "I'm not asking for leniency… only for time." Danzo spoke with a calm tone.
Hiruzen, who had been silently absorbing the revelations of the past several minutes, looked at Danzo with curiosity and caution. "Time? For what, Danzo? You know what your fate must be. Why should I delay it?"
Danzo's gaze shifted to Hiruzen. "I know that neither you nor the village can forgive my actions, and I accept that. But before I'm executed, I ask that you delay it. Just for a short time. Until we know the fate of Tsunade and Shizune."
Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He hadn't expected Danzo to bring up Tsunade. He knew that among his two remaining loyal students, she was the only one qualified to take his mantle and the one who might be able to save the village in the turbulent times ahead. "You're asking for a delay… because of Tsunade? Why, Danzo? What do you hope to accomplish?"
"Is this some kind of ploy, Danzo? Trying to buy time, probably thinking of another scheme to save yourself. After everything you've done, understand that I don't trust you!" Tobirama's voice was filled with suspicion and interjected before Danzo could respond.
Danzo ignored the sharp tone and accusations from Tobirama and spoke directly to Hiruzen. "You know as well as I do, Hiruzen, that Orochimaru is a threat like no other. As long as they're in his hands, the village is at risk. The chances of a successful rescue diminish with every passing moment. I know Orochimaru better than most. His tactics, his hiding places. I can help you find them."
While Hiruzen was silently studying Danzo, Tobirama wanted to argue. But Danzo spoke again before he could. "I understand your anger, Lord Tobirama. But this isn't about me… it's about the village. About Tsunade."
He then turned back to his old comrade. "I know I won't survive much longer, but… let me use what's left of my life to bring him down, if necessary… You promised… To let me end it on my terms. Give me this, Hiruzen. Please."
Hearing those pleading words, the Second Hokage crossed his arms and remained silent. His anger, slightly diminishing. He had been keeping a close eye on Danzo's chakra and body language. Everything he sensed and saw told him that Danzo was telling the truth.
Hiruzen's expression meanwhile remained stoic, but there was a flicker of something—perhaps a hint of the old camaraderie they once shared—within his eyes. "You're saying you'd use yourself as a weapon against Orochimaru?"
Danzo nodded, his voice resolute. "If it comes to it, yes. I've already sacrificed much for the village, and if this is to be my final act, then so be it. If you allow me to live long enough to ensure Tsunade's safety—or to take out Orochimaru if a rescue isn't possible—I will do so without hesitation. Afterward, you can carry out my execution as planned."
Tobirama looked at his once trusted pupil and internally sighed. He spoke in a somewhat calmer tone. "Danzo, you understand that a sacrifice at this point won't redeem you right? After everything that's happened… This is no different than a desperate gambit."
Danzo didn't look away from his former teacher. "I'm not asking for redemption, Lord Tobirama. I know I've strayed far from the ideals you and your brother stood for. But my death can still serve the village, even if only in this final act. Orochimaru is a threat that must be dealt with swiftly. If I can help do that, then let me. Let me make one final contribution to the village… I want to see the future that lies ahead for the village." 'And do what needs to be done to secure it.'
The Second Hokage was scrutinizing his former student and he understood one thing. 'He's telling the truth.'
Hiruzen considered Danzo's words carefully, his mind weighing the possibilities. The Third Hokage had seen much in his long life—too much. He knew the depths of Danzo's ruthlessness, but he also knew that when it came to protecting the village, Danzo had never hesitated to make hard decisions, no matter how grim.
Finally, Hiruzen sighed. "If you can aid in Tsunade's rescue, or if you can bring down Orochimaru, it might be the only useful thing you have left to offer. But know this, Danzo, this is not a reprieve. The moment Tsunade's fate is determined, your life is forfeit."
Danzo gave a small nod of understanding. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Tobirama, though still angry, recognized the pragmatism in Hiruzen's decision. He crossed his arms, his tone grudging but accepting. "If you're lying, Danzo, if this is some trick to escape your fate… you won't live long enough to regret it."
Danzo met Tobirama's gaze with a level stare. "I know."
Hiruzen stepped forward, his voice filled with finality. "We'll delay the execution, but only until we know Tsunade's fate. I'll have Anbu keep a close eye on you. Make no mistake, Danzo, you will not escape the consequences of your actions.."
Danzo nodded once more, his face a mask of grim determination. "I have no intention of escaping anymore, Hiruzen. My only goal now is to see that the village survives, even if it means my death."
Hiruzen gave a final nod, signaling the end of the discussion. "Fine. We'll focus on rescuing Tsunade and Shizune. After that…"
With that, the decision was made. Danzo's fate was sealed, but his final day would be spent ensuring the safety of those who could still save the village—a final, desperate act to atone for a lifetime of dark deeds.
The three men stood in silence and the tension between them slowly faded as they contemplated the uncertain future that lay ahead.
—--------------
Author's Note:
I was listening to Hans Zimmer's 'Flight' and 'If you love these people so much' soundtrack while writing this.
I wonder how many of you guys agree with my decision regarding Danzo. Many will have a negative opinion about him. But at the end of his fight with Sasuke on that bridge, we got a glimpse of his inner self.
In my opinion, a man like Danzo should have a worthy ending…
Then again, I might just let him rot in a cell till the conclusion of this arc and then just execute him… Well, We'll see what happens.
Regarding Danzo's strength, I have to put it somewhere a little bit higher than Kakashi in my story. But a few levels lower than the Third Hokage. I haven't had the chance to create a solid stat for him. Sorry to those who asked. I might show it in a future chapter if I get the chance. Not making any promises tho.
And Regarding DAichi's strength, remember, he went head on with kakashi in chapters 157 to 160. And he's only gotten stronger. Kakashi is also stronger here than in his canon counterpart.
If I have to give an accurate estimate, Daichi is between Elite Jonin and Sannin level. Close to Sannin level.
The advantage is that he has 'Analyze skill, Parallel processing skill, Hypercognition skill, and all those works like a sharingan on steroids to him. He also has several destructive Jutsus. SO right now age is the only thing restricting him.
If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.
Patre on.com/MonkWithAPen (No space)
Add to your library.
And Hit me up with some POWER stone guys.
Let’s get this story up the rankings.
Review, Comment and Rate the story.
See you in the next update... PEACE!
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