Shadows On The Leaf

Author's Note:

Hello again, if you notice errors in spelling or grammar, I truly apologize, but I do not speak English, I use a website to translate the document from Spanish to English, I only speak Spanish.

.....

The village still smelled of smoke and ash as the sun rose over the horizon, illuminating a scene of destruction and mourning. The funerals of the victims were held in silence, a ceremony that united the villagers in their grief. However, away from the public clamor, in the privacy of his home, Hiruzen waited for Danzo for a private conversation. 

Danzo arrived with a solemn expression, his posture imposing.

Hiruzen wasted no time. 

"Danzo," he began in a serious tone, "why did the Uchihas participate in the battle? I thought you would understand my order to stay out of it." 

Danzo tilted his head slightly, as if assessing the situation before answering. 

"Hiruzen, my priority was to protect the village. When I gave orders to Root to assist in the defense, I encountered Fugaku and his group. I relayed your order to them, but they chose to ignore it. They claimed that they could not stand idly by while Konoha was in danger." 

Hiruzen frowned, his gaze hardening upon hearing those words. 

"And why didn't you come back to inform me of their disobedience or stop them yourself?"

"Because I had no time for political bickering while the Kyubi was ravaging the village," Danzo replied coldly. "I decided it was wiser to continue assisting the civilians rather than confront the Uchiha clan at that time." 

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, sighing. There was something about Danzo's calculated calm that unsettled him. 

"This complicates things. There was already some tension with the Uchiha clan... And now Fugaku disobeyed a direct order. I can't ignore it." 

Danzo nodded slowly, hiding his satisfaction. "That is worrying behavior. It might be wise to keep a closer eye on his movements." 

Hiruzen didn't respond immediately, but the seed of mistrust was planted. 

/////

At the Root Base

Deep within Root's underground base, Danzo watched as his agents trained in Taijutsu combat. At his side, Kinoto awaited further instructions. 

'The original Danzo was so obsessed with consolidating his power that he forgot something crucial: subtlety,' he mused to himself. "That plan will work."

"What is your plan, Danzo-sama?" Kinoto asked.

"We will spread a rumor. One that will force Hiruzen to act on my terms."

Danzo gave a slight smile. "We will spread the rumor that Naruto, the blonde baby from the main orphanage of the village, is the son of Minato Namikaze, although this information will make the other villages see him as a possible target and put him in danger, it will also force Hiruzen to assign him constant protection, and I have the perfect candidate for that task."

"Who, Danzo-sama? A member of Root?"

"No, Hiruzen will never agree to have a Root member look after Naruto, the person to look after Naruto must be Kakashi Hatake. Not only was he Minato's student, but his talent as a ninja will be useful in protecting the boy. And most importantly, he will be using one of Hiruzen's most powerful pieces in a task that will take him away from the village's overall strategy."

Kinoto nodded, understanding the logic behind the move. 

Danzo continued, "Send a Root team to spread the rumor in small talk among influential civilians. Nothing too obvious, but enough for the words to spread. And make sure Hiruzen's agents hear it as well. I want the rumor to reach their ears before the end of the week." 

/////

Council meeting room.

The room was full, more than usual, with advisors Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo Shimura present.

Also clan leaders such as Hiashi Hyuga, Tsume Inuzuka, Inoichi Yamanaka, Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, Shibi Aburame and other clan leaders, also in a corner, Orochimaru remained silent, his figure standing out among those present, Fugaku Uchiha, the commander of the Konoha Military Police, was also there, flanked by a pair of jounin from his clan who maintained serious expressions.

Hiruzen spoke first, his voice deep and solemn. 

"Thank you for coming. Konoha has gone through one of the greatest tragedies in its history, and we need to make crucial decisions to rebuild and protect our village. As you know, with Minato's death, the position of Hokage is empty, and we must decide who will take up this responsibility." 

Homura immediately intervened, as if she had been biding her time. "We cannot afford a power vacuum. Konoha needs leadership, and it needs it now." 

Hiashi Hyuga nodded. "Hiruzen-sama is right. The village needs stability. But is there anyone in the new generation who can take on this responsibility? Any jounin worthy of the mantle of Hokage?"

