In the depths of Konoha, hidden from view, lay the headquarters of Root. The place was a complex network of tunnels and dark chambers, illuminated only by flickering torches. The walls, cold and damp, seemed to absorb whispers, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
The main chamber, where Danzo Shimura held his meetings, was austere, adorned solely with scrolls bearing secret writings and control symbols. At its center stood a table of weathered black wood, surrounded by several masked Root agents. Danzo, seated at one end, observed his surroundings with his one eye, his arm wrapped in bandages, not yet bearing the Sharingan.
A masked figure entered the room, bowing respectfully before Danzo and kneeling.
"Danzo-sama," the figure began in a calm but cold voice, "I come to present my report on the young prodigy Nara, as you requested."
Danzo raised his hand slightly, gesturing for the figure to continue.
"Shikai Nara is an atypical individual for his age," the agent stated, their eyes piercing Danzo through the mask. "He has a complex origin, being connected to both the Nara clan and the Senju lineage. His very existence seems to have been carefully concealed by the Sannin. As for his skills, they are remarkable, far surpassing those of a typical ninja apprentice of his age."
Danzo remained silent, his expression unreadable, prompting the agent to continue.
"He has already received advanced training from several key figures: Minato Namikaze, the Yondaime Hokage, who imparted his space-time techniques, and Shikaku Nara, who taught him the clan's secret techniques. But there's more."
The agent paused before proceeding.
"Shikai also has a pronounced interest in ninja medicine. He expresses a desire to follow in the footsteps of Tsunade Senju, and he has already created enhanced soldier pills used by some of his associates, including Choza Akimichi, showcasing scientific prowess. He also excels in fuinjutsu. This young man seems capable of combining medical knowledge with self-taught techniques for his own purposes. His mind might be akin to Orochimaru's."
Danzo narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "Continue," he commanded.
"In terms of relationships, Shikai maintains connections with several influential individuals from the Uchiha clan, unbeknownst to Tsunade. He shares a close friendship with Itachi, the eldest son of Fugaku, and Shisui Uchiha, a promising Uchiha member known for his prodigious skills and advanced Sharingan for his age. This could become a threat if these two talents fall into the hands of Fugaku or the Sandaime. Additionally, he has an Izumi who has some influence over him, a young girl of the same age whom he seems to be in love with."
Danzo nodded slowly. "She could become a tool to manipulate him in the future. And his techniques?"
"That's where it gets particularly interesting, Danzo-sama," the agent replied. "During a recent training session with Kakashi Hatake, Shikai demonstrated impressive techniques. He has perfected a method called 'Yellow Flash,' inspired by the Yondaime's rapid movements. This technique utilizes lightning release to enhance his speed and reflexes to superhuman levels, although it consumes a vast amount of chakra, which is one of his current weaknesses."
"Furthermore, he masters several Nara clan techniques, including Kage Mane and Kage Nui, and can combine them creatively with elemental ninjutsu like Suiton and Raiton. But the most disturbing part is that he has recently received two forbidden techniques from the Nara clan. Even Shikaku himself only knows their names, without fully understanding their effects. Despite his talent, he remains immature in the art of combat, having not grown up in a time of war."
Danzo briefly closed his eyes, absorbing the information. "The forbidden techniques of the Nara clan... Hiruzen might have more insights."
"Danzo-sama, I have reached out to our agents infiltrated in the Anbu and the ancient archives. The names of the techniques are 'Kage no Sasaki' and 'Kage Tensei.' It seems that all those who have used them in the past have died under mysterious circumstances. Thus, we lack information on their true effects." The agent revealed.
Danzo remained pensive for a moment, then slightly straightened up. "The forbidden techniques of the Nara clan have always been shrouded in mystery. This young Shikai... he is talented, indeed, but these gifts also attract forces beyond his understanding. It will surely raise suspicions among the village spies. Geniuses are never left alone by this world. These techniques must be dangerous. The question remains whether he will survive long enough for me to make use of him."
The agent nodded silently.
"Keep a close eye on him," Danzo ordered, his voice as sharp as a blade. "Not just him, but also Shisui Uchiha. Together, they could represent valuable pawns for my future plans. As for Izumi, keep her under surveillance. If the need arises, we could use her to influence Shikai's decisions."
"Understood, Danzo-sama," the agent replied before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
Danzo remained alone in the room, his fingers resting on his staff. "Shikai Nara... I'm sure Orochimaru will be interested in this information. I'll ensure that your talents are not wasted, kid."
Back at his home, Shikai carefully put away the scrolls entrusted to him by Shikaku. Fatigue weighed heavily on his shoulders after his training with Kakashi, but his mind remained alert, analyzing every detail of the fight and the advice he had received.
As he lay down on his bed, his thoughts wandered.
"These forbidden techniques... Why did Shikaku decide to entrust them to me?" he pondered. "Isn't it a bit too easy? Why do I feel like everyone wants me to learn their techniques?"
He sighed, gazing at the dark ceiling of his room. His hands trembled slightly at the thought of the responsibilities, as Shikaku had said, there might be something he didn't know yet.
"The ninja world is not made for the weak, but I'll need to be more than just a genius to survive. I must become invincible."
His thoughts darkened further as he recalled Kakashi's almost-lethal Chidori and the fear he had felt when he nearly injured his opponent. "I must learn to set my emotions aside. Fear, hesitation... all of it slows me down. If I want to achieve my goals, I must become ruthless, like this world."