Naruto: Shikigami Aizen

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"I have already heard Himiko's report, and according to her, your performance has been quite impressive. This actually embarrasses me as your teacher because I haven't taken care of you too much all this time."

"However, you should know that this is the way of the ninja."

Danzo turned his head towards Sosuke, his voice slightly hoarse.

By now, his half-closed eyes had opened, and his somewhat clouded gaze looked at Sosuke, although it seemed to be looking elsewhere. He continued speaking in a deep voice.

"I am very different from Sarutobi. We have significant differences in both village decisions and the definition of a ninja. Sarutobi is too lenient. With such leniency, Konoha will gradually lose the respect it deserves."

Sosuke was slightly surprised by this revelation, as reflected in his eyes behind the lenses. He hadn't expected Danzo to talk to him about these somewhat personal and secretive matters here.

But it didn't matter. Throughout, he maintained a respectful and gentle demeanor on his face, perfectly embodying the attitude of a disciple.

Danzo, absorbed in his own thoughts, didn't notice the flicker of brilliance in Sosuke's eyes and continued speaking.

"At this time, certain villages have started to reveal their fangs. Iwagakure, the Hidden Stone of the Land of Earth, Sunagakure, the Hidden Sand of the Land of Wind, and Kumogakure, the Hidden Cloud of the Land of Lightning. This generation's Kage from these villages are not ordinary individuals. In the face of their strong stance, Konoha's weak development is bound to attract covetous eyes."

"Fortunately, Konoha still has time, and Root still has a chance to develop. And you, my disciple, Sosuke, are the key to Root representing Konoha's rise amidst these sinister forces."

Speaking up to this point, Danzo narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at Sosuke with righteous indignation.

Although his cloudy gaze revealed a glimmer of sharpness, it seemed to be brewing a very astonishing plan!

On the surface, Sosuke also displayed a perfectly fitting expression for the current situation, seemingly extremely surprised, and asked in a bewildered voice.

"Teacher! What does all this have to do with me?"

Danzo caught a glimpse of Sosuke's astonished expression, and he felt quite satisfied in his heart, but his face remained serious as he answered.

"Konoha needs a strong individual to lead the village to its peak! Obviously, Sarutobi doesn't have such boldness. And I must remain hidden within Root, silently acting as the village's final guardian force. As my disciple, you have the potential for this."

Sosuke's face showed a hint of confusion.

"Potential?"

Upon hearing his words, Danzo's face became solemn, and he uttered a low and deep voice.

"Potential to become the Fourth Hokage..."

Upon hearing this, Sosuke's face, hidden behind his glasses, showed a shocked expression once again, and he exclaimed.

"The Fourth Hokage!! How is that possible? How could I achieve such a level?"

Although he displayed a shocked expression on the surface, Sosuke was secretly sneering in his heart.

Indeed, as the leader of Root, taking me as his disciple out of the blue, there must be a staggering plan behind this, pretending to push me to become the Fourth Hokage while aiming for the position himself.

However, becoming the Fourth Hokage is something I also desire. Let me quietly listen to your plan. Who will ultimately benefit from this game remains uncertain.

With this thought, a faint smile appeared on the corner of Sosuke's mouth, unnoticed by anyone.

Meanwhile, Danzo, sitting across from him, had a slight smile on his face. One eye gently observed Sosuke as he spoke.

"Don't worry, Sosuke! As your teacher, I truly recognize your potential and believe that your character and reputation will be a great asset in the future pursuit of becoming the Fourth Hokage!"

Although Sosuke hesitated, Danzo remained confident and waved his hand to silence him, continuing in a serious tone.

"While I have great faith in your potential, Sosuke, there is one thing I must ask of you at this moment."

Upon hearing this, Sosuke immediately focused his attention on what Danzo was about to say, asking with curiosity.

"Teacher, what do you need me to do?"

Danzo's eyes flashed with a cold light, and his voice became hoarse.

"Uchiha..."

As soon as Sosuke heard the name Uchiha, the first thing that came to his mind was the pair of blood-red eyes he faced during his battle with Shino. Thinking that Danzo wouldn't mention this clan without reason, he quickly reacted and speculated.

Could it be that he wants to turn me into a sworn enemy of the Uchiha clan, making it impossible for me to leave the protection of Root?

As Sosuke expected, Danzo's next words were indeed meant to leave him no way out.

"Your negotiations and conflicts with Uchiha Shino have failed. The arrogant and foolish Uchiha clan wants to destroy you. Root tried to assist you in this matter, but it seems that the Uchiha clan does not appreciate our help. Now there is an opportunity for you to escape from all of this."

While Sosuke maintained a composed expression on his face, he asked in response, but deep down, he was convinced of Danzo's intentions.

"What opportunity!?"

Danzo said in a deep voice.

"You must be aware of the conflict between the Uchiha clan and the Hyūga clan since you have lived in the village for so long."

"In some time, the Uchiha and Hyūga clans will form a small team, and Root will also insert someone into it, forming a special three-person team of genin."

"During your mission together, you will need to discreetly eliminate the Uchiha clan member on behalf of the Hyūga clan without them noticing."

"If the mission is successful, Root will gain the support of the Hyūga clan, and you will provide protection and certain aspects of friendship to the Hyūga clan."

"This mission is crucial for both you and Root. Do you understand, Sosuke?"

After hearing these words, Sosuke quickly understood Danzo's true intentions.

It seems that Danzo wants to use the conflict between me and the Uchiha clan to get close to the Hyūga clan and gain their support through certain negotiations.

One of the conditions for fulfilling this contract is to kill members of the Uchiha clan with the help of the Hyūga clan.

At that time, he will transfer Uchiha's hatred to himself. After all, the Hyūga clan is undoubtedly a powerful clan in Konoha, and even the Uchiha clan cannot easily confront them.

He will have no way out and can only rely on the support of the Hyūga clan and Root. Perhaps one day, he will become a puppet Fourth Hokage.

While his heart coldly laughed, Sosuke maintained a serious expression on his face and seemed to be contemplating after much deliberation before speaking in a deep voice.

"I understand, Teacher!"

Upon hearing these words, a slight smile appeared on the corner of Danzo's mouth, and his narrowed eyes seemed to contain certain expectations.

On the way back home, Sosuke wore a smile on his face as he faced every friendly villager, but inside, he repeatedly sneered at Danzo's plan.

His eyes behind the glasses were also flickering, carefully considering how to gain the maximum benefit from this plan.

After a long time of carefully crafting a plan, a wicked smirk appeared on his lips.

Come on... I can't wait to see the chaos caused by this subtle manipulation...

Is that so... A mirage...