Shikaku Nara intervened, ever the pragmatist. "Hiruzen-sama, what if we hand over the position to the next generation of Minato?" 

Koharu shook her head. "Talking about young ninjas is premature. Although there are great ninjas in the making, they lack the experience to handle the pressure of a position like this. This is not the time to take a risk with an inexperienced leader."

Danzo, his tone calm, intervened. "Certainly, experience is valuable. But so is renewal. Hiruzen, why don't we consider ninjas like Orochimaru? He is one of the most brilliant men Konoha has ever produced, and his strategic genius might be what the village needs right now." 

Orochimaru looked up, watching Danzo with a slight smile of satisfaction. 

"And if not Orochimaru, then what about Fugaku Uchiha?" Danzo continued, casting a calculating glance towards the Uchiha clan leader. "The Commander of the Military Police has proven himself to be a capable leader. His experience with handling internal conflicts could prove invaluable in these times of crisis." 

Fugaku straightened slightly, his eyes shining with a mix of surprise and pride. 

But Hiruzen, keeping his cool, replied firmly. "Orochimaru is undoubtedly a brilliant ninja, but I believe he is no longer fully suited for the position of Hokage. His focus on unconventional methods takes him far from what is needed to lead the village through these difficult times." 

A tense silence fell over the room. Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, his usual smile disappearing for a moment. Danzo, noticing the change in the atmosphere, came to his defense. 

"That is a harsh opinion, Hiruzen. Orochimaru has served this village with loyalty and dedication. His genius may be peculiar, but it should not be dismissed because of that. We cannot afford to dismiss exceptional talents based on subjective judgments." 

Orochimaru gave Danzo a brief nod, a gesture laden with gratitude and complicity. 

Hiruzen continued, ignoring the tension. "As for Fugaku, it is true that he has leadership qualities, but his role as commander of the Military Police is critical. The village cannot afford to lose his leadership in such a critical area." 

The Uchiha clan jounin exchanged frustrated glances, and Fugaku clenched his fists tightly, though he maintained his composure. 

Homura spoke up, diverting the conversation. "So, if there is no one in the new generation who is ready, nor in the previous generation who is suitable, what do you propose, Hiruzen?"

Hiruzen took a deep breath, looking around at each of the people present before speaking. "I will take up the mantle of Hokage once again. I will do so for the village, but only temporarily. My intention is to guide Konoha until a new ninja is ready to take up the mantle."

Hiashi Hyuga, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi and Tsume Inuzuka nodded almost in unison.

"We understand, Hiruzen-sama. We trust in your judgment and leadership," Hiashi said.

However, Danzo did not seem satisfied. "Really, Hiruzen? Do you intend to just return as if nothing happened? Do you not remember why you resigned in the first place? After the last war, your decisions left us at a disadvantage. You signed a peace agreement that offered no compensation to Konoha, weakening our position." 

Hiruzen's eyes hardened, but he didn't interrupt.

Danzo continued, his tone full of reproach. "And now, you seek to take the position again. What message do you think this will send? The withered leaves should give way to the new green leaves, ninjas like Orochimaru or even Fugaku deserve a chance to lead."

Shikaku then spoke, his voice calm but firm. "This is not about wilted or green leaves, Danzo-sama. This is about what Konoha needs. And right now, Hiruzen-sama is the only one who can lead us with the experience the village requires." 

Hiashi nodded. "Hiruzen-sama has our support." 

Danzo looked at Hiruzen with a cold expression before nodding slightly. "If that is your wish, Hiruzen, then so be it. I hope that you will not fail the village this time." 

With the overwhelming backing of the clan leaders and jounin present, Hiruzen once again assumed the mantle of Hokage.

Although the seed of discord was planted and relations with Orochimaru and the Uchiha clan were now noticeably strained. 

////

In the dim light of his underground office, Danzo meditated in silence, next to him stood Tatsuma, his most faithful and dedicated member of Root. 

