---
After the main ANBU force dispersed, five figures remained in the training field, standing silently amidst the scattered leaves that rustled in the wind.
These five were no ordinary shinobi; they were the most elite ANBU operatives, each codenamed after the element they commanded—Flame, Water, Wind, Earth, and Lightning.
Corresponding to their names, their abilities were aligned with the elemental nature of their jutsu, making them specialists in their respective fields.
Each had been handpicked by Hiruzen for their exceptional skills and lethal efficiency in missions.
Their record of success was unmatched, boasting a 100 percent mission completion rate.
Under Hiruzen's guidance, they had mastered advanced techniques, including elemental escape arts, which made them virtually unstoppable in their respective domains.
The elemental escape arts were so advanced that no other village had been able to develop effective countermeasures. Even powerful sensory ninjas struggled to track or predict their movements.
Among them, Flame, the leader, was Sarutobi Shiba—a distant cousin of Hiruzen and an expert in fire-release techniques.
The Wind operative was Shimura Hisaki, a prodigy from the Shimura clan, whose wind-based jutsu was as sharp as his tactical mind.
Oya Shuriko, the Water operative, was the only civilian-born member of the group, but her mastery of water techniques had earned her a place among the best.
Senju Mitsumi, the Earth ANBU, hailed from the Senju clan, and her earth techniques were as solid and unyielding as her will.
Finally, the Lightning ANBU was Hatake Ryugo, a silent and efficient killer whose speed and lightning techniques made him a fearsome opponent.
Hiruzen observed the five quietly, his mind racing with thoughts.
These ANBU were his most trusted subordinates, but even among them, the politics of Konoha loomed. His gaze lingered on Shimura Hisaki.
"Shimura Danzo must be handled carefully," Hiruzen thought, his eyes narrowing.
"His actions could lead to the destruction of the entire Shimura clan if he isn't dealt with. The wind-release users of his clan would be a significant loss, especially when Sunagakure grows in power. I can't afford to weaken Konoha unnecessarily."
Hiruzen sighed quietly, shifting his thoughts to the Uchiha clan.
"Kagami's death is also drawing near in this timeline. He's too strong to die in combat unless there's betrayal or manipulation involved, perhaps from Black Zetsu."
He considered intervening but quickly dismissed the idea.
His thoughts turned cold. "Killing Danzo on the mission would tie up loose ends. The ANBU commander position is vacant, and Sakumo would be perfect for it. But first, I need to test Danzo's ambitions further."
His plan began to take shape. "A dangerous mission in the Land of Rain would suffice."
Hiruzen knew the constant strife in the Rain Village could serve as a perfect backdrop for Danzo's demise.
"I'll bait him with the promise of power."
Just as Hiruzen was finalizing his thoughts, he activated his crystal ball to peer into the village.
The magical orb shimmered and projected an image of Danzo, seated at his desk, surrounded by ROOT agents. His expression was grim as he listened to the reports of his subordinates.
---
In the dimly lit underground ROOT headquarters, Danzo sat rigidly, his mind racing as a masked ninja delivered a report.
"Hiruzen visited the Uchiha clan," the ROOT agent said, his voice emotionless.
Danzo's eyes flickered with a mixture of suspicion and concern. "Are you certain?" he asked, his tone sharp.
The ninja nodded. "Yes, Danzo-sama. We overheard some of the Uchiha clan members talking. They mentioned the Hokage's visit, and the meeting was confirmed by the Yamanaka and Hyuga clan heads as well."
Danzo's expression darkened as he absorbed the information.
"What could Hiruzen possibly want with the Uchiha? Is he aware of my dealings with the Hyuga?" His paranoia grew.
He dismissed the ROOT agent with a wave of his hand, his mind now solely focused on Hiruzen's potential moves.
Danzo clenched his fists, thinking, "Hiruzen, you're playing a dangerous game by dealing with the Uchiha. You know as well as I do that their pride could lead to the downfall of this village. I won't let you hand Konoha's future to those cursed eyes."
As he continued sifting through reports, something unusual caught his attention.
His eyes skimmed over a document detailing an experiment related to the First Hokage's cells.
"So, the Senju elders were conducting research on the First's cells, only to be stopped by Senju Hanaku. Of course… Hiruzen and Mito-sama must have known."
Danzo's voice dripped with disdain. "Fools. They don't realize the true potential of Wood Release. With it, Konoha would stand invincible."
His eyes gleamed with ambition as he considered his next move.
"Hiruzen, you and your Senju supporters may have stopped the experiments, but I will continue them. We need that power. No village would dare challenge Konoha if I mastered Wood Release."
Without hesitation, Danzo called for another ROOT agent. The ninja appeared instantly, kneeling before his desk.
"Take this scroll," Danzo said coldly, handing over a sealed document.
"The location of the First Hokage's body is marked. Collect samples of his cells—discreetly. Make sure no one knows of your mission."
"Yes, Danzo-sama," the agent replied, vanishing as swiftly as he had appeared.
Danzo leaned back in his chair, satisfied with his plan. "Soon, I will possess the power of the First Hokage."
Little did Danzo know, he was being watched. In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen's crystal ball flickered as he monitored Danzo's actions with growing disdain. His once calm face now reflected cold fury.
"Playing with fire, are we, Danzo?" Hiruzen muttered, his tone dark.
"You've just handed me the justification I needed. I was planning your demise, but now you've given me a reason. You will suffer a fate so cruel that you'll beg for death."
His lips curled into a dangerous smile. "I'll need experimental material soon, and you've volunteered yourself."
Hiruzen turned and called into the air. "Flame, come forth."
In an instant, Flame, the Sarutobi clan's finest ANBU, appeared from the shadows of the room, bowing before Hiruzen.
"Send Earth with a small squad to guard the First and Second Hokage's mausoleums. Don't conceal their presence. Let them leak their jonin aura—enough to deter anyone foolish enough to attempt anything."
Flame, his mask betraying no emotion, bowed once again. "Yes, Hokage-sama." He flickered away, moving to deliver the message.
---
As this covert battle of wills unfolded, the village of Konoha remained at peace, unaware of the machinations beneath its surface.
The relocation of the police force headquarters, now close to the Hokage's office, was progressing smoothly.
This strategic move was designed to integrate the Uchiha more closely with other clans, strengthening the unity of the village, or so it seemed to most.
Homura, one of the village elders, had voiced no objections to the police force's restructuring.
In his eyes, any power taken away from the Uchiha weakened them, which was beneficial to the village's leadership.
Danzo had also been silently approving of the changes, though his motivations were far more sinister.
Within the ANBU, new squads had been formed under Hiruzen's direction.
The tracking squad, composed of members from the Aburame, Inuzuka, and Hyuga clans, and the detention squad, staffed by Hyuga, Nara, and Yamanaka jonin, were quietly enhancing Konoha's defenses.
Despite Danzo's ambitions, his efforts to obtain the First Hokage's cells had been thwarted.
Earth ANBU's patrols around the mausoleums had been continuous, and the presence of elite jonin deterred any attempts to disturb the graves.
After learning of the persistent patrols, Danzo's frustration boiled over. He slammed his fist onto his desk, cursing Hiruzen under his breath.
But Hiruzen's victory was already assured. "Soon, Danzo," he thought, a predatory smile on his lips, "you'll fall into the trap of your own making."
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