Konoha, Just Like Kizaru

Konoha, the bigger the tree, the deepest darkness hidden beneath. 

In the shadows underground, at the Roots. 

Aburame Ryoma, wearing thin round sunglasses, knelt on one knee before an old man—Shimura Danzō, known throughout the ninja world as the Darkness of the Ninja.

At this time, Danzo's arm has been injured and its wrapped in bandages all year round.

One of his eyes has also been permanently closed.

He sat on the chair at the bottom, quietly listening to the report of his subordinates.

"Danzo-sama, the matter of Hanyu Simu has been investigated."

Aburame Ryoma was Danzo's most trusted subordinate. This time, he had been assigned to Simu's team to keep an eye on the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. 

There was also Hanyu Simu, rumored to have mastered Light Release, a rare Kekkei Tota. 

Before this, only one Kekkei Tota existed in the entire ninja world—belonging to Iwagakure's Third Tsuchikage, Onoki. 

Onoki was a relic from the era of the First Hokage, Hashirama.

Onoki was much older than Hiruzen. 

In the original timeline, other villages had already moved on to their Fifth Kage. 

This also highlighted, in a way, the lack of new talent in the Land of Earth.

Despite his age, Onoki was still in his prime. The Land of Earth remained ambitious, always striving to challenge the dominance of the Land of Fire.

Now, Konoha has its own rising star with a rare Bloodline Limit. How could Danzo, Konoha's shadow, not pay attention? 

And it seemed Hanyu Simu was worthy of that attention.

"Hanyu Simu's speed is remarkable. The Root was unable to monitor his entire battle with Wujinmaru," Ryoma reported. 

"By the time we and Jiraiya-sama arrived, the fight was already over."

"In other words, Hanyu Simu defeated Wujinmaru in under... five minutes."

Danzo's one good eye gleamed with excitement. In a raspy voice, he said:

"You mean to say that Hanyu Simu, a student fresh out of the ninja academy, defeated a Jōnin-level rogue in under five minutes?" 

Aburame Ryoma bowed his head. "That's right, but I'm unsure if he used a special method or if Wujinmaru was already in poor condition."

The implication was clear—Simu might have exploited a weakness. 

After all, it was hard to believe a twelve-year-old recent graduate could take down a Jōnin.

Danzo, deep in thought, gently waved his hand. 

"I see. You may go."

"Yes..." 

Aburame Ryoma hesitated before continuing, "Danzo-sama, the underground bounty exchange is very unhappy with Simu's actions." 

"They claim Konoha violated their agreements. If no compensation is made, they won't send over the test subjects."

Danzo narrowed his eyes, a faint hint of killing intent flashing within them.

"Those guys really think they can manipulate me like some pawn..." Danzo muttered. "Tell them they're allowed to set up two strongholds on the border. As for the compensation, handle it yourself."

"Yes"

"One more thing—the underground bounty on Hanyu Simu has been raised to 15 million Ryo's. His new codename is [Kizaru of Konoha]."

Danzo raised his eyebrows slightly at this.

"It seems they want to make an example of him," Danzo muttered, lightly tapping the armrest of his chair. His voice turned cold. 

"Don't worry about them. If Hanyu Simu can't survive their attacks, he's not fit to be a sword in my hand."

"Yes, Danzo-sama"

....

Simu had no idea that a bounty of 15 million ryo had been placed on his head. 

If he had known, he might have considered selling himself to escape and return. 

Tsk tsk—that's not how a Marine Admiral should be doing. 

However, the rise of Kizaru's name had genuinely increased Simu's value as an imitation. 

Before his recent mission, his imitation value was only 22%, but now it had jumped by 5%, reaching 27%.

It seemed the spirit of helping the weak still flowed in Kizaru's bones. Simu was very satisfied, finishing twenty bowls of tonkotsu ramen in one go. 

Even worse was Hyuga Lindy; her appetite was even more impressive than Simu's, with fifty bowls already stacked in front of her. 

"Um... everyone keeps eating," Minato said, a twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Minato had prepared to be bankrupted by Simu while entertaining guests. 

He never expected to have to deal with Hyuga Lindy's appetite as well. 

Simu glanced at the mountain of bowls in front of Lindy and thought, 

Could Hinata's appetite have been inherited from her mother?

"Um, did I eat too much? I can pay for it myself," Hyuga Lindy said, feeling embarrassed.

There was no way around it; the food Hyuga Lindy had eaten during her days of captivity was terrible. 

Now that she could finally enjoy a meal, she lost control for a moment. 

Simu gently patted her on the head and said, "Don't worry; Minato is treating you today." 

"Minato?" 

Lindy looked surprised. Simu nodded toward Minato, indicating he was the one paying.

The latter could only nod with a wry smile.

Kushina looked at Lindy and Simu, and suddenly felt an innumerable feeling in her heart.

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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