'The original Danzo made so many mistakes,' he mused as he drummed his fingers on the wood. 'He tried to recruit Kakashi Hatake thinking he could be a loyal weapon, but it only resulted in him discovering Kinoe and exposing her existence to Hiruzen. That mistake set off a chain of events that led to the discovery of Orochimaru as the kidnapper of ninja and children for experiments, an unnecessary exposure.' 

Danzo frowned, remembering another one of his original counterpart's mistakes. 'Sending a few Anbu squads to assassinate Hiruzen was ridiculous. A pointless plan, doomed from the start. This path requires more subtlety, more patience.' 

'Kakashi Hatake will not be a concern. I will not make the mistake of trying to recruit him. It is best to keep him away from the most important secrets, occupied with a task that consumes all his attention, there must be no distractions for Kakashi, his only purpose in the future must be to protect the boy… The other asset in my mind is Kabuto Yakushi, he was recently recruited in Root and is being trained to begin infiltration missions, but his talent cannot be wasted.'

"Tatsuma, cancel the infiltration mission for the boy Kabuto, it is better for him to start being trained in assassination and medical ninjutsu"

"As Danzo-sama orders," Tatsuma nodded and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

////// 

In a hidden laboratory on the outskirts of Konoha, Orochimaru examined the corpse of a test subject. His expression was a mix of curiosity and detachment as his gloved fingers manipulated the tissues with precision. 

The sound of slow, steady footsteps interrupted his concentration. Orochimaru looked up, watching as Danzo Shimura, accompanied by Tatsuma, his loyal right-hand man, entered the room. 

"Danzo-sama," Orochimaru said, with a serpentine smile. "What a pleasant surprise. I assume you didn't come here just to admire my work." 

Danzo looked at him calmly. "Orochimaru, the disappearance of children and ninjas has begun to attract attention. If you continue with these human experiments, the village will soon hunt you down." 

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, visibly intrigued. "And what do you suggest, Danzo-sama?" 

"Abandon your human experiments and focus on something much more interesting, really join me."

Orochimaru cocked his head, intrigued. "An alliance, is that what you mean? We're already in one, aren't we?" 

Danzo sat down without waiting for an invitation, radiating authority. "I have mastered a unique technique, the Chimera Technique, it allows me to absorb Kekkei Genkais and special abilities from other shinobi, fully integrating them into my body. It is not a simple graft, but a complete fusion, without rejection or imperfections."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, his interest evident though he maintained an air of skepticism. "Integrating Kekkei Genkais without side effects? Sounds like a dream to any ninja. But even for you, Danzo-sama, such a bold claim requires more than just words." 

Danzo held his gaze, calm. "What I seek is your strength, Orochimaru. I want a ninja of your caliber on my side. I have no interest in arguing about the existence of the technique. If you choose to work with me, you may choose any Kekkei Genkai you wish, and I will integrate it into your body personally." 

Orochimaru's face lit up with a sly smile, his eyes shining with ambition. "Any Kekkei Genkai? That opens up fascinating possibilities… Sharingan, Byakugan… Even rarer abilities." 

"Exactly," Danzo stated coldly. "You decide which Kekkei Genkai you wish, a maximum of five Kekkei Genkais, I will do the rest… but in exchange your loyalty must be completely to me, not to the village, not to Hiruzen, to me, allow me to use your strength to my advantage."

Orochimaru let out a low laugh, clearly delighted. "I understand, that is a condition I can accept. But tell me, Danzo-sama, what do you gain by granting me such great power?"

"I don't need to tell you that the shinobi world is constantly changing. War is never too far away, and Konoha needs a strong leader, that's me, and I'll need strong men under my command, that's you."

Orochimaru crossed his arms, weighing each word. "A tempting offer, indeed." 

Silence filled the room for a moment as Orochimaru pondered. Finally, a slow, snaking smile appeared on his face. "Danzo-sama, it seems our interests are aligned for the moment. Consider that you have my full cooperation."

Danzo stood up, satisfied. "Excellent. Make preparations. Choose the Kekkei Genkai you desire and locate its bearer. This is only the beginning, Orochimaru. Together, we will achieve what others only dream of." 

Orochimaru watched him leave, his eyes filled with ambition.

