"Hiruzen! I'm so disappointed in you all!!"
"Six against one, and this is all you can muster?"
"I had such high hopes for you, yet you've let me down so badly!"
"How did you even earn the title of Konoha's elite Jōnin? Was it through connections with Tobirama? Did you sneak in through the back door?"
The angry reprimands echoed in their ears, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen and his companions too petrified to utter a single word. The weight of Kakuzu's seniority, his ties with their teacher, and his overwhelming strength made them feel as though they were facing Tobirama Senju himself.
As a result, they could do nothing but endure the scolding in silence. Meanwhile, Kakuzu reveled in the act of venting his frustration.
Truthfully, this sort of brainwashing-like tirade felt oddly cathartic. The so-called inheritors of Konoha's "Will of Fire" were supposed to excel at indoctrination themselves, weren't they? Kakuzu figured he'd get a head start by breaking them in today.
Turning to Danzo, Kakuzu loosened the Earth Grudge Fear threads binding him. As he did so, Akimichi Torifu and Uchiha Kagami rushed to support their comrade.
"Danzo!"
"Ah… Lord Kakuzu," Danzo gritted out through clenched teeth.
"I once believed you would become the most exceptional Hokage in Konoha's history," Kakuzu began, his voice heavy with disappointment. "But today, you've proven to be the most disappointing of the six."
A long, weary sigh escaped Kakuzu, filled with the kind of frustration that comes only from dashed hopes.
Danzo's eye twitched. Seeing the profound disappointment etched across Kakuzu's face, a strange realization dawned upon him. Kakuzu, of all people, was the one who understood him and held such high expectations for him.
Tears welled up in Danzo's eyes as he bit his lip.
"Lord Kakuzu," he choked out. "I… I understand now."
"From now on, I will never let you down again!"
Danzo's vow came from the depths of his soul, and with it, much of his resentment toward Kakuzu dissipated. However, the pain coursing through his back served as a grim reminder of his recent suffering.
Someone had to pay for it.
Danzo reasoned that Kakuzu's actions stemmed from frustration, not malice, so he couldn't hold a grudge against him. That left only one target.
Turning his vengeful gaze toward Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo's eyes burned with anger.
"Hiruzen," he growled, his voice dripping with accusation. "Did you dodge on purpose earlier?"
Recalling how Hiruzen had prevented the others from rescuing him, Danzo grew increasingly certain of his suspicions. Hiruzen must have recognized Kakuzu from the start and deliberately set him up.
"I… I…" Hiruzen stammered, unsure how to respond.
"Save it!" Danzo snapped, waving him off. "I'll remember this!"
The pain in his back solidified Danzo's resolve. He swore to train relentlessly and eventually defeat Hiruzen.
'When I return, I'll study our teacher's forbidden techniques. So what if I can't master Flying Thunder God or Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu? The Four Symbols Seal will do just fine. Hiruzen, that move will be for you!'
Danzo clenched his fists, determination shining in his eyes. Before he could hurl more accusations, Akimichi Torifu stepped in to defuse the tension.
"That's enough, Danzo," Torifu urged. "Let's head back to camp and get you treated."
The group quickly escorted Danzo away, leaving Hiruzen alone with Kakuzu.
Hiruzen stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Kakuzu-sama, my apologies for the spectacle today. Let's discuss this further back at camp."
The two made their way to Konoha's encampment. Kakuzu's presence didn't stir much attention; many recognized him, particularly members of the Yamanaka Clan, whose lands bordered his own. Since Hiruzen was the one who brought him in, there were no real objections, as long as Kakuzu didn't meddle in Konoha's strategic affairs.
Inside a medical tent, Kakuzu examined the frail form of Hyūga Tennin. The man's breathing was shallow, his life slipping away.
After checking Tennin's pulse, Kakuzu shook his head at the Hyūga clan members standing nearby.
"My apologies," he said. "His life force is fading. There's nothing more I can do."
The Hyūga clansmen forced a polite smile.
"Please don't feel guilty, Kakuzu-sama. We expected this outcome from the beginning."
With their Byakugan, they had seen Tennin's condition clearly. This result did not surprise them.
"However," Kakuzu added, "I might be able to slow the loss of his life force. I can prepare some medicinal herbs to replenish his blood temporarily. It's not much, but it may help."
"Thank you!" A Hyūga clansman knelt and bowed deeply, his gratitude unmistakable.
On the bed, Tennin's eyes fluttered open. His once dim Byakugan now glimmered faintly with a renewed will to live as he gazed at Kakuzu.
That night, Kakuzu rested in a tent Konoha had arranged for him, having completed the herbal remedy for Tennin.
The next morning, he returned to Tennin's bedside with the medicine. The room was now guarded by representatives of Konoha's various ninja clans and filled with vigilant Hyūga clansmen.
Standing at the center was a familiar figure—silver hair, crimson eyes, clad in blue armor.
Tobirama Senju.
Though Tobirama sensed Kakuzu's arrival, he didn't acknowledge him. His focus remained solely on Tennin.
"Hyuga Clan Leader, I understand your concerns completely. Rest assured, I, Tobirama Senju, will ensure that Kumogakure pays the price for this!"
Tobirama's tone was sharp and resolute, perfectly in line with his character. Ideas of harmonious coexistence and mutual equality had no place in his mindset. If he had the same level of strength as his older brother, he wouldn't hesitate to storm Kumogakure and deliver swift retribution.
Still, Tobirama quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Now wasn't the time for such musings. He had something more pressing to do for Hyuga Tennin. Forming a single-handed Tiger Seal, he said firmly, "Clan Leader, please wait a moment. I'll be back shortly."
However, before he could activate Flying Thunder God, Hyuga Tennin shook his head.
"No, Tobirama-sama, there's no need to trouble yourself. I can hold on until they arrive."
Tobirama had planned to return to Konoha and bring Tennin's children to him so they could see each other one last time. But Tennin understood the reality of the situation. The distance between here and Konoha spanned more than half of the Land of Fire. The longer the distance, the more chakra Flying Thunder God would consume. While Tobirama could manage the trip alone, the added burden of transporting others would exponentially drain his chakra.
Tennin had more than just one son, Hyuga Ryuten—he had three children in total. Moreover, he wanted to see his newborn grandson. A round trip like that would take a toll even on Tobirama, and Tennin didn't wish to inconvenience anyone further.
Tobirama paused for a moment before choosing to respect Tennin's decision. He could sense that Tennin still had some strength left in him. With a bow, Tobirama excused himself and stepped outside.
Meanwhile, Kakuzu handed a medicinal concoction to the Hyuga clan members, instructing them to administer it to their leader. When Kakuzu reemerged, he found Tobirama leaning casually against the doorway, waiting for him.
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I just released a new fanfic featuring a transmigrator in Danzo, and it's looking really promising. I'm leaning towards the title "Hidden Danzo"—but feel free to check it out on my profile and see what you think!
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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