Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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The Third Hokage, initially confused, suddenly became fully alert upon hearing Yamashiro Aoba's words.

"Is that so? This machine you speak of, Muzan created it?" The Third Hokage's interest was piqued, his eyes narrowing with newfound focus.

"Yes, Hokage-sama. Muzan has provided significant aid to our wounded on the front lines. The development of this machine could save countless lives," Yamashiro Aoba affirmed, his tone respectful yet earnest.

Yamashiro Aoba had his own motives. He saw great potential in Muzan, and supporting him now could yield rewards in the future. The Third Hokage also understood the importance of nurturing talent, especially one with such promising abilities.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, Muzan began assembling the machine. Each part fit together with precise care, and soon, the device was fully operational. Muzan then used the machine to test Yamashiro Aoba's blood, quickly determining it was Type A.

"This machine ensures that blood transfusions are accurate and safe. I must credit Orochimaru-sensei's notes for much of this knowledge," Muzan said, deliberately mentioning Orochimaru to underscore the contributions of his mentor. Compared to the other candidates for Fourth Hokage, Muzan favored Orochimaru over Minato Namikaze.

While Minato was an excellent candidate for Hokage, Muzan believed that Orochimaru's intellect and ability to advance Konoha's technological prowess made him more suitable for leading the village's future.

The Third Hokage nodded, understanding the significance. "Orochimaru's teachings have clearly benefited you greatly. I didn't realize he was involved in this development."

The Third Hokage had always kept an eye on Orochimaru's disciples. With Muzan's contributions, the old man saw the potential for this invention to change the course of the war.

"In light of your achievements, this invention may be more significant than an S-rank mission," the Third Hokage mused aloud, recognizing the weight of Muzan's contribution. "In addition to the mission rewards, you deserve something more. I can offer you training in a forbidden jutsu, and we will also promote you to a higher rank."

Muzan did not respond immediately. He had a specific jutsu in mind, one that was both rare and powerful.

Meanwhile, the happenings in the Hokage's office had not gone unnoticed. Danzo, ever vigilant for opportunities, had already been informed.

"Danzo-sama, the machine sent from the front lines can distinguish blood types. Should we take action?" a Root member, who was also an ANBU operative, reported to Danzo.

"A machine? I'm not particularly interested in that. However, Sakumo's pupil, Muzan, shows great promise. I appreciate talent. Find an opportunity to recruit him into Root," Danzo ordered, his voice filled with calculated ambition.

Danzo saw the broader implications. Muzan's support for Orochimaru, coupled with his potential as a medical-nin, could significantly sway the selection of the Fourth Hokage. Winning Muzan over to his side would be strategically advantageous.

"It will be done, Danzo-sama. For Konoha's prosperity!"

Muzan was unaware that he had attracted Danzo's interest. After his meeting with the Third Hokage, he waited until everyone else had left before making his request.

"The Hundred Healings Jutsu?"

The Third Hokage was taken aback by Muzan's request. It was Tsunade's signature technique, one she had perfected over years of practice. The Hokage realized that Muzan must have serious intentions if he sought to learn such a complex jutsu.

"You want to learn the Hyakuho no Jutsu and the Yin Seal?" The Third Hokage paused, considering the implications. "Very well. Tsunade may not have passed these techniques on to you directly, but I can provide the training methods."

Tsunade had given Muzan the Strength of a Hundred Seal, but she hadn't taught him the more advanced techniques, likely because she reserved them for her direct disciples. The Third Hokage, however, saw Muzan's determination and decided to grant his request.

"Actually, Tsunade has always considered you a disciple in spirit, so you needn't worry," the Third Hokage added, misinterpreting Muzan's intentions.

Muzan simply nodded. He didn't seek the Hundred Healings Jutsu to become Tsunade's direct disciple but to use the technique for his own experiments. By using the jutsu to stimulate and observe cell regeneration, he hoped to push the limits of cellular regeneration, something that fascinated him both scientifically and medically.

The Third Hokage handed him the scrolls. "I've taught you these techniques. If Tsunade asks, you can tell her I instructed you. She might be upset, but this is a matter of Konoha's future."

Muzan accepted the scrolls, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

As they discussed the blood-typing machine, the Third Hokage agreed with Muzan on a plan for mass production. Muzan would oversee the machine's production and receive a portion of the profits—a fair deal considering his pivotal role.

"The production will be split into two phases," Muzan explained. "One part will involve producing components, with each craftsman responsible for a specific type. The other part will be the assembly, which I will personally oversee to maintain efficiency and confidentiality."

The Third Hokage took a long puff from his pipe, releasing a cloud of smoke before nodding in approval. "I trust your judgment. Proceed as you see fit. You have my full support, and I will ensure no one interferes with your work."

To protect Muzan and his project, the Third Hokage assigned a team of ANBU to guard the production site, ensuring everything went smoothly.

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After his conversation with the Third Hokage, Muzan returned to his long-lost home.

Unbeknownst to him, he had been away for a month, yet the house was spotless. It seemed someone had been taking care of it in his absence.

"Kakashi... always the diligent one," Muzan mused to himself, a small smile playing on his lips.

The greatest threat to Konoha, the Cloud Village, had halted its attacks, and the fronts had stabilized. Minato-senpai's mission was focused on the relief front, allowing for a rare moment of respite.