////

Hiruzen had recently arrived from his meeting with the Daimiyo, where he had been officially named Hokage again, he was now reviewing reports when an urgent message arrived from one of his Anbu.

The content left him thoughtful, the rumor that Naruto was the son of the Fourth Hokage had begun to circulate around the village.

The old Hokage put a hand to his chin, pondering the implications. If the information reached the enemy villages, Naruto would be in constant danger. He needed an immediate solution. 

It was then that Danzo arrived with his usual presence, but something else had caught his attention, Danzo, rejuvenated.

When Danzo arrived Hiruzen looked at him with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. In front of him was a man who seemed to have gone back decades in time. His face was young, strong and without the marks of time that Hiruzen knew so well. 

"Danzo," Hiruzen began, his tone grave, "I find it difficult not to ask. How did you accomplish such a thing?" 

Danzo, dressed in his usual cloak but without the bandages covering part of his body, gave a calm smile. "You mean my appearance?"

Hiruzen nodded, his eyes narrowed. "It's evident that you've found a way to reverse aging." 

Danzo sat in front of him, his hands resting on his staff. "I developed a new jutsu, Hiruzen. A secret technique that allows me to temporarily restore my youth." 

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And you plan to share this technique with Konoha? It could be invaluable to our ninja." 

Danzo let out a dry, almost mocking laugh. "Share it with you, Hiruzen? You are the 'Professor', the man who has mastered more jutsus than anyone else in the village. If I was able to create this technique, then surely you can recreate it without my help. Is that not so?" 

Danzo's sarcastic tone did not go unnoticed. Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, but did not immediately respond. It was clear that Danzo had no intention of sharing his supposed jutsu, but he had no evidence to refute what he said. 

"You've always been reserved with your methods, Danzo," Hiruzen finally said, leaning back in his chair. "Though I must admit, it is impressive. It must be an improved version of the unique transformation jutsu that Tsunade uses." 

Danzo simply smiled, not bothering to correct him. "Something like that, Hiruzen. Let's just say that I've found my own way to improve what others consider impossible." 

The Hokage nodded slowly, though he didn't seem entirely convinced. "I hope this new power of yours isn't used for personal gain, Danzo. The village must always be our priority." 

"Of course, Hiruzen," Danzo replied in a neutral tone. "I have always worked for the good of Konoha. Do not forget that."

"Leaving that aside, may I know why you have come?"

"It seems the rumors are spreading rapidly," Danzo commented with apparent calm. 

"Do you know anything about this, Danzo?" Hiruzen asked, his eyes sharp. 

"Just what I've heard on the streets, but it doesn't surprise me. People always look for connections with their heroes. And the Jinchuriki, being an orphan, blonde, with blue eyes and born on the same day the Hokage and his pregnant wife died, is the perfect target for such speculation." 

Hiruzen sighed sadly. "This complicates his situation. If rumors reach outside of Konoha, Naruto could be targeted before he has the ability to defend himself."

"Give me the child Hiruzen, I will protect him and at the same time make him a weapon powerful enough to protect Konoha" Although this was not what Danzo really wanted, he had to make an exaggerated request to Hiruzen, Hiruzen would reject it and then Danzo could ask him for something easier that he would fulfill, a normal negotiation.

"No! Naruto is not a weapon, he is not your weapon Danzo! Naruto will grow up as a normal child" Hiruzen immediately refused, not wanting to hand over the power of a Jinchuriki to Danzo.

Danzo bowed his head slightly, feigning annoyance and then resignation. "Then we must act. He needs a protector. Someone trustworthy, strong enough to deter any threat our Jinchuriki faces."

"Do you have anyone in mind?" 

"Since you won't accept any of my men, I think it should be Kakashi Hatake," Danzo suggested without hesitation. "Not only was he Minato's disciple, but his loyalty to the village is unquestionable. His skill is among the best, and Naruto would be in good hands."

Hiruzen considered it. It was a reasonable idea, but it also meant losing one of his most valuable ninja for strategic missions. 

"I'll think about it," he finally replied. 

Danzo left without saying goodbye, hiding his satisfaction. 'One more move towards controlling the board,' he thought as he returned to Root's base.