"Are you really planning to take action against the Uzumaki clan?"
In the depths of the Hidden Leaf's underground base, Shimura Danzo scrutinized a fresh intelligence report, his expression grim.
"Summon the Hokage. Tell him it's urgent."
After a moment of contemplation, Danzo issued the order.
A Root operative quickly disappeared, and before long, Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived.
"What's going on?"
Hiruzen's tone was serious. He knew Danzo too well—if it were something trivial, Danzo would have come to the Hokage's office himself. To be summoned here meant the matter was significant.
"This came from our contact in the Hidden Cloud."
Danzo handed over two sealed scrolls.
"The Byakugan… the Uzumaki sealing techniques… and a collaboration between the Hidden Cloud and the Hidden Sand."
After scanning the documents, Hiruzen's expression darkened. Three major points stood out. The first two were typical of Kumo's long-standing ambitions. The last—an alliance between Cloud and Sand—was deeply concerning.
"It's not just Cloud and Sand. Iwagakure and Kirigakure also covet the Uzumaki's sealing arts. The Tailed Beast rampages we've observed in those villages stem from flawed seals. They want to create stable jinchūriki, and for that, they need Uzumaki techniques."
Danzo's tone was cold, resolute. He needed Hiruzen's authorization to deploy more operatives and eliminate the Whirlpool clan—decisively and without warning.
"The ability to perfectly seal a Tailed Beast should remain in Konoha's hands. We don't need another clan possessing that power."
Hiruzen didn't answer immediately. He lit his pipe, inhaling deeply.
He had already invited the Uzumaki clan to relocate to Konoha on three separate occasions—each time under the guise of friendship. Each time, he had been rebuffed.
Now, with the other villages circling like vultures, he faced a dilemma. If they succeeded in producing a stable jinchūriki like Mito-sama, the balance of power would shift dangerously.
"Mito-sama is aging. The village needs a young Nine-Tails jinchūriki."
After a long pause, Hiruzen finally voiced the conclusion he had drawn.
A proper host for the Kyūbi needed not just immense chakra, but a resilient body—and only direct Uzumaki descendants could survive that burden.
"I'll bring back the perfect candidate."
Danzo smiled faintly. This was the green light he'd been waiting for. He understood Hiruzen's logic perfectly. The Hokage didn't want the entire Uzumaki clan here—only a manageable piece.
If the entire clan migrated, their link to the Senju clan through blood and marriage would strengthen. Then, who would truly control the Kyūbi—the village or the clan?
Lady Mito's presence had already emboldened the Senju. Years ago, it nearly cost Hiruzen his seat as Hokage. Allowing another full-blooded clan with the Nine-Tails in their midst would upset the fragile equilibrium.
No—better for the clan to vanish. Leave only one: the perfect vessel.
But that couldn't come from Hiruzen's hands. It had to be done by Danzo.
"In Konoha, you are the sunlight that nurtures the leaves. I am the root buried in darkness."
"If they still refuse to comply, act with subtlety. No traces."
Hiruzen finally cautioned. Mito-sama was still alive, and open action against her homeland would provoke backlash.
Danzo nodded subtly. He understood this well—whatever action he took, it must be invisible.
Hiruzen glanced sideways. He knew Danzo's personality—prideful, calculating. Still, their friendship stretched back decades. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans had fought side by side since the Warring States era. Danzo's Wind Release paired perfectly with Sarutobi's Fire Style, especially the Great Flame Technique.
"You swapped out the Second Hokage's Thunder God Sword last week. Is that related to this intel?"
Hiruzen brought up something else. Danzo had visited the Hokage archives a few days ago, requesting access to Tobirama's relics. Among them, the Thunder God Sword had gone missing.
Now, with this intelligence in hand, the timing raised questions.
"That's none of your concern."
Danzo's reply was curt. Of course he wouldn't reveal the truth. That sword was his contingency.
He didn't like that boy's brazenness, but he understood it. Hidden Cloud valued strength and audacity. Caution wasn't their way.
If that boy continued rising, he might gain influence within Kumo. If he could overcome his chakra deficiencies, he could reach the top.
Danzo could even throw him a few bones—say, intel on a rogue Uchiha squad entering the Land of Lightning. Let the boy make a name for himself. A rising agent with initiative was an asset worth grooming.
Hiruzen, seeing Danzo deflect, chose not to pry further. He could guess—Danzo had embedded someone deep in Cloud's hierarchy.
That was promising. Kumo was the most aggressive of the Five Great Nations. Even the Second Hokage had died fleeing their forces. Planting a high-level agent there was a significant achievement.
"Just make sure your people don't get sloppy. We've only recently recovered some of Tobirama-sensei's legacies. If word of theft leaks, the Senju will make noise."
He issued the warning carefully. The Thunder God Sword was no minor item. If the Senju learned it had vanished, they might stir unrest.
The war clouds loomed. Konoha couldn't afford internal turmoil.
"Are you lecturing me now?"
Danzo shot a glance, but his confidence remained unshaken. He had the boy under control. The bonds he'd planted were enough.
A weapon doesn't need to be sharp—just held by the right hand.
Seeing Danzo's confidence, Hiruzen softened and changed the topic, even adding a teasing smile. "Azang… lend me a few tens of thousands of ryō."
Danzo narrowed his eyes. "You're buying those filthy books again?"
He was full of contempt. Hiruzen had borrowed money many times in the past, often for less-than-noble reasons.
"You used to call me Danzo. Now it's Azang. Who do you take me for?"
"No, no. I just want to buy decent tobacco. You know Biwako doesn't let me smoke, and she's cut off my allowance."
Hiruzen quickly denied it. How could he, the Third Hokage, read those lurid stories? That hidden drawer in his office labeled 'Mr. Sarutobi, the Gatekeeper' was certainly not his.