Root Base – Shimura Danzo's Plans
At the hidden Root base, Shimura Danzo was still seething with anger.
He was already 69 years old, soon to be 70. How much longer would he have to wait to claim the title of Hokage? If Sarutobi Hiruzen held onto his position for a few more years, then even if Danzo did manage to become the Fifth Hokage, he might not live long enough to truly rule!
What made it worse was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Naruto. That brat was firmly under Hiruzen's control, with no one allowed to approach him freely—not even a high-ranking Konoha official like Danzo himself!
If this continued, the power of the Nine-Tails would remain in Hiruzen's hands, and Danzo would never be able to challenge him effectively.
He clenched his fists and took a deep breath. Then, after careful deliberation, he finally spoke:
"Take, Wind!"
Swoosh!
Two figures emerged from the shadows. Yamanaka Kaze and Aburame Togen, two of Danzo's most trusted Root operatives, knelt before him.
"Danzo-sama, your orders!" they said in unison.
Danzo's eyes gleamed coldly. "Go to the Land of Waves and capture Uzumaki Naruto."
Both operatives remained silent, awaiting further instructions.
"You must be quick. Get to him before Jiraiya does."
If Jiraiya reached Naruto first, the mission would become nearly impossible. Despite his eccentric behavior and blind faith in the predictions of those damned toads, Jiraiya was not to be underestimated. His strength was on a completely different level.
"Understood."
Danzo nodded approvingly.
Yes, the power he personally cultivated was far more reliable than Hiruzen's.
Once Naruto was captured, he could use the situation to force Hiruzen's hand. As the so-called hero who 'rescued' the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, he could seize more political influence—and perhaps, even take the Hokage seat for himself!
As for who would take the blame for Naruto's disappearance?
Orochimaru.
The thought brought a smirk to Danzo's face. Everything was falling into place.
"Take a full squad with you," he ordered. "Ensure success, avoid exposure, and conceal your identities."
With a team of elite Root operatives, even if they faced Hatake Kakashi, they should be able to complete the mission.
Danzo's gaze darkened as he touched the bandages covering his right eye.
Perhaps… it was time to use its power.
Land of Waves – Kuro Kakashi's Decision
At Gato's former manor, the atmosphere was tense.
After Sasuke was taken to the Empire, everything had changed. Naruto, in particular, was inconsolable. He had been locked in a small dark room, constantly shouting and demanding to know where Sasuke had gone.
No one could reason with him.
Menma and Kuro Kakashi exchanged helpless looks.
They understood why Naruto was behaving this way. It wasn't just friendship—it was fate. As the reincarnation of Asura, Naruto was deeply tied to Sasuke, the reincarnation of Indra. Their souls had been locked in conflict for centuries.
The only way to fix this problem was to remove Asura's influence from Naruto's chakra, but neither Menma nor Kuro Kakashi had the ability to do that.
For now, locking him up was the best they could do.
Naruto, despite being the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, was nowhere near strong enough to escape.
"So, you want to join us?" Kuro Kakashi asked, looking at Momochi Zabuza with interest.
"Yes."
Zabuza's expression was serious. "I am willing to serve your Empire."
Originally, he had been skeptical. But after witnessing the terrifying Sage Body fusion potion, his entire worldview had been shattered.
It was then that he realized—the Empire was not from this world.
Once he accepted that fact, he knew what he had to do.
Allegiance.
What other choice did he have?
A twelve-year-old boy from the Empire possessed Kage-level strength—far beyond the Five Kages of the Ninja World. He could single-handedly destroy a major village.
Did Zabuza really want to stand against such power?
No.
He wasn't suicidal.
Better to surrender early.
Perhaps by pledging loyalty now, he could secure a better future.
But that wasn't all.
The Sage Body fusion potion had ignited greed inside him.
He had almost reached the limit of his talent. No matter how hard he trained, there was little room for further growth.
But with the Empire's technology, he might be able to surpass his limits.
Zabuza clenched his fists.
He had to join them.
Menma turned his gaze toward Haku, who stood quietly beside Zabuza.
"And you?" Menma asked.
Haku gave a gentle smile. "I will always follow Zabuza-sama."
Menma and Kuro Kakashi exchanged glances.
His Majesty had not given them specific orders on what to do.
All they had to do was change the Ninja World in their own way.
They weren't entirely sure what His Majesty meant when he spoke of the 'will of the world', but one thing was clear—making allies was better than making enemies.
His Majesty had always said:
"Politics is about making more friends and fewer enemies."
They understood that much.
"Alright," Kuro Kakashi finally said, smirking. "You want to join us? Then you need to prove your loyalty."
Zabuza nodded. "What do you want me to do?"
Menma crossed his arms. "Kill the Daimyo of the Land of Waves."
The room fell silent.
Zabuza's face paled. "What…?"
Did they just tell him to kill a Daimyo?
That was suicide!
Fighting Hatake Kakashi again would be better than this!
If he assassinated a Daimyo, he would be hunted by every ninja in the world. His bounty would skyrocket past 100 million in the underground black market. Every mercenary, bounty hunter, and rogue ninja would be after his head.
How would he even survive?
Kuro Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "What's wrong? Are you hesitating?"
A dark aura surrounded him.
"I thought you were loyal to the Empire?"
Zabuza gritted his teeth.
This was it. The moment of decision.
If the Empire conquered the world, then there would be no more Daimyos.
There was only one path forward.
The brave would feast.
The cowards would starve.
Zabuza clenched his fists and nodded. "I'll do it."
Menma smirked. "Good. Then let's begin."
To be continued...
--------------------------------
Visit our Patreon for more:
patreon.com/Johnwick007