As Muzan settled into his home, Kakashi returned from grocery shopping. Seeing the door open, he rushed inside and found Muzan sitting in the courtyard, half-leaning under the large tree, allowing its shadow to cloak him.

"You finally decided to come back. But you didn't even bother to prepare my meal! What kind of little brother are you?" Muzan teased, his tone light yet carrying a hint of reprimand.

Kakashi, physically and mentally exhausted, shot back, "You've been gone so long I thought you were dead, you jerk."

Muzan, who was about to express concern, instead responded to Kakashi's sharp words with a punch, his version of tough love.

Kakashi, not one to back down, put the groceries aside and drew a kunai, eager to retaliate. But the battle was short-lived, ending with Kakashi lying on the ground in defeat, Muzan having thoroughly bested him.

Muzan pulled his brother to his feet, inspecting him closely. He relaxed when he confirmed Kakashi was uninjured. "It seems you've improved while I was away. Have you been practicing the Hatake Swordsmanship?"

Kakashi looked away, unsure of how to respond. His swordsmanship had yet to reach the level he desired, leaving him dissatisfied with his progress.

"Forget it," Muzan said, sensing his brother's discomfort. "You'll train with me. I'll push you to the next level."

Kakashi glanced at the scattered groceries and hesitated. "I don't have time today."

Muzan noticed the large quantity of food, far more than two people would need. Sensing something was amiss, he squatted down, picked up the vegetables, and asked, "What's going on?"

"Obito's grandma passed away. I've been helping him with the funeral arrangements, and I asked the teacher for leave."

The news hit Muzan, though it was tempered by the fact that it was a natural death from old age—a quiet event in the grander scheme of Konoha.

As Kakashi's older brother and a friend of Obito, Muzan decided to pay his respects.

When the two arrived at the outskirts of the Uchiha district, they found Obito's home—an old, dilapidated house. Rin was there, helping Obito with the burial preparations.

The scene was sparse. Obito, often seen as a failure by his clan, and his grandmother, who had little influence, had no one else to support them. Muzan, however, sensed something unsettling beneath the surface.

"These guys are everywhere," Muzan muttered, detecting a faint yet familiar presence in the air—White Zetsu. It had been some time since Muzan last encountered one, and he was surprised that they hadn't given up on monitoring Obito.

Uchiha Obito was a crucial piece in Madara's resurrection plan, and it seemed White Zetsu had been keeping a close watch.

Muzan scanned the area, but White Zetsu was nowhere to be seen. He suspected they were hidden underground. The moment he stepped inside the house, though, the lingering scent of White Zetsu filled the air.

"Madara's reach is far," Muzan thought, piecing together the puzzle. It wasn't just White Zetsu—Uchiha Madara himself had likely been here, his presence masked beneath layers of deception.

Muzan realized the body in the coffin wasn't what it seemed. Obito's grandmother might have died long ago. The person living with Obito could have been a White Zetsu clone sent by Madara, and with most ninjas occupied by the war, no one, not even Obito, had noticed the imposter.

Muzan chose to keep this revelation to himself. Obito had already endured so much darkness, and learning the truth now would only break him further. Plus, revealing Madara's plan too soon could derail everything.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Kakashi asked, sensing Muzan's unease. He had noticed his brother's thoughtful gaze directed at the coffin.

"It's nothing," Muzan replied, forcing a smile. "I was just thinking about how to comfort Obito. Losing a loved one is hard."

Obito, despite his grief, heard Muzan's words and stood to thank him. "Thank you, but it's okay. Grandma passed peacefully. She didn't suffer. I'll be fine in time."

The sadness in Obito's eyes was deep, but he masked it with a determined resolve. Rin's presence offered him some solace, giving him a sense of purpose. In that moment, he made a vow, one that carried his pain and hope.

"Grandma wanted me to become a great ninja before she passed. I'll work hard to become Hokage! Rin, will you marry me then?"

"Idiot, it's not your turn to be Hokage," Kakashi interjected, smacking Obito on the head. The gesture was playful, a reminder of their bond.

"Damn it, Kakashi, stop showing off!" Obito retorted, though his voice lacked its usual fire. The friendship between the three of them was strong, and despite the circumstances, it remained unbroken.

Rin smiled softly, then turned to Muzan. "Don't forget, Obito, Muzan is your competitor. With his teacher, you'll have to work even harder!"

Among their generation, many believed Muzan had the potential to become Hokage, if not in the next generation, then the one after. As Orochimaru's disciple, Muzan was already a formidable ninja, and if Orochimaru succeeded as Hokage, Muzan's path to leadership would be clear.

"Hmph! Minato-sensei is just as prestigious!" Obito declared, though his voice wavered. He knew he wasn't as strong as Muzan, and the realization weighed heavily on him.

The conversation shifted back to the funeral, with Rin and Kakashi helping Obito with the remaining arrangements. Muzan, however, remained lost in thought, pondering how to handle the situation with White Zetsu.

The creature in the coffin wasn't dead. If it made a sound while being absorbed, it could easily be misunderstood, especially during a somber event like this.

The funeral proceeded quietly, the overcast sky and light rain adding to the melancholy. The simple ceremony reflected the solitude of Obito's life, a reminder of the isolation he and his grandmother had faced.

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