Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Tit for Tat, I Am Angry and You Regret It, He Is Playing with Fire
As the figure entered, the senior officials of the Four Great Ninja Villages and organization all paused, their expressions tightening slightly.
The person who had arrived was none other than Shimura Danzō, the infamous dark ninja of the world.
Fourth Raikage: "I thought I recognized that presence... it's none other than the Shinobi Darkness, Lord Shimura Danzō."
Ohnoki: "Ah, yes. I remember the history between Danzō and Sarutobi Hiruzen. It's far from simple."
Terumi Mei: "Shimura Danzō? I've heard the name. He's part of the faction fighting for control in Konoha Village, isn't he?"
Luo Sha: "Heh, a ruthless man, to be sure."
Shimura Danzō: "Hmm, everyone has their roles to play."
Naruto and the others looked to Hatake Kakashi for clarification.
Naruto: "So, who exactly is Shimura Danzō?"
Kakashi's response was brief. "He's one of the highest-ranking officials in Konoha Village."
Not wanting to get involved in the political battle unfolding before them, Kakashi fell silent. He knew all too well that getting entangled in these high-stakes games could lead to trouble, or worse, death.
---
"Oh..."
As Danzō entered the room, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately put on a welcoming smile.
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Danzō, what brings you here?"
Danzō's gaze was cold, his demeanor unshaken.
Shimura Danzō: "Hiruzen, don't pretend. You know very well why I'm here."
A silent tension thickened the air as the two old men exchanged a look filled with history. The years had not softened their rivalry.
---
Uzumaki Naruto was visibly confused. "So... that guy, Onoki, said their relationship was complicated. But it seems like there's some bad blood between them, huh?"
Uzumaki Kushina, noticing Naruto's confusion, offered a piece of wisdom. "Naruto, the adult world is complicated. But I hope, when you grow up, you don't become like them."
Before Naruto could respond, Shimura Danzō spoke sharply, his voice cutting through the conversation.
Shimura Danzō: "Kushina, I heard that."
He then turned his attention back to Hiruzen, his voice growing serious.
Shimura Danzō: "I came to discuss the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's smile faded, and the mood shifted.
Shimura Danzō: "I've been thinking about this. The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki should be under my management. It's far too dangerous for someone like you to handle him."
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately responded, his tone defensive.
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "I've already told you countless times, Naruto will not be handed over to you."
Shimura Danzō: "You've let Uchiha Itachi get too close to him. Are you out of your mind? Or simply too weak to understand the consequences of your actions?"
The tension between the two men was palpable, each word exchanged a weapon in their ongoing battle for control.
---
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Naruto's situation is unique. It's not about trust. It's about balance. Minato sealed the Nine-Tails inside Naruto, and we have to ensure its stability. No matter what you think, Naruto is not a weapon."
Danzō sneered, his impatience evident.
Shimura Danzō: "You fool. You think you can protect Konoha with that naive approach? You're letting the Uchiha clan get involved with Naruto, and that's the last straw."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "I trust Itachi, and his loyalty is to Konoha, just like mine. He has always worked for the village's best interests."
Danzō's gaze darkened.
Shimura Danzō: "Trusting him is a mistake. If you continue down this path, it will only lead to Konoha's destruction. And you, Hiruzen, are too blind to see it."
The two men stared each other down, their words heavy with the weight of their respective beliefs.
---
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "I won't entertain this any further. It's not about you, Danzo, or me. This is about Konoha. Naruto is our future, not a pawn in your games."
Danzō's face twisted in anger, his crutch tapping angrily against the floor.
Shimura Danzō: "You've made a terrible mistake, Hiruzen. One day, you will regret this decision."
With a final scornful glance, Danzō turned and stormed out of the room. As the door slammed shut, the weight of his words hung in the air.
---
Outside the office, Danzō stood still for a long moment, deep in thought. His hand clenched around the crutch, the silent rage brewing inside him. His mind wandered back to the past.
---
Shimura Danzō: Hokage...
He muttered quietly to himself, the words carrying the bitterness of years gone by. If only I hadn't been one step too late back then...
The shadow of regret loomed over him, but his resolve remained unchanged. His ambition burned as fiercely as ever.
A voice from behind broke his thoughts.
Anbu Root Operative: "Master Danzo..."
Danzō shook himself out of his reverie, turning to face the operatives who had arrived.
Shimura Danzō: "What is it?"
Anbu Root Operative: "The Third Hokage is becoming suspicious of our movements."
Shimura Danzō's eyes narrowed, his calm demeanor returning as if nothing had happened.
Shimura Danzō: "Hiruzen is playing with fire."
Anbu Root Operative: "How so?"
Shimura Danzō: "His failure to see the truth will bring destruction to Konoha. He's allowing the Uchiha clan to push their influence further. Konoha is on the verge of civil war, and he's too weak to stop it."
He paused, his thoughts turning darker as he considered the future.
Shimura Danzō: "It's only a matter of time before Konoha is torn apart from within. And when it happens, I'll be the one to seize control. This is not about protecting the village. It's about securing power for the future."
His voice dropped to a whisper, filled with resolve.
Shimura Danzō: "Konoha's downfall is inevitable. And when that day comes, I will be the one to rise from the ashes."
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