Ninja World: Power through Bonds

"This is the result of the power struggle between Hiruzen and me."

Danzo leaned back slightly in his chair, closing his one remaining eye as he spoke in a slow, deliberate manner. "The Hyūga clan has always followed the Hokage's lead. Hizashi possesses formidable strength, and Hiruzen has enlisted his aid, which, frankly, works in my favor as well. At the very least, your safety is guaranteed."

Danzō's voice remained composed, but his words carried a veiled warning. "However, don't let Hizashi's talk about the Will of Fire influence you. Don't be swayed."

His lone eye flickered with a cold gleam as he continued. "As for the two Chūnin..." A sneer curled at his lips. "They are not mere expendable soldiers. They are promising talents I have carefully selected—far from the average, stagnant Chūnin. I have gone to great lengths to ensure that no obstacles stand in our way."

Not only had Danzō handpicked Shimura Denji's teammates, but he had also found a way to undermine Sarutobi Hiruzen in the process. "One of Uzuki Yugao's teammates died in action. As for the other one, Gekkō Hayate, I arranged for him to be sent to the ANBU. But given his sickly constitution, I doubt he'll survive much longer."

Danzō chuckled darkly. "And then there's Yūhi Kurenai. She was originally teammates with Sarutobi Asuma, but thanks to my careful maneuvering, Asuma has since left Konoha and joined the Twelve Guardian Ninja."

His tone grew colder. "Denji, this is the true power of influence. Only with power can one shape events and achieve their goals through various means, openly and without restraint."

Even now, Danzō took the opportunity to instill his philosophy into his grandson.

Denji, however, remained silent.

Something as simple as forming a three-man squad—something that should have been trivial—had been twisted into a web of calculated schemes and power plays.

So, it was Danzō who orchestrated Asuma's departure from Konoha?

Truly, if there was anything vile or underhanded happening in the world, his grandfather seemed to have a hand in it.

And yet…

This time, it had been done with his best interests in mind.

Denji couldn't bring himself to object.

"....."

With a sigh, Denji finally spoke. "Alright, old man. I'm heading out on a mission the day after tomorrow." He waved a hand dismissively before turning to leave.

Despite all his dubious methods, Danzō truly was concerned about his well-being. His efforts to carefully craft a strong team for him had not gone unnoticed.

That being said, Denji also had his own plans in motion. He couldn't handle everything alone forever—it was time to find subordinates he could mold into effective tools.

Before vanishing into the night, Denji gave one final command to the darkness around him.

"Tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, bring Kabuto from the orphanage to my estate."

With that, he disappeared in a flicker of motion, leaving the shadows to carry out his will.

...

The next day, Denji slept in until he woke up naturally.

As he went downstairs for breakfast, a servant informed him that a white-haired boy had been waiting outside since early morning, refusing to enter despite their persuasion.

Denji was slightly surprised. He knew the boy must be Kabuto, but he couldn't understand why Kabuto insisted on staying outside.

Taking a sip of porridge, Denji casually instructed the servant to bring him in.

Soon, Kabuto stood before him, looking somewhat nervous and uneasy.

"Why didn't you come in? Why wait outside?" Denji asked.

Kabuto's voice was barely audible as he replied, "You… you told me to come at ten o'clock. It's not time yet…"

Denji chuckled, gesturing toward the empty seat across from him. "Sit down," he said, signaling the servant to bring another breakfast. Once the servant left, only the two of them remained in the vast living room.

"Eat first. We'll talk when you're done."

With that, Denji paid him no further attention and continued eating his breakfast.

Kabuto lowered his head and ate quietly, though his mind was unsettled.

Since their first meeting, he had felt an instinctive fear of Denji. There was something deeply unsettling about him, particularly when he smiled—it sent chills down Kabuto's spine.

Despite Denji being only a little older than him, Kabuto felt like a mouse trapped in front of a predator. This fear hadn't diminished over time. In fact, after today's meeting, it had only grown stronger.

Finally, Denji finished his meal, setting his utensils down with a satisfied sigh. Almost immediately, Kabuto put his chopsticks down as well, as if waiting for what came next.

"Kabuto, do you know why I called you here?" Denji asked with a faint smile.

"I don't know," Kabuto answered cautiously.

Denji took a sip of milk, swirled the liquid in his mouth, and then continued, "Then tell me—do you know about Director Nono's other identity?"

Kabuto's fingers clenched slightly.

"You're smart, but don't try to outplay me. I hate self-righteous people," Denji added, his smile not reaching his eyes.

A bead of cold sweat formed on Kabuto's forehead.

He hesitated for a long moment before finally whispering, "Director Nono… is a ninja."

"That's correct," Denji nodded, still sipping his drink through a straw. "But to be more precise—she's a Root operative."

Kabuto's eyes widened slightly.

"During the Third Shinobi War, she provided a lot of valuable intelligence to Konoha," Denji continued, watching Kabuto's reaction carefully.

Kabuto remained silent. This was the first time he had ever heard about Director Nono's involvement in such affairs. His expression tightened as he absorbed the information.

"Do you know what Root is?" Denji suddenly asked.

Kabuto hesitated again.

He barely understood Anbu, which was already considered elite and mysterious. Root? That was something even most Chūnin and Jōnin knew little about.

"Listen carefully," Denji said, clearing his throat.

"Root eliminates the threats that even Anbu fears to touch.

Root handles the matters Anbu refuses to get involved with.

If Anbu cleans up the dirt, then Root is the one burying the bodies.

Kill first, report later.

"The Hokage? Denji smirked. "Who cares about the Hokage? Root doesn't need his permission."

"He can't control Root."

This is Root—absorbing nutrients and growing wildly beneath the surface.

Kabuto's expression turned blank, his mouth slightly agape.

'The Hokage can't control Root?'

The words sounded incredibly arrogant… yet unsettlingly true.

"Do you understand now?" Denji asked.

Kabuto hesitated before nodding. "I think I understand… but why are you telling me this?" He was just an orphan—there was nothing particularly special about him. Why would someone like Denji share such information with him?

Denji's expression suddenly shifted, his tone filled with an exaggerated sigh. "Kabuto, you don't know, do you?"

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering as if revealing some profound truth.

"Your Director Nono has wanted to leave Root for a long time, to focus solely on running the orphanage."

"But she can't leave—the conditions don't allow it."

"She is an elite spy of Root. She holds too many secrets. Do you think my grandfather would just let her go?" Denji chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Besides, the orphanage needs funds. Food, water, medicine, shelter—it all costs money. Do you really think charity alone can keep it running? If she refuses to take on missions, where do you think that money will come from?"

Kabuto's face turned deathly pale.

The thought of Nono being forced into a life she despised just to keep the orphanage afloat, made his stomach twist. His chest tightened, his nose stung, and before he realized it, tears slipped down his cheeks.

"But…"

Denji abruptly changed the subject.

"I can give you a chance."

Kabuto blinked, his breath hitching.

"If you can become a better spy—stronger, more valuable than her—then tell me…"

Denji's lips curled into a sly smirk.

"What's stopping me from letting her go?"