The next morning, a jaw-dropping piece of news shook the entire ninja world.
Danzo Shimura, the leader of the Root and an old associate of the Third Hokage from the Hidden Leaf Village, has defected.
This isn't just some rumor; it's confirmed by Konoha's wanted poster, proving that Danzo has indeed betrayed them.
Moreover, many witnesses saw the Third Hokage, the Fifth Hokage Jiraiya, and Orochimaru pursuing Danzo on the streets last night.
Danzo has committed numerous heinous acts in the ninja world.
If asked who is the strongest in the ninja world today, opinions might vary.
But if asked who is the most despised, Danzo's name would undoubtedly come up.
So many people in the ninja world want him dead.
Previously, these individuals were restrained by Konoha's influence and could only harbor their hatred in secret.
Now, for reasons unknown, Danzo has actually defected.
Oh, heavens and earth, which fairy has brought us this frustration!
Without Konoha's protection, Danzo is merely an aging jonin with average strength.
Upon hearing the news, many began heading to the Bounty Station in their areas to take up the mission to kill Danzo.
"Danzo is hated by so many people. I must admit, he is quite a remarkable figure."
In a Bounty Station, a bounty hunter accepting missions sighed as he reviewed a series of missions to eliminate Danzo.
"Tsk tsk, the total bounty for all the missions adds up to 80 million ryo. If I can kill him successfully, I'll find a secluded place to live out my days, never again involving myself in ninja affairs."
"True, there are too many people gunning for this guy. It's a bit challenging to handle this alone."
"You're right. We might need to join forces with others to tackle this."
"Friend, are you interested in teaming up with me? We can split the bounty evenly."
"Haha, sure."
This scene unfolded in Bounty Stations across the land.
They all share the same goal: to eliminate Danzo.
Meanwhile, our little Danzo is still en route to the Hidden Rain Village.
Inside the office.
Senju Tobirama has already reviewed the data from the cloning experiment and is simply waiting for the scheduled time to arrive.
Kagami and Hiruzen have already departed for the capital of the Land of Fire. Four spots are available for this time travel, which are allocated to the remaining four students.
"Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, once we arrive, you must protect this location and ensure that no one enters."
As the time approached, Tobirama turned around and gave some final instructions to the three young ones.
"Second Grandpa, you're so wordy."
"It's the Second Hokage-sama."
"Second-Hokage-sama, you can travel with peace of mind. I, Jiraiya, will definitely not disappoint you."
Observing Jiraiya's earnest promise, Tobirama and the others couldn't help but frown.
What does it mean to travel with peace of mind?
Anyone unfamiliar would think they were heading towards danger.
Fortunately, they were generous and did not hold Jiraiya's words against him.
"Alright, see you in an hour."
"Well, goodbye, second grandpa!"
At the agreed time, Tobirama and his four students appeared in a flash of light. As before, they vanished instantly.
This time, however, things were a bit different.
A figure with a pale body and a sinister smile fell from Tobirama's body.
"What is this?"
The sudden appearance of this figure caused the three young ones' faces to change drastically.
They had just promised Tobirama that no one would be allowed into the office.
Now, an unknown figure had appeared before them.
"You are so rude. Let me tell you, I am not just a thing. I have a name. My name is White Zetsu."
The three little ones exchanged glances, feeling that the person in front of them, named White Zetsu, seemed to have some mental issues.
"White Zetsu, is it? Can you tell us how you managed to get in here?"
White Zetsu didn't seem concerned about his predicament at all and responded with a smile, "It's quite simple. I just took over Senju Tobirama's body and came in with him."
"Impossible! You're saying you've possessed Second Grandpa? There's no way Second Grandpa wouldn't notice something like that."
The ninja world has countless secret techniques.
Even though the three little ones didn't know the exact technique that could allow someone to possess another person, they didn't dispute this claim.
They simply thought that if such a technique did exist, it would be impossible for the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, not to detect it with his strength.
"That's the truth."
White Zetsu shrugged, still smiling.
"Why do you keep laughing? What's so funny about this?"
Little Jiraiya was a bit annoyed by White Zetsu's smile and retorted directly.
"Why can't I laugh?"
Yes, why shouldn't you laugh?
You might control everything in the world, but can you control someone else's bodily functions?
"Fine, laugh if you want, but you'd better enjoy it while you can. Your time is running out because you've failed your mission."
"Yes, the mission failed."
As they spoke, the three little ones weren't idle. They began to move cautiously, surrounding White Zetsu.
"Huh? Why don't I see Danzo's body?"
Senju Tobirama entered Jiraiya's office and, with a single sentence, managed to embarrass both the Third Hokage and Jiraiya.
Fortunately, Orochimaru was present.
He showed no sign of embarrassment. Stepping forward, he handed the prepared information to Senju Tobirama and said, "Second Hokage, here is the information you requested."
As Tobirama reviewed the documents, he inquired, "Did something unexpected occur?"
The Third Hokage and Fifth Hokage Jiraiya exchanged glances, and after a moment, Jiraiya spoke through clenched teeth.
"There was an incident. I used the Rasengan to crush Danzo's heart, but he didn't die. He even managed to escape from Konoha when we were not paying attention."
"I see. It's not your fault. You couldn't have known he possessed Izanagi."
"Izanagi? What is that?"
Instead of answering Jiraiya, Tobirama set the documents aside and addressed his four disciples.
"Koharu, Homura, Torifu, you are free to move around for the next hour."
"Yes, Teacher."
The three were particularly interested in Konoha forty years into the future. Previously, due to restrictions and their own strength, they hadn't competed with Hiruzen, Danzo, and Kagami.
This time, they arrived with money in hand, eager to take a good look around the prosperous Konoha.
When Danzo heard that Koharu and the others were free to explore Konoha while he was left behind, he asked in surprise, "Teacher, what about me?"
"First, you need to explain what Izanagi is to them. Once they understand it, you can move about freely."
"Understood, teacher."
Danzo was really bothered.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Tobirama-sensei was targeting him.
After all, why would Koharu and the others be allowed to leave, while he, the younger version of Danzo, was assigned the task to explain?
****
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