Chereads / Naruto : Vision of Cursed Soul / Chapter 2 - Generous Chance

Chapter 2 - Generous Chance

"Yes... Danzo-sama."

The man standing in front of him was none other than Shimura Danzo, one of Konoha's higher-ups and the sole ruler of the organization known as Root. Root, also called the Foundation, was a secret Anbu organization that carried out the "dark jobs," bearing the village's hidden burdens.

As its founder and leader, Shimura Danzo was deeply engulfed in that same darkness. Even now, Yuurei couldn't help but feel a tingle of fear deep within his heart, just from kneeling a few meters behind him.

"4-01, I have come to know you've been growing a little impatient as of late," Danzo said.

At his words, Yuurei slowly raised his head to get a better look at the man's back. Simultaneously, a myriad of thoughts swirled in his mind.

Of course, he would know.

Shimura Danzo had eyes and ears everywhere. His intelligence network within Konoha might even be more developed than Hokage's own. In fact, Yuurei was sure there was always someone who would monitor him whenever he was out of the base and went to trian to the alley. Be it 4-09 or others. For the reasons aforesaid, it isn't surprising that his recent behaviour was noted and reported to him.

Although Yuurei had endured countless physically and mentally grueling experiences during his time in Root, he had yet to be sent on an actual mission. A few years ago, during the Uchiha massacre, Root had been officially disbanded by the Third Hokage. Naturally, that hadn't stopped Danzo from retaining a select number of Foundation members under his direct command, one of whom was Yuurei.

What it had affected, however, was the frequency and availability of Root missions. For someone like Yuurei, whose qualifications were largely tied to his "experimental" value, those missions remained out of reach. This chain of events left him with nothing but growing frustration.

No missions.

No new experiences.

No progress beyond endless training and medical enhancements.

Yuurei waited a few moments after Danzo addressed him, carefully choosing his words.

"Danzo-sama, I sincerely apologize for my behavior. All I want is to serve this village and contribute to its growth."

At his response, Danzo slowly turned his gaze toward Yuurei, making direct eye contact with his one visible eye. The sharpness and hidden darkness in that gaze seemed capable of cutting through the air itself. Almost immediately, Yuurei averted his eyes and waited for Danzo to speak.

"4-01, there is something you must understand. Whatever I do is always in the best interest of this village," Danzo said, his voice deliberate.

Using his cane for support, Danzo began to walk toward the green-eyed boy.

"If you haven't been ordered on a mission, it was what was best for the village."

His words remained calm, yet the closer he got, the more intense Yuurei's apprehension became.

"If you worry about contributing to the village, know that you've already done so by simply being part of Root," Danzo added.

Another step brought him close enough to reach out. Yuurei felt a hand gently touch his left shoulder—not comforting, but unnervingly heavy.

"Still, I understand the importance of practical experience for a shinobi's growth."

A faint spark of hope ignited in Yuurei's electric green eyes as he looked up at the frail old man with his shaggy black hair. Before Yuurei could speak, Danzo continued in a deep tone.

"In light of recent events and considering your strength, which is nearing Chunin level, I may have the perfect mission for you."

The hope in Yuurei's eyes grew, now mixed with excitement and satisfaction. A mission—for the first time, he could experience life as a shinobi, even with the added responsibilities of being a Root member.

"I will assign you to one of the Genin squads," Danzo stated. "Recently, one of their members died during a mission, leaving the squad incomplete. You will fill the gap and act as their fellow Genin."

Danzo's calm instructions left Yuurei both thrilled and confused. Sensing this, Danzo immediately followed up with surprising information.

"Your mission is to raise the strength of the other two Genin to ensure their Jonin instructor recommends your squad for the upcoming Chunin Exams in a few months. Further instructions will be provided depending on whether you complete this first step."

Genin squad? Raise their strength? Just the first step... Chunin Exams...?

The new intel left Yuurei more confused than ever, though suspicions about the true nature of the mission began to form in his mind, especially regarding the Chunin Exams.

If I'm not wrong, the legendary Team 7 and other notable members of the Konoha 11 should be participating in that event. Does Danzo intend to use me to monitor them? If tha—

Yuurei's train of thought was abruptly interrupted by a scroll that appeared before him.

"4-01, this scroll contains all the information about your mission, including intel on your squad members. You are to introduce yourself to them two days from now. The venue and time are detailed in the scroll. You know what to do," Danzo said.

He resumed walking toward another section of the underground base, his steps steady. Deep within, Yuurei felt this was yet another masterstroke by the cunning old man. When Danzo's silhouette finally disappeared, Yuurei allowed himself to relax slightly.

To an observer, he might have appeared excited and grateful for the new prospects. But beneath the surface, his true emotions churned—awareness of the deliberate manipulation at play.

Shimura Danzo... you really expect me to believe you'll let me go unsupervised in a Genin squad? That you're assigning me this mission out of sheer generosity? You underestimate me.

Yuurei slowly rose to his feet, looking down at the scroll in his hand. A hint of a smile crossed his face as he thought to himself and spoke aloud.

"I will be sure to use this generous chance to prove myself to Danzo-sama."

I will be sure to use this generous chance to get back at you, you cursed one-eyed old